Dogue de Bordeaux
A powerful and muscular French breed, the Dogue de Bordeaux is a molossoid (mastiff-type dog), "dogue" meaning Mastiff in French. A massive head and stocky body are trademarks of the breed. Americans became aware of the Dogue de Bordeaux when he appeared as drooling, messy "Hooch" in the 1989 Tom Hanks’ film, Turner and Hooch. The breed’s short, fine coat is fawn-colored, ranging from a dark red to a light fawn.
Breed Profile
The Dogue de Bordeaux possesses an instinct for guarding, which he does with vigilance and courage, but without aggressiveness. He is an excellent companion – affectionate and attached to his family – with a patient, calm temperament. Their short coat is easy to care for and they require moderate daily exercise. New owners should be prepared to deal with drool!
Grooming
The Dogue de Bordeaux does require routine bathing and grooming. This affectionate dog can be bathed every four to eight weeks depending on his activity level and lifestyle. With this short, smooth coat, regular bathing is essential to minimize shedding and to maintain healthy skin and coat. Pay particular attention to the facial folds when bathing in order to remove excess odor and get them clean. A facial wash is recommended to use to help keep the wrinkles clean. Before bathing a Dogue de Bordeaux, it is recommended to massage the coat with a rubber curry to remove any loose hair.
Finishing the Dog: Tools and Finish Grooming
The Dogue de Bordeaux’s coat should be clean and fresh smelling, with the coat lying flat against the body. There should be no shedding hair after they are bathed and dried. Apply a light hydrating spray to enhance the natural shine of the coat when finished.
General Health Care
Prep work is the foundation of all grooming. Prep work includes ear cleaning, nail trimming, anal glands, and proper dental hygiene. Mastering these skills sets the professional pet stylist apart from the rest. Prep work should be done before every bathing and grooming appointment. All dogs need to have their ears checked and cleaned on a regular basis. Proper nail care is also very important. Long, unsightly nails are uncomfortable for the dog, as well as anyone they might jump on. Long nails also compromise the shape of the foot. Trimming the pads of the foot helps give the dog good traction on different surfaces and can minimize the amount of dirt the dog tracks into the house. It also affords the opportunity to treat and condition the paws from cracks and abrasions. Anal glands should also be checked and expressed if they are full. Some caring pet owners prefer to have the anal glands done by their veterinarian. Good dental hygiene is essential for a healthy pet as well.
Nutritional Care
In order to maintain healthy skin and coat as well as overall health, it is important to provide good nutrition to your dog through a well-balanced diet, vitamins, and healthy treats.
Do they require a lot of grooming?
They require minimal grooming. Routine baths and brush outs are recommended to minimize shedding and keep the skin and coat in good condition.
What are the common problems in the Dogue de Bordeaux?
Like any giant breed with a short muzzle, this breed does have some health concerns. They are susceptible to extreme temperatures, some heart diseases (dilated cardiomyopathy an aortic stenosis), and ectropion (a condition where the eyelid everts outward).
Do they shed or cause allergies?
They do shed year around. Frequent baths and blow outs will help accelerate the shedding process and help keep the skin and coat in good condition.
Are Dogues De Bordeaux good with children?
They are a calm and gentle breed and do best with older children. Due to their massive size, early socialization and training are a must.
What if I have a show dog?
Whether you have a show dog or a companion dog, the same basic care is given regarding nutrition, socialization, and hygiene. The difference is the conditioning of the dog and conformation training. It is always quite helpful if your breeder can help mentor you to lead you in the right direction upon entering the wonderful world of dog shows. A great place to start is the Dogue de Bordeaux Club of America, www.ddbca.net.
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