Interesting Facts About The French Mastiff
It’s safe to say that everything we just mentioned doesn’t even scratch the surface. So, let’s go into much greater detail about this breeds amazing history, it’s traits, and their temperament. Read More Below…
Pro-tip: Ever try lifting a Mastiff? Their weight can hurt not only your back but their joints when they hop down from cars, sofas or even your bed. To protect your back and theirs check out the best Mastiff ramps on Amazon.com now.
The history of the modern-day breed dates all the way back to 14th century France. The breed was used as a multi-purpose working dog, capable of hauling carts, guarding large estates, hunting game, and protecting livestock.
As this breed rapidly increased in popularity, breeders made it a point to keep the bloodline as pure as possible. By the late 1800s, the popularity of this breed was higher than ever, with the breed successfully spreading across France.
The appearance of this breed is quite similar to other types of Mastiffs, but we don’t know exactly which breeds make up the current French Mastiff. What we do know, however, is that the way this breed looked in the 1800s depended on where you went in France.
This dog has always been quite popular in France, but he didn’t receive worldwide recognition until the release of the 1989 Tom Hanks comedy, “Turner & Hooch.” This was believed to be the first time that this dog was portrayed in popular culture.
Since the release of the film and the introduction to a lovable pooch like Beasley (from the film), it’s no surprise that this breed’s popularity skyrocketed!
Despite his muscular body and intimidating size, this dog has quite a few admirable traits that make him a great family dog and guard dog. In all honesty, this is a breed with an incredible heart and a lot of love to give.
We want to make sure you know exactly what you’re getting when you bring your brand new puppy home. So, let’s go over some of the most notable traits you’ll find in this dog.
For the most part, you won’t hear a peep from your Frenchie when it comes to barking. The only time he’ll really bark (and boy, is it a loud bark) is when he truly feels as if either he or your family is in serious danger. So, if he barks, make it a point to figure out what he’s barking at!
Even though this dog doesn’t bark too much, he does make a wide array of other sounds. You’ll definitely hear his snoring and deep breathing, even if you’re on the other side of the room.
This dog does love to please his owner, but he’ll also push back a little to see what he can get away with. After all, he does have a general understanding of just how large and powerful he looks on the outside and uses that to advantage.
Positive reinforcement is key if you want a well-trained dog that follows your every command. You also need to be consistent with your training and remember: If you give an inch, he’ll take a mile.
Despite his ability to pummel an intruder with ease, the French Mastiff is also an incredibly friendly dog when it comes to his own pack. He loves to spend time with his family, snuggle up on the couch, or gently play with the kids of the house.
Even when he plays, he’s known to do so delicately. So, don’t be surprised if you walk in on your dog and your toddler cuddling or playing nicely with his favorite toys.
Pro-tip: Mastiff anxiety, aggression, destructive chewing, jumping up, fearfulness, and other behaviors can be controlled with the right training program.
Here’s a great course that addresses these issues along with many other dog training basics: Check it out now!
This dog is protective of his own brood and will do just about anything to keep your family safe. In fact, this is perhaps one of the best breeds to bring home if you’re looking for a watchdog or a guard dog. He’ll keep his eye on the property and alert you if anything is off.
One of the key traits of a good watchdog or guard dog is a constant state of alert, right? Even when he’s off the clock and taking a nap on the couch, he’ll perk up defensively if a stranger knocks at the door.
The Frenchie can weigh over 100 pounds and has ancestors that were more than capable of pulling heavy carts through the streets of France. This is definitely not a breed to be messed with in any way, especially if you’re an intruder.
The exact temperament of this dog varies depending on whether he’s taken on the role of a loving companion, loyal guard dog, or a combination of the two. Regardless, there are quite a few qualities that seem to carry over from one French Mastiff to the next.
Once your dog builds a solid connection with you and your family, it’ll last a lifetime. He’ll make sure to always keep an eye out for you and alert you immediately if he fears that the family is in danger. He’ll always be there when you need him.
At the same time, he’ll always be there, even when you don’t need him! Since he’s likely extremely attached to you and your family, it’s very likely that he’ll follow you around and try to keep himself involved in all family activities. Don’t leave your French Mastiff out of anything!
