Bordeaux Great Dane

History of the Bordeaux Great Dane breed

The origin of the Bordeaux Great Dane is considered a bone of contention by dog handlers all over the world: it is not known for sure who became the progenitor of the breed, and the disputes still do not subside. Three theories are common among dog breeders. According to the first version, the Great Danes descended from the fighting "Frenchmen", participants in bloody dog pits. Adherents of the second theory believe that the breed originated from bulldogs . The third version says that the genotype of dogs is directly related to tibetan mastiffs .

The first theory became the most common: the "Bordos" inherited their appearance from the ancient Alans, widely spread among the Spaniards and the French. These fighting dogs were described in detail by Gaston de Foix, who was fond of hunting and in the XIV century published a whole book where Alan appears as one of the oldest hunting breeds in France. The grip of a powerful dog was commensurate with the grip of three greyhounds at the same time, so Alans were bred for baiting wild boars and other large prey. At the same time, the animals were also suitable for protecting cattle, transporting skinned carcasses, and even for participating in the widespread bloodthirsty entertainment – dog pits.

All the Great danes of France were divided into three types. The differences between them were cardinal. There were dogs with a uniform color or points on the entire surface of the body, a small or large head, a straight or scissor bite… They have contributed to the appearance of the modern breed.

For a long time, the Great Danes of Bordeaux were known as French mastiffs. Everything changed in 1863. The animals were already presented under the current name. The victory was won by a dog named Magent, and this was the first step towards the official recognition of the breed.

Inspired by the success, breeders began to actively breed dogs that at least remotely resembled Great Danes. Everyone confidently claimed that it was in his kennel that purebred animals could be found. Despite the obvious similarity of "Bordeaux" with bullmastiffs , the fact of their relationship was denied. At the same time, most dog breeders claimed the opposite: the British used Bordeaux Great Danes to breed similar animals.

Purebred dogs still survived – however, in negligible quantities. Breeder Euler managed to get a couple of representatives of the breed – a male Bufalo and a bitch Sultan. Since 1892, active work on breeding purebred "Bordeaux" began.

Four years later, veterinarian Pierre Menien, who headed a group of breeders, presented the first breed standard written off from the aforementioned Bufalo. While other breeders considered it necessary to recognize Great Danes exclusively with a dark "mask", Menien did not support this hypothesis. The veterinarian's explanation was simple: such marks are a sign of incest of breeds, so it is worth selecting dogs with a uniform color or with a "mask" of a brownish hue. In the future, Menien encouraged the breeding of exclusively red Bordeaux dogs with uncooped ears.

In 1910, a certain Mr. Kunstler joined the activities of Pierre Menien. Being a professional dog handler and a passionate dog lover, the man wrote a voluminous article about the Great Dane of Bordeaux, using reliable documents and facts. The portrait of the animal, compiled by Kunstler, represented an expanded breed standard. Like Menien, the dog handler believed that the presence of a black "mask" on the face of the "Bordeaux" is unacceptable, since such a dog is not considered purebred.

The first breed club was founded in 1924 under the leadership of A. Bar. He was responsible for restoring the number of the breed after the events of the First World War. Two years later, based on Kunstler's article, Bar created a new standard.

The breed was almost on the verge of extinction after 1939-1945, when the number of dogs decreased catastrophically. Since the Great Danes of Bordeaux were quite large animals, it turned out to be an almost impossible task to feed them in wartime. Many dogs were killed or euthanized so as not to burden themselves with an additional "burden" in the face of a hungry pet. Few breeders selflessly protected their wards. In the history of the Great Dane of Bordeaux, only one name has been preserved – Mr. Van Capel, who did not leave the dogs to their fate.

Fortunately, the French Aquitaine was practically not affected by the bloody battles, and a few "Bordeaux" managed to survive. For the re-restoration of the Great Dane in 1960, the dog handler Raymond Trike was the first to undertake. A. Bar again created a breed club. Despite the efforts of breeders, by 1966 only five purebred dogs had been registered. During breeding, the Great Dane of Bordeaux puppies from a few litters lived at home with breeders or their close friends.

The results of Trike's organized activities became clear by 1970. Together with Maurice Lucke, the cynologist created the third standard. A year later, the FCI officially registered the Great Dane of Bordeaux. In 1993, Monsieur Lucke took up the creation of the standard again – this time together with Philippe Seruy. At the same time, the "Dogue de Bordeaux Saga" was published in two volumes.

