Before I get my first Dogue de Bordeaux...

[megasaurus144]

I have done serious homework on the breed, but I would love to hear from all you Dogue de Bordeaux Parents out there, from your own perspectives, on a day to day basis what is it like having one in your life? Not just the breed-standard information, but your own story and your own dog, and what he brings to your family? How affectionate, pros & cons, does he follow at your heels or is he more independent, does he cuddle, how much exercise and what kind? any issues? etc.

Also, what is your average monthly fee for caring for one? I have found this information on non-mastiff dogs and English Mastiffs, but none of the other mastiff breeds.

Thanks

 

[mcarrel]

Stubborn at times eager to please at others. Mouthy as a puppy even at 9 months with training. Raising your voice doesn't work at all with either dogue I have had it just makes them less likely to obey lol. Not to mention the look they give you when you blurt out something in a louder voice makes you feel like you just broke their heart. Get past the soft spot you will have for that look quickly or they will walk all over you. They do a chuffing growling thing (hard to describe) that if you aren't aware of you may mistake for aggression (other owners have) coupled with the fact they like to charge at you while doing it can be unnerving for some I guess. Always under foot Kronos's favorite place to lie is on my feet,on my lap, directly behind wherever I am standing, basically any place under my feet or on top of me. I cannot go to the bathroom alone without making a mad dash to the door and closing it in his face before he gets there to shove his way in. Lately I have given up and resigned myself to having company in the bathroom Worst thing you can do to a dogue is ignore them they don't like it and will tell you so. Knowing this becomes a valuable tool for training imo because say he gets too rowdy and doesn't want to settle down ignoring them in time out say in a crate til they calm down works quickly. On the other hand while relegated to his crate Kronos has been known to let out such a pitiful yowling that it sounds like he is under torture. Rare that it takes any amount of time for him to learn a command (whether he decides to follow it at the moment I ask him to is another story) Dogues are incredibly smart don't let their face fool you they are one of the most observant dogs I have ever seen. Kronos can be snoring away but the minute I get up he is up. I have noticed male dogues are especially fond of the females in their house. This is the case with both I have had. I can't say if it's true of females since I have never had one. This is not to say they aren't affectionate with other family members but he follows me around like I am the only one home. Both I have had are great with kids. Neither one I have had have a outgoing temperament neither were interested in pets from strangers they do warm up with welcome visitors but not to the point were they seek out attention from them and both my dogs were socialized well. I would say they sort of care less if visitors pet them or not. They love to be touched, petted scratched talked to by their family I can't express how much they love attention from their family but they aren't in your face about it more like they love it when you do dote on them but are happy to be near you as well. Both I have had on the other hand do like kids and like them a lot. Even as a puppy running around in hyper mode barreling into me with no worries Kronos has skidded to halt before barreling over my friends toddler who ran into his way. They can be bullies by that I mean they will try to dominate other pets in your house and sometimes humans that aren't confident lol. Both my males will try to dominate the female dogs in the house as well not just another male. Neither male I have had was trustworthy with other male dogs. Some though have said their male dogues get along with other male dogs fine. Kronos's dominance extends to things as well he thinks everything belongs to him and has to be taught that it doesn't. For example he doesn't like to share his floppy toys with my other dog unless he initiates play with her to keep her from getting the toy he will literally try to swallow it than share it if he sees her coming. My first male was very active even in his adulthood his companion was a 35 lb APBT who he played all day long. Kronos is pretty active as well he loves to play fetch (he's 9 months ) so time will tell if he stays that way as an adult. Some are big couch potatoes. Granted they aren't labs but some are pretty active. Also don't want to let them over exercise in the heat obviously. They are creature of habit so treat them and train them from puppyhood the same as you plan to do as an adult. In other words you play with them have an active lifestyle as pups they tend to remain that way later. Teach them manners early a big one is the mouthing! They bite incredibly hard they can break skin and bruise you badly w/o meaning to do so. Getting them out of mouthing and teaching soft until they get out of that phase is important. They snore LOUD not always on full volume but it can be cringe worthy. They drool especially when something smells good, or they just had a nice amount of water which they can handily trap quite a bit of in their pocket jowls. I feed raw now but with my fist dogue who ate dog food the gross factor was enhanced when he had the mashed up dog food and slime combo going on then wiped his face on you. Some days I go to the store look down at my shirt and realize it looks like I blew my nose on it lol. Did I mention their face is so cute and smushy I can't pass by Kronos without touching him and I can quite often be found grabbing his skin on either side of his face and planting a big kiss on his smushy face and I am not a dog kissing kind of person.

