The Unique History of Dogue de Bordeaux Breeders
Described as one of the most powerful and strong dogs, the Dogue de Bordeaux is thought to be an ancient French breed originating sometime in the fourteenth century. However, there is no consensus about the true ancestry of this dog. Dogue de Bordeaux breeders have mixed reviews. They may have been possible descendants of the Greek and Roman Molossus, the European Mastiffs, dogs from Aquitaine or Spanish dogs from Burgos. Whatever their beginning, they do pre -date the Bull Mastiff and the Bulldog. This breed, with a number of others, falls under a larger category described as the Molossers. This group encompasses different breeds that are thought to share the same rootstock.
It was not until the 1920’s that standards were attempted to be met. Until then this breed was extremely varied. Now Dogue de Bordeaux breeders aspire to standards that include males at maturity standing between 23.5 to 27 inches at the withers and weighing no less than 110 pounds. Mature females being a little smaller must stand between 22.5 to 25.5 inches at the withers and weigh no less than 99 pounds. Although there is no standard for a weight limit, the dog is expected to be uniform in weight and height.
A very unique characteristic of this breed is the size and shape of the head. These dogs are believed to sport one of the largest heads in the canine world. The circumference of the male dog’s head at the widest part of the skull should measure about the same distance as the height of the dog at the withers. As many Dogue de Bordeaux breeders will attest, this trait is specific to this breed. While the female dog exhibits a large head, its measurement will be slightly smaller than the height of the dog. The shape of the head, if looking down from above, is trapezoid.
Due to the fact that many of these dogs were lost during the French Revolution, it was imperative that someone took a special interest in preserving this breed. Dogue de Bordeaux breeders like Raymond Triquet and his club were paramount in the survival of the breed. They are now well established in France and continue to grow in popularity worldwide. Today there are approximately 3000 of these dogs in the United States. As recent as July of 2008 this breed received complete recognition from the American Kennel Club.
