Why Do You Want a Dogue de Bordeaux?
… And other considerations
It would be ideal if prospective dog owners were required to pass a multi-tiered, comprehensive, fool proof exam to be granted the privilege of adopting a dog … but, and until that happens, I find that asking why someone wants a dog, moreover a specific breed, most especially a Dogue de Bordeaux, it is usually evidently clear whether the decision is in their and the dog’s best interest as it is the most direct and simplest question that often yields the most telling answers.
Therefore, I present the following list of reasons why I choose the Dogue de Bordeaux, and what I know about the breed that needs to be taken into consideration for any prospective owner. Owning a Dogue should not be taken lightly, nor should the decision to own any dog, thus this format could be used for either general or breed specific purpose.
For now, however, the dog and breed under the microscope is the Dogue de Bordeaux.
Why I want a Dogue de Bordeaux?
- I like Working dogs
- I am most fond of the guarding & bull breeds
- I prefer large dogs
- I am primarily attracted to dogs that are loyal & affectionate, yet discerning
- They are dignified and not overly social and/or obnoxious
- When they bark, it’s usually for a good reason
- They help me feel safe & well protected
- One must earn a Dogue’s respect
- Training takes time & patience … and Dogues have ‘terms’
- I crave & embrace the challenge of the above two factors
- The conquer of the above challenges is infinitely rewarding
- Dogues have useful coats
- Grooming is relatively easy
- They are not high energy
- They do not require a large yard, provided they get adequate daily exercise
- They are pretty chill housedogs
- They like to be included, but are not overly needy
- I adore their facial expressions and overall look
- The snoring & snorting never cease to make me smile or outright laugh
- I have a vanity about well-bred dogs that command attention
- It is important for me to be an ambassador to this spectacular, ancient breed with a fragile history and potentially compromised future
What to consider:
- You must pro-actively socialize your Dogue early and throughout their life – it is A LOT of work
- A Dogue must be trained with the most important, practical commands – it is A LOT of work
- As with the above, if you plan to integrate your Dogue in public, your work just quadrupled
- Dogues have a short life span
- They are expensive
- As with the above, If you do not buy from a reputable breeder, your expenses will likely quadruple
- Finding a reputable breeder is difficult as those who are well-educated, experienced & dedicated to the integrity of the breed, and also health test, are rare
- Once you’ve chosen & been approved by a breeder, waiting for a pup may take time
- Dogues snore, snort & drool
- Lots of poo
- You need a living space & car big enough to accommodate a Dogue
- Apartment, house and vacation rentals may not accept giant and/or bull breeds
- Dogues need strong leadership – experience is required
- Training a Dogue takes time & patience – experience is required
- They are exceptionally strong – even a mild-mannered Dogue that walks well on leash might take you off your feet to investigate an interesting scent
- A Dogue can knock you off balance just by turning around, so consider how that translates to someone who weighs less, is frail and/or has any physical challenges
- Many people fear large dogs, let alone a Mastiff/bull breeds, thus one must be always ‘on their game’ at risk of retribution for any misstep, perceived or otherwise
- Most Dogues do not appreciate being approached by people they do not know – add a direct stare, forward reaching arms, face-to-face contact or embrace (or any combination thereof) and their response will very likely cause a heart to skip a beat
- As with the above, you must keep your Dogue under constant supervision as people do dumb things in the company of dogs they know, think they know, and know not
- Dogues can interact well with other dogs (and animals) with proper early and ongoing socialization, but as a general rule, it takes an experienced owner to manage a Dogue’s ‘dance card’ – in other words, don’t expect to change the dynamics of your pack with new and/or visiting mature dogs without the skills to do so. Add female/female, male/male, cut/intact and territory into the mix and the job just got a whole lot trickier
If you have read & digested all this and are still interested in a Dogue de Bordeaux, welcome to the club! Your life as a dog owner will be forever changed and you will be beholden to everything a Dogue gives to you in return. But, until the times comes, please be wise and please be committed, and please help preserve the integrity of this magnificent breed!
Diane Kunas, MA, MCFBA
Dog Trainer & Behaviorist
Continental Canine Behaviour, Seattle WA
MA, Breed Specific Behaviour, Middlesex University, London UK
Distance Tutor: Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour & Training (cidbt.uk)
Full Member, Canine & Feline Behavior Association (cfba.uk)