Food wise I feed raw and even though I keep him lean during growth spurts he consumes 5lbs a day sometimes more. I estimated grain free quality kibble once for him before going to raw and got a tally of about $160+ a month during growing others who feed kibble could tell you better than me how correct that is. That was for Acana so I am sure it varies widely. Grooming is minimal I clip his nails and because he eats raw he doesn't smell and I don't think he has had a bath since he was 5 months old. I use a kong bathing finger brush thing to slick through his coat every now and then. He's never had skin or ear issues probably because he eats raw but who knows.

You do want to grow them slow and keep them lean. Even with that and feeding raw Kronos is having a nasty bout with pano at the moment. Raising a mastiff puppy can be nerve wracking (as I am sure many here can attest) I drive my family nuts whenever I see a limp, gag, strange shudder, etc or anything out of the ordinary They are very front heavy dogs so it's especially important you don't let them do a lot of front impact things jumping, up and down stairs rapidly etc while they are growing. They can and do suffer from growth and bone issues.
Now for the sad. This breed has issues. Their longevity or lack thereof is disheartening. This isn't backyard bred non health tested dogs I am talking but dogs from good breeders/lines. Many don't make it past 5 or 6 years and some far less than that. My advice when you start looking for your dog don't just ask about health testing etc. ask how long their line lives or do the research yourself. Heart problems are not uncommon cause of death in this breed even from tested lines. Cancer is an issue too. Once you have settled on breeders research some more and ask them about any and everything don't be shy good breeders want you to ask questions and be informed.

So now that I have typed my mini novel I will just add dogues are wonderful you will absolutly fall in love with them they are like no other IMHO(I am sure everyone on here feels the same about their breed though ) Good luck and post lots of pics when you bring your new baby home

 

[Mooshi's Mummy]

GREAT REPLY! You almost make me want one.

 

[jenny adams]

i agree with mcarrel, i don't have adult knowledge of DDB but the puppy stage is spot on, we have a 16 week girl she is a shadow following us around, yes to the bathroom well just forget about going to the loo alone, if you mike it in with out her she sit out side whining till you come out then it like you have left her for ever the full on tail butt body wag, she loves kids the high light of her day is the school runs walk to school wait out side get lots of fusses, from all she can give the cute face to get fusses, then home with her little humans for play time. word of waning if you have little ones eg under 10 play must be supervised as mcarrel said, they can be mouthie, very so when teething which can lead to nipping when paling, the children need to learn when to stop play and timeout, which can be hart braking the crying and the sad face but you have to be strong, gypsy are little one is in the play sleep play stage, which is fun but structure is key play with training, try to make learning new things fun, i find the best way to get in to the stubborn head, if we try to do training she will just sit there and look at me but if i make it fun then bobs your uncle she gets it, very happy dogs love cuddle time she likes to have quiet cuddles with my other half but is a mummy girl at heart, the face is so cute you do find you cant go past without smushing it you will love it even when it has something hanging out like your check book, any thing left in reach is hers, so if you dont watch out you will fined thing going in the cage and being destroyed, your washing is allways a good bed try getting it in the washer with the puppy sleeping on it,
as for cost of up keep i can tell you at the present time we are looking at with food puppy class insurans (which is a must with big dogs) toy and treats we spend £100+ a month not don the sums but about hope this helps send pic when you get your baby

 

[mcarrel]

Great add Jenny. Yep training must be fun or you get the sit and stare lol for training get used to using a voice that makes it sound like your dog discovered how to turn metal into gold or you get the sit and stare in response

 

[megasaurus144]

Thank you so much for your input everyone!! This is exactly what I have been looking for. I am so tired of being stuck with informational, personality-less facts about dogs when this description is what I really want!!!

I HATE the waiting game!!! I just want one NOW!!! Lol

You guys are great, thanks again!

 

[NYDDB]

A lot has been said already, but I'll chime in---

* Keep in mind that I live in a large city, so socialization and how my Dogue relates to people may be a bit different*

First be prepared to draw a LOT of attention with the DDB-- people cannot resist this red wrinkly pup, and if you live near neighbors, you will barely be able to walk around the block without people stopping and wanting to cuddle! Because of so much attention as a pup-- as well as due to probably his temperament-- Mateo has been very social with people---he loves them, esp. kids. Even now, @ 19 months and 131 pounds, he gets a lot of attention in this city (which is a bit dog crazy), and barely a day goes by without someone asking to take a photo of him (esp. tourists).