Over time, the breed became famous. Its representatives were imported everywhere to other states for further breeding. "Bordeaux" was crossed with Japanese tosa-inu, used to breed Argentine Great Dane and the salvation of the line of English mastiffs. Bordeaux dogs came to the territory of Russia in 1900. Among the imported "Bordeaux", Svetlana Dorogova's pet stood out – the handsome Belmondo, a world champion among his brethren. Three years later, he won in Moscow, where the jury members singled out the dog Dorogova among 60 Bordeaux Great Danes. Belmondo became an honorary participant in the Bordeaux breeding program and attracted public attention to his breed.

Video: Great Dane of Bordeaux

Appearance of the Great Dane of Bordeaux

Nature has generously rewarded the Great Dane of Bordeaux with an athletic physique, good health and remarkable strength. Despite some squatness, the "Bordeaux" look harmonious, and the extravagant charm of the animals smooths out their external rudeness.

The standard provides for a certain height and weight of Bordeaux Great Danes. The height of males at the withers reaches 60-68 cm, their body weight is 50 kg and above. Bitches have other parameters: height about 58-66 cm and weight within 45-50 kg. Sexual dimorphism is pronounced. Males are massive and heavy, and their character is more restless.

Head and skull

When examining the dog from above, the trapezoidal shape of the head is noticeable, when looking at the animal from the front, it is square. The convex forehead is divided by a shallow hollow in the center. Folds diverge from it, which deepen when the Bordeaux Great Dane is excited. The brow ridges and cheekbones of the dog give the skull a noticeable volume.

Muzzle

The muzzle of the "Bordeaux" is slightly shorter than the forehead. Its distinctive feature is a "mask" a tone darker than the main color of the coat. The stop is pronounced, it is almost a right angle. The wide lobe is upturned, but not flattened. The lips are fleshy, forming an inverted "tick". The chin is massive.

Ears

The small ears of the Great Dane of Bordeaux are rounded, barely reaching the tips to the outer edge of the eyes. Their high and wide (in comparison with each other) landing visually makes the dog's skull more massive. The ears are raised in the excited state of the animal and fit snugly to the cheekbones if the Great Dane is alert.

Eyes

Are planted quite low. The color of the iris can be different: walnut or brown – in dogs with a dark "mask" on the muzzle, light brown - in animals with a red "mask". The latter option is also typical for dogs with a complete absence of a "mask".

Jaws and teeth

The lower jaw of the Great Dane of Bordeaux protrudes forward and slightly rises above the upper one. The incisors of the dog are planted on the same line. Representatives of the breed are characterized by overbite (bulldog-like bite).

Neck

The neck of the Bordeaux Great Dane has a cylindrical shape. The nape is convex, connected to the wide withers of the animal. The visibility of the breastplate and suspension create folds of skin on the dog's throat.

Housing

The body of the "Bordeaux" is elongated, distinguished by a massive backbone. The withers are elevated. The shoulder blades are tightly pressed. The back turns into a rather convex loin, and that – into the sloping croup of the Great Dane. The chest is well filled. Rounded ribs are slightly flattened on both sides. The lower part of the chest turns into a tightened bottom line.

Tail

Has a wide base and moderate length. Its tip is lowered to the hock joints of the animal. In a calm state, the tail falls down, and in motion it rises by 100 °.

Forelimbs

Are particularly massive in the shoulder area, which form a right angle with the shoulder blades. Elbows pressed. The forearms and pasterns are vertical. Paws are strong, "equipped" with crowded fingers with strong claws. The pads are elastic.

Hind limbs

Are placed at a smaller distance from each other in comparison with the forelimbs. On the wide hips of the dog, the developed musculature is noticeable. The joints are emphasized, the metatarsals are vertical. The paws are slightly longer than the front ones, there are no dewclaws. The claws are strong.

Manner of movement

Bordeaux Great Danes prefer to trot, but with increasing speed they begin to "creep" on the ground. The dog's leisurely pace is characterized by ambling. In other cases, the movements are sweeping and elastic.

Wool cover

The coat of the Bordeaux Great Dane is short and thin, quite soft, tightly fits the dog's body. The undercoat is missing.

Color

The breed standard allows dark and light shades of brown. White points on the chest and fingertips are acceptable. The "mask" is a shade darker, may be black or absent. The latter case is characterized by a reddish or pink color of the nose lobe.

