Dogue De Bordeaux

[Troy]

The Dogue de Bordeaux

ANKC Standard

(from http://www.ankc.org.au/home/breeds_details.asp?bid=167 )

Group: Group 6 (Utility)

General Appearance: Typical concave lined brachycephalic mollossoid [short-headed Mastiff type].

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a very powerful dog, with a very muscular body yet retaining a harmonious general outline. He is built rather close to the ground, the distance sternum to ground being slightly less than the depth of the chest. Stocky, athletic, imposing, he has a very dissuasive aspect.

Important Proportions:

The length of the body, measured from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttock, is superior to [greater than] the height at the withers, in the proportion of 11:10.

The depth of the chest is more than half the height at the withers.

The maximum length of the muzzle is equal to one third of the length of the head.

In the male, the perimeter [circumference] of the skull corresponds, more or less, to the height at the withers.

Characteristics: [see also under General Appearance and Temperament].

The undershot bite is a characteristic of the breed.

Bitches have identical characteristics as males but less pronounced.

Temperament: An ancient fighting dog, the Dogue de Bordeaux is gifted for guarding, which he assumes with vigilance and great courage, but without aggressiveness. A good companion, very attached to his master and very affectionate. Calm, balanced with a high stimulus threshold. The male normally has a dominant character.

Head And Skull: Voluminous, angular, broad, rather short, trapezoid when viewed from above and in front [trapezoid means a four sided object with NO two sides parallel]. See the diagram of the head, and, viewed from the front, it will be noted that the top and bottom surfaces are parallel whilst the two sides are not, being wider at the top than at the bottom].

Cranial Region [skull]:

In the male, the perimeter [circumference] of the skull measured at the level of its greatest width corresponds roughly to the height at the withers.

In bitches, it may be slightly less.

Its volume and shape are the consequences of the very important development of the temporals [bones of the temple], supra-orbital arches [ over the eye sockets or eyebrows], zygomatic arches [bony ridges forming the lower edges of the eye sockets] and the spacing of the branches of the lower jaw. The upper region of the skull is slightly convex [arched] from one side to the other.

Fronto-nasal or stop is very pronounced, almost forming a right angle with the muzzle (95 to 100 degrees).

The frontal groove is deep, diminishing towards the posterior end of the head. The forehead dominates the face, however it is still wider than high.

The head is furrowed with symmetrical wrinkles, each side of the median groove. These deep ropes of wrinkle are mobile depending on whether the dog is attentive or not.

Facial Region - Muzzle:

Nose: Broad, well opened nostrils, well pigmented according to the mask. Upturned nose (snubbed) permissible but not if it is set back towards the face.

Muzzle: Powerful, broad, thick, but not fleshy below the eyes, rather short, upper profile very slightly concave, with moderately obvious folds. Its width hardly decreasing towards the tip of the muzzle, when viewed from above it has the general shape of a square. In relation to the upper region of the skull, the line of the muzzle forms a very obtuse [blunt] angle upwards. When the head is held horizontally, the tip of the muzzle, truncated, thick and broad at the base, is in front of a vertical tangent to the anterior face of the nose [the end of the muzzle is in front of the forward edge of the nose] Its perimeter [circumference] is almost two thirds of that of the head. Its length varies between one third and one quarter of the total length of the head, from the nose to the occipital crest. The limits stated (maximum one third and minimum one quarter of the total length of the head) are permissible but not sought after, the ideal length of the muzzle being between these two extremes.

Jaws: Very powerful, broad. The lower jaw curves upwards. The chin is well marked and must neither overlap the upper lip exaggeratedly nor be covered by it.

Upper lip: Thick, moderately pendulous, retractile. When viewed in profile it shows a rounded lower line. It covers the lower jaw on the sides. In front, the edge of the upper lip is in contact with the lower lip, then drops on either side, thus forming a reversed, wide V.

Cheeks: Prominent, due to the very strong development of the muscles.

Eyes: Oval, set wide apart. The space between the two inner angles of the eyelids is equal to about twice the length of the eye (eye opening). Frank expression The haw must not be visible. Colour - hazel to dark brown for a dog with a black mask, lighter colour tolerated but not sought after in dogs with either a brown mask or without a mask.

Ears: Relatively small, of a slightly darker colour than the coat. At its set on, the front of the base of the ear is slightly raised. They must fall back, but not hang limply, the front edge being close to the cheek when the dog is attentive. The tip of the ear is slightly rounded; it must not reach beyond the eye. Set rather high, at the level of the upper line of the skull, thus appearing to accentuate its width even more.

Mouth: Undershot (the undershot condition being a characteristic of the breed). The back of the lower incisors is in front of and not in contact with the front face of the upper incisors.