(I am thinking that he must think his other name is "face", because whenever he hears someone say, "Ohhhh, look at that FACE!" he turns around expecting to be petted, LOL.)

They are stubborn, no way around it. But they do, really want to please you; you are their world. Training should be firm, but no shouting or sharp corrections; they will shut down...it will not work. Firm and consistent (and positive) training works best!

My Dogue is instinctively protective. Just recently when I was sliding down a large rock, Mateo ran up to me and placed his body in front of mne to stop me (even though I was okay-- it must have looked dangerous to him.) Also, he does this thing where if i am sick and curled up he will climb up over me and lay on top of me...like a protective blanket. I will be in the same position if I feel well, but he doesn't do this; it's like he KNOWS when I am not well--- he's done this 3 times already, kind of amazing.

My Dogue is quiet. I think I've heard him bark maybe 4 or 5 times since I've had him. Personally, I appreciate this; except for the snoring, he's as quiet as a mouse, LOL.

He gets along with other dogs- esp. females, but also some males. Except other intact males. He will not start fights, but will also not back down, so this is something we just have to manage--- not a big deal.

He is not food crazy- never eats food off the street, or begs for food. Just not interested...

He loves physical attention...he needs a hug before and after he eats, for example; he will wait looking at his food, and looks to me for a hug. He just wants to be close, physically....a sweet part of who he is. Probably most DDBs are like this also...

He does have a strong prey drive, and will focus on squirrels, esp. very intensely...and will chase them.

How people describe him: that he walks like a lion, and has almost a "human" face.

DDBs are STRONG. Mateo has short, powerful bursts of energy...but not a lot of stamina. Watch out, though, if you are in the path of a running, Bordeaux--- they're like a freight train!

I could go on and on....but that's off the top of my head right now.

Let us know if you decide to bring a Dogue into your home- we'll want pictures!

 

[megasaurus144]

Again, thank you everyone for your replies!!! I for sure will be at some point, I am just trying to decide financially how long I should be waiting.

A couple questions... First of all, again - The monthly cost question? Excluding vet trips, how much does it cost to own a dogue de bordeaux as a little puppy and also as an adult? Food, Toys, etc..

You mentioned "Sharp Corrections" being a no-no.. So if say he is a puppy and he is trying to jump on me and I boldly and loudly say "NO!" or "AH-AH!!" and back away from him, and then make him sit before I give him lovies..... Do you count the "NO!" as a sharp or appropriate correction? All of you DDB mommys and daddys, what would you recommend as the best correcting method for anything, say jumping, chewing, mouthing, etc.. ? Also do any of your DDB's do special tricks, outside of the basic commands?

---------- Post added at 09:46 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:42 PM ----------

And one more question (again) hehe...

Are any of you from Washington State? Do any of you know of a Reputable Breeder in my state. I don't want to buy a puppy and have it shipped to me. I feel that would just be traumatizing and damaging to the puppy. I want a reputable breeder definately... I was thinking about adopting from Rising Phoenix Mastiff Rescue in Yakima or contacting her to see if she had any DDB (although I am in Western Washington) BUT apparently that place is horrible and that lady is horrible. She might be shut down now? And last time I tried to get a dog from her she tried to make me get a Fila and thats not what I want.

 

[megasaurus144]

And one more question (again) hehe...

Are any of you from Washington State? Do any of you know of a Reputable Breeder in my state. I don't want to buy a puppy and have it shipped to me. I feel that would just be traumatizing and damaging to the puppy. I want a reputable breeder definately... I was thinking about Rising Phoenix in Yakima (although I am in Western Washington) BUT apparently that place is horrible and that lady is horrible. She might be shut down now? And last time I tried to get a dog from her she tried to make me get a Fila and thats not what I want.

