Dogue de Bordeaux: description of the breed, nature and subtleties of the content

Dogo de Bordeaux is very often chosen as the regulars of international exhibitions, as well as ordinary people who dream of a pet. This breed is quite difficult, and only a calm person with a strong character can improve relations with an earlier fighting dog. In addition, the dog does not like loneliness, but because it is not suitable for workaholics, all the time absent from home. When acquiring a dog, it is important to know in advance about the nature of the future pet, the conditions for caring for it, and the rules of feeding.

Dogo de Bordeaux, aka French mastiff, has a very vague origin. Dog handlers have as many as three versions, and none of them is still official. According to the first theory, mastiffs are separated from the bulldogs. The second connects the Bordeaux dogs with Tibetan mastiffs. Finally, the third, the most famous and popular theory, sticks to the position that the Bordeaux dogs are descended from the warriors of the ancient Alans common to the French.

One of the most ancient hunting breeds of France was well described in a book published by Gaston de Foy as early as the 14th century. The ancestors of the French mastiffs were used to bait wild boars and other large animals, guard livestock, transport meat and participate in dog pits. Mastiff dogs of that time were divided into three varieties, very different in appearance. Different could be not only the color or size of the head, but even the bite. The name “Dogo de Bordeaux” got accustomed only in 1863, and before that the breed was always called the “French mastiff”.

The first breed club of Bordeaux dogs was formed in 1924. The institution was created in order to restore the number of dogs, significantly reduced after the First World War. The next significant decline in numbers occurred after World War II., as to feed rather large dogs in wartime turned out to be an impossible task. Many dogs were put to sleep by the owners themselves. Restoration of the breed began to be actively pursued in the 1950s. In the 1990s, the breed gained fame throughout the world and began to be actively imported into other countries.

Characteristics of Bordeaux dogs mainly contains information about the appearance of dogs. Although modern dogs have retained some features of their too aggressive ancestors, they look a little different. French Mastiff puppies have soft features that become more pronounced over time. The dog looks massive and muscular, but rather squat. Dogs can weigh up to almost 90 kilograms, and the growth is 68 centimeters. As for the female, their size is almost the same: height reaches 66 centimeters at the withers.

On the exterior, it is customary to distinguish three classes of French mastiffs. The first one is a show standard, meaning animals with perfect exterior indicators. This dog participates in exhibitions, and is also used for breeding. The second class received the name of the standard brid.Dogs of this class have frivolous deviations from the ideal, and therefore are also used for breeding. Finally, there is a pet standard class. These dogs are not used for breeding development and rarely participate in exhibitions, as there is no point in this. Dogo de Bordeaux is just a pet, loyal and intelligent member of the family.

Experts identify 7 individual exterior indicators, which are determined by the class of the animal. The muscles of the cheeks and cheekbones should be developed, and the eyes, located under the prominent forehead, are widely spaced. The ears are quite close to the muzzle, ideally reaching the ends of the eye line. The dog's loin is wide and powerful, and the chest is 20-30 centimeters higher in circumference. Finally, the sufficient development of intuition and facial expressions is important.

The nature of the dog is surprisingly quite calm and measured. Dogue de Bordeaux is smart and sincerely devoted to its owners. He tolerates separation and being alone for a long time rather badly, he is bored because of this and is always ready to protect his owners. but the main owner of the mastiff is the same - his dog chooses from the household, most often preferring a person with a calm character. With the "leader" of the family, the dog is kept on an equal footing, and the rest of the inhabitants of the apartment are slightly patronizing, friendly and even tender. The mastiff pleases fellowship with children and he is always ready to spend time in games, but not too active.

The dog may be aggressive towards strangers, but it will not attack without any reason. A dog may bark loudly, but such a “gesture” should be considered as a warning. It is important to mention that Great Danes consider a direct threat to people who are intoxicated.therefore the smell of ethyl alcohol itself can serve as a signal to attack. French mastiffs live quite comfortably with other pets and, with proper training, even with dogs of the same sex. However, the friendliness of the animal does not apply to other people's pets.

Training is carried out taking into account the peculiarities of character. Having received the command, the dog will first think it over, but then it will begin to execute it. At that moment of thinking, telling him something else would be completely pointless. Great dogs are hardy, but a bit lazy and rather stubborn. Finding the weak point of its owner, the dog without a scrutiny of conscience will begin to use it. Education of animals of this breed will be successful if you do not use rough methods and shout, but use the right motivation.

