(AKC Working Group)
Height: 23 1/2 to 27 inches (male); 23 to 26 inches (female).
Size: Large.
Weight: At least 110 pounds (male); At least 99 pounds (female).
Availability: Very difficult to find.
Size: Large.
Weight: At least 110 pounds (male); At least 99 pounds (female).
Availability: Very difficult to find.
ORIGIN : France.
UTILIZATION : Guard, defence and dissuasion.
UTILIZATION : Guard, defence and dissuasion.
BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY : The dogue de Bordeaux is one
of the most ancient French breeds, probably a descendant of the Alans
and, in particular, the alan vautre of which Gaston Phebus (or Febus),
Count of Foix, said in the 14th century, in his Livre de Chasse that “he
holds his bite stronger than three sighthoundsâ€. In the middle of the
19th century these ancient dogues were hardly renowned outside the
region of Aquitaine. They were used for hunting large game such as
boar, for fighting (often codified), for the guarding of houses and
cattle and in the service of butchers. In 1863 the first French dog
show took place in Paris in the Jardin d’Acclimatation. The dogues de
Bordeaux were entered under their present name. There have been
different types : The Toulouse type, the Paris type and the Bordeaux
type, which is the origin of today’s dogue. The breed, which had
suffered greatly during the two world wars, to the point of being
threathened with extinction after the second world war, got off to a
fresh start in the 1960’s.
of the most ancient French breeds, probably a descendant of the Alans
and, in particular, the alan vautre of which Gaston Phebus (or Febus),
Count of Foix, said in the 14th century, in his Livre de Chasse that “he
holds his bite stronger than three sighthoundsâ€. In the middle of the
19th century these ancient dogues were hardly renowned outside the
region of Aquitaine. They were used for hunting large game such as
boar, for fighting (often codified), for the guarding of houses and
cattle and in the service of butchers. In 1863 the first French dog
show took place in Paris in the Jardin d’Acclimatation. The dogues de
Bordeaux were entered under their present name. There have been
different types : The Toulouse type, the Paris type and the Bordeaux
type, which is the origin of today’s dogue. The breed, which had
suffered greatly during the two world wars, to the point of being
threathened with extinction after the second world war, got off to a
fresh start in the 1960’s.
GENERAL APPEARANCE : Typical concave lined brachycephalic
molossoid. The Dogue de Bordeaux is a very powerful dog, with a
very muscular body yet retaining a harmonious general outline. He is
built rather close to the ground, the distance sternum-ground being
slightly less than the depth of the chest. Stocky, athletic, imposing, he
has a very dissuasive aspect.
molossoid. The Dogue de Bordeaux is a very powerful dog, with a
very muscular body yet retaining a harmonious general outline. He is
built rather close to the ground, the distance sternum-ground being
slightly less than the depth of the chest. Stocky, athletic, imposing, he
has a very dissuasive aspect.
IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS :
• The length of the body, measured from the point of the
shoulder to the point of the buttock, is superior to the height at
the withers, in the proportion of 11/10.
• The depth of the chest is more than half the height at the
withers.
• The maximum length of the muzzle is equal to one third of the
length of the head.
• The minimum length of the muzzle is equal to one quarter of
the length of the head.
• In the male, the perimeter of the skull corresponds more or
less to the height at the withers.
• The length of the body, measured from the point of the
shoulder to the point of the buttock, is superior to the height at
the withers, in the proportion of 11/10.
• The depth of the chest is more than half the height at the
withers.
• The maximum length of the muzzle is equal to one third of the
length of the head.
• The minimum length of the muzzle is equal to one quarter of
the length of the head.
• In the male, the perimeter of the skull corresponds more or
less to the height at the withers.
BEHAVIOR / TEMPERAMENT : An ancient fighting dog, the
dogue de Bordeaux is gifted for guarding, which he assumes with
vigilance and great courage but without aggressiveness. A good
companion, very attached to his master and very affectionate. Calm,
balanced with a high stimulus threshold.
The male normally has a dominant character.
dogue de Bordeaux is gifted for guarding, which he assumes with
vigilance and great courage but without aggressiveness. A good
companion, very attached to his master and very affectionate. Calm,
balanced with a high stimulus threshold.
The male normally has a dominant character.
HEAD : Voluminous, angular, broad, rather short, trapezoid when
viewed from above and in front. The longitudinal axes of the skull out
of the bridge of nose are convergent (towards the front). The head is
furrow with symmetrical wrinkles, each side of the median groove.
These deep ropes of wrinkle are mobile depending on whether the dog
is attentive or not.
viewed from above and in front. The longitudinal axes of the skull out
of the bridge of nose are convergent (towards the front). The head is
furrow with symmetrical wrinkles, each side of the median groove.
These deep ropes of wrinkle are mobile depending on whether the dog
is attentive or not.
