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.

Loyal and devoted to its family, the Bordeaux Bulldog is fearless and proud. It is gentle with children and family members, kindhearted, and sometimes gullible. Dogues de Bordeaux make excellent watch dogs and guard dogs. They do tend to snore and sometimes drool.  The Dogue de Bordeaux is calm and patient. It should be well socialized with other animals from an early age. Dogues de Bordeaux have a patient, gentle temperament, however they are suspicious and confrontational with strangers and sometimes aggressive with other dogs, especially males.

There are numerous theories about the origin of the Dogue de Bordeaux. It may be descended from the Bulldog, Tibetan Mastiff and from the Greek and Roman Molossus, from mastiffs brought to Europe by the Alans, from the dogs of Aquitaine or from Spanish dogs from Burgos. At the end of the Middle Ages, the Dogue was used as a cattle driver and personal bodyguard. Lots of Dogues died during the French Revolution. After the war number rose again. Raymond Triquet and his French Dogue de Bordeaux Club saved the breed. The Dogue de Bordeaux is now thoroughly established in France and gaining popularity in other countries. The breed has served as a war dog, flock guardian, cattle herder, guard dog, trained to bait bulls, bears, and jaguars, and as a hunter of boars. The breed was recognized by the AKC in 2008.