Bringing home a new dog can be a thrilling and rewarding experience. However, it is also a serious responsibility that requires careful consideration and preparation. The Dogue de Bordeaux is a beautiful and powerful breed that is known for its loyalty and affection. Before you bring one of these magnificent creatures into your home, there are several things you should know to ensure that you are fully prepared for the responsibility ahead. Here are 12 things to keep in mind before bringing home a Dogue de Bordeaux.
1. They Require Lots of Space
Dogue de Bordeaux dogs are large, powerful animals that require plenty of space to move around. They are not well-suited to small apartments or homes with limited outdoor space. Before bringing one of these dogs into your home, make sure you have enough room to accommodate their size and energy levels.
2. They Need Regular Exercise
Dogue de Bordeaux dogs are energetic and need regular exercise to maintain their health and wellbeing. They enjoy long walks, runs, and playtime in the great outdoors. If you are unable to provide your dog with regular exercise, this breed may not be the right choice for you.
3. They Are Affectionate and Loyal
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a loyal and affectionate breed that forms strong bonds with its family. They crave attention and enjoy spending time with their human companions. If you are looking for a dog that will shower you with affection, the Dogue de Bordeaux may be the perfect breed for you.
4. They Can Be Stubborn
While the Dogue de Bordeaux is a loyal breed, they can also be stubborn and difficult to train. It is important to establish yourself as the pack leader from an early age to ensure that your dog listens to your commands and follows your lead.
5. They Can Be Aggressive Towards Other Animals
The Dogue de Bordeaux has a strong prey drive and may exhibit aggressive behavior towards other animals, particularly smaller dogs, and cats. Early socialization and training can help mitigate these tendencies, but it is important to be aware of this potential behavior before bringing one of these dogs into a home with other pets.
6. They Are Prone to Health Issues
Like many purebred dogs, the Dogue de Bordeaux is prone to a variety of health issues. These can include hip dysplasia, bloat, and various respiratory issues. Before bringing home a Dogue de Bordeaux, it is important to research these potential health issues and prepare accordingly. Pet insurance can be a valuable investment to help cover the cost of veterinary care.
7. They Require Regular Grooming
The Dogue de Bordeaux has a short, dense coat that requires regular grooming to keep it looking healthy and shiny. They shed seasonally and may require more frequent grooming during these periods. In addition to regular brushing, they may also require occasional baths and nail trimmings.
8. They Are Great Watchdogs
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a powerful and imposing breed that makes an excellent watchdog. They are naturally protective of their family and will alert you to any potential threats. However, this protective instinct can also lead to aggressive behavior towards strangers if not properly socialized.
9. They Can Be Noisy
Dogue de Bordeaux dogs are known for their deep, booming bark. While this can be an asset as a watchdog, it can also be a nuisance if they bark excessively. Early training can help to teach your dog when barking is appropriate and when it is not.
10. They Can Be Sensitive to Heat and Cold
The Dogue de Bordeaux has a short, dense coat that provides little insulation from extreme temperatures. They can be sensitive to both heat and cold and may require extra care and attention during these periods. Make sure to provide your dog with plenty of shade, water, and shelter during hot weather, and a warm, comfortable place to sleep during cold weather.
11. They Benefit from Training and Socialization
As previously mentioned, the Dogue de Bordeaux can be stubborn and difficult to train. However, early training and socialization can help to mitigate any potential behavior issues. They benefit from positive reinforcement training methods that reward good behavior and encourage them to learn and obey commands.
12. They Are Affectionate Family Pets
Despite their size and power, the Dogue de Bordeaux is a loving and affectionate family pet that enjoys spending time with its human companions. They are great with children and can make a wonderful addition to a family home. However, it is important to remember that they require a significant amount of time, attention, and care to thrive.
13. Make Sure These Products Are On Your Shopping List!
Bringing home a new Dogue de Bordeaux can be overwhelming, so we compiled a comprehensive list of every product you’ll need for your new Dogue de Bordeaux here.
