Hi wanting advice on buying a Dogue de bordeaux, we are really wanting one of theses dogs. :D
We have a 1 year old little girl, and just wanting general advice, i.e, what there like in the home etc!
Looking at pups for sale they range from different prices. How do we know what we are getting for our money. What do we look for apart from the price, in a good french mastiff!! :confused:

Also what is hip scoring??:huh:

All advice on theses dogs appreciatiated :):cool:

If you don't know what to look for in a DDB - and you have a 1 year old child - personally I would say don't go for one. These dogs are not for someone wanting a first dog - my advise would be to get something that's easy.

what sort of dogs have you had before?

i agree i mean i want a ddb in the future and i have a little boy but i am also experienced with dogs have queit a few and all medium to large dogs,there not for first owners never owned one myself yet but i will one day either one of them or great dane, or maybe even a bernard lol been doing a lot of research

I have a Dogue, and she is 1 year 1 month. My child is 3 years old. He is taught to respect animals and not left alone with any of my dogs.
The Dogue is a mastiff, and all mastiff types are big babies with their families, go for a good walk and they rest, not bouncing around all day. They have big powerful paws and if they paw you it can hurt, a lot. They are playfull, not boring, I wouldnt have any problem reccomending them.
as for price, buying into a healthy hip scored line that looks as a Dogue, should, will be more expensive than buying unregistered cheaply. Do you want to walk down the street with a stunner or something mediocre?

I have a rescued dogue he is 5 years old, I agree with the advice Rain has given, I don't think a dogue is ideal as a first dog. They are lovely dogs but it takes hard work to look after them properly, and they are certainly not for the house proud:hihi:

Have pm'd you

I have a Dogue, and she is 1 year 1 month. My child is 3 years old. He is taught to respect animals and not left alone with any of my dogs.
The Dogue is a mastiff, and all mastiff types are big babies with their families, go for a good walk and they rest, not bouncing around all day. They have big powerful paws and if they paw you it can hurt, a lot. They are playfull, not boring, I wouldnt have any problem reccomending them.
as for price, buying into a healthy hip scored line that looks as a Dogue, should, will be more expensive than buying unregistered cheaply. Do you want to walk down the street with a stunner or something mediocre?

I agree with you skinny dog, I have a one year old bordeaux myself and I wouldn't hesitate from getting another. They are an ideal dog, only need a little excercise and are not too bouncy, yes they are big but mine is fantastic with other dogs, kids, old people - and I have not had him from a puppy. Mine was brought up with a breeder who has kids herself and I could not wish to find a better dog. He's such a big baby and I have never met another dog so soft as him. He has been pretty good to train, plods along on a lead and is very calm when there are kids/older people around, however does like to play when I tell him it's ok. I would just advise you to go to a good breeder and make sure that the pups are brought up in a family home and used to household noises, other animals, people etc. I have 4 dogs - 1 dogue and 3 spaniels - I have had 2 of the spaniels from pups and my dogue is the one I trust most out of all of them around kids/animals etc.

for all of you that have made the comments about bordeaux been no good with small children thats total rubbish, how experienced are you all with the breed how many have you own, how many yrs have you been in the breed i know they has been some positive comments aswell, i can tell you none of you have probably seen a true to type bordeaux, with the crap that comes into rescue, these dogs are a lot easier than a lot of breeds and i certainly wouldnt even think of bringing any rescue dog into a house with a baby or under 12yr old you will never know the background totally and that is dangerous, my dogs have the temperment of labradors, and anyone wanting to see is welcomed to visit, its the backstreet breeders that have gave these dogs a bad name as they sell for high money and that what makes then attractive to the scabs after a quick buck, no hipscored parents, health problems etc you get what you pay for if you want heinz beans you have to pay for them if you want nettos you pay cheaper thats the same with dogs there is so much crap about, i have sold pups to families that have had no problems with them children come in my house daily and my boys pick my pups up from day one and sit in the puppy pen playing with them once they are 4wks old all my pups leave well socialised and to responsible owners of whom i see fit to give them a lifelong home my dogs are out of the top lines in the world,the last litter i bred had 15 champions in the pedigree and the father was the one of only 2 sons in the uk of signore kwan one of the most titled dogues been a french champion one of the hardest titles to gain, research the breed for the lady that is considering one,and come and visit mine if you want to meet some soft dogues, if people are saying these dogs are hard work there NOT true to type bordeaux they are one of the most chilled dogs you can have, i would say health is the most important factor for this breed not temperment

