When it comes to large and powerful dog breeds, the Bullmastiff vs Dogue de Bordeaux often comes to mind. Both breeds possess remarkable strength, impressive stature, and loyal nature that endears them to their owners. In this blog post, we will delve into the similarities and differences between these two magnificent breeds, examining their histories, physical attributes, and care requirements. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of these breeds, helping you make an informed decision if you’re considering adding one of them to your family.
Bullmastiff vs Dogue de Bordeaux Comparison
Bullmastiff vs Dogue de Bordeaux : History and Origins
Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff breed originated in England during the 19th century. Gamekeepers needed a reliable and agile dog to protect their estates from poachers. As a result, they crossed the English Mastiff, known for its size and strength, with the more nimble and tenacious Bulldog. The goal was to create a breed that could apprehend intruders without causing them serious harm.
The Bullmastiff’s development as a breed was centered around temperament and specific working traits. They were selectively bred to be loyal, courageous, and intelligent. The breed excelled at silently tracking and immobilizing trespassers until their human handlers arrived. The Bullmastiff’s innate guarding instincts, combined with their imposing size and remarkable stamina, made them highly effective protectors.
Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the Bordeaux Mastiff or French Mastiff, originated in France. This breed has an ancient lineage that can be traced back to Roman molossers. Initially used for various purposes such as guarding estates, pulling carts, and even participating in bull-baiting, the Dogue de Bordeaux has a rich and diverse history.
The breed’s name derives from the city of Bordeaux, where it was commonly used for tasks like guarding vineyards and livestock. Over time, the breed’s numbers declined, but dedicated breed enthusiasts worked to revive it. The Dogue de Bordeaux gained international recognition and popularity, partly due to its appearances in movies such as “Turner & Hooch.”
Bullmastiff vs Dogue de Bordeaux: Appearance
Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a large and powerful breed that commands attention with its impressive appearance. They have a solid and muscular build, conveying strength and athleticism. The breed is well-balanced and symmetrical, with a dignified presence.
Head: The Bullmastiff has a broad and square head, proportionate to its body size. Their skull is wide, with well-defined cheek muscles. The muzzle is short and broad, with a distinct stop. Their expressive dark eyes, set wide apart, contribute to their alert and attentive expression.
Body: Bullmastiffs have a deep chest, well-sprung ribs, and a straight, strong back. They have a moderate tuck-up and a level topline. The breed’s muscular neck is thick and slightly arched, blending smoothly into the shoulders.
Coat: The Bullmastiff’s coat is short, dense, and weather-resistant. It lies flat against the body and provides some insulation. Coat colors range from fawn to red, often with a brindle pattern. A small white patch on the chest is acceptable but excessive white markings are discouraged.
Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a massive and imposing breed with distinctive features that contribute to its unique appearance.
Head: The most striking characteristic of the Dogue de Bordeaux is its large and powerful head. It has loose and wrinkled skin, particularly around the face. The skull is broad and square, with a well-defined stop. Their large, expressive eyes are set wide apart and usually have a dark brown color.
Body: Dogue de Bordeaux has a strong, muscular body with a deep chest and a broad, straight back. They have a well-developed, slightly arched neck that merges into their robust shoulders. The breed has a deep and wide chest, giving them a substantial presence.
Coat: The Dogue de Bordeaux’s coat is short, fine, and soft to the touch. The accepted coat color is typically shades of fawn, ranging from a light to a dark hue. Some individuals may have a mask on their face, which further accentuates their striking appearance.
Bullmastiff vs Dogue de Bordeaux: Trainability
Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is known for its intelligence and willingness to please, which makes them relatively trainable. However, their independent nature and strong-willed temperament require a firm yet patient approach to training.
Consistency and positive reinforcement methods work best when training a Bullmastiff. They respond well to praise, rewards, and treats, which helps motivate them during the training process. Early socialization is crucial to expose them to different people, animals, and environments, ensuring they develop into well-rounded and confident adults.
Bullmastiffs have a natural guarding instinct, so it’s important to channel their protective nature in a positive way. Basic obedience training, including commands such as sit, stay, and come, is essential. Due to their size and strength, leash training is particularly important to ensure they walk calmly and comfortably beside their owners.
Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux is an intelligent breed that can be moderately challenging to train due to their independent and strong-willed nature. They require consistent and firm handling, combined with positive reinforcement techniques.
Start training and socialization from a young age to shape their behavior and teach them appropriate manners. Early exposure to various stimuli, including people, animals, and different environments, will help them develop into well-adjusted and confident dogs.
It’s important to establish yourself as the pack leader while training a Dogue de Bordeaux. They respond best to consistent rules and boundaries. Positive reinforcement, such as praise, treats, and playtime, will motivate them and make the training sessions more enjoyable.
Bullmastiff vs Dogue de Bordeaux: Adaptability
The Bullmastiff is known for its adaptability to various living environments. They can adjust well to both urban and rural settings, as long as their exercise and mental stimulation needs are met. While they are relatively inactive indoors, they still require daily exercise to prevent boredom and maintain a healthy weight.