Possible vices

Any (even the slightest) breed defect is considered deviation from the standard of the Great Dane of Bordeaux. Most often there are:

• close bulldog-like, scissor-like or straight bite;
• rocking the croup in a vertical plane when moving;
• weak and rather stretched back and/or lower back;
• sharply tightened or straight belly line;
• unexpressed limb musculature;
• close-set and/or round eyes;
• timidity and melancholy;
• weighted movements;
• loose build;
• undeveloped jaws;
• hyperexcitability;
• elongated neck;
• small teeth.

The disqualifying vices of the Great Dane of Bordeaux include:

• hunchbacked/sagging back and/or lower back;
• dome- or bulldog-shaped head;
• barrel-shaped or bream-shaped breasts;
• white points on the dog's head and body;
• aggressive or cowardly behavior;
• square or elongated housing;
• large or small eye incision;
• atypical iris pigmentation;
• low or high neck fit;
• excessive thinness or obesity;
• snoring when the animal is moving;
• shortened upper lip;
• "femininity" of males;
• very short tail;
• undescended testicles;
• straight fangs.

Photo of the Great Dane of Bordeaux

The character of the Great Dane of Bordeaux

The frightening appearance of the Great Dane of Bordeaux is the main reason why people consider these dogs aggressive and dangerous. It is worth discarding stereotypes – and the dog will appear before you in a different way: playful, loyal and loving. For an animal, there is no punishment more terrible than loneliness. Lack of attention negatively affects the behavior of "Bordeaux", so do not be surprised if damaged furniture, broken vases and an overturned bucket of water are waiting for you when you return home.

Representatives of the breed are completely devoted to the family in which they live, and especially to their owner. Sitting down at a desk or sitting comfortably on the sofa, do not be lazy to lower your hand down: after a few minutes, your pet's wet nose will surely be buried in it. As soon as you decide to leave the room, the dog will immediately follow, no matter how strong and cozy her sleep was.

The Great Dane of Bordeaux behaves similarly on the street. Walking without a leash, the animal prefers not to stray far from the owner, so as not to lose sight of him. So that your pet can stretch his paws, arrange a light jog in the city park. This will not only cheer up the dog, but also provide you with a little peace of mind in the evening: a tired great dane will take a place on his favorite litter, and not arrange a rout in order to throw out the accumulated energy.

"Bordeaux" cannot be called a family dog, but still it easily gets along with children over six years old. The fuss and noise of a younger child are perceived by the Great Dane as a potential threat. In addition, the huge dimensions of the animal make it quite traumatic: passing by, the Great Dane of Bordeaux may inadvertently push your child or fall on him during the game. Dog handlers recommend postponing the purchase of a dog until the children go to school, but even in this case it is necessary to closely monitor the relationship that develops between the child and the "Bordeaux". The slightest conflict should be nipped in the bud.

Cohabitation of a Great Dane with other pets is possible under a certain condition. A well-bred dog will not show its teeth at its relative, but the same cannot be said about males, who most often have a competitive relationship with animals of the same sex. The Great Dane of Bordeaux will get along quite easily with a domestic cat, but at the sight of a stranger he will certainly rush in pursuit and, most likely, will please with "prey". On a walk, it is not recommended to let the Great Dane off the leash, if you do not want to become an accomplice to the massacre. Representatives of this breed have an excessively sharpened hunting instinct, so you should not take risks, even if you are confident in the tranquility of the pet.

The socialized Great Dane of Bordeaux will not rush to attack a stranger. The main thing is to treat the giant with respect and not bother him with excessive attention. Listen to the dog's grumbling: this is often a warning signal, after which an attack may follow.

Representatives of the breed make excellent guards. "Bordeaux" will not allow you to enter the territory entrusted to them without demand. Even with the appearance of a stranger, the Great Dane will not immediately rush in pursuit. First, the animal will try to properly scare the unwanted guest with a formidable appearance and only then will it show strength. If it comes to protecting the family, the Great Dane of Bordeaux will fight to the last and, most likely, will be the winner.

An interesting feature of the dog's character is its intolerance to the smell of alcohol. Refrain from walking with the Great Dane of Bordeaux during city celebrations: a meeting with an inebriated person can cause pet irritability. Under certain circumstances, a great dane attacks, and it is quite difficult to restrain a dog of this size – even if on a leash.

Education and training

Bordeaux Great Danes are distinguished by intelligence and developed intelligence, but this does not facilitate the process of education and training. Starting from the puppy age, it is necessary to teach the pet to treat people with trust. Regularly take the baby in your arms and gently stroke his soft fur. In the mind of Bordeaux, a person will be associated with positive emotions. However, you should not trust the manifestations of affection to outsiders who do not know how to handle dogs.