 

[jenny adams]

rewording good behaver is the way to go, when gypsy dos something wrong ie mouthing we tell her "no biting" in a more conversational tone raising your voice gets no where "no" then corrector the beaver so "no biting" every time when she stops trying to bit/mouth my hand when i go to stroke her, lots of loving and "good girl no biting" rewarding good behaver plays to the need it be love, which they need all the time even when we are just siting watching tv she need love, just to show her we are there and love her she gives it bake as well, some times i think she is a love basted life forme she wants loves more than food, so it go's love,fun and then food, i will be shure you will be happy with one in your life they bring so much joy to a house its unbelievable,

 

[NYDDB]

I should amend the "sharp" correction a bit-- Make no mistake, I do say a sharp word/command/warning here and there. If I need to get his attention in a hurry, yeah; there is an appropriate time and place. What I was referring to was the constant shouting down at the dog...will not work, useless. And makes you look stupid, to be honest. Of course, this moat likely will not work with any breed, but especially a mastiff; you do need to be firm and strong, but have a soft, loving tone as well. Praise and treat wanted behaviors; but there will be times to be sharp. You'll figure it out...

The cost? I feed a raw meat/bones/organ diet to my Dogue. He eats 2.5 lbs./day...so around $5/day to feed him (@average $2/lb.). I don't know what the kibble costs would be. Occasional bully sticks, toys now and then, treats... do add up. However, initial costs for a puppy are the most: large crate(s), leashes, et. al.

Unusual tricks? Not anything I have taught him, but he is the biggest goof--- he will climb to the top of a hill and roll down like a kid, over and over- just for fun. He can be quite the clown, LOL.

 

[jenny adams]

NYDDB we know you don't shout at your baby, you are right you do need a firm or strong tone at times, but as you say shouting dos not work at all, i am finding right now gypsy responds better to me specking in a gentle tone she is a big softy really, i think all of them have the tone that works with them.

 

[littlemp]

I agree with everything on here and wanted to add that my DDB is excellent with my kids, 4 and 8. The 4 year old attended puppy classes with me and Lexie follows all the basic commands for her. The kids run and play in a way that would annoy me if I was a dog but she loves it and goes right along. Great dog with kids. No biting or nipping which is more than I can say for dogs of other family members
I think you mentioned toys? We have a Dollar General store that sells rib bones for like $3. These are her favorite and provide hours of chew time. She likes rawhide bones on occasion. She also loves Kong tennis balls.
Good luck! I can't wait to see pics!

 

[bluebutterfly]

my boy is amazing. he is gentle and so so careful with my children. he will wait until my toddler is all the way up the stairs or down befor he will go. he lays beside my kids when they are on the floor. he is so loving..but He is VERY protective..i have NO doubt in my mind he would give his life for any one of us if needed.... I have to actually put him away when cirtain people come over. and he is a GREAT judge of character.. he does drool A LOT.. like streaks on the walls, all over my dash in the truck, on your lap etc...drool towels...keep them handy..you WILL need them. He does listen...but it takes convincing..he can be very stubborn. he is a good dog and i wouldnt trade him in for the world... he is my buddy.. and i say, if you can handle the drooling...and can be vigilant about protecting him from himself in the regards to being responcible and making sure you keep him under control... and keeping him away from situations he may get himself in trouble with strangers etc... then go for it.

 

[Kujo]

I'm from Oregon and I got my boy up in Washington from a breeder named Candy Millam. Since I got Kujo, I haven't had much luck in communicating with Candy (she doesn't email), but we're so happy with Kujo that I really don't care. He's in excellent health other than Entropian in his right eye (we are getting this fixed soon).

All the replys on here are just about what I would say about my boy. As a pup, he goes through

---------- Post added at 01:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:41 PM ----------

didn's get to finish...

He goes through a 35 pound bag of dog food a month which costs about $40. Toys are easy, he loves stuffed animals and raw hyde and balls, all very cheap toys. Training has been a breeze, I really haven't experienced the stubbornness that everyone talks about..but he is only 5 months old. Very loving, very eager to learn new things, loves the dog park and everyone at the dog park, big or small, male or female, if he see's you he automatically wants to be your friend, and that includes all the people. He sleeps A LOT! but when he plays, he plays hard! Pretty much a joy from day one, got potty training down in just a couple weeks, he'll wait patiently at the door to be let out. When someone comes to the door, he barks once, and then greets whoever it is like an old friend, even if it's the pizza guy.

Anyway, I'm sure you got all the response you were looking for but if you're interested in more info on Candy Millam, I'd be happy to pass along what info I have.

 

[Kujo]

didn's get to finish...