Teeth: Strong, particularly the canines. Lower canines set wide apart and slightly curved. Incisors well aligned, especially in the lower jaw where they form an apparently straight line.

Neck: Very strong, muscular, almost cylindrical. The skin is supple, ample and loose. The average circumference almost equals that of the head. It is separated from the head by a slightly accentuated transversal [crosswise] furrow, slightly curved. Its upper edge is slightly convex [arched]. The well defined dewlap starts at the level of the throat, forming folds down to the chest, without hanging exaggeratedly. The neck, very broad at its base, merges smoothly with the shoulders.

Forequarters: Strong bone structure, legs very muscular.

Shoulders: Powerful, prominent muscles. Slant of shoulder-blades medium (about 45 degrees to the horizontal), angle of the scapular-humeral articulation [point of shoulder] a little more than 90 degrees.

Arms [upper arms]: Very muscular.

Elbows: In the axis of the body, neither too close to the thoracic wall nor turned out [turned neither in nor out].

Forearms: Viewed from the front, straight or inclining slightly inwards, thus getting closer to the median plane [centre line], especially in dogs with a very broad chest. Viewed in profile, vertical.

Metacarpial region [Pasterns]: Powerful. Viewed in profile, slightly sloping. Viewed from the front, sometimes slightly outwards, thus compensating for the slight inclination of the forearm inwards.

Body: Topline: Solid with a broad and muscular back, withers well marked, broad loin, rather short and solid, rump moderately sloping down to the root of the tail.

Chest: Powerful, long, deep, broad, let down lower than the elbows. Broad and powerful breast whose lower line (inter-axillae) [between the armpits] is convex towards the bottom. Ribs well let down and well sprung but not barrel shaped. The circumference of the chest must be between 25 to 30 cms greater than the height at the withers.

Underline: Curved, from the deep brisket to the rather tucked up, firm abdomen, being neither pendulous nor whippety.

Hindquarters: Robust legs with strong bone structure; well angulated. When viewed from behind, the hindquarters are parallel and vertical, thus giving an impression of power, even though the hindquarters are not quite as broad as the forequarters.

Thigh [first or upper]: Very well developed and thick with visible muscles

Stifle: In a parallel plane to the median [centre] plane or slightly out.

Second Thigh: Relatively short, muscled, descending low.

Hock: Short, sinewy, angle of the hock joint moderately open

Metatarsus [Rear pastern]: Robust, no dewclaws.

Feet: Forefeet: Strong. Toes tight, nails curved and strong, pads well developed and supple; the Dogue is well up on his toes despite his weight.

Hindfeet: Slightly longer than the front feet, toes tight.

Tail: Very thick at the base. Its tip preferably reaching the hock and not below. Carried low, it is neither broken nor kinked but supple. Hanging when the dog is in repose, generally rising by 90 to 120 degrees from that position when the dog is in action, without curving over the back or being curled.

Gait/Movement: Quite supple for a mollossoid [mastiff type]. When walking, the movement is free, supple, close to the ground. Good drive from the hindquarters, good extension of the forelegs, especially when trotting, which is the preferred gait. When the trot quickens, the head tends to drop, the topline inclines towards the front, and the front feet get closer to the median plane [move closer together] while striding out with a long reaching movement of the front legs. Short gallop with vertical movement rather important. Capable of great speed over short distances by bolting along close to the ground.

Coat: Skin: Thick and sufficiently loose fitting.

Hair: Fine, short and soft to the touch.

Colour: Self-coloured, in all shades of fawn, from mahogany to Isabella [lightish fawn]. A good pigmentation is desirable. Limited white patches are permissible on the chest and the extremities of the limbs.

Mask:

1. Black mask: The mask is often only slightly spread out and must not invade the cranial [skull] region. There may be slight black shading on the skull, ears, neck and top of body. The nose is then black.

2. Brown mask: (Used to be called red or bistre [darkened or swarthy]). The nose is then brown; the eyerims are also brown.

3. No mask: The coat is fawn; the skin appears red (also formerly called "red mask"). The nose is then reddish or pink.

Sizes: Height: Should more or less correspond to the perimeter of the skull.

Dogs: 60-68 cm at the withers.

Bitches: 58-66 cm at the withers.

1cm under and 2 cm over will be tolerated.

Weight: Dogs: at least 50 kg

Bitches at least 45 kg

Faults: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Serious Faults:

- Hyper-aggressive, timid

- Head short and round with protruding eyes.

- Hypertypical [excessively] bulldoggy; flat skull, muzzle measuring less than a quarter of the total length of the head.

- Important lateral deviation of the lower jaw [wry mouth].

- Incisors constantly visible when the mouth is closed.

- Arched [roach] back.

- Fused but not deviated vertebrae of the tail.