This breed is 100% dependent on you and the relationship he’s built with you. He’ll be wary of any new people that you bring into the home and won’t be afraid to step in if he feels that you’re being threatened.
In the same realm, the loyalty of this dog also extends into a never-ending quest for dominance. So, it’s likely that your dog will compete against any other pets you might have to become the alpha in your home.
It should come as no surprise that a dog bred to guard large estates and livestock is extremely vigilant at all times. You can always count on your dog to keep an eye on the place when you’re gone and give you a hearty bark when he feels a stranger’s come too close.
But, don’t expect your pooch to attack anyone and everything he sees as a threat. He might be a watchdog, but there isn’t too much of a worry about this breed attacking strangers without feeling it’s necessary.
Even though this breed is highly protective and makes a great guard dog, that doesn’t mean that he’s always in attack mode. In fact, this breed seems to do quite well with strangers and new dogs if they work to build their trust.
So, don’t expect your dog to start a howling fit every time there’s a knock at the door. He’ll definitely be a little curious about new people, but there should be no concerns about him losing his temper without serious provocation.
It takes a lot for a French Mastiff to physically intervene, bite, or bark, but he will if he feels it’s necessary. So, don’t be surprised if your dog comes sprinting over at maximum speed to have your back when a mysterious person gets near.
And when we say that this dog is fearless, we absolutely mean it. The French Mastiff was once successful in the duel arena against several huge animals like wolves and bears, so a 200-pound man is no problem.
Learn More About The French Mastiff Pros And Cons In This YouTube Video…
Just Released… Our Ultimate Mastiff Care e-book is perfect for owners looking for greater in-depth care information in one convenient downloadable e-book.On Sale Now for a limited time…Check It Out Here.
Like any other breed, French Mastiff isnt safe from bad traits. In fact, they arent as good as youd expect if you cant train them properly, which isnt simple as well. Here are some of the things that will make you reconsider having this dog:
Dogue de Bordeaux is stronger, more active, and energetic than most mastiff breeds, but they need a lot of daily exercises to keep them healthy. It also helps them develop lean muscles to support their activity.
A regular exercise regimen is also a proven way to minimize the risks of developing various health issues later in life. So, if youre not a fan of spending a huge chunk of your time doing outdoor activities with your dog, then you may want to look at other breeds.
Common Health Problems
The dogue de Bordeaux typically has a shorter life than smaller dog breeds. There are some hereditary health problems that can occur in this breed. Responsible breeders strive to maintain the highest breed standards as established by kennel clubs like the AKC. Dogs bred by these standards are less likely to inherit health conditions. Owners can prevent some problems while puppies are growing by not be over-exercising or overfeeding them so that they put on excessive weight.
Here are common health problems to watch for with the dogue de Bordeaux breed:
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/breed-profile-dogue-de-bordeaux-1117962-v4-dc950d5943d547a39ec3e64dfd570027.png)
PROS & CONS About French Mastiffs|The GOOD and BAD!!!
Powerful yet gentle. Watchful yet laid back. Stately yet affectionate. Strong-willed yet eager to please. It takes a special breed to be able hold these contradictions in such a loveable package, but the Dogue de Bordeaux does it beautifully. Likewise, it takes a special owner to be able to give this breed the attention and care he needs to thrive. But those who have the experience and resources to welcome a Dogue into their home say the rewards are well worth any challenges.
The Dogue de Bordeaux (pronunciation: dohg duh bore-DOE)—also called the French mastiff, Bordeaux mastiff, Bordeauxdog, and DDB—is an ancient breed, but it wasnt until a certain 1989 Tom Hanks film that they started gaining widespread attention in the U.S. The breeds history goes so far back, in fact, that its difficult to definitively pinpoint when and where they got their start. There are multiple origin stories, including one that describes them as descendants of ancient Roman war dogs.
Dogues live much quieter lives these days than their ancestors, though they havent completely abandoned their working dog instincts. They prefer to stay close to their beloved owners and have the size, vigilance, and courage to make formidable companions.
