but by defining the components of each, the goal is to provide a clearer picture of what constitutes a proper representa- tive of our breed. They are as follows: Head: The head is large, angular, broad and rather short. It is shaped like a trapezoid. That is to say, when viewed from above and from the front, it is trapezium-shaped. The head should be wide and have prominent cheeks, the forehead is high and the stop is very pronounced. Expression: The expression in the Dogue de Bordeaux is the sum of all of the components that make up expres- sion, i.e., ear set, eye set, eye shape and color, length of muzzle (length varies between one third and one quarter of the total length of the head measured from the nose to the occipital crest), wrinkle and the chin mark. Chin mark means that the chin is very pronounced (bite is undershot) and along with the other “Expression” attributes noted, creates the “sour mug” or “dissuasive look” of the Dogue de Bordeaux. If one or more of these attributes is off, it will change the desired expression. Athletic: In spite of the fact that the Dogue de Bordeaux is heavy, low and lumbering, it should be athletic and be able to move well with power and drive. This cannot be emphasized enough. The Dogue de Bordeaux should be able to move with good drive from the hindquarters and good extension of the forelegs, especially at the trot, which, according to our breed standard, is the preferred gait. Also, according to our
moved to the AKC Miscellaneous Class and on July 1, 2008, the breed officially moved to the AKC Working Group! Also in 2006, the DDBS officially changed its name to the Dogue de Bordeaux Society of America—the DDBSA. The DDBSA has a list of ongoing goals that it pursues and maintains, such as running a breed rescue, promoting canine education, exhibiting the natu- ral working ability of the Dogue, wel- coming all owners and fanciers to the club, improvement of the breed, adher- ence to the AKC breed standard, com- munity outreach and encouraging the highest standards and ethics of breed- ing and care of the Dogue de Bordeaux. The day-to-day activities of the club are handled by a group of individuals who make up the Officers and Board of Directors. We encourage open commu- nication among members and welcome all Dogues—conformation, working, agility or the family companion. Some of the accomplishments of the club were to begin and run a breed rescue for the Dogue de Bordeaux and Dogue de Bordeaux mixes. The rescue has successfully fostered, placed and assisted with over 50 dogs. Additionally, the club has established a club champi- onship, awarding over 40 champions as well as a working recognition program that awarded and continues to award many WD1-3 titles. A website for the club and rescue has been established and is visited by hundreds of people a week. A bi-monthly newsletter is pub- lished and sent to all members, filled with interesting news, veterinary notes, member spotlights, etc. The DDBSA holds a Nationals show each year in different regions of the US with some years having over 130 Dogues de Bordeaux entered. Many of our members have travelled overseas to watch conformation shows and also participate in the SADB National Dogue de Bordeaux Show in France. The DDBSA will continue to be a dedicated steward and guardian of the Dogue de Bordeaux and strive to promote our beloved breed in a positive and informa- tive way in order to provide the recogni- tion, knowledge and nurturing that our breed truly deserves. REFERENCES History: The Saga of the Dogue de Bor- deaux by Raymond Triquet; published by Bas Bosch Press
breed standard, the Dogue de Bordeaux is capable of great speed over short distances by “bolting along close to the ground.” WRinkle: The Dogue de Bordeaux’s wrinkles sets it apart from other mas- tiff breeds in that the wrinkles are not static. That is to say, the Dogue de Bordeaux should have what is termed, “mobile ropes of wrinkle” that change in intensity and proportion as the face expressions change. Trots Like a Lion: The Dogue de Bordeaux’s movement is similar to that of a lion. It is heavy and powerful, has good reach and drive and the head and shoulders drop low to the ground especially as the movement quickens. Additionally, with a quickened gait, the front feet move closer to the middle or median plane. Substance: The Dogue de Bor- deaux is a substantially built dog that is massive and built rather close to the ground. It should be noted that “mas- sive” doesn’t mean “fat” or “obese”. The Dogue de Bordeaux’s substance should be a result of strong and heavy bone and muscle, not obesity. Ample muscling in the shoulders and hindquarters should be evident as well as strong and heavy bone in the skull and limbs. In summarizing the six H.E.A.R.T.S. acronyms, it is important to note that the acronyms connect with and com- plement each other. Each one, in and of itself, is vitally important and each con- tributes to the sum of all of the parts. They all paint a picture of the Dogue de Bordeaux being a powerful and sub- stantial breed that should be capable of athletic and powerful movement, has a unique expression and a massive head with proper proportions and features. THE DOGUE DE BORDEAUX SOCIETY OF AMERICA The Dogue de Bordeaux Society of America is a nonprofit organization that was formed by a team of individuals who wanted to provide a common area for the Dogue de Bordeaux breed and it’s enthusiasts to come together as one for the love of the breed. The Dogue de Bordeaux Society was officially a recog- nized organization in February of 1997. In 2004, the DDBS was appointed as the club that the AKC FSS recommend- ed for AKC Parent Club representation for the Dogue de Bordeaux. In 2006, the Dogue de Bordeaux was officially
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