Dogue de Bordeaux — size comparison

The Dogue de Bordeaux is substantial, with a very broad head, short muzzle and thick neck. Its short coat ranges from pale fawn to deeper reddish shades. Forehead folds become especially visible when concentrating. A broad body rests on powerful legs, with measured, purposeful movement.

It descends from French molossers, especially those associated with Aquitaine. These dogs guarded homes and cattle, assisted butchers and hunted large game. They appeared under the present name at a Paris show in 1863. The Bordeaux type became the basis of the modern breed among several earlier types. Breeding recovered in the twentieth century after severe wartime losses.

With familiar people it can be calm and affectionate, without exuberance towards its wider surroundings. It is more often reserved with strangers, watching behaviour carefully. Confidence may appear as quietly holding position rather than constant barking. It is nevertheless not passive and can act quickly when concerned.

Measurement sources

• Wzorzec, wymiary i historia rasy — FCI
• AKC — długość życia, pielęgnacja i historia