French Mastiff

The French Mastiff, also known as the Dogue de Bordeaux, is an impressive beast that can be fearless toward intruders yet loyal and loving towards its family. Learn more about this magnificent animal that is slowly gaining recognition with the dog loving public.

No one is completely sure about the origins of this breed, but theories abound. Some believe the French Mastiff descended from European Mastiff breeds that were possibly crossbred with other large working dogs. Others believe these dogs are more likely the descendants of Greco-Roman dogs of war. Whatever their history, these dogs have served as cattle dogs, bull-baiters, guard dogs and even fought in the infamous Roman arenas. This Mastiff faced a dire threat of extinction during the French Revolution. However, the breed was revived largely due to the efforts of breeder Raymond Triquet. Today, the population is growing beyond the breed's stronghold in France.

The French Mastiff looks quite intimidating, and indeed, it can be so. These dogs have a rectangular appearance and generally stand between 25 and 30 inches tall at the shoulder. Many specimens weigh in around 145 pounds. They have fairly thick tails that taper to a point that stretches down to the back of their hocks. Their build is stocky and powerful, but their most impressive feature is their heads.

The ideal head is massive and equipped with strong jaws. Loose jowls cause these dogs to drool. The eyes are oval-shaped and wide-set. Their skin is fairly loose and quite thick with significant wrinkles on the head, face and neck. The ears are relatively short and hang downward.

The French Mastiff's coat is short and surprisingly soft for such a large dog, and it ranges in color from light fawn to red fawn. These dogs may carry either a black or brown mask or sometimes no mask at all, but the mask should be limited to the muzzle and eye areas and not spread up into the head.

Due to the fact that the wrinkles on the face and neck can collect moisture, it's important to bathe these dogs approximately every two weeks to avoid developing odors. The facial wrinkles and eyes should be wiped down daily to keep them free of bacteria and accumulated debris. Shedding is only moderate with this breed, so a good brushing once or twice a week will keep loose hairs to a minimum. The folded ears should also be swabbed out twice a month, and nails must be kept trimmed to avoid joint damage from carrying so much weight.

It's beneficial to establish these grooming routines while the dog is still a puppy before he reaches his full size and strength.

Since the French Mastiff is such a large and powerful animal, it is imperative that its temperament is steady and dependable. According to the American Kennel Club standard, the ideal specimen is very calm and not easily roused to excitement. The dog should display devoted affection toward its owner and behave as a good companion to the entire family unit. Seen as a natural guard dog, the Mastiff's character should be vigilant not aggressive.

This Mastiff should be well socialized as a puppy to nurture the desired temperament. The old saying, "start out as you mean to go" definitely applies here. Be consistent in your rules. Do not allow your pup on the furniture now and expect him to stay off it when full grown. Likewise, do not tolerate play biting that could lead to something more dangerous when his massive jaws are fully grown. Remember, what you raise is what you get.

It's a fact that these dogs do not always appreciate sharing their home with other pets, so socialization must take place while they are still young and more manageable. Obedience training is also imperative for establishing the proper relationship between dog and owner. If you do not take your place as your Mastiff's leader, the dog will soon be leading you.

Dogs that display the ideal temperament described above are also suitable for training in search/rescue work and as therapy dogs.

This Mastiff is actually quite agile for its size, but it does not have a need for a lot of exercise. A good daily walk is sufficient to meet its needs and it can get along well in a home with a small yard. That said, these dogs do enjoy physical activity and are quite willing to pull weights and participate in obedience competitions.

The French Mastiff faces many of the same health challenges as other large breeds including:

• Heart disease
• Dysplasia
• Entropion
• Arthritis
• Torsion, aka bloat
• Obesity
• Kidney disease

Obviously, the French Mastiff is not the breed for everyone, and ownership should never be undertaken lightly. Puppies grow rapidly, and training is an absolute necessity. Health care costs are also a frank reality for this breed. Do your research, visit several breeders to gain first hand knowledge of these dogs and only decide to bring one home if you plan to give him a home for life.

For further information about the breed and rescue efforts, visit DDBS.org.

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