According to the standard, Dogue de Bordeaux is a large dog. His head is large, his chest is wide, and his body is rather stocky. The muzzle looks wrinkled due to the large number of folds located on both sides. Short nose slightly upward, and the lower jaw comes forward. Gentle ears are crowned with curved corners. The color of the oval, widely spaced eyes ranges from black to beautiful brown. The expression of the face looks dissatisfied, which, by the way, does not at all indicate the true emotions of the dog. The tail has a crescent shape, and the limbs are powerful and stable. The color of the French mastiff is red, but the shade also varies from light, almost yellow, to dark brown. The mask is painted in black or brick color. The dog's coat is thick, uniformly colored, but often white spots are found on the chest.

Bordeaux dogs are acquired at a small age when they look like charming fat bulldogs with shiny fur. Getting acquainted with them in the nursery, it is important to see how the kids move. A healthy dog ​​has no problems, rising on its paws, which are not woven and do not disperse. It is necessary to check the presence of a veterinary passport, as well as affixed vaccinations. In addition, it is important that 10 days have already passed since the last exposure.

In the case when it is planned to participate with the mastiff in exhibitions, the choice cannot be based only on the appearance of the animal and its own emotions. It is necessary to study the breed standard, check the parents' documents, evaluate several litters and better make a purchase with a specialist. The nursery must have a proven reputation and a sufficient number of successful "graduates". Coming up with a nickname for Great Dane, it is better to give preference to proudly sounding names, personifying all the positive qualities of this breed. The price for a puppy can vary from 500 to 1200 dollars. The determining factors are gender (females are always more expensive than males), pedigree, compliance with the standard and other indicators.

An adult dog perfectly perceives both natural food and ready-made feed. In the first case, the diet is made up of lean meat, sometimes stringy, meat by-products, cereals and vegetables, fresh and cooked. Beef, chicken and turkey will suit the meat, moreover, you should not exclude from the diet of tendon and cartilage. A couple of times a week the mastiff should be fed sea fish, but always cooked and stoned. Adding skimmed milk or curd, as well as raw eggs is welcome.

The list of vegetables for the mastiff is quite extensive. It includes products such as cabbage, beets, cabbage and pumpkin. It is better not to give a potato to a dog, as this root crop is poorly absorbed by the body. A serving should satisfy the dog's nutritional needs, but not be excessive, so as not to provoke the development of diseases. It will be convenient to cook porridge for the pet and add meat with raw finely chopped vegetables.

Feeding dry food is only possible with the purchase of high-quality goods sold in a specialty store. Products must be designed specifically for large rocks and be saturated with all the necessary vitamins and minerals. The amount of feed offered per day is determined by the size of the animal., its activity, age, health and functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. When excess weight occurs in Bordeaux Dogo, it is necessary to reduce the volume of servings and increase the amount of physical activity.

Surprisingly, Bordeaux dogs are eating quite a bit - a portion of 200 grams is enough for them. Overfeeding in this case turns out to be critically dangerous, since the excess weight damages the internal organs. Having decided on the type of feed, it must be followed further, in no way mixing dry food with natural products.

Adult dogs are usually fed twice a day, and babies will need 3 to 4 meals a day. Thinking through the diet, you should adhere to the formula: 30 grams of protein per kilogram of animal weight.At the same time about 30% of the dishes should consist of cereals, fruits and vegetables. The list of prohibited products for this breed includes sweets, flour, river fish, mushrooms, tubular bones and dishes with an abundance of salt and spices. In general, it is worth adhering to a rather monotonous and even boring diet, the main characteristics of which are lightness and utility.

Bordeaux Mastiff is customary to keep in a house or apartment. If the owners still plan to lodge the dog on the street, then the kennel must be heated throughout the year. However, it is better to visit the street for walking, dog training and jogging. The floor in the place where the dog will sleep at home should be moderately warm, as the cold adversely affects the dog's rather weak joints. Locking the dog in the aviary is not allowed.

After eating the mastiff is better to clean the folds on the face. To do this easily with the help of a conventional rag or a damp cloth. Periodically it is important to inspect the condition of the eyes and eyelids, as well as to clean them with a cotton pad soaked in a mixture of tea leaves and heated drinking water. Do not forget about the teeth - for hygiene are perfect special sticks for chewingsold in specialized stores. In addition, teeth can be cleaned with special brushes and toothpaste. The claws are cut once a month or once every two weeks using a guillotine claw cutter, and the sharp edge is processed by sawing. After the walk, experts advise to wash the paws and even coat with vegetable oil.

