This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, March 2017 issue.
The Dogue de Bordeaux is an ancient breed whose origins are not exactly clear, but there are “hints” of such a classification of this breed dating back to the 1200s. Brunetto Latini mentions a type of dog called the Matin as, “The others are mastin, great and fat and with very great power, which hunt wolves, boars, bears and all big game; they fight fiercely, even against men.” These Matins did not look like our modern-day dogue, having different colorations and builds, but it is likely that these Matins were the forefathers of our breed.
Phoebus, in the 1300s, describes this type of dog by saying, “The mastins (matins) aren’t rare. Everybody has seen them. Their task is to guard the animals and the dwelling of their master. They defend and guard but are ‘mean’ dogs of ‘mean’ size.” In this text, ‘mean’ equates with ‘ugly.’ These dogs were used to guard and hunt, but if one was killed during hunting, it was not a great loss.
In the 1500s, Jean de Clamorgan uses the word ‘dogue’ to describe this canine, stating, “Others are called dogues, to attack, bite and hold boars, bears or wolves.” Charles Estinne, in the same century, wrote, “The dogues… for guarding the house, of which there are always one or two, enclosed during the day and on the chain, which are freed at night to roam and guard the courtyard against thieves.” Clearly, our modern-day dogue has a long history of hunting large game and protecting the dwelling of its master—traits it continues to exhibit to this day.
In 1863, four “Dogues de Bordeaux” were listed in a Paris exhibition catalog, marking the first official use of our breed’s name. A second exhibition took place in 1865 with no dogues attending, and the next time they were listed was in the exhibition of 1883, a span of 20 years during which France experienced war and hardship. The dogues listed in these exhibition catalogs looked different from modern dogues, with varied coat colorations, and it wasn’t until the exhibition of 1887 that the breed was properly referred to as “Dogue de Bordeaux.”
Fast forward to World War II. By this time, the Dogue de Bordeaux was an established breed, showing in exhibitions and being bred for its ancient purpose: guarding French countryside farms. During the German occupation of France, food scarcity led some owners to put down their dogues, others were turned loose to fend for themselves, and many were killed by the occupying forces. Dog shows continued, and on July 5, 1942, a show was held with only one bitch and one male present. On February 14, 1943, L’Eleveur magazine reported, “We regret to record that among the kennels, which have been seriously affected, are those of the Dogue de Bordeaux, at least in the Bordeaux region. Practically the only one who has been able to keep some dogues is Mr. Jagourt, one of the oldest breeders.”
The war ended on May 8, 1945. The first post-war show was organized for July 29, and per L’Eleveur magazine, “the Dogues de Bordeaux were conspicuous by their absence.” In 1946 at the Paris show, not a single Dogue de Bordeaux was exhibited. A breeding stock list compiled on January 1, 1946, noted only four Dogues young enough to breed. Slowly, additional Dogues emerged from the provinces, and the rebuilding process began.
The Dogue de Bordeaux does have health issues, partly due to its large size, which predisposes it to orthopedic issues. Owners may also encounter heart problems, cancers, thyroid issues, and skin or allergy concerns. Prospective owners should be prepared for possible financial responsibilities associated with these health challenges. To minimize risks, it is vital for potential owners to seek out reputable breeders who health test their breeding stock, including tests for hearts, eyes, elbows, and hips.
It’s essential to visit the breeder, if possible, to see the puppy’s environment and health certificates of the parents. Although this does not guarantee a dogue’s health, it reduces the risk of future health issues.
Additionally, dogues drool—a lot! Owners find it humorous, but it is not for the faint-hearted or neat freaks. Some dogues drool more than others, so this should be a consideration before deciding on the breed. Areas around the water bucket can quickly become a mess if not maintained, and you’ll want to keep a safe distance when they’re eating or drinking.
The Dogue de Bordeaux is an outstanding companion and a guardian breed, with responsibilities that require legal and moral consideration due to its size and strength. They can be dog-aggressive, sometimes showing this only once fully mature. Introducing a new pet to a household with an adult Dogue requires caution. Aggression is influenced by factors such as early socialization, bloodlines, and gender; males are generally less tolerant of other males. Bitches may also be intolerant of other dogs.
As a Working breed, the Dogue de Bordeaux is capable of performing a variety of tasks beyond traditional obedience or conformation shows. They can participate in rally, agility, scent work, lure coursing, weight pulling, cart pulling, tracking, and other activities, including trick work and acting. Working with your Dogue requires mutual respect and forms a bond built on trust.
The Dogue de Bordeaux Society of America (DDBSA) has a formal Working Dog Ability Program to recognize Dogues exemplifying the qualities of a true Working dog. This program includes three achievement levels, and successful Dogues receive a certificate of accomplishment. The DDBSA also provides mentorship for newcomers to build a working relationship with their Dogues and celebrates achievements at an end-of-the-year awards banquet during the National Specialty.
AKC Therapy Dog titles are also recognized within the DDBSA Working Dogue Levels of Achievement. Therapy titles range from 10 to 400 visits, and we have Dogues providing therapy in airports, hospitals, and libraries. In libraries, Dogues help children read aloud in a safe, criticism-free environment. Additionally, some Dogues have pursued acting, following in the footsteps of the breed’s famous representative, Beasley, from Turner and Hooch.
