The Dogue de Bordeaux, more commonly known as the French Mastiff or Dogue alaemo in Portuguese, is a large, muscular and powerful dog breed with a distinctive grey coat. Originating from France, this ancient breed has a rich history dating back to the 14th century. They were previously used for hunting and guarding, but today, they are renowned family companions due to their loyalty and protectiveness.
The Grey version of this breed, colloquially referred to as the Dogue Alaemo Cinza (Portuguese for Grey Dogue), is highly sought after for its striking appearance and unique charisma. This variant possesses a mostly grey outfit, with deeper dark grey shades in its ears and muzzle, and lighter grey on its body. Despite their fearsome appearance, they are known for being patient and loving with children, making them an excellent family pet.
The Breed's History and Origin
The Dogue de Bordeaux is one of the oldest French breeds, mentioned in literature as far back as the 13th century. Their name "alaemo" comes from the French word "aloe", meaning 'wart', referring to their characteristic warts around their eyes and mouths. Initially, they were used for hunting wild boars and guarding the estate, but today, they are primarily cherished family companions.
In Portugal, they are popularly known as Dogue Alaemo, and their grey version, Cinza, is particularly beloved. They were first recognized by the issuance of a standardized breed description by the St. Hubert Kennel Club in France in 1863, and later in the United States by the United Kennel Club in 1995.
Physical Characteristics
The Dogue de Bordeaux Cinza is a large breed with males standing at around 27 inches at the withers and females around 25 inches. They weigh between 99 to 110 lbs, with males being heavier. Their distinctive grey coat is short and amounts to a rough outer coat and a soft undercoat. Their most notable features are their wrinkled faces, powerful bodies, and an intense gaze that betrays their strength and intelligence.
These dogs have strong bones and powerful muscles, serving as a testament to their original purpose as a protector and hunter. Their broad skulls, squarish muzzles, and dark, deeply-set eyes make them look like a real-life gentle giant. Their grey coat helps them easily blend in with the French countryside, highlighting their ancestry.
Temperament and Care
The Dogue de Bordeaux Cinza is renowned for its docility, patience, and reliability. They are excellent with children, making them wonderful family pets. However, their loyalty is also a double-edged sword, as they tend to be wary of strangers and can become protective over their families, which requires early socialization to control their natural tendency to aggression.
Despite their independent nature, they are eager to please their families, earning them the title of "Velcro Dog" for their tendency to stick close. They require plenty of exercise, such as long walks or runs, and are not suitable for apartment living due to their size and exercise needs. Their short coats require minimal grooming, just regular brushing to remove loose hairs. Due to their sensitivity to heat, they need careful monitoring in warm temperatures.
Health and Lifespan
The Dogue de Bordeaux Cinza is prone to certain health issues. Like many large breeds, they are prone to hip dysplasia, a condition where the ball of the hip joint fails to fit snugly into the hip socket. They also have a higher risk of heart conditions, especially fatal aortic stenosis, and various cancers. Regular check-ups to monitor their health are crucial.
On average, these dogs live for around 8 to 10 years. However, with sufficient care, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and protection from extreme temperatures, some Dogue de Bordeaux Cinza can live beyond 10 years.
Welcoming a Puppy Home
Bringing home a Dogue de Bordeaux Cinza puppy is an exciting step. Early socialization is crucial for these puppies to ensure they grow up to be well-adjusted adult dogs. They need proper training, which should begin as early as possible, instilling good habits while they are still young and impressionable.
Puppies need at least three meals a day, gradually decreasing to two meals per day as they become older. They are not suitable for inexperienced dog owners due to their size and complexity of care. Prospective owners should be willing to put in the time and effort to properly train, socialize, and exercise these powerful dogs.
In day-to-day life, owning a Dogue de Bordeaux Cinza is a delightful mix of companionship, protectiveness, and affection. They form a strong bond with their families, and their scheduling, grooming, and care needs demand a responsible and loving commitment. If you're looking for a rewarding pet that offers a strong sense of security and loyalty, look no further than the Dogue de Bordeaux Cinza.