I did not write this.  I did tweak a few lines.  I think it holds a lot of valuable information that should be considered prior to getting a dogue.  I would like to thank whoever did write this since it summed up a lot into an easy to read format.

Dogue de Bordeaux

Is this the breed for me?

The Dogue de Bordeaux (DDB) is an outstanding companion and guardian breed, but ownership of a DDB carries much greater than average legal and moral responsibilities.  The information below is designed to make prospective DDB owners aware of the special qualities possessed by this breed, both positive and negative, so they can make an accurate estimate of the breed’s suitability to their lifestyle.  THE DDB IS NOT A BREED THAT FITS INTO EVERY HOME.  IT IS NOT AN IDEAL FIRST DOG.

 

PERSONALITY

• Tremendously devoted and loyal dog to their owners and family
• DDB requires affection and attention.  They are known for gently “pawing” at their owners for a stroke down the back or a chest rub
• DDB consider themselves lapdogs.  Be prepared.
• DDB are “people” dogs and need to live in the house and not be relegated to the back yard.
• Stubborn and willful – owners must be consistent and kind with their socialization and training
• DDBs are very emotional.  Their feelings can get hurt very easily.
• Should not be inherently aggressive or vicious, but with the rapid rise of irresponsible breeders, more dogs are being bred without attention to proper temperament

 

CHILDREN

• With proper socialization and training DDB generally get along well with children – from an early age they must be taught what is acceptable behavior around a child; conversely, children must be taught what is acceptable behavior around a puppy/dog
• DDB are generally very tolerant of children.  DDBs often become a substitute for a sofa or pillow
• Due to their size, DDB should always be supervised around children – even a minor “bump” can cause serious injury.  Sometimes they do not know their own size
• Some DDB have high prey drive (the instinct to chase moving objects) and should not be left alone with children who naturally want to run and play

 

OTHER ANIMALS

• When raised with other animals from puppyhood, problems should be minimal dependent on the individual’s prey drive
• DDB can be dog aggressive – this may only manifest after the dog begins to mature (18-20 months)
• Introducing a new animal into a home with a DDB should be done slowly and with care starting on neutral territory
• Males tend to be less tolerant of other males than they are of other females
• The DDB is very intelligent and can be trained to have manners around other animals.  This is very important when going for a walk on a leash or to the vet’s office, but training must be consistent

 

TRAINING/DISIPLINE

• Early obedience training is a MUST.  
• DDB are a sensitive breed who require trust – a rough trainer or heavy handed approach should be avoided as it is not productive.  Positive reinforcement training only.
• Physical mastery is generally less important than sensitive and positive methods
• Patience is a must when training a DDB
• Discipline should be firm and consistent without being rough
• DDB ownership is not for the timid or the very busy person

 

EXERCISE

• DDB require exercise every day to maintain mental and physical health – 10-20 minute walk two times a day is adequate
• A yard is essential for a puppy or young dog – helps prevent boredom and ensuing destructive behavior

 

DROOL

• Yes, DDB drool – not quite as bad as seen in “Turner and Hooch”, but if neatness and cleanliness are high priorities in a breed and to your home, the DDB probably isn’t the right breed for you
• Drooling is worse when eating and drinking or when your dog is hot

 

SHEDDING

• DDB do shed, but, as a short-coated breed, it can be kept to a minimum with proper brushing and diet

 

NOISE

• DDB do not tend to bark without reason or cause, however their definition of ’cause’ may be different than yours!
• DDB will often bark at the arrival of people on the property or at animals and birds in the yard
• DDB are guard dogs.  They will alert you to anything that is different, out of place, or that could turn into a threat
• DDB are noisy when sleeping and eating – snorts and grunts will often be heard…  many snore

 

HEALTH

• The DDB faces many significant health issues that require commitment from their owners
• Heart disease, cancer, orthopedic issue (such as hips and elbows), bloat, and epilepsy are all issues of risk for the DDB.
• DDB often suffer from food and environmental allergies that require special diets and attention
• Pet insurance is often recommended

 

COST OF OWNERSHIP

• The purchase and ownership costs of a DDB are typically greater than most other breeds
• DDB puppies generally sell from $3000-$5000 for pet or show potential puppies. Pet puppies are usually on a limited registration and are required to be neutered by contract
• Adults typically reach well over 100 pounds, food costs can be significant – an adult can eat a 50 lbs. bag of food per month
• Prevention and treatment of health issues can be costly – many dogs require supplements and/or medications

 

WHERE TO BUY A DOGUE DE BORDEAUX

• A DDB puppy should ONLY be bought from a responsible breeder – never buy a puppy from a pet store.  They acquire their puppies from puppy mills, brokers, and back-yard breeders who place more importance on profit than healthy happy dogs.
• Responsible breeders should be willing to share the health testing results of their dogs and should be able to provide a minimum of a 3-generation pedigree of their puppies
• The breeder you buy from should take into consideration your family and living situation before recommending a puppy to you
• Your breeder should be available to you to answer any questions you may have throughout your dogue’s entire lifetime.  
• If the breeder appears to be hiding anything, keep looking for a different breeder. Dishonesty can be extremely costly in this breed.  Ask lots of questions!!
• If you are not looking specifically for a puppy, look into adopting an adult.  Some breeders re-home their adults.  there are also Dogue de Bordeaux Rescues. They have wonderful dogs in their programs who are looking for a second chance at love, something every DDB deserves.

 

 

A DDB puppy is irresistibly adorable.  Many new puppy owners will let their puppy “just be a puppy” without any obedience training. Many cutsie things they may do as a puppy would be scary (read “liability”) if an adult was to do the same thing.  It is easier to train them when they are young and stubborn than when they are over 100 pounds and still stubborn – and thinking they are in charge of you!  

The decision to bring a Dogue de Bordeaux into your family is not to be taken lightly. You are choosing to bring this dog into your family for the next eight or more years; unlike an automobile, you cannot trade in your DDB for a younger newer model.  As a companion to your whole family, your Dogue de Bordeaux will reflect the love and affection you show him.  He will represent both a financial and emotional investment; therefore, choose him carefully.  Know as much as possible about the breed and the breeder before you buy.  Deal only with a reputable breeder!!