CRANIAL REGION :
Skull :
- In the male: the perimeter of the skull measured at the level of
its greatest width corresponds roughly to the height at the
withers.
- In bitches : it may be slightly less.
Its volume and shape are the consequences of the very important
development of the temporals, supra-orbital arches, zygomatic arches
and the spacing of the branches of the lower jaw. The upper region of
the skull is slightly convex from one side to the other. The frontal
groove is deep, diminishing towards the posterior end of the head.
The forehead dominates the face. However it is still wider than high.
Stop : Fronto-nasal depression or stop is very pronounced, almost
forming a right angle with the muzzle (95° to 100°).
Skull :
- In the male: the perimeter of the skull measured at the level of
its greatest width corresponds roughly to the height at the
withers.
- In bitches : it may be slightly less.
Its volume and shape are the consequences of the very important
development of the temporals, supra-orbital arches, zygomatic arches
and the spacing of the branches of the lower jaw. The upper region of
the skull is slightly convex from one side to the other. The frontal
groove is deep, diminishing towards the posterior end of the head.
The forehead dominates the face. However it is still wider than high.
Stop : Fronto-nasal depression or stop is very pronounced, almost
forming a right angle with the muzzle (95° to 100°).
FACIAL REGION :
Nose : Broad, well opened nostrils, well pigmented according to the
mask. Upturned nose (snubbed) permissible but not if it is set back
towards the face.
Muzzle : Powerful, broad, thick, but not fleshy below the eyes, rather
short, upper profile very slightly concave, with moderately obvious
folds. Its width hardly decreasing towards the tip of the muzzle, when
viewed from above it has the general shape of a square. In relation to
the upper region of the skull, the line of the muzzle forms a very
obtuse angle upwards. When the head is held horizontally the tip of
the muzzle, truncated, thick and broad at the base, is in front of a
vertical tangent to the anterior face of the nose. Its perimeter is almost
two thirds of that of the head. Its length varies between one third and
minimum one quarter of the total length of the head, from the nose to
the occipital crest. The limits stated (maximum one third and
minimum one quarter of the total length of the head) are permissible
but not sought after, the ideal length of the muzzle being between
these two extremes.
Lips : Upper lip thick, moderately pendulous, rectractile. When
viewed in profile it shows a rounded lower line. It covers the lower
jaw on the sides. In front the edge of the upper lip is in contact with
the lower lip, then drops on either side thus forming a reserved wide
V.
Jaws/Teeth : Jaws powerful, broad. Undershot (the undershot
condition being a characteristic of the breed). The back of the lower
incisors is in front of and not in contact with the front face of the
upper incisors.
The lower jaw curves upwards. The chin is well marked and must
neither overlap the upper lip exaggeratedly nor be covered by it.
Teeth strong, particularly the canines. Lower canines set wide apart
and slightly curved. Incisors well aligned especially in the apart and
slightly curved. Incisors well aligned especially in the lower jaw
where they form an apparently straight line.
Cheeks : Prominent, due to the very strong development of the
muscles.
Eyes : Oval, set wide apart. The space between the two inner angles
of the eyelids is equal to about twice the length of the eye (eye
opening). Frank expression. The haw must not be visible. Colour :
hazel to dark brown for a dog with a black mask, lighter colour
tolerated but not sought after in dogs with either a brown mask or
without a mask.
Ears : Relatively small, of a slightly darker colour than the coat. At its
set on the front of the base of the ear is slightly raised. They must fall
back, but not hang limply, the front edge being close to the cheek
when the dog is attentive. The tip of the ear is slightly rounded; it
must not reach beyond the eye. Set rather high, at the level of the
upper line of the skull, thus appearing to accentuate its width even
more.
NECK : Very strong, muscular, almost cylindrical. This skin is
supple, ample and loose. The average circumference almost that of
the head. It is separated from the head by a slightly accentuated
transversal furrow, slightly curved. Its upper edge is slightly convex.
The well defined dewlap starts at the level of the throat forming folds
down to the chest, without hanging exaggeratedly. The neck, very
broad at its base, merges smoothly with the shoulders.
BODY :
Topline : Solid.
Withers : Well marked.
Back : Broad and muscular.
Loin : Broad. Rather short and solid.
Croup : Moderately sloping down to the root of the tail.
Chest : Powerful, long, deep, broad, let down lower than the elbows.
Broad and powerful breast whose lower line (inter-axillae) is convex
towards the bottom. Ribs well let down and well sprung but not barrel
shaped. The circumference of the chest must be between 0,25 to 0,35
m greater than the height at the withers.
Underline : Curved, from the deep brisket to the rather tucked up, firm
abdomen, being neither pendulous nor whippety.
