The Dogue de Bordeaux or simply called Dogue, is one of the most massive-sized dogs in the world and is one of the most ancient, too. Hailing from France and also named as French Mastiff, one can't help but be in awe with this dog's unbelievable size and compact muscled body. True to its form, the Dogue is indeed powerful, strong and magnificent.
As early as 14th century, this breed has been flourishing in the region of Bordeaux, France as a prized hunter, herder and guard of families and properties. Its powerful and hard body and unsurpassed intellect has been used to carry heavy loads, pull product-filled carts and fight enemies with the French army. Additionally, another job that adds to this breed's resume is bull baiting wherein bulls, jaguars and grizzlies are pitted against it and the winner can only be declared if either one is too exhausted to fight or is dead.
The Dogue is often the companion of wealthy families and is used as a vineyard and mansion guard. The poor masses have the French Mastiff for a companion as well but it is not as highly regarded compared to the mastiff of the rich ones. However, when the French Revolution hit the region, the wealthy families and their pets crumbled but not the poor people and their Dogues.
The strong and champion Dogues of today are said to have come from the survivor breed of the poor people. The French Mastiff is well-known for its unswerving devotion and loyalty to its master and curiously, this has angered Hitler. His dislike for the French Mastiff led to the execution of many of this breed during World War I.
The origin of the Dogue Bordeaux is not entirely known but several theories point to some possibilities. Some say that this breed came from either the Tibetan Mastiff or the Greco Roman Molossoids. Some say that this breed has two types before, the Dogue and the Doguin, but only the Dogue has survived to continue the legacy of the original breed.
Many modern breeds have also had their origins in the French Mastiff and examples are the Bullmastiff and the Bulldog. These two breeds were supposedly bred to possess the strength and power of the French Mastiff but in a smaller size. The Bullmastiff and the Bulldog are known to have been used originally in bull baiting and the French Mastiff's gene helped them win many of the games.
Today, the Dogue de Bordeaux is way too placid, gentle and loving compared to the Dogue de Bordeaux of the bull baiting days. Presently, this breed is an amazing family pet, an ever reliable guard dog and a fun companion. To the family that owns it, it is supremely affectionate and much attached and you would usually not expect it from a breed this gigantic.
Comparing to the English Mastiff, the French Mastiff is rather measured in width than length. The minimum weight for the dog is 110 pounds while the bitch is 99 pounds. The coat of this breed is short, smooth and soft to touch and often comes in colors of light red and deep ultra red with markings of black, brown or red.
