The Dogue De Bordeaux was originally bred in France as a guardian, hunter and protector. Therefore they are a strong, powerful dog with a muscular, athletic body.
What's vital to remember when judging the Dogue De Bordeaux?
You Gotta Have HEARTS!
Head
Expression
Athletic
wRrinkle
Trots like a Lion
Substance
Size/Proportion/Substance
It is important to remember the DDB should always maintain an 11/10 ratio; meaning the length of body is slightly greater than the height at the withers. In addition the depth of chest is more than half the height at the withers.
Head
The DDB's massive head is one of the main characteristics of the breed. When viewed from above and the front the shape of the head is a trapezoid. The circumference of the head should equal the height at the withers for males, bitches may be slightly less.
Back Skull
The skull is slightly rounded with a deep frontal groove. Cheeks are prominent due to well developed muscles. Well developed eyebrows dominate the face.
Wrinkles should always be symmetrical. They should have mobile ropes of Wrinkles, meaning they change intensity and proportion as the face expressions change. Please take into consideration puppies and youth go through a period where the head is changing and wrinkles may be absent.
Eyes are oval and set wide, and are hazel or dark brown
Ears are small in proportion to the skull and set rather high; level with the top of the skull never limp or hanging
Muzzle
The muzzle is broad, thick and short! When viewed from above should be square, with a well pronounced stop. the length of the muzzle should be between 1/4 and 1/3 of the total length of the head.
Bite
Always undershot, never wry and you should never see the teeth when the mouth is closed. The upper lip should contact the lower lip, and drops on either side thus forming an inverse, wide V.
Neck/Topline/Body
The Neck is broad and strong at the base, with ample, loose skin. The well-defined dewlap starts at the throat and will form folds down to the chest without hanging exaggeratedly.
Topline
Because the Dogue De Bordeaux is a "concave" outline breed, it is impossible for the breed to have a level topline. There should be a slight dip behind the shoulder, and then a slight rise to the rear. Therefore the topline should be solid with a broad and muscular back with a short, but broad loin. When moving, the topline will incline towards the front.
The croup should be moderately sloping. The tail should be carried level with the back or slightly above the level of the topline.
Chest
The chest should be deep and broad but in no way barreled.
Movement:
The DDB has a powerful gait, with long reaching movement. The faster the trot, the feet converge closer to a median plane. When viewed from the front, the pasterns may bend slightly outwards, thus compensating for the slight inclination of the forearm inwards. In a natural stance, the DDB will toe out slightly. Toes and feet should be tight and strong.
Coat and Color:
Coat should be fine, short and soft in all shades of fawn, from dark red to light fawn.
The richer coat color is more desirable. White patches are permissible on the chest and extremities.
Mask Colors may be:
Brown with brown nose and eye pigment;
Black with black nose and eye pigment;
No Mask with a fawn coat and the skin appears red with a reddish or pink nose
The Dogue De Bordeaux is a wonderful and loyal companion, showing great affection to his master. He has great courage without showing any aggressiveness, and has a calm and balanced nature.
