compete or even earn multiple titles with your Dogue. What is important is that you “work it” together! The DDBSA has a formal Working Dog Ability Program to recognize those Dogues that exemplify the qualities of a true Working dog. There are three lev- els of achievement and dogs receive a certificate acknowledging their accom- plishment. They also offer a mentoring program to encourage those new to the Dogue de Bordeaux to build a working relationship with their Dogue, as well as an end-of-the-year Awards Banquet at our National Specialty to celebrate the Dogue’s successes. AKC Therapy Dog titles have also been incorporated into the DDBSA Working Dogue Levels of Achievement. Therapy titles can range anywhere from 10 to 400 visits—wow! We have Dogues that provide therapy relief in airports to calm passengers, therapy Dogues that visit children sick in the hospital and Dogues that go to libraries and par- ticipate in Tutor Dogs. Children read to the dogs in an environment safe from criticism where they don’t have to be self-conscious reading aloud in front of other children. We even have Dogues following in the footsteps of the infamous Beasley to our breed, from the movie “Turner and Hooch” and taking up an acting career—with appearances in interna- tionally syndicated television shows and commercials. The Dogue de Bordeaux is even being used as Service Dogs and Emo- tional Support Dogs. The breed is natu- rally empathetic and provides a great source of comfort and understanding. In service work, they are often used in Mobility and Balance; their size giving them an added advantage. The Dogue de Bordeaux is so much more than just a pretty face! THE STANDARD: H.E.A.R.T.S. At the Dogue de Bordeaux Society of America’s (DDBSA) Judges’ Education seminars, our comprehensive Power Point presentation begins with an acro- nym which the DDBSA has developed that defines the 6 major points of our breed. This acronym, H.E.A.R.T.S., stands for Head, Expression, Athletic, WRinkle, Trots like a lion and Sub- stance. Not only are these 6 points beneficial in helping determine what to look for in a Dogue de Bordeaux,
males than they are of females. Bitches may also be intolerant of other dogs. The Dogue is intelligent and trainable, but some may not live peacefully with other animals. This is not to say that they cannot be trained to have manners around other animals when going for a walk on leash or say, at the vet. It is very necessary to establish your control of the dogue and obedience training is often the easiest and most rewarding way to do so. The dogue can often be controlled using verbal repri- mands alone and while they occasion- ally require physical corrections (col- lar corrections), sensitive, patient and positive training methods work best. Patience is an important factor in train- ing the Dogue de Bordeaux. The Dogue de Bordeaux is a sensi- tive, intelligent and loyal animal and usually wants to please its owner. Occa- sionally it can be quite stubborn though and requires more attention. It is imper- ative that training is consistent and firm without being overly rough. Ownership isn’t for the timid or very busy person who cannot or is not inclined towards careful supervision of his/her pet and willing to spend the time to train and exercise. THE WORKING DOGUE The Dogue de Bordeaux is a Work- ing breed and they are capable of doing just that—working! There are many areas to get involved with, other than traditional obedience competitions or conformation. For example, there is the fun sport of rally, there is also agility, scent work, lure coursing, weight pull- ing, cart pulling, tracking and many other games and activities, including trick work and even acting! Working venues allow you to test the bond—that centuries-old relation- ship. You will be required to test your trust in your Dogue. They will like- wise have to rely and trust in your direction. With that reliance and trust comes mutual respect. You will never experience such a symbiotic trust and respect then training and working with your DDB. Working with your Dogue in many avenues requires you to become a team of one mind and one purpose. When you “click”—which actually can take years—it is a beautiful thing. The DDB thrives on positive reinforcement, any negativity and you might find your- self working alone. You do not need to
financial responsibilities in caring for their Dogue. For this reason it is imperative that potential owners seek out reputable breeders who health test their breed- ing stock. Hearts, eyes, elbows and hips being some of the most important. Potential owners should visit (if possi- ble) the breeder and see exactly where their puppy is coming from. Ask to see the health certificates of the parents and see the parent or parents if both are there. While this will not guarantee the health of any particular dogue, the new owner will have done everything possible to try and avoid health issues down the road. They do drool! As owners we laugh about it, but the drooling factor is not for the faint-hearted or anyone who is a neat freak. Some Dogues drool more than others and this really needs to be a consideration before deciding to get this breed. The area of floor surround- ing the water bucket can become a skat- ing rink if not careful! When they are eating and drinking, you will want to stay as far away as possible! The Dogue de Bordeaux is an out- standing companion and is a guardian breed, but ownership of a Dogue car- ries much greater-than-average legal and moral responsibilities due to the traits possessed by this breed, their size and strength. They can be dog aggressive and may only show this after fully mature. Intro- ducing a new pet when there is an adult Dogue in the household should be done slowly and with care. Dog-to-dog aggres- sion is influenced by the early socializa- tion of puppies, their bloodlines and sex; males are less tolerant of other
294 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , M ARCH 2017
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