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Issabella & Boaz are Dogue De Bordeaux or French Mastiffs!
The history of the Dogue De Bordeaux reaches back to the 14th century when it was used to drive cattle and guard the castles of the wealthy around Bordeaux, France. It has served as flock guardian and war dog, hunting dog, cart puller and bull baiting dog. Its ancestors may be the Tibetan Mastiff, the Roman Molossus war dogs, or the Spanish dogs. History has lost the true lineage. A dog similar to the Dogue de Bordeaux was used in Rome during the time of Julius Caesar's reign. Many of these massive dogs were destroyed with their owners during the French Revolution and during the reign of Hitler, who was said to fear their devotion to their owners.
The massive, slobbering dog in the movie "Turner & Hooch" was a Dogue De Bordeaux.
The Dogue de Bordeaux or French Mastiff is a short, stocky mastiff with a massive, broad, heavy head. The circumference of the male head may reach his shoulder height; with the muzzle being 1/3 the length of the head and the teeth meeting with an underbite.
With hazel to dark brown eyes and loose thick skin that hangs in a heavy dewlap over a deep, broad chest, this beautiful dog's short, fine coat is mahogany or shades of fawn with a darker mask around the nose and eyes and, sometimes, white on the chest and toes.
Fearless and confrontational with strangers, he is loyal, calm, patient and devoted to his family. His stimulus threshold is very high; however, socialization with other pets and persons should be started at an early age to prevent aggression toward others.
The Dogue De Bordeaux will stand between 23 and 30 inches at the shoulder and weight between 120 and 145 pounds. The body is thick-set, wide and muscular. Built low to the ground, the front legs should be straight and strong. This powerful, imposing dog is not a dog that is suitable for an inexperienced or easily intimidated dog owner. Preferring to remain fairly inactive, they have no need for a large yard. They will, however, need to be taken on long, daily walks to maintain their physical condition.
We are pleased to welcome Issabella & Boaz to our practice!
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