Dogue De Bordeaux - Working Group

The Dogue De Bordeaux or French Mastiff can hunt, guard and was even used in the fighting pits. It has a short coat that is colored in fawn with or without a dark mask. They usually weigh from 100-130 lbs though they can grow much heavier. Standing 23-27 inches at the shoulder. This dog breed carries a Bulldog like appearance. They have an undershot bite and a guardian attitude to match. One must be able to overcome the stubborn and independent temperament of this breed. They are somewhat difficult to train and are only able to trust strangers and other dogs with early training techniques. French nobles as well as those in need of a working dog owned the Dogue De Bordeaux. The noble dog's were lost in the French Revolution however the working dogs became as what we know the breed as today. In the 1980's film "Turner and Hooch" a Dogue De Bordeaux played the part of Hooch. This gave the breed some recognition as it was portrayed as a life saving guardian and close friend. The Dogue De Bordeaux may require less exercise than most dogs. Moderate is recommended to prevent weight problems. Grooming should be done weekly as well as washing it's wrinkled face. They are not adapted to the heat well so ample water is needed in warmer climates.