My husband and I are trying to find our next family member :)
I have taken some online surveys to find the right breed for us and
mastiffs kept coming up.  I was inquiring about a Bull Mastiff on another board and a very kind and
knowledgable indivdual suggested a Dogue de Bordeaux instead.  I was wondering if anybody who owns or who has had any experience with these beautiful creatures could give me some information on their breed.

We are looking for a protector of our home but mostly a protector of our children of which we have two under the age of 4.  We also want a breed that is easily trainable and is not overly energetic.  After the "puppy phase" I would like to be able to leave the animal free to roam the house unattended while we are not home. 

I also want to know, is this a breed that can be trusted after it has aged, (I have had bad experience with an aged chow chow in the past).  Also, are their any major health concerns for this breed?  and what is the level of "clean up" as far as slobber & shedding?  

We both work full time jobs during the day 5 days a week, however, a sitter is at our home usually 4 out of the 5 days so the dog would have someone around.  Do you think this is the breed for us ?  if not, any other suggestions.

Thank you,

Melanie

How good is your house sitter at training dogs? All dogs, but large ones in particular, need to be shown how to behave with adults and children and how not to eat the house. Can't talk about this breed in particular but all puppies are best with full time attention when young, so if your sitter can deal with the training and you can make arrangements for the times they are not there you should not have too much trouble providing you are careful where you buy. With large dogs of any breed it is imperative that every care is taken with their breeding if you are to avoid trouble in the future.

I agree with Jackie, if your sitter is going to be with the dog for 4 whole days a week he/she will need to feel just as comfortable with looking after and training the dog as you do as they will be spending just as much influential time with pup as you will!

I dont dave D de Bs either, but can give a little info on the slobber issue, as quite a few come to training classes we attend - they slobber a lot :) .  they also seem to have a very deep in built guarding instinct, which may or may not be good in your situation, as not sure how they would react with your childrens friends visiting.  Some of the ones I see frequently get very possesive even about the patch of floor on which they are sitting, and quite a lot of threatenting behaviour has been shown to other dogs just passing by.  Luckily they seem oblivious to my tiny dogs, but they dont seem to put up with other larger dogs easily.  I dont know a lot about the history of the breed,  but have been told that they are not for the novice owner.  Also on your away from home issue - you say your sitter is in 4 days - with a pup you would need all 5 days, or I doubt any reputable breeder would sell you a pup.  House training needs full time attention while a pup.
bye
Gwen

I think you need to do a bit more research before buying any dog. I have bullmastiffs and they are not the dog for everyone.
Why don't you do a bit more reading and then go and visit people/breeders who own these breeds and ask questions.
I always encourage people to come and see me and my dogs at home, then they can see what they are getting into and find out if this is really the breed for them.
Crufts is on in March, working dog day in the 6th (Sat) why don't you come and then you will be able to see these breeds and talk to people.
If you want anymore help please feel free to call me.
Karen Johnson. (01428 658978)

I have 2 Dogue de bordeaux, I would not really recommend one for you if you are going to be parted from her/him for 5 days a week, although a appreciate that you will be there evenings and weekends, from a young age they will bond with the sitter, there can have a strong personality and yes they do drool, up the washing machine, fridge in fact any thing that gets in the way when they shake there heads. They are a very powerfull dogue, but both mine are very loveing, the bitch is more for my husband and the dog for me. The male I have is 10 months and weighs 59kg and he has not filled out yet, the bitch is 22 months and weighs near 11 stone when last weighed. They can  be strong willed and you need to be firm, and on top of the training, I would say class's were a must if you are a first time dog owner. If you do decided to buy a Dogue please make sure that it comes from hip scored parents the average hip score if about 14, the parents elbow should be xrayed, heart tested, I also have mine eye tested, if you want more information on the breed contact John or Pat Woods, he is vice chairman of the Bordeaux Club and he will give you more information, he can be contacted on 01945 466121. Contact a few breeders and ask if you may visit and meet there Dogues. They can be a hard breed but they are loyal and affectionate my 3 grandaughter 2 are 5 years old and the other 3 years have never had a problem with them.If you buy a Bordeaux you will pay £1000 to £1200 the bad breeders that are in it for the money will charge just the same as a good breeder, but the good breeders will have had the health checks done

The problem you will have with many breeds, is they usually bond with their main carer / feeder - in your case this sounds like it will be your sitter, which COULD  lead to problems, especially if you want such a large breed of dog, as you and your husband both need to be able to control it, and have it respond to you both. Also, the puppy phase often lasts for years - often not "settling" until about 3 yrs old - some breeds never grow up!!! Wouldnt know what to suggets re a particular breed, but think you would have your hands full with a large breed of dog - good luck with whatever you get!

We own a DDB, she is 10 months old and is a very loving loyal girl.  she is extreamly good with children, however, can unintentionally hurt kids by being to strong for them by barging into them, and knocking them over but all she wants to do is play, so a close eye is needed at all times with her. 

We socialized her from the time we brought her home with people, and after her jabs with other dogs, so we have been lucky that she loves people and other dogs.  She is very slobbery, especially when she see's treats or food. 

she is very intelligent, stubbon, and very lazy but can easily be left alone without destroying the house, She is head strong at times, and we have had alot of support from our training classes with problems of dominance.  its a constant battle putting her in her dog place.  We see a light at the end of the tunnel with her now, but she really has had us at wits end!....

If you do get one, make sure you make ground rules and stick to them,  alot of doggie experience is needed with these dogs,  which is probably why you see lots of 6 month plus DDB for sale in the papers.  In saying all this, we wouldnt consider another breed now, we wouldnt be without her...   just thought this may help you in your decision.