Many owners of Bordeaux Great Danes note that puppies differ in the greatest obedience at the age of three weeks. It is at this time that it is necessary to begin active upbringing and teaching the baby to the rules of behavior. It is not recommended to stop training for a long time. What has been learned tends to be forgotten, especially as the "bordeaux" matures and new distractions appear.

From the very beginning, the great Dane must learn a simple truth: there is only one leader in the "pack", and it is not him. If you show gentleness of character, an adult dog will create a lot of trouble. Representatives of the breed are quite wayward and are able to find weaknesses in the "armor" of the owner. In addition, Bordeaux dogs are excellent manipulators, so they may soon begin to train you.

Wean the pet to jump with its paws on the chest. It is unlikely that you will be happy when a 50-pound dog does it, and not a charming puppy. Excessive obsession is another character trait of the Great Dane of Bordeaux, which should be eradicated. Remember: the slightest indulgence on the part of any of the family members will nullify your attempts to raise a decent dog from a pet.

Representatives of the breed quickly learn what is required of them. Your task is to encourage your pet at the right moments. It is not necessary to force the Great Dane of Bordeaux: it will not help. It is much more effective to make the dog want to fulfill your requirement. There are many ways: a treat, an extraordinary walk in the park or a pet's favorite toy.

Training Bordeaux Great Dane is quite difficult. Along with an inquisitive mind, dogs are distinguished by independence and stubbornness, so the study of a new team may take more than one day. The training should be consistent and short (no more than an hour). Do not raise your voice at your pet and encourage his success with affectionate stroking or treats. Harsh shouts and rude orders are your main enemy: a distressed animal gets lost and trains even worse. If the Great Dane of Bordeaux indulges, limit yourself to a strict reprimand, and then immediately encourage the dog by offering to repeat the command.

Dog breeders note that representatives of this breed are quite often lazy and become slow. Do not scold the dog for thinking about commands for a long time. It is worth winning the respect and love of a four-legged friend, and the training process will go like a well-trodden path!

An important moment in the training of the Great Dane of Bordeaux is a walk on a leash. Don't let the puppy pull you forward! As you get older, it will be more and more difficult to keep the animal. If the pet is tearing off the leash, pull it back, otherwise you will switch roles during the walk.

Care and maintenance

Shorthair breeds of dogs do not require painstaking care, and the Great Dane of Bordeaux is no exception. The only thing you'll have to tinker with is water treatments. These dogs love to wallow in the mud, so be prepared to bring home not a pet, but a huge and seemingly unfamiliar muddy. Great Danes of Bordeaux are bathed as needed or twice a month. For washing, use a pet shampoo or its dry analogue (the latter is becoming increasingly popular among dog breeders).

In addition to bathing, you will have to wipe the Great Dane's muzzle daily, and especially its folds. Saliva and food often accumulate in them, because the animal eats extremely carelessly. Arm yourself with a moistened cloth flap and carefully remove all excess from the folds on the muzzle. This will help prevent the appearance of an unpleasant odor.

Hair care of the Bordeaux Great Dane does not require effort. It is enough to wipe it two or three times a week with a cloth cloth (to give a healthy shine). During seasonal molting, which proceeds almost imperceptibly, use a special glove with silicone "growths". They will delicately remove dead hairs from your pet's fur.

The ears of the Great Dane of Bordeaux tend to accumulate dust and dirt, thereby creating a favorable environment for the reproduction of bacteria. Your task is to prevent possible inflammation. Lift your ear and wipe it with a moistened cotton pad. To remove sulfur, use a cotton swab, but be careful: careless movement can damage the eardrums of the animal! If you don't want to take any chances, wrap your finger with gauze and do the same. The result will not be as effective, but it will be safe.

Remember: an unpleasant smell, redness or a huge accumulation of sulfur is an alarming sign and a reason to contact a veterinary clinic.

Do not forget to examine and wipe your pet's eyes. For this procedure, use a cotton pad moistened with slightly brewed tea or warm boiled water. If the abundant discharge in the corners of the eyes has an unhealthy color, make an appointment for a consultation with a veterinarian. Your inaction in the future will create a lot of problems with the dog's health.

The mouth of the Bordeaux Great Dane needs no less care. Brush the animal's teeth three times a week with dog paste and an old brush. You can also use a more budget option: wrap your finger in gauze and walk it over the teeth of "Bordeaux". If your pet behaves restlessly, calm him down with a gentle stroking and a promise to give a treat after the end of the "execution".