Muscular, stocky, and immense in size, the Dogue de Bordeaux is no stranger to turning heads. And on a related note: Proportionally speaking, their broad, angular heads are the largest in the canine kingdom. Adult males can grow to be 27 inches tall and weigh at least 110 pounds, while females can reach a height of 26 inches and weigh at least 99 pounds. But dont let their size fool you into thinking theyre only able to merely amble along: Dogues are more than capable of springing into a sprint.
DDBs are brachycephalic, which means they have short snouts that look like theyve been smooshed in. They have brown, oval, wide-set eyes, and small ears (at least when compared to their exceptionally large skulls) that sit high on the head. Dogues thick, loose-fitting skin creates expressive wrinkles spanning their faces and jowls that hang down past their lower jaw, giving them a serious, dignified air that becomes even more endearing with the addition of a little (or a lot) of drool.
Dogues de Bordeaux have soft coats of short, fine fur that come in all shades of fawn. They can also have black or brown masks and white patches on their chest and limbs. Thanks to year-round shedding, youll likely end up seeing the breeds beautiful hair on your carpet, couch, and clothing, too, though weekly brushing can help curb this.
While every dog has a unique personality stemming from both genetics and life experiences, well-trained and cared for Dogues de Bordeaux have earned a reputation for being calm, gentle, and affectionate companions. Pamela Cortese, president of Dogue de Bordeaux Rescue, Inc., describes the breed as regal, eager to please, and loyal, yet she notes that despite their easygoing nature, they can also be very strong-minded. This obstinance, coupled with the breeds size and strength, makes early socialization and training a must—and its why Dogues arent a great choice for first-time dog owners.
Dogues may be members of the working dog category, but theyre quite content to laze the days away, preferably near their owner. Despite their low energy, they make courageous, vigilant dogs and are devoted to their families. And speaking of families, Dogues are known for being great with kids. Typical watchdogs, they can be reserved and wary when it comes to strangers. Again, make sure to socialize your pup so hell be comfortable around new people and situations.
As for how they do with furry family members, that can depend on the specific dog and when he becomes a sibling. Dogues de Bordeaux raised with other animals from puppyhood tend to have a greater chance at harmony. But what about adopting an adult Dogue? “Each situation and dog is different,” says Cortese, whos no stranger to this situation after working as a rescue volunteer for 10 years. “You would want to have the dogs meet in a neutral place and do a slow introduction.” When it comes to cats, she says knowing the dogs history can help give you an idea, like whether or not hes lived with a cat or other small animals before. Keep in mind that Dogues de Bordeaux tend to have a high prey drive and their instincts can kick in around smaller animals, so approach the situation thoughtfully and cautiously.
Dogues de Bordeaux would appreciate their owners to embrace the whats-mine-is-yours approach to life. Like your couch. And your bed. And your personal space. DDBs are happiest when they can be close to their owners and dont always do well when they have to be separated for long periods.
As mentioned before, Dogues can thrive in families with children, but their size means precautions should be taken. For example, a well-meaning DDB could easily knock over a small child by accident. And a kid should be big enough to control a Dogue before taking him on a walk. With the breeds high prey drive, a scampering squirrel could easily create chaos.
While Dogues dont necessarily need a lot of space, indoors or outdoors, they might not be the best choice for apartment dwellers, though each case depends on the apartment and dog in question. For one, a Dogues size means that your downstairs neighbors might accuse you of keeping livestock in your home. And because hes a natural watchdog, the constant flow of people and animals in and out of your building could be a bit overwhelming for him.
Positive reinforcement training and socialization are a big deal when it comes to Dogues de Bordeaux, partly because the dogs themselves are so big. A 100-plus-pound dog thats out of control isnt pleasant for anyone—including the dog. Christopher Pachel, DVM, DACVB, owner and primary clinician at the Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland, Ore., tailors his socialization and training approach to the temperament of the breed. “The general trend for mastiff types is that theyre reasonably laid-back, but also just a bit wary of or concerned by individuals outside of their immediate social circle,” he says. “Theyre not generally overtly fearful, but more in line with a guard breed tendency.”
With this in mind, Pachel recommends a more comprehensive approach to socializing and training DDBs. “I worry less about creating exciting positive associations,” he says, “and more about developing tolerance and acceptance of a variety of circumstances while reinforcing the desired behavior patterns for situations in which some of those guarding tendencies may be more likely to show up in the absence of proactive direction.”
