i am very intrested in this breed and wondered whether any one could give me any information on the breed, i would hope to get one in the future (not for at least 5 years)

Read the breed book, look on the net and talk to owners. Meet dogues in person and see thier personality. wouldnt suggest for novice first time owners a knowledgable handler is needed. But i wouldnt be without mine now.

Make sure that the breeders hipscore.  Though in 5 years time I think that everyone will have to to be able to register their dogs.

I don't know where you live, but if you are within striking distance of London, and free on the weekend of the 8/9 November, why not visit Discover Dogs? Over this weekend Earl's Court is packed out with hundreds of different breeds of dogs. Each breed has a breed stand "mannned" by dogs and their owners. There you can meet the best examples of the breed and talk in detail to good breeders. They can answer all your questions, direct you to reliable breeders in your area and you will get a chance to handle the dogs.

You may even find another breed you like better!

If you google Discover Dogs, all the details will come up online.

harvey123
If you are within driving distance of coventry and are free this Saturday (1st Nov) the dogue de bordeaux club of great britain is having their open show at sports connexion, ryton on dunsmore which is near to coventry, the post code is CV8 3FL and the show opens at 10:00 with judging starting at 11:00.  The only dogs there will be ddb and if the limit show back in May is anything to go by there should be a few dogs there.  Also most of the committee from the DDB club of great britain will be there together with a few breeders and also the likes of me who are just owners.
If you need any more info about the breed the DDB club of GB is a good website for info
But as others have said you can't do enough research including the breeders, there is unfortunately lots of breeders out there who are not health checking, but there are also lots of good reputable breeders who are more interested in the breed than making a few pounds.
Regards

Lindsey