The claws are shortened twice a month with a claw cutter. To eliminate sharp edges and burrs, use a nail file. Do not forget to wipe your paws thoroughly after a walk. If cracks or wounds appear, lubricate the pads with a greasy baby cream or antiseptic. It will not be superfluous to include sunflower oil in the diet of the Bordeaux Great Dane (no more than one teaspoon per day).

Important: the treatment of wool with a parasite remedy and deworming should be carried out regularly – once and four times a month, respectively.

The Great Dane of Bordeaux is not inclined to fullness with a balanced and well-chosen diet. The more monotonous and "lighter" the food, the more intense the dog's digestion. With a natural diet, the basis of daily nutrition should be meat. It must be alternated with offal, sea fish and fermented milk products. Periodically, you can treat your pet with fruits and vegetables, and in winter – to compensate for their absence with a complex of vitamins and minerals.

When using industrial feed, purchase premium products, while not forgetting to focus on options for large dog breeds. A visit to the veterinarian will be useful: he will tell you which food is better to pay attention to.

Exclude from the diet of the Great Dane of Bordeaux:

• river fish (including canned food);
• caffeinated foods;
• spicy and salty food;
• mushrooms in any form;
• fruits with pits;
• raw eggs and meat;
• legumes;
• yeast dough;
• tubular bones;
• fatty foods;
• onion and garlic;
• citrus;
• sweets.

The dog's bowl should always have fresh water – bottled or from the tap, pre-infused for 6-8 hours.

Representatives of the breed need daily hour-long walks, especially in urban conditions. In the hot season, give preference to morning and evening promenades: the high temperature causes hoarse breathing and shortness of breath in Bordeaux. You can take a bottle of water with you, and after returning home, arrange a cool shower for the dog for a few minutes.

If possible, go with a four-legged friend to nature, so that he has plenty of running. Take your favorite ball and treat with you: repeating the studied commands in the fresh air is a great alternative to the usual training at home.

Bordeaux dogs are difficult to keep in an apartment. You will have to provide comfortable conditions, including active walks, so that the animal feels at ease and does not seek to release the accumulated energy to the detriment of your interior.

Health and diseases of the Great Dane of Bordeaux

"Bordeaux" are distinguished by good health and are practically not susceptible to common diseases. At the same time, do not forget that adult dogs can boast of persistent immunity. Puppies that have not been vaccinated are a vulnerable target. It is not recommended to walk the baby on the street before you do all the necessary vaccinations.

Bordeaux Great Danes most often suffer from the following ailments:

• dysplasia of the elbow and/or hip joints;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• respiratory infections;
• kidney diseases;
• inversion of the intestines;
• hyperkeratosis;
• flatulence;
• epilepsy;
• lymphomas;
• arthritis;
• cancer.

Bitches often have difficult labor. Do not leave your pet and be ready to help her as much as possible.

How to choose a puppy

When planning to get a charming four-legged friend, decide on his class. Dogs of the "show" category can win at the exhibition, because they meet the breed standard as much as possible. Minor deviations are allowed for breed class animals, but this does not prevent the use of dogs for breeding. Bordeaux great danes of the pet class are typical pets whose inconsistencies with the standard do not allow them to participate in exhibitions or breeding programs.

The next stage is the sex of the animal. Bitches are more obedient, but they do not take tricks and female cunning. Males are quarrelsome and independent, so you will have to show remarkable firmness of character in dealing with them.

Now you can start searching for a proven nursery. Before meeting with the kids, ask the breeder to introduce you to their parents. Pay attention to possible defects: they can be inherited by puppies. It is equally important to check the necessary documentation: veterinary passport, pedigree diploma, dysplasia test results. Only after that you can go to a meeting with a future friend.

A healthy puppy is moderately playful and curious. The animal should not limp, whine for no reason, cowardly hide, show lethargy or excessive excitement. Carefully examine the baby and finally check the brand and nickname with his passport. Now you can proceed to conclude a deal with the breeder.

Photos of Bordeaux Great Dane puppies

How much does a Bordeaux Great Dane cost

The price of the Bordeaux Great Dane depends on several factors. Among the main ones are the class of the dog; the location of the breeder; the availability of documents confirming the origin of the animal. The Bordeaux Great Dane of the pet class will cost the owner $400 and above. For a thoroughbred dog and, possibly, the future winner of the exhibition, you will have to give $700 – $1000.

No matter how much you pay for Bordeaux, you know: you have got a devoted and loving friend who will always keep you company and make you smile even on the darkest day!