TAIL : Very thick at the base. Its tip preferably reaching the hock
and not below. Carried low, it is neither broken nor kinked but
supple. Hanging when the dog is in repose, generally rising by 90° to
120° from that position when the dog is in action, without curving
over the back or being curled.
LIMBS
FOREQUARTERS : Strong bone structure, legs very muscular.
Shoulders : Powerful, prominent muscles. Slant of shoulder-blade
medium (about 45° to the horizontal), angle of the scapular-humeral
articulation a little more than 90°.
Arms : Very muscular.
Elbows : In the axis of the body, neither too close to the thoracic wall
nor turned out.
Forearms: Viewed from the front, straight or inclining slightly
inwards thus getting closer to the median plane, especially in dogs
with a very broad chest. Viewed in profile, vertical.
Pastern : Powerful. Viewed in profile, slightly sloping. Viewed from
the front sometimes slightly outwards compensating for the slight
inclination of the forearm inwards.
Forefeet : Strong. Toes tight, nails curved and strong, pads well
developed and supple : the dogue is well up on his toes despite his
weight.
HINDQUARTERS : Robust legs with strong bone structure; well
angulated. When viewed from behind the hindquarters are parallel
and vertical thus giving an impression of power even though the
hindquarters are not quite as broad as the forequarters.
Thigh : Very developed and thick with visible muscles.
Stifle : In a parallel plane to the median plane or slightly out.
Second thigh : Relatively short, muscled, descending low.
Hock : Short, sinewy, angle of the hock joint moderately open.
Metatarsus : Robust, no dewclaws.
Hind feet : Slightly longer than the front feet, toes tight.
GAIT / MOVEMENT : Quite supple for a molossoid. When
walking the movement is free, supple, close to the ground. Good
drive from the hindquarters, good extension of the forelegs, especially
when trotting, which is the preferred gait. When the trot quickens, the
head tends to drop, the topline inclines towards the front, and the front
feet get closer to the median plane while striding out with a long
reaching movement of the front legs. Short gallop with vertical
movement rather important. Capable of great speed over short
distances by bolting along close to the ground.
SKIN : Thick and sufficiently loose fitting.
COAT
HAIR : Fine, short and soft to the touch.
COLOR : Self-coloured, in all shades of fawn, from mahogany to
isabella. A good pigmentation is desirable. Limited white patches are
permissible on the chest and the extremities of the limbs.
Mask :
• Black mask : The mask is often only slightly spread out and
must not invade the cranial region. There may be slight black
shading on the skull, ears, neck and top of body. The nose is
then black.
• Brown mask : (used to be called red or bistre). The nose is
then brown; the eyerims are also brown.
• No mask : The coat is fawn : the skin appears red (also
formerly called “red maskâ€). The nose is then reddish or pink.
SIZE AND WEIGHT : Height should more or less correspond to the
perimeter of the skull.
Height at the withers : For dogs : 60-68 cm.
For bitches: 58-66 cm.
1 cm under and 2 cm over will be tolerated.
Weight :
Dogs : at least 50 kg.
Bitches : at least 45 kg.
Bitches : Identical characteristics but less prominent.
Nose : Broad, well opened nostrils, well pigmented according to the
mask. Upturned nose (snubbed) permissible but not if it is set back
towards the face.
Muzzle : Powerful, broad, thick, but not fleshy below the eyes, rather
short, upper profile very slightly concave, with moderately obvious
folds. Its width hardly decreasing towards the tip of the muzzle, when
viewed from above it has the general shape of a square. In relation to
the upper region of the skull, the line of the muzzle forms a very
obtuse angle upwards. When the head is held horizontally the tip of
the muzzle, truncated, thick and broad at the base, is in front of a
vertical tangent to the anterior face of the nose. Its perimeter is almost
two thirds of that of the head. Its length varies between one third and
minimum one quarter of the total length of the head, from the nose to
the occipital crest. The limits stated (maximum one third and
minimum one quarter of the total length of the head) are permissible
but not sought after, the ideal length of the muzzle being between
these two extremes.
Lips : Upper lip thick, moderately pendulous, rectractile. When
viewed in profile it shows a rounded lower line. It covers the lower
jaw on the sides. In front the edge of the upper lip is in contact with
the lower lip, then drops on either side thus forming a reserved wide
V.
Jaws/Teeth : Jaws powerful, broad. Undershot (the undershot
condition being a characteristic of the breed). The back of the lower
incisors is in front of and not in contact with the front face of the
upper incisors.
The lower jaw curves upwards. The chin is well marked and must
neither overlap the upper lip exaggeratedly nor be covered by it.
Teeth strong, particularly the canines. Lower canines set wide apart
and slightly curved. Incisors well aligned especially in the apart and
slightly curved. Incisors well aligned especially in the lower jaw
where they form an apparently straight line.
Cheeks : Prominent, due to the very strong development of the
muscles.