Despite their large size, Bullmastiffs can adapt to apartment living if provided with sufficient exercise and mental stimulation. However, a house with a secure yard is ideal for them to roam and stretch their legs. They are sensitive to extreme temperatures and should be provided with appropriate shelter and climate control.
Bullmastiffs are known for their loyalty and devotion to their families, which makes them adaptable to different family dynamics. They usually get along well with children and can be protective of them. Early socialization is important to ensure they are comfortable and well-behaved around strangers and other animals.
The Dogue de Bordeaux is generally a less adaptable breed compared to the Bullmastiff. They are more suited to homes with spacious yard or rural environments where they have ample space to move around. Regular exercise is essential to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
Due to their short muzzle and brachycephalic features, Dogue de Bordeaux are sensitive to heat and may struggle in hot and humid climates. They should be provided with cool, shaded areas and access to fresh water to prevent overheating.
The Dogue de Bordeaux’s protective nature makes them well-suited for families looking for a loyal and watchful companion. They have a tendency to bond closely with their owners and may be wary of strangers. Early socialization is crucial to ensure they are comfortable in various social situations.
Video Credit – Fenrir Douge De Bordea
Bullmastiff vs Dogue de Bordeaux: Health
Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they are prone to certain health issues that potential owners should be aware of. Here are some common health concerns associated with the Bullmastiff breed:
Hip Dysplasia: This is a common orthopedic condition in large breeds. It occurs when the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to discomfort, lameness, and arthritis.
Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia is a condition that affects the elbow joint, causing pain, lameness, and eventually arthritis.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat: This is a potentially life-threatening condition in which the stomach twists, trapping gas and food inside. It requires immediate veterinary attention.
Hypothyroidism: This condition occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, resulting in weight gain, lethargy, and skin issues.
Cancer: Like many large breeds, Bullmastiffs are prone to various types of cancer, including mast cell tumors and bone cancer.
Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux is generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health problems. Some common health concerns in the Dogue de Bordeaux include:
Hip Dysplasia: This condition affects the hip joints and can lead to pain, lameness, and arthritis.
Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, this condition affects the elbow joints and can cause discomfort and lameness.
Brachycephalic Syndrome: Due to their short muzzle and flat face, Dogue de Bordeaux may experience breathing difficulties and overheating. This can result in snoring, snorting, and intolerance to heat.
Heart Disease: Some Dogue de Bordeaux may be prone to heart conditions such as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), which can affect the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively.
Skin Infections: The folds of skin on the Dogue de Bordeaux’s face and body can be prone to skin infections if not kept clean and dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Bullmastiffs and Dogue de Bordeaux good with children?
Both breeds can be excellent companions for children. They are generally patient, protective, and loyal, making them suitable for families with kids. However, proper socialization and supervision are essential to ensure positive interactions and prevent any accidental injuries due to their large size.
Are Bullmastiffs and Dogue de Bordeaux good guard dogs?
Yes, both the Bullmastiff and the Dogue de Bordeaux have natural protective instincts and make excellent guard dogs. They are known for their watchfulness, loyalty, and willingness to defend their families and property. Their imposing presence and deep bark can act as deterrents to potential intruders.
Which breed requires more exercise, the Bullmastiff or the Dogue de Bordeaux?
Both breeds require regular exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. However, the Bullmastiff tends to be slightly more active and requires more exercise compared to the Dogue de Bordeaux. Daily walks, play sessions, and mental enrichment activities are important for both breeds to prevent boredom and maintain their overall well-being.
Do Bullmastiffs and Dogue de Bordeaux get along well with other pets?
Both breeds can coexist peacefully with other pets if properly socialized from a young age. Early socialization and proper introductions are important to ensure they develop positive relationships with other animals. However, it’s worth noting that the Bullmastiff’s strong prey drive may require additional supervision and training when interacting with smaller animals such as cats or small dogs.
Which breed requires more grooming, the Bullmastiff or the Dogue de Bordeaux?
Both breeds have relatively low grooming needs. Their short coats require regular brushing to remove loose hair and maintain a healthy coat. However, the Dogue de Bordeaux may require more attention to their facial wrinkles and skin folds to prevent infections and keep them clean and dry. Regular ear cleaning and nail trimming are necessary for both breeds.
Are Bullmastiffs and Dogue de Bordeaux suitable for first-time dog owners?
While both breeds can make wonderful companions, they may not be the best choice for first-time dog owners due to their size, strength, and potential training challenges. These breeds require experienced and confident owners who can provide consistent training, and socialization, and handle their physical needs.
How do Bullmastiffs and Dogue de Bordeaux differ in temperament?
Bullmastiffs are typically known for their calm, loyal, and gentle nature. They are usually good-natured and have a strong protective instinct towards their families. They are generally reliable, and dependable, and make excellent family companions.
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