One of the biggest and probably one of the oldest French breed of the canine world is the gigantic Dogue de Bordeaux. Known also as the French Mastiff, this dog is an absolute stunner in its enormous size and meaty musculature. With a dog this huge, you can expect it to be very strong, powerful and commanding.
The Dogue had been in existence since the early fourteenth century in the Bordeaux region of France and had been used mostly as a hunting, herding and guard dog. Due to its powerful body, intelligence and strength, it has also been used to carry heavy loads, pull carts and fight along soldiers during important battles between France and other countries. Moreover, this breed has been famous for its ability to bait bulls, jaguars and other fierce animals.
This breed is a famous companion for the wealthy and was used to guard their properties such as vineyard and large houses. The commoners also owned French Mastiffs but were not highly regarded due to the obvious fact that they were of the poor masses. When French Revolution struck the region, the wealthy families and their Dogues perished but the poor people and their Douges survived.
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.
Theories suggest that the Dogue de Bordeaux either descended from the Tibetan Mastiff or the Greek Molasser that accompanied the Greeks in their quest across Europe. There are speculations too that before, the Dogue de Bordeaux has two varieties namely the Dogue and the Doguin. The Dougin is said to have wilted away in to history and that the Dogue was the only type left to continue the bloodline.
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.
The Dogue is often compared to the English Mastiff but the latter is often measured in length while the Dogue is measured in width and muscle composition. For the male Dogue, the minimum weight is 110 lbs while for the female Dogue, the minimum weight is 99 lbs. The coats should be in light red to deep ultra red with occasional markings of black, brown or red mask.
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