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overview of the Mastiff Dog Breed
Are you looking for a magnificent, loving, and protective guard dog?
Check out our French Mastiff/Dogue de Bordeaux puppies for sale below!
This large, powerful dog is loyal, courageous, and vigilant. The French Mastiff/Dogue de Bordeaux is a docile breed that loves his family deeply and has a gorgeous mahogany coat. However, he has a stubborn streak and needs firm leadership and socialization to become a well behaved dog. This breed is not recommended for first time dog owners.
Adopt your French Mastiff/Dogue de Bordeaux puppy today and start enjoying this strong yet affectionate breed!
You can also check out our other puppy breeds for sale on our “all breeds” page.
Mastiff temperament
Protective & Powerful: Historically used as war dogs and guardians of estates, the French Mastiff/Dogue de Bordeaux has a strong protective nature and is very loyal. Socialization and training is essential for this breed, as they can become aggressive if not trained properly. They are large, muscular dogs with an intimidating presence. A glance at this dog will send an intruder quickly on their way.
Droolers: On a less glamorous note, the French Mastiff/Dogue de Bordeaux is a serious drooler. Be prepared with towels and rags to wipe your dog’s mouth, especially after drinking water or exercising.
Gentle Giants: Despite their imposing size and protective instincts, French Mastiffs are often described as “gentle giants.” They are typically gentle and patient with children and can be very tolerant.
Loyal: They are loyal and devoted to their families. They thrive on human companionship and often seek attention and affection.
Affectionate: Don’t let this dog’s strength and size fool you – he has a loving heart when he’s with his family. Don’t keep this dog in a kennel or on a chain – they want to be near their owers at all times.
Stubborn: The French Mastiff/DDB has a stubborn steak and is recommended for experienced dog owners only. With their size, strength, and protectiveness, the French Mastiff/DDB can become aggresive if they are not shown firmness and strong leadership from a young age.
Low-Energy: The French Mastiff/DDB is a relatively calm, laidback breed. However, they remain vigilant even while napping on sofa.
It’s important to note that individual French Mastiffs may have variations in their personalities, and early socialization and training are essential to ensure they develop into well-behaved pets. These dogs are best suited for experienced dog owners who can provide them with proper care, training, and a loving but firm hand when necessary. They can make excellent family companions when raised and trained appropriately.
Mastiff Breed history
The French Mastiff/Dogue de Bordeaux originated from the Bordeaux region of France.
The French Mastiif/DDB is a related to the Mastiff, Bullmastiff, Tibetan Mastiff, and Neapolitan Mastiff.
Many people believe the French Mastiff’s ancestors were brought to France by Julius Caesar’s army around BC 1. Romans used Mastiffs as war dogs and to fight other dogs and wild animals in the arena.
During the Middle Ages, the French Mastiff/DDB were used as hunters and as guardians of castles and estates. After the French Revolution, the French Aristocracy was overthrown and the French Mastiff became mainly a butcher’s dog.
The French Mastiff/DDB largely remained inside of France until 1989 when the movie Turner and Hooch was released. This movie stars Tom Hanks as a detective and his stubborn, yet endearing French Mastiff/DDB named Beasly.
The DDB Club of America was formed in 1997, and in 2008 the French Mastiff/DDB was recongnized by the AKC.
Today, the French Mastiff/DDB ranks number 76 out of all breeds registered with AKC.
French Mastiffs are similar to English Mastiffs, Cane Corsos, and Saint Bernards.
Mastiff Average size
Male Dogue de Bordeaux, or French Mastiffs, measure 23.27 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 110 pounds or more. Females measure 23-26 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 99 pounds or more.
Average Mastiff lifespan
You can expect your Dogue de Bordeaux, DDB, to live for 5-8 years.
Mastiff body features
Dogue de Bordeaux, or DDB, have short, stocky bodies, underbites like bulldogs, furrowed brows, and large heads.
They are a beautiful fawn or mahogany color and can have white, brown, or black markings on their chest or face.
grooming Your Mastiff Puppy
A Dog de Bordeaux/French Mastiff’s coat is short and relatively low-maintenance. They shed year-round. You will want to brush them regularly with a rubber curry brush or a shedding blade to remove loose hair.
French Mastiffs have wrinkles on their faces which can trap moisture and dirt. Use a warm, damp cloth to wash in between the wrinkles every day. Be sure to dry them too thoroughly!
Your dog will also need its nails trimmed, and teeth brushed regularly.
French Mastiffs drool, so you’ll want to keep some cloths nearby to wipe their mouths, your clothing, or whatever else they may drool on!
Keeping Your Mastiff Puppy Healthy
Not all dogs will have every health condition, but its important for dog owners to know what health conditions may affect their dog.
First, a word about safety.
Safety Precautions for the Dogue de Bordeaux/French Mastiff
Due to their short snout, the Dogue de Bordeaux/French Mastiff can overheat quickly. Please, keep a careful eye on your dog during extreme temperatures.
Since breathing is difficult for them, heavy exercise can be too strenuous for them, especially on hot days. Keep an eye on them carefully during walks and other forms of exercise to make sure they are breathing properly.
Bloat (for large breeds)
One of the most serious health concerns for the French Mastiff/Dogue de Bordeaux is bloat. Bloat, also called gastric dilatation-volvulus or gastric torsion, can affect any large breed dog and is a life-threatening condition.
Bloat is when the stomach becomes twisted, and the gases in the stomach are unable to escape. The pressure from these gases affects the blood flow to the heart, and it can be fatal.
To prevent bloat:
- Avoid feeding your dog right before or after heavy exercise.
- Feed them a few smaller meals a day instead of one large meal to prevent bloat.
- Learn to recognize the symptoms of bloat so you can take action immediately.
Some owners choose to have surgery done to tack their dog’s stomach in place and prevent it from twisting.
Protect Your Dogue de Bordeeaux/French Mastiff from Obesity
You can protect your dog from one of the most common health problems: obesity. One of the best ways to extend your dog’s life is by feeding them the correct amount of food and giving them adequate exercise.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Like all dog breeds, the Dogue de Bordeaux/French Mastiff are at risk for hip and elbow dysplasia, two of the most common health issues in dogs.
Hip and elbow dysplasia occurs when the thigh bone doesn’t fit snugly into the hip and can result in limping, lameness, or arthritis if it’s not addressed.
Hip and elbow dysplasia can be genetic, or it can be caused by environmental factors such as overeating or injuries.
Here are some ways to prevent hip dysplasia in your puppy:
- Ask the breeder for an OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) Hip Clearance. Dogs with hip dysplasia shouldn’t be bred.
- Talk to your vet about the right food for your puppy and stick to the correct amount to prevent unhealthy growth.
- Keep your puppy from running or jumping excessively on hard surfaces and standing on their hind legs.
Typical Mastiff Allergens
First of all, what causes allergies?
Allergens are caused by dander, which is dead skin cells. Both animals and humans shed these dead skin cells. Dander is attached to the fur that dogs shed.
French Mastiffs/Dogue de Bordeaux are moderate to heavy shedders and are not considered an allergen-friendly breed. Allergens can be lowered with regular brushing and bathing.
If you or someone in your home has animal allergy concerns, please consult your health provider before adopting a puppy.
