Dogue De Bordeaux

[Lordette]

I’m considering getting a Dogue de Bordeaux. I’m experienced with dogs - I have three children and one other dog.

People I know who’ve owned one have said they are the most docile, loveliest dogs. I’m a bit apprehensive about the size… Obviously I would start training classes from day one.

I’d be interested to hear other people’s experiences of the breed.

Why on earth would you consider this breed when you have children? Madness 🙄

They are gorgeous dogs. A friend has two and they are truly lovely and friendly. That said, I am always mindful with my children about what dogs were originally bred for and will never have a hunting dog around them. Our dogs have been lap dogs and retrievers and they have lived up to their breeding traits, so even though the Dogues I know are soft and soppy I'd never relax in case they suddenly showed the hunting gene.

My cousin had two, both also dropped dead before they were five and cost a lot in vet bills (even with insurance) so for that reason I couldn’t do it myself.
I also couldn’t do the slobber, they ended up with stained furniture and all sorts. It’s not possible to keep on top of it.

Please don’t get one! With children and another dog in the family, it could go horribly wrong and they’re really powerful and can sprint and be very agile when they go on the turn. A neighbour had one years ago. It was a big softie and I had no fear of it at all, ever. I thought it was a gentle giant until I saw it launch itself over the garden gate and run across the road to savagely attach a dog that was being walked over the road. The little one being walked was something like a Maltese terrier or shitzu type thing and it was too far gone so they put down. The DDB was eventually dragged indoors by the owners, covered in blood. Police came at some point and I don’t know if it was ordered or the ins and outs but never saw it again and people around said it was PTS.

I had a mastiff type dog when I was very young and she was protective to a point where if even a friend did something like touch your arm, she’d start snarling and pacing. She got rehomed to a farm.

I have a DDB and she is the most gentle, loving girl. I really don’t think you should listen to people saying they are aggressive or why would you have them if you have children. ANY dog can be aggressive, if this was a post about labradors I can promise you there would be way more stories of them attacking or biting than there would with a DDB.
they are fantastic with children and would make a wonderful pet. Xxx