The Dogue de Bordeaux is also used as a service and emotional support dog. Their empathetic nature makes them excellent for tasks like mobility and balance support, where their size is an advantage.
The Dogue de Bordeaux is so much more than just a pretty face!
At the Dogue de Bordeaux Society of America’s (DDBSA) Judges’ Education seminars, our comprehensive PowerPoint presentation begins with an acronym which the DDBSA has developed that defines the six major points of our breed. This acronym, H.E.A.R.T.S., stands for Head, Expression, Athletic, WRinkle, Trots like a lion, and Substance. Not only are these six points beneficial in helping determine what to look for in a Dogue de Bordeaux, but by defining the components of each, the goal is to provide a clearer picture of what constitutes a proper representative of our breed.
They are as follows:
The head is large, angular, broad, and rather short. It is shaped like a trapezoid. That is to say, when viewed from above and from the front, it is trapezium-shaped. The head should be wide and have prominent cheeks; the forehead is high, and the stop is very pronounced.
The expression in the Dogue de Bordeaux is the sum of all components that make up expression, i.e., ear set, eye set, eye shape and color, length of muzzle (length varies between one third and one quarter of the total length of the head measured from the nose to the occipital crest), wrinkle, and the chin mark. Chin mark means that the chin is very pronounced (bite is undershot) and, along with the other expression attributes noted, creates the “sour mug” or “dissuasive look” of the Dogue de Bordeaux. If one or more of these attributes is off, it will change the desired expression.
In spite of being heavy, low, and lumbering, the Dogue de Bordeaux should be athletic and able to move well with power and drive. This cannot be emphasized enough. The Dogue de Bordeaux should be able to move with good drive from the hindquarters and good extension of the forelegs, especially at the trot, which, according to our Breed Standard, is the preferred gait. Also, according to our breed standard, the Dogue de Bordeaux is capable of great speed over short distances by “bolting along close to the ground.”
The Dogue de Bordeaux’s wrinkles set it apart from other mastiff breeds in that the wrinkles are not static. The Dogue de Bordeaux should have what is termed “mobile ropes of wrinkle” that change in intensity and proportion as the facial expressions change.
The Dogue de Bordeaux’s movement is similar to that of a lion. It is heavy and powerful, with good reach and drive, and the head and shoulders drop low to the ground, especially as the movement quickens. Additionally, with a quickened gait, the front feet move closer to the median plane.
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a substantially built dog that is massive and built rather close to the ground. It should be noted that “massive” doesn’t mean “fat” or “obese.” The Dogue de Bordeaux’s substance should result from strong and heavy bone and muscle, not obesity. Ample muscling in the shoulders and hindquarters should be evident, as well as strong and heavy bone in the skull and limbs.
In summarizing the six H.E.A.R.T.S. points, it is important to note that each one is vitally important and each contributes to the sum of all the parts. Together, they paint a picture of the Dogue de Bordeaux as a powerful and substantial breed capable of athletic and powerful movement, with a unique expression and a massive head with proper proportions and features.
The Dogue de Bordeaux Society of America is a nonprofit organization that was formed by individuals who wanted to provide a common space for the Dogue de Bordeaux breed and its enthusiasts to come together as one for the love of the breed. The Society was officially recognized in February of 1997. In 2004, the DDBS was appointed as the club that the AKC FSS recommended for AKC Parent Club representation for the Dogue de Bordeaux. In 2006, the Dogue de Bordeaux was officially moved to the AKC Miscellaneous Class, and on July 1, 2008, the breed officially moved to the AKC Working Group. Also in 2006, the DDBS officially changed its name to the Dogue de Bordeaux Society of America—the DDBSA.
The DDBSA pursues several ongoing goals, such as running a breed rescue, promoting canine education, exhibiting the natural working ability of the Dogue, welcoming all owners and fanciers to the club, improving the breed, adhering to the AKC breed standard, engaging in community outreach, and encouraging high standards and ethics in breeding and care of the Dogue de Bordeaux.
The club’s day-to-day activities are managed by a group of individuals comprising the Officers and Board of Directors. The DDBSA encourages open communication among members and welcomes all Dogues—whether conformation, working, agility, or family companion.
Some of the club’s accomplishments include starting and running a breed rescue for the Dogue de Bordeaux and its mixes. The rescue has successfully fostered, placed, and assisted with over 50 dogs. Additionally, the club has established a club championship, awarding over 40 champions, as well as a working recognition program that awarded and continues to award many WD1-3 titles. A website for the club and rescue has been established and is visited by hundreds of people each week. A bi-monthly newsletter is published and sent to all members, filled with interesting news, veterinary notes, member spotlights, and more.
The DDBSA holds a National show each year in different regions of the U.S., with some years having over 130 Dogues de Bordeaux entered. Many of our members have traveled overseas to watch conformation shows and participate in the SADB National Dogue de Bordeaux Show in France. The DDBSA remains a dedicated steward and guardian of the Dogue de Bordeaux, striving to promote our beloved breed positively and informatively to provide the recognition, knowledge, and nurturing our breed truly deserves.