In other words, Pachel advises being proactive instead of reactive about everyday things that could cause a pup to get wound up. For example, he says its wise to teach dogs how to respond when the doorbell rings so that expectations are set long before doorbell-induced barking becomes a concern. And the earlier you can start setting these expectations, the better. Dont wait until your Dogue de Bordeaux puppy is all grown up.
What Pachel doesnt recommend is heavy-handed, punishment-based training methods. “What most dogs benefit from is consistency and clarity of expectations,” he continues. “Having a harder hand may look like its working in the short term, but it isnt necessarily accomplishing what people think it is. Most of the mastiffs of varying types that Ive worked with are actually quite biddable when it comes to training. And even though theyre large, their level of responsiveness is generally more than adequate to avoid significant problems if approached proactively.”
Still daunted? You dont have to navigate socialization and training alone. Ask your veterinarian if they can recommend a local trainer or refer you to a veterinary behavior specialist, like Pachel, who can help you develop a plan.
Grooming, thankfully, is a much simpler topic. Dogues short coats need to be brushed about once a week with a rubber curry or shedding blade to keep loose fur from filling your home, and they should be bathed about once a month. But hair isnt the only thing DDBs tend to leave behind: Theyre also prolific droolers. Cortese recommends keeping a towel on hand to collect those shiny, wet “shoelaces.” One more thing—or rather, a few things—worth mentioning are those classic DDB wrinkles. Theyre good at holding water, food, and other debris (drool, perhaps?) and may need daily attention to remain clean and dry.
As for exercise, you should limit giant dog breeds to low-impact activities (this means no long jogs) until theyre at least 18 months old to protect their growing bones and joints. Older Dogues just need regular walks and playtime (if you have access to a body of water, they love swimming), but be extra cautious on hot days to not overexert them. Brachycephalic breeds are prone to heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
Before you bring home a DDB, its important to note that dog size and maintenance costs tend to be directly proportional. In other words, the larger the dog, the more money youll be spending on food and medications. The costs can add up fast!
All breeds are predisposed to various health conditions, and the DDB is no exception. According to a health information sheet from the Dogue de Bordeaux Rescue, Inc., some of the top concerns include:
There are two more health conditions worth noting. First, as a brachycephalic breed with a shorter muzzle and nose, Dogues are at risk of developing brachycephalic syndrome, a condition in which multiple anatomic abnormalities obstruct the upper airway. Second, this laid-back breed can easily put on extra weight, which can lead to a number of health issues.
Dogues de Bordeaux have a relatively short lifespan of 5–8 years. But by partnering with your veterinarian and learning the signs of common health problems, you can take a proactive approach to caring for your pup and filling those years with a high quality of life.
If your first introduction to Dogues de Bordeaux was the 1989 film Turner and Hooch, starring Tom Hanks and a drooling, scene-stealing DDB, youre not alone. However, these beautiful dogs have been around much longer than the 80s. In fact, the Dogue de Bordeaux is considered to be one of the oldest French breeds. Unfortunately, when your history goes back as far as the Dogues, the precise details get a little fuzzy.
Are Dogues an indigenous French breed that came to be over thousands of years? Are they descendants of the mastiff, Neapolitan mastiff, or Tibetan mastiff? Or were their ancestors brought to France (then Gaul) by Roman troops in the first century B.C. as war dogs and gladiators? Perhaps well never know.
Once we move out of ancient history, their path becomes a bit clearer. The Dogue de Bordeaux once came in two distinct sizes: large (called Dogues) and small (called Doguins). But after the 1700s the Doguin drops from the historical record, adding evidence to the adage that sometimes, bigger is indeed better. This makes sense when you consider how these immense dogs were employed to guard the estates of French aristocrats in the late 18th century. The French Revolution, however, put them out of a job when their wealthy masters were imprisoned or killed.
Thankfully, the breed survived this upheaval and found new purpose as livestock drovers, earning them the nickname of the “butchers dog.” Still, the Dogue de Bordeaux remained virtually unknown in the U.S. until Hollywood put one in the spotlight. Since then, theyve grown in popularity, and were officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 2008.