It is customary to clean the ears up to 3 times a week with a cotton swab soaked in lotion, but it is better to check them every day. If the owner detects redness, inflammation, or an excessive amount of sulfur, you should immediately consult a doctor. It is recommended from time to time to assess the condition of the pads of animals prone to cracking. Often it makes no sense to bathe a dog, as dry cleaning is sufficient. A pair of full-fledged water procedures is the norm approved by experts. The frequency of bathing is also determined depending on the level of contamination of the dog. Use should be a special veterinary shampoo and warm water, as hot is able to dry out the skin.

By the way, do not forget that the Dogue de Bordeaux is very poor in tolerating high temperatures, so you should go for a walk in the summer with a bottle of water. French mastiffs are not particularly welcome too active pastime, therefore, physical activity should be average. In principle, to prevent obesity quite vigorous walk twice a day. It is necessary to display a pet in a muzzle. During outdoor activities, it is important to avoid jumping from a height, as the animal easily injures the joints and ligaments.

Separately, you should talk about the health of your pet. Bordeaux dogs are prone to certain diseases. The peculiarity of the skull leads to respiratory problems such as shortness of breath. It is important for a dog not to overheat and not to be actively spending time in the hot season. In addition, there is an allergy, dysplasia of the hip or elbow joints, and in adulthood and the appearance of tumors, including cancer.Females quite often have difficulties during childbirth. However, most of the problems are still the result of improper care or lack of timely vaccination.

Education and training of puppies Bordeaux dogs begins with the second or third month of life. The first step is the process of socialization. The dog should get used to the leash, muzzle and collar. It is important to take it to the filled and busy streets, to give interaction with people and animals. In addition, the dog is important to instill confidence in the world around it. The owner is recommended from time to time to take a pet in his arms, sway, stroke and create positive emotions.

Direct training for teams occurs gradually. The first lessons should be simple and short-term, then their duration and complexity should be increased. Training must be alternated with active games and must be rewarded with goodies if the task is successfully completed. Working with a puppy is important to be calm, patient and ready to wait., while the pet is considering what the owner wants from him. Ideally, a training program should be thought out along with a specialist who can also help build long-term and mutually beneficial relationships between humans and animals.

The negative features of the French mastiff include excessive obsession, so you should try to eradicate it. In addition, a good solution would be to wean the animal to jump on the person, putting the paws on the chest, since, having reached a weight of tens of kilograms, this will create considerable inconvenience. Forcing a dog to do something is considered a failure. It will be much more effective to try to interest or motivate her. During the training a person should not raise his voice, use rudeness or a harsh tone. The animal, feeling negative, begins to feel bad, its motivation drops dramatically. If the pet is indulging, then it should be reprimanded in a calm tone, and then offer to repeat the command.

The key to breeding Bordeaux puppies is the presence of a good breeding female. It must be healthy, large and thoroughbred. Important indicators such as the presence of outstanding ancestors and proper origin. The breeder must learn the standard and be able to apply it. In addition to the appearance and health of the dog, its character is important. You should not bet, for example, on a very attractive, but stupid or cowardly mastiff.

In general, the main condition for the successful breeding of representatives of this breed is a preliminary study of a large amount of information, the ability to search for data, check reliable sources and treat them critically. Still, it should be mentioned that the breeding of large and sometimes aggressive animals should be done by a person who possesses not only a sufficient amount of knowledge, but also experience. Relatively recently, a tragedy occurred in the Moscow Region, when it was the Bordeaux dogs that attacked and slaughtered their mistress to death. Despite the fact that the woman was a professional, often visiting international exhibitions and receiving awards, a terrible incident did happen.

With regard to the Bordeaux dogs, their owners often speak positively, and negative comments are difficult to detect. One of the reviews suggests that cooperation with a reliable breeder made it possible to choose a dedicated and intelligent dog who likes to communicate with the owners and play, but at the same time shows itself perfectly at various exhibitions.The three-year-old Mastiff is even friends with the cat and sleeps with it. Friendship with other pets, by the way, is quite often mentioned. Another hostess says that the girl, who barely reached the age of one year, not only loves her, but is always ready to protect from trouble. Among the positive qualities of the breed distinguish calm, intelligence and dedication.

Caring for a French mastiff is pretty simple. He eats not so much, as it might seem, he walks quietly and does not rush at the birds or bicycles, does not bark without a reason, and is well placed even in the conditions of a normal apartment of a small area. The main disadvantage, according to the owners, are drool, abundantly left by a pet. Some, however, complain about the high cost of the puppies themselves, the high cost of food for them and shedding. Daily walks do not represent any particular difficulties for the owners, since the mastiffs do not need undue physical exertion. Some owners even call them the laziest dogs that can sleep for 24 hours a day.

For information on how to properly train a Dogo de Bordeaux, see the following video.