Pet Insurance for Dogue de Bordeaux
Pet insurance is a valuable investment for any dog owner, but it can be especially important for those with purebred dogs like the Dogue de Bordeaux. This breed is prone to a variety of health issues, as previously mentioned, which can be expensive to treat. Pet insurance can help to offset these costs and ensure that your dog receives the best possible care. When selecting a pet insurance policy, be sure to choose one that covers genetic and hereditary conditions, as these are common issues for the Dogue de Bordeaux.
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Dog Training for Dogue de Bordeaux
Training is essential for all dogs, but it is particularly important for the Dogue de Bordeaux. This breed can be stubborn and difficult to train, but early training and socialization can help to mitigate any potential behavior issues. Positive reinforcement training methods, such as clicker training, can be effective for this breed. It is also important to establish yourself as the pack leader from an early age to ensure that your dog listens to your commands and follows your lead.
Check out the Best 7 Online Dog Training Programs here.
FAQ for First-Time Dogue de Bordeaux Owners
Q: Are Dogue de Bordeaux good with children?
A: Yes, Dogue de Bordeaux can be great family pets and are generally good with children. However, as with any breed, it is important to supervise interactions between dogs and children to ensure that both are safe and comfortable.
Q: Do Dogue de Bordeaux shed a lot?
A: Dogue de Bordeaux has a short, dense coat that sheds seasonally. They may require more frequent grooming during these periods to help control shedding.
Q: Are Dogue de Bordeaux prone to health issues?
A: Yes, like many purebred dogs, the Dogue de Bordeaux is prone to a variety of health issues. These can include hip dysplasia, bloat, and various respiratory issues. It is important to research these potential health issues before bringing one of these dogs into your home and to invest in pet insurance to help cover the cost of veterinary care.
Q: How much exercise do Dogue de Bordeaux need?
A: Dogue de Bordeaux require a moderate amount of exercise. They enjoy daily walks and playtime in the yard, but they are not a high-energy breed and are content with moderate exercise. It is important not to over-exercise these dogs, particularly when they are young, as they are prone to joint issues.
Q: Do Dogue de Bordeaux make good apartment dogs?
A: No, the Dogue de Bordeaux is a large breed that requires a significant amount of space. They are not well-suited to apartment living and are best suited to homes with a yard or outdoor space.
Q: How much do Dogue de Bordeaux weigh?
A: The average weight of a male Dogue de Bordeaux is between 110-140 pounds, while females typically weigh between 99-120 pounds.
Q: Are Dogue de Bordeaux good guard dogs?
A: Yes, the Dogue de Bordeaux can make an excellent guard dog due to their size, strength, and protective nature. However, it is important to socialize these dogs properly to prevent any aggressive behavior towards strangers.
Q: How often do Dogue de Bordeaux need to be groomed?
A: The Dogue de Bordeaux has a short, dense coat that requires minimal grooming. Weekly brushing is typically sufficient to keep their coat looking healthy and shiny. They may require more frequent grooming during shedding periods to control shedding.
Q: What is the lifespan of a Dogue de Bordeaux?
A: The average lifespan of a Dogue de Bordeaux is between 8-10 years.
Q: Are Dogue de Bordeaux good with other pets?
A: It depends on the individual dog and their socialization. Early socialization can help to ensure that your Dogue de Bordeaux is comfortable and friendly around other pets, but they may be prone to aggression towards other dogs of the same sex. It is important to introduce any new pets slowly and under close supervision.
Q: How much does a Dogue de Bordeaux puppy cost?
A: The cost of a Dogue de Bordeaux puppy can vary depending on the breeder and location, but they typically range from $2,000-$5,000.
Q: Do Dogue de Bordeaux have any unique traits or characteristics?
A: Yes, the Dogue de Bordeaux is a unique breed with several distinct traits. They have large heads and powerful, muscular bodies. Their wrinkled face and deep, jowly cheeks give them a distinctive appearance. They are also known for their loyal and protective nature.
Conclusion
Bringing a Dogue de Bordeaux into your home can be a wonderful experience, but it is important to understand the unique needs and characteristics of this breed. They require a significant amount of time, attention, and care to thrive, but they can make excellent family pets for those who are willing to put in the effort. Be sure to invest in pet insurance and early training to ensure that your Dogue de Bordeaux stays healthy and well-behaved throughout its life.
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