Before deciding where to get their Dogue De Bordeaux from, I expect potential puppy buyers to have done plenty of research on the breed, usually via the internet, from books and from responsible breeders. It is most important that all family members are happy that the Dogue De Bordeaux is the breed for them.

Due to the film Turner and Hooch, which is where the majority first saw the breed, most people are aware that the Bordeaux has the potential to Slobber! This characteristic was exaggerated in the film, I have found that the Males are more prone to this, but even they only usually do it when they have just had a drink or food, if they are wiped with a cloth at this time then I don't see it as a problem, if you do then the Dogue De Bordeaux is NOT the breed for you.

The most important characteristic that can mould the Bordeaux's nature is that they are a natural guard, meaning they will protect, in varying degrees, things that are important to them, namely their pack, the family and their property the home, which is part of their nature that most people like about the breed, because of this it is important that from day one the puppy knows his position in the pack/family, there needs to be an Alpha Male or Female that has the pups respect, from this the pup learns that his position in the pack/family, is lower than ALL members of the family, however young they may be. Bordeaux's are trainable, but they can have a stubborn streak, which does not respond to bullying, reward based training is the way to go with them, see also TRAIN WITH PLAY, which goes into more detail on this type of training.

Bordeaux's have a wonderful love of Children, from a young age they will make a B-line for them, many a time I have been pulled towards a passing push chair, they are so careful and gentle with them, a typical giant breed.

ALL dogs have Mites to varying degrees, in times of stress, which can include a change of environment, a house move, or a stay in kennels and particularly from the age of 9 to 15 months, when there is an increase in Hormonal activity, in all young dogs, like other Mastiff type breeds, the Bordeaux can develop a reaction to the Mites, the most common symptom are spots, similar to teenage acne, on the face, front legs and tummy area, there can be hair loss and a moistening of the fur, It is ESSENTIAL to get a prompt diagnosis from your Veterinary surgeon performing a skin scraping where the Mites can be seen under the microscope, the correct use of a specific wash, for the correct length of time will usually solve the problem, a wash that is left to dry on the coat is more efficient than shampoo, if diagnosed and treated promptly this should not be an on going problem for the individual.

As with ALL giant breeds the Bordeaux is susceptible to Bloat (Gastric torsion), this is purely due to the size of their rib cage allowing room for the stomach to twist, if this happens the gases build up making the stomach enlarge massively,................. MAKE NO MISTAKE THIS IS LIFE THREATENING.............Swift action by a vet is the only cure, slowly letting out the gas, then operating to untwist the stomach, usually stitching it to the side of the cavity wall to try to prevent it happening again, anyone owning a giant breed, including Bordeaux's, needs to research this condition further and be very aware of the symptoms, acting immediately if there are an signs of Bloat!

.....To summarize, The Dogue de Bordeaux is a very Loyal Family Companion, a typical giant breed, whose size and appearance should be impressive, but whose nature is kind and gentle, they thrive on  human contact especially Children, and if treated with kindness and understanding will reward you with their love and devotion for their lifetime!!!