He goes through a 35 pound bag of dog food a month which costs about $40. Toys are easy, he loves stuffed animals and raw hyde and balls, all very cheap toys. Training has been a breeze, I really haven't experienced the stubbornness that everyone talks about..but he is only 5 months old. Very loving, very eager to learn new things, loves the dog park and everyone at the dog park, big or small, male or female, if he see's you he automatically wants to be your friend, and that includes all the people. He sleeps A LOT! but when he plays, he plays hard! Pretty much a joy from day one, got potty training down in just a couple weeks, he'll wait patiently at the door to be let out. When someone comes to the door, he barks once, and then greets whoever it is like an old friend, even if it's the pizza guy.

Anyway, I'm sure you got all the response you were looking for but if you're interested in more info on Candy Millam, I'd be happy to pass along what info I have.

 

[megasaurus144]

Yes Please!! I would love to get her info from you! There are only 2 breeders in WA that I know of so far... I don't know if she is one of them or not? Anyways, If you don't mind sharing can I ask how much your pup costed you and what kind of contract/papers/health etc.?

---------- Post added at 06:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:39 PM ----------

Everything you guys tell me and agree on about these amazing animals are just making my brain go in OVERLOAD with DDB Obsession!!!! OMG!

Thank you all for all your help and I am eating up this information so anyone else feel free to add input or even just brag about your baby! It makes me happy to read. And drool...... Its a small sacrifice to share my life with such an incredible gift from God!! Luckily for me, I am not squeamish when it comes to animals. If it was a poopy, stinky, shedding and drooling human being that would be 100% different and I might throw up and run away. But a dog? Just makes me love them more

 

[megasaurus144]

Everything you guys tell me and agree on about these amazing animals are just making my brain go in OVERLOAD with DDB Obsession!!!! OMG!

Thank you all for all your help and I am eating up this information so anyone else feel free to add input or even just brag about your baby! It makes me happy to read. And drool...... Its a small sacrifice to share my life with such an incredible gift from God!! Luckily for me, I am not squeamish when it comes to animals. If it was a poopy, stinky, shedding and drooling human being that would be 100% different and I might throw up and run away. But a dog? Just makes me love them more

 

[jenny adams]

word of warning they are addictive, we have had are girl for only 6 weeks and will be getting another girl in the January even the potty training and double drool will not be a problem just to look in there faces will make me forget all of it,

 

[TN Dogues]

Have adjusted my wardrobe so drool doesn't show. Lol.

First let me say, I love my DDBs. Would have no other dog - no other is quite like them. I had an English Bulldog and loved the wrinkly face, but he just couldn't do the things my DDBs can.

They are stubborn like the bulldog. But not lazy. They are smart AND stubborn. But that being said, they were still the easiest to housebreak. Even the litter of puppies I just finished raising were super easy to train.

Food doesn't have to cost a fortune. We have a feed store nearby that carries Sportmix Lamb & Rice. It's about $30 for a 44lb. bag. We go through 2 bags a month for 2 adult DDBs. But we also give homemade ground deer & rice/with pureed veggies. Since we live in the country, we butcher for friends and keep a portion of every deer. But you could find a local butcher and see what you can get for a discount.

Shedding is moderate with DDBs. We use a shedding glove and it helps. But mostly we just live with it. If you have carpet, figure on a good vacuum. Their hair is very hard on vacuums. We are on our second one.

Drool is bad after eating or drinking. We use drool rags. Keep them right on the counter where I can QUICKLY grab one. I wash and reuse rags.

GAS - have to mention DDBs can have VERY BAD GAS. And it doesn't seem to matter what food. I've tried a few before and all had the same afternoon/evening farts. It can be enough to clear a room. We buy Febreeze - even though hubby says, "Now it just smells like flowery sh*t."

Personality - DDBs love their people. Not all people, but their people. They are naturally wary of strangers. Ours will bark and look very intimidating until I introduce them.
But they are mostly big loves. Hagrid and Hanna's favorite place to be is wherever we are. They aren't clingly dogs - but will quietly follow you from room to room once they realize you moved.

Exercise - moderate. Hagrid will never go jogging miles - but he will run for about 1/2 mile. Then he slows to a walk. If it's hot out he might just wait for you at the door. During the summer months we take them out twice daily in the early morning and late afternoon. In the winter they are more active and love doing zoomzies in the yard. Maybe 15-20 minutes wears them out. A tired Dogue is a happy dogue.

We don't use raised bowls. But we do keep them from eating/drinking right after vigorous exercise.

LASTLY: Find a good vet who is knowledgable in the mastiff & bulldog breeds.