Dogue De Bordeaux Puppy

Fire_Fox

Hip dysplasia is inborn, not caused by overwalking. Granted it might be aggravated by excessive exercise, but moderate amounts should strengthen the muscles in the hip and stabilise the joint. The best 'treatment' is prevention: choose a dog from a reputable breeder who has all their dogs scored and only bred from the healthiest.

gettingready

my 7 year old recently watched Turner & Hooch and fell in love with Hooch!! lol.

Oh dear.....:rolleyes:
I guess you also want to get the dog for Xmas as a pressie?

I have a few of those particular dogs around and love them to bits - they are lovely dogs but you have to have a better reason to get one of those then the one above I am afraid.

Someone has mentioned a size - they are clumsyyyyyyyyyyyyyy which combined with their size may be a problem around kids.

My friend's 2 yo DDB runs towards me with her tongue hanging out so happy to see me that I have to dig my heels in to make suer she does not knock me over by accident.

They also droll like mad - are you happy to clean all that dog saliva off furniture/kids faces etc?

I have a long haired German Shepherd and that has it's downsides (hair all over the place) but as much as I love DDB, Boxers, Bulldogs etc - I personally could not put up with that saliva all over the place.. bless them :rolleyes:

hethmar

They often turn up in rescues. Try dogpagesforum site. However, having re read the thread, I dont think its the best breed for your circs.

Humphrey10

I saw someone walking one of these a few months ago, I've never seen a dog like it, it looked like a lion or something! I've seen taller dogs eg deerhounds, but I've never seen such a bulky dog, even its legs looked like a weightlifter's.
Personally I've avoid a puppy that size around children, an adult of the breed might be calmer? But as people have said, do make sure it's the right type of dog.

MrsTinks

Whilst I don't agree with the breed or the puppy (both because of young children in the house - puppies chew and mouthe... with a DDB the mouthing could become a serious issue if you have children and like mastiffs they can as far as I know become extreemly protective - that's fine if you're happy to shut the dog away whenever you have friends, family or other children visiting?) however - from a MSE point of view: any breeder willing to sell to you at this time of year or who has puppies ready now should be avoided like the plague! They are the people who don't breed for the improvement and preservation of the breed but for cold hard cash. These are NOT the people you want to buy a dog from regardless of breed.
As others have said - if you really have your hearts set on a DDB then go to crufts in March - speak to the breeders and meet potential parents. Do your homework on a line even if you are not intending to breed or show your dog, each line is different and as one poster above has already explained then there are a LOT of health problems with DDBs. Taking your time and picking a good breeder and line will save you a lot of money and heartache. Also - have you looked at the cost of insuring a DDB? Because of the huge potential for problems I would expect the monthly payments would be pretty hefty...

Paradigm

Humphrey10 wrote: »

I saw someone walking one of these a few months ago, I've never seen a dog like it, it looked like a lion or something! I've seen taller dogs eg deerhounds, but I've never seen such a bulky dog, even its legs looked like a weightlifter's.

Males can get a little "stocky" but females tend to be smaller & less bulky, still not small dogs though.

To the OP.. I have 3 DDB's & they are one of the easier Mastiff breeds to own but even so they are not for everyone.

They need a lot of time & patience with training as they can be quite stubborn. Not an easy task with 2 young children!

With any dog it's important to put the time & effort into training but with any of the larger breeds it's vital! An unruly Westie is bad enough but a wayward dog weighing 50+ kilo's is something else.

Also don't think, because of their size, they are couch potatoes who will spend all day asleep, they don't! They need two good walks a day & in between the walks they usually get up to something If you work all day then this isn't the dog for you!

They snore, they drool & they are clumsy, boisterous dogs who don't realise their own strength. A 7 yo could quite easily be knocked over & injured.

You'll also find that kitchen worktops are a perfect height for a dogue to help himself to that sandwich you left "for a minute"

They do have their plus points: affectionate (sometimes too much), loyal, generally not aggressive with other dogs or people, don't moult much.

To anyone with dog experience, who knows what is needed, & is prepared to put the time & effort in then I would recommend a Dogue without reservation.

Would I recommend one as an impulse buy to someone who liked what they saw in a film? NO!

Paradigm

Missed something...:o

They also have the protective instinct & it can be a problem!

Strangers at the front door are regarded as possible threats &, while there is generally no aggression, trying to let a meter reader (for example) in can be a major event

They will put themselves between you & anything they consider is danger...nice & comforting at first becoming a PITA later!

It's something that I have been unable to train out, it's what they do!

beard0609

I have two a boy and a girl both mine are rescued.. my children are older 10 &14..

Go on to and join the welfare forum you will get all the advice in the world there and what I would call decent breeders will be on hand to answer all question..You will also see lots of photos and get to read lots of stories
Bear in mind they are strong dogs. mone are 8 1/2 stone and 10 stone so you have to be strong to!! The boy also drools all the time like Hooch!!!

hethmar

What are the insurance costs like for them guys? Just out of interest as I know AXA has stopped covering Mastiffs.

hethmar

I was just thinking that a 7 year old girl may be ok with drool all over her face and clothes, but when she is a teenager, she may not be quite as keen.