Eyes : Oval, set wide apart. The space between the two inner angles
of the eyelids is equal to about twice the length of the eye (eye
opening). Frank expression. The haw must not be visible. Colour :
hazel to dark brown for a dog with a black mask, lighter colour
tolerated but not sought after in dogs with either a brown mask or
without a mask.
Ears : Relatively small, of a slightly darker colour than the coat. At its
set on the front of the base of the ear is slightly raised. They must fall
back, but not hang limply, the front edge being close to the cheek
when the dog is attentive. The tip of the ear is slightly rounded; it
must not reach beyond the eye. Set rather high, at the level of the
upper line of the skull, thus appearing to accentuate its width even
more.
NECK : Very strong, muscular, almost cylindrical. This skin is
supple, ample and loose. The average circumference almost that of
the head. It is separated from the head by a slightly accentuated
transversal furrow, slightly curved. Its upper edge is slightly convex.
The well defined dewlap starts at the level of the throat forming folds
down to the chest, without hanging exaggeratedly. The neck, very
broad at its base, merges smoothly with the shoulders.
BODY :
Topline : Solid.
Withers : Well marked.
Back : Broad and muscular.
Loin : Broad. Rather short and solid.
Croup : Moderately sloping down to the root of the tail.
Chest : Powerful, long, deep, broad, let down lower than the elbows.
Broad and powerful breast whose lower line (inter-axillae) is convex
towards the bottom. Ribs well let down and well sprung but not barrel
shaped. The circumference of the chest must be between 0,25 to 0,35
m greater than the height at the withers.
Underline : Curved, from the deep brisket to the rather tucked up, firm
abdomen, being neither pendulous nor whippety.
TAIL : Very thick at the base. Its tip preferably reaching the hock
and not below. Carried low, it is neither broken nor kinked but
supple. Hanging when the dog is in repose, generally rising by 90° to
120° from that position when the dog is in action, without curving
over the back or being curled.
LIMBS
FOREQUARTERS : Strong bone structure, legs very muscular.
Shoulders : Powerful, prominent muscles. Slant of shoulder-blade
medium (about 45° to the horizontal), angle of the scapular-humeral
articulation a little more than 90°.
Arms : Very muscular.
Elbows : In the axis of the body, neither too close to the thoracic wall
nor turned out.
Forearms: Viewed from the front, straight or inclining slightly
inwards thus getting closer to the median plane, especially in dogs
with a very broad chest. Viewed in profile, vertical.
Pastern : Powerful. Viewed in profile, slightly sloping. Viewed from
the front sometimes slightly outwards compensating for the slight
inclination of the forearm inwards.
Forefeet : Strong. Toes tight, nails curved and strong, pads well
developed and supple : the dogue is well up on his toes despite his
weight.
HINDQUARTERS : Robust legs with strong bone structure; well
angulated. When viewed from behind the hindquarters are parallel
and vertical thus giving an impression of power even though the
hindquarters are not quite as broad as the forequarters.
Thigh : Very developed and thick with visible muscles.
Stifle : In a parallel plane to the median plane or slightly out.
Second thigh : Relatively short, muscled, descending low.
Hock : Short, sinewy, angle of the hock joint moderately open.
Metatarsus : Robust, no dewclaws.
Hind feet : Slightly longer than the front feet, toes tight.
GAIT / MOVEMENT : Quite supple for a molossoid. When
walking the movement is free, supple, close to the ground. Good
drive from the hindquarters, good extension of the forelegs, especially
when trotting, which is the preferred gait. When the trot quickens, the
head tends to drop, the topline inclines towards the front, and the front
feet get closer to the median plane while striding out with a long
reaching movement of the front legs. Short gallop with vertical
movement rather important. Capable of great speed over short
distances by bolting along close to the ground.
SKIN : Thick and sufficiently loose fitting.
COAT
HAIR : Fine, short and soft to the touch.
COLOR : Self-coloured, in all shades of fawn, from mahogany to
isabella. A good pigmentation is desirable. Limited white patches are
permissible on the chest and the extremities of the limbs.
Mask :
• Black mask : The mask is often only slightly spread out and
must not invade the cranial region. There may be slight black
shading on the skull, ears, neck and top of body. The nose is
then black.
• Brown mask : (used to be called red or bistre). The nose is
then brown; the eyerims are also brown.
• No mask : The coat is fawn : the skin appears red (also
formerly called “red maskâ€). The nose is then reddish or pink.
SIZE AND WEIGHT : Height should more or less correspond to the
perimeter of the skull.
Height at the withers : For dogs : 60-68 cm.
For bitches: 58-66 cm.
1 cm under and 2 cm over will be tolerated.
Weight :
Dogs : at least 50 kg.
Bitches : at least 45 kg.
Bitches : Identical characteristics but less prominent.