What should my husband and I look for when we are buying a Dogue? what bloodines are good etc...? please reply, thanks.

I kind of got the idea that Dogue is becoming one of the most popular breeds in UK ;) . Am I right? B33cpe, I'd say just look for a good responsible breeder. And check the pedigrees of both parents... It's very important that you know how to read a pedigree. Also, make sure both dogs were checked for any hereditary diseases....

Early socialization and obedience is a must.... If you do a search on here I believe the Bordeaux has been discussed :)

Hip scoring of parents too as well as the socialisation!  Go and see the dogs before making plans to buy and check the nature out of the parents.

Good luck in your search, they are lovely dogs in the right hands.

Thank you for your replies. I have been researching these dogs for a while and both my husband and i are experienced dog owners. The more i research them the more i want one. There is a breeder who lives about three hours away from me and i am considering buying one from them... they say that their pups have ch. bloodlines that include riverbend beefsteak, hilltop, and park ave dogs( are these good?). And their pups are very beautiful.

I have found alot of info about the dogue online... however, i am having trouble learning about the pedigrees and stuff like that... is there any books or websites i should read? Also , I know I need to get one that has parents who have been hip scored, but i don't know much about this, i have had a lab before that was tested but it was so long ago that i dont remember what scores i should look for.

Thank you for replying, I just want to make a good choice when i buy my Dogue so any information is appreciated.

Hi

From what I can see the last report from the BVA which records hips scores shows the DDB as having an average score of 23 however I personally would be looking for parents that have a score of 20 or lower as they are a very large heavy breed - the score is made up from both hips and is normally shown like 5:5 or 2:3 (just examples) showing left hip score and right but the score is read as a total althought many state what hip makes up waht score. 

Basically the lower the score the better - 0:0 is HD free ;)

Hope that helps

No idea re bloodlines with this breed I am afraid although I do think they are stunning dogs - just too much drool for my liking LOL!

The lines you have mentioned are mostly American .I am in Europe and had a dogue from French and spanish lines.(Capriano kennel ,Varese,Italy)The DDB mastiff was the best large dog we have ever owned...she was well socialised from puppyhood,sailed  through basic obedience at 10months, and was a great all rounder.They do drool when excited or hungry:rolleyes:,shed a lot of hair year round,but make up for this by their steady,dependable nature and loyalty. There are two lines of dogue....the traditional ,older European lines produce  a very heavy-boned dog.There is also a lighter line,which has been introduced by selective breeding,to attempt to reduce joint issues which are ,sadly,very common in the breed.Any pup should be brought on slowly,avoiding excess weight gain  and excessive running etc.Definitely go to a breeder who tests for hip scores,and entropion(inturned eyelids,which cause tearing), and do be sure to see the parents.Male dogues can be male dog aggressive.Our female was very well balanced with all outside influences(dogs,children etc) .We lost our girl at age three after her second operation on her cruciate ligament...they dont handle anaesthesia well. I still miss this dog after many  years,she was such a special girl.
Bellamia.

HELLO

We have bordeaux, we took an interest in the breed 10 years ago, but did a lot of research before we bought our first girl, with seminars through the breed club The Dogue de Bordeaux club of Great Britain, if you google it will come up, or comtact me and I will try and put you in touch with sensible breeders that have breed European champions from ther english stock, as the breed is still import register in this country.

If you would like to PM me I could give you some contacts

\Lynn