The name sounds like French because it is French – Dogue, when translated into English means can mean “masculine” or “mastiff”. Bordeaux is a place in France, some say to be a port city there or something. So when combined together, the names means “masculine of Bordeaux” or “mastiff of Bordeaux”. But I'd rather go with the latter because it sounds more appropriate. The Dogue de Bordeaux is a large and muscular dog, which is quite obvious according to the English translation of its name. This pooch stands out with many wrinkles, and an expression on its face that seems kinda “negative”.
The neck of it is quite large and strong, the same goes for its legs and paws, which also are big. Like the few
out there, it has been used for many purposes demanding great physical strength, agility, stamina, and courage. Back in the early days of France, they took advantage of its fearlessness and power by placing it in underground fighting pits where they would fight with other Dogue de Bordeaux dogs, and other tough and
. After they got bored with watching pooches fight to death or leaving severely injured, they mixed things up with the addition of other ferocious and equally tough (maybe tougher) beasts such as the wild boar and even a bear! That was insane and I've no idea what was going through their minds at the time, but at least the activity of such inhumane things have been minimized.
Aside from fighting in the pits, the Dogue de Bordeaux was also used for hunting in the forests. Here they were made to pick up scent trails, follow it to the end, and tackle the prey long enough for the hunter to put a bullet in it, or till its dead – either way works. It wasn't that easy of a task since the game were the exact same added beasts to the pits, the wild boar and bear. Farmers also used the Dogue de Bordeaux as a flock guardian, where it was made to keep a look out for wild predators, and if necessary defend the herd from all potential threats.
So as you've noticed this breed has been used for many tough-guy tasks, but what about serving as a family pet? That is very possible – the Dogue de Bordeaux happens to be extremely affectionate and protective with its human owners. Getting one would be best done as a puppy, so it'll be able to grow with you and become even more loving. Socialization does wonders for its dog behavior, as well as the use of the correct
. One downside of it is that it has the potential to drool a lot, so have a mop nearby for cleaning up the mess it leaves behind.
You'd think that such a big and brave pet would do fine sleeping outside, but they won't. You may keep it outdoors during the day, but it'll need to spend the night or at least a lot of time indoors during the night.
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