- Forefeet turning inwards (even slightly).

- Forefeet turning outwards too much.

- Flat thighs.

- Angle of hock too open (straight angulation).

- Angle of the hock too closed, dog standing under himself behind.

- Cow hocks or barrel hocks.

- Stilted movement or serious rolling of the rear.

- Excessive shortness of breath, rasping.

- White on tip of tail or on the front part of the forelegs, above the carpus [wrist] and the tarsus [hock joint].

Disqualifying Faults:

- Long, narrow head with insufficiently pronounced stop, with a muzzle measuring more than a third of the total length of the head (lack of type in head).

- Muzzle parallel to the top of the skull [parallel planes], or downfaced, Roman nosed.

- Twisted jaw.

- Mouth not undershot.

- Canines constantly visible when the mouth is closed.

- Tongue constantly hanging out when the mouth is closed.

- Tail knotted and laterally deviated or twisted (screw tail, kink tail).

- Atrophied tail.

- Fiddle front with splay feet.

- Angle of the hock open towards the rear (tarsal deviated towards the front) [reverse angle of hock]

- White on the head or body, any other colour of the coat than fawn.

- Identifiable disabling defect.

Notes: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

See Photos of the Dogue de Bordeaux

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

3. How common is it in Australia?

4. What is the average lifespan?

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

9. How much grooming is required?

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

If you wish to contribute to the knowledge about this breed, please answer the above questions. (Copy and paste them into a new post).

• Please only answer if you breed or own a pedigree example of this breed.
  
• You do not have to answer all questions
  
• Please keep posts limited to answering questions or for asking further questions if you require more (or expanded) information.
  

See Photos of the Dogue de Bordeaux

Dogue de Bordeaux Breeders

Dogue de Bordeaux Puppies For Sale

[nobul]

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

I Co -Own two of them Father /Daughter

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

History (short outline) (TAKEN FROM S.A.D.B French Site)

The Mastiff of Bordeaux east one of the French dogs oldest, probable descendant of Alans and, in particular, the alan vautre of which Gaston Phébus (or Fébus) Count de said Foix, in XIVème century, in its Book of Hunting, that it “holds more extremely his bite than would not make three greyhounds”.

The word “mastiff” appears at the end of XIVème century.

In the middle of the XIXème century, these old mastiffs were hardly famous but in Aquitaine. One used them with hunting for the big game (wild boar), with the engagements (often codified), with the guard of the houses and the cattle, with the service of the butchers.

In 1863 place in Paris had, with the Zoological gardens, the 1st French canine exposure. The mastiffs of Bordeaux appeared under their current name. There were various types: Toulouse type, Parisian type, type of Bordeaux, at the origin of the current mastiff.

The race which had suffered much during the two world wars, at the point to be threatened of extinction after the war of 1939-1945, took again its rise in the years 1960.

1st standard (character of truths mastiffs) in Pierre MÉGNIN, the Mastiff of Bordeaux, 1896.

2nd standard in J. KUNSTLER, Étude criticizes Mastiff of Bordeaux, 1910.

3rd standard by Raymond TRIQUET, with the collaboration of the Veterinary surgeon Maurice LUQUET, 1971.

4th standard reformulated according to the model of Jerusalem (F.C.I.) per Raymond TRIQUET with the collaboration of Philippe SÉROUIL, President, and of the Committee of the Company of the Amateurs of Mastiff of Bordeaux, 1993

3. How common is it in Australia?

National Registration statistics from 1995 to 2008

45 120 144 264 164 264 230 294 248 370 411 505

4. What is the average lifespan?

approx 8-10 years

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

Great . They are sweet and funny, but they can be dominant and firm training is needed. They are intelligent and pick up commands quite easily. They are protective of house and family. They need to be socialised from young. They love to play and love toys.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

Some are fairly energetic and active others are lazy and need encouragement to excersise. They need to be excersised, not only for health but also for mental stimulation.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

I personally would not recommend for first timers, they are a dominant breed and do need firm handling.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

Depends on the nature of the particular dog and the amount of quality time is put in by owners

9. How much grooming is required?

Quick rush once a week to remove loose fur , keep nails trimmed, ears cleaned.

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

I wouldnt say they are , they tend to be a gentle giant

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

Definately like all breeds and cross breeds . The main area is hip and elbow dysplaysia, Make sure parents are hip scored and ask to see the results !!!!! . I have added a link on some great information for this breed i highly recommend that people interested in this breed read it carefully

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

This link has valuable information http://www.dogueinfo.com/index.htm

Edited November 5, 2009 by nobul

[wednesday]

I agree with all the Nobul has put above, but just an update on the link posted at the end of her answer. The page is now located at: www.dogueinfo.weebly.com

That page is a very valuable resource in terms of information on the breed.