Dogue de Bordeaux

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN France.

MOST SUITED AS Watchdog and family dog.

SIZE
The shoulder-height is 60 - 70cm (231/2 - 271/2in) for dogs and their minimum weight is 50kg (1101b). The shoulder-height is 58 - 66cm (221/2 - 26in) for bitches and their minimum weight is 45kg (991b).

COAT
The coat consists of soft short hair of mahoga­ny red, or red-brown, with a red or black face. White markings are considered unacceptable.

CARE REQUIRED
Brush the coat regularly during moulting with a rubber brush to remove dead and loose hairs. If necessary, clean the folds in the face. In common with other large dogs, the Dogue de Bordeaux grows quickly and needs all its energy to build a healthy body. Do not allow a
young dog to tire itself and ensure it gets ample food of sufficient nourishment.

CHARACTER
An equable, calm dog which rarely barks and is friendly, attentive, curious, very brave, demand­ing physically of itself, this dog bonds closely with its handler and family. The Bordeaux will protect the family and guard the house and grounds.

TRAINING
Give the Bordeaux a consistent training in a fair and calm manner. This dog becomes very attached to, and wants to please its handler. Make a fuss of the dog and let it see you are pleased when it behaves well, and do speak encouragingly to it. This dog requires a handler who naturally has command over it .

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
When the Bordeaux has had lots of positive experiences in its youth, enabling it to develop as an equable dog, its behaviour with other pets will probably be fine. They are usually kindly and protective with children. Visitors are initially eyed mistrustful­ly but once its handler signifies approval, they are accepted. This breed can be rather dominant towards other dogs.

EXERCISE
This breed has average exercise demands. Two walks (on the lead) each day together with run�ning and playing off the lead a few times each week are sufficient for it .

NOTE
This strong dog bonds figuratively and almost literally to the family. Separation will be regarded as punishment. Do not choose this breed if you have to be away from the house for long periods. They are considered a dangerous dog in some countries so check local legilsation regarding this breed.