In recent years, the French Mastiff breed has been increasingly adopted by many people despite having faced near extinction at one point.
So, what makes this breed special? Let’s explore more details through the article below, courtesy of DailyPets.net.
Origin and History of the French Mastiff
The French Mastiff, also known as the Dogue De Bordeaux, is believed to have first appeared in France in the 14th century near Bordeaux.
There is no concrete evidence or specific research to establish the true origin of the Dogue De Bordeaux breed. Therefore, there are various hypotheses about its history.
Some believe the French Mastiff has a longer history than the Bullmastiff and the Bulldog. Others suggest that it may have origins from Tibetan Mastiffs, Greek Mastiffs, or Neapolitan Mastiffs.
It is known, however, that the first French Mastiff was owned by a woman named Magentas. In 1863, she and her Dogue de Bordeaux won a dog show in Paris, France.
It wasn’t until the 1960s that Raymond Triquet and a group of French breeders began building and developing breed standards for the French Mastiff. The complete breed standard description was finalized in 1970 and updated in 1995.
Over the years, the French Mastiff has gained more popularity with promotion and development efforts. They created a lovable image in the 1989 film “Turner & Hooch.” Finally, in 2007, the American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the French Mastiff, Dogue De Bordeaux.
Physical Characteristics of the French Mastiff
Overall, the French Mastiff has a well-balanced body with strong muscle mass. The front legs are straight, and the tail is medium length, not exceeding the hock joint. The distance from the chest to the ground is moderate, not as tall as the English Mastiff.
According to the AKC standards, male French Mastiffs should weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and stand 24 to 27 inches tall, while females should weigh a minimum of 99 pounds and stand 23 to 26 inches tall. If they don’t meet these criteria, they are considered faulty and may not be suitable for dog shows or competitions.
The French Mastiff has the largest head among dog breeds, with a lower jaw similar to a Bulldog. The upper lip is relatively low compared to the lower lip. The length of the muzzle should be no more than one-third the length of the head but not less than one-fourth.
The nose of the French Mastiff can be either light pink or black, contrasting with the coat color. If the nose is light pink, the eye rims should be brown; if the nose is black, the eye rims should also be black.
The ears of the Dogue De Bordeaux are triangular and hang down. They have a moderate length and should not be too long like those of hound dogs.
The neck of the French Mastiff is moderately wrinkled but not as wrinkled as a Neapolitan Mastiff.
Their coat is short and smooth, with fawn or dark red predominant colors. White patches or spots may appear on the chest and toes. If white appears in other areas of the body, it is considered a breed fault.
Personality Traits of the French Mastiff
French Mastiffs are known to be loyal and protective despite their intimidating appearance. They are serious and focused when working and can be reserved around strangers. However, they are gentle and affectionate at home, getting along well with their owners and living a peaceful, obedient life.
They are highly valued for their unwavering loyalty and readiness to protect their owners. Despite being a large and potentially dangerous breed, their loyalty is remarkable.
Health Issues of the French Mastiff
Although they may appear robust, the French Mastiff has an average lifespan of 5 to 8 years, with some individuals living up to 12 or 14 years. They can also be prone to several health issues, including respiratory problems due to the wrinkles on their faces, a narrow aorta, dilated cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and gastric torsion.
Caring for the French Mastiff
Maintaining the hygiene of their coat, skin, and nails is essential, especially given their propensity to drool. Regular bathing and using dog shampoos can help prevent skin issues.
Due to their history of working as a guardian breed, they require daily exercise and outdoor activities. Exercise, such as taking them to the park, keeps them healthy. However, it’s important to ensure their safety around strangers and to socialize with them from a young age to avoid aggressive behavior.
In terms of diet, French Mastiffs are not overly fussy eaters. They can consume most foods, except wheat, as some may be allergic. Feeding them multiple small meals daily with well-balanced nutrients is recommended to avoid obesity and gastrointestinal issues.
French Mastiff price
French Mastiffs can be quite expensive. Puppies can range from $1,000 to $5,000, with the price influenced by age, health, and the breeder’s reputation. It’s essential to purchase from reputable and well-established pet stores to ensure the quality and health of the dog.
We hope this article provides valuable information about the French Mastiff (Dogue De Bordeaux).
