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French Mastiff

Breed Profile

The French Mastiff , Bordeaux Mastiff, Dogue de Bordeaux or Bordeaux Dog is a large French Mastiff breed and one of the oldest French dog breeds. The French Mastiff was no stranger France as early as the fourteenth century, particularly in southern France in the surroundings of Bordeaux. Hence, the city gave its name to this powerful dog. A typical brachycephalic molossoid type breed, the French Mastiff is a very powerful and muscular dog.

Temperament

The French Mastiff is tranquil and patient. It is recommended that it be well socialized with other animals from an early age. French Mastiffs are tolerant dogs with a gentle disposition, nevertheless they are suspicious and can be belligerent with strangers and at times hostile with other dogs, especially males.

Color & Coat

Coat: The French Mastiff coat is fine, short, and soft.

Color: The color ranges from a rich shade of light fawn to dark red fawn and covers thick, loose skin

Living Environment

This breed will fare well in an apartment provided it gets its daily dose of exercise. They are very idle indoors and will fare reasonably well without a yard. Faithful and dedicated to its family, the French Mastiff is fearless and haughty. It is tender and carin with kids and family members. French Mastiff are known to make excellent watch dogs and guard dogs. Although, the snag is that they may be snorers and droolers.

Health

Because of its brachycephalic head, the French Mastiff may suffer from breathing problems, rendering him sensitive to heat and exercise as a result. The brachycephalic head shape can also encourage ectropion, an outward rolling of the lower eyelid which can lead to conjunctivitis (eye inflammation) and bacterial infections. Other health issues can appear in certain breeds, including Aortic stenosis, which is a disease of the heart valve in which the opening of the aortic valve is narrowed. Symptoms include exercise intolerance, exertional syncope (fainting from physical exertion), which may lead to sudden death. Another heart issue is dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the heart becomes weakened and enlarged and is no longer capable of pumping blood efficiently.