I have a Dogue, and she is 1 year 1 month. My child is 3 years old. He is taught to respect animals and not left alone with any of my dogs.
The Dogue is a mastiff, and all mastiff types are big babies with their families, go for a good walk and they rest, not bouncing around all day. They have big powerful paws and if they paw you it can hurt, a lot. They are playfull, not boring, I wouldnt have any problem reccomending them.
as for price, buying into a healthy hip scored line that looks as a Dogue, should, will be more expensive than buying unregistered cheaply. Do you want to walk down the street with a stunner or something mediocre?my point exactly the crap i have seen is unbelievable no chest, leggy, poor colour,long muzzled my bordeaux are actually on a thread on here somewhere a quality dogue will cost 1000 pound at least some 1500 anything under from not hipscored parents forget it, they will not looked like a true to type bordeaux at all

If you don't know what to look for in a DDB - and you have a 1 year old child - personally I would say don't go for one. These dogs are not for someone wanting a first dog - my advise would be to get something that's easy.

what sort of dogs have you had before?why are these dogs hard, i agree do your research like any breed but why arent they any good with small children

Gotta say comparing one breed to another or saying mine is like this breed is utter rubbish. There are labs I wouldn't like to see in a young family situation but because they're 'cute' they're acceptable. Labs can be as bad as any other breed. The comments on the hard work were more aimed at the size and handling of such dogs as the Douge. Not really a dog for a first time dog owner. The concerns with the kids is again probably due to the size and the inexperience of the prospective owner (no offence).

I have met nasty labs, spaniels, yorkies and collies. All are apparently acceptable family pets because of their look. I love big dogs and a friend of mine has a HUGE dobe and a 7 year old. The Dobe is fantastic with the kid but people still disaprove because of the dogs look. It's pretty much a big black and tan dally but because it doesn't have spots it shouldn't be around kids. Crap!

Ref the rescue dog comment how can you be so dismisive of these dogs purely because they have found themselves without a home yet defend a whole breed? They may well be ill bred and 'crap' in your eyes but please don't tar all rescues the same and potentially put people off rehoming.

Gotta say comparing one breed to another or saying mine is like this breed is utter rubbish. There are labs I wouldn't like to see in a young family situation but because they're 'cute' they're acceptable. Labs can be as bad as any other breed. The comments on the hard work were more aimed at the size and handling of such dogs as the Douge. Not really a dog for a first time dog owner. The concerns with the kids is again probably due to the size and the inexperience of the prospective owner (no offence).

I have met nasty labs, spaniels, yorkies and collies. All are apparently acceptable family pets because of their look. I love big dogs and a friend of mine has a HUGE dobe and a 7 year old. The Dobe is fantastic with the kid but people still disaprove because of the dogs look. It's pretty much a big black and tan dally but because it doesn't have spots it shouldn't be around kids. Crap!

Ref the rescue dog comment how can you be so dismisive of these dogs purely because they have found themselves without a home yet defend a whole breed? They may well be ill bred and 'crap' in your eyes but please don't tar all rescues the same and potentially put people off rehoming.i know love from experience my best friend used to do the rehoming for the ddb for the breed club ive seen it with my own eyes poor breeding ie temperment, not looks there not as important as the HEALTH labs was just a figure of speech all dogs of course can be nasty and have problems regardless of breed, in the right circumstances a rescue would be fine but not with a child under 12 i would only advise a puppy with no baggage with a small child, as for a dogue knocking a small child over yes it can happen but my frenchies are for more giddy that my dogues and they are a small breed all my dogs are trained properly and how many dogues have you been around to make a valid comment about the breed i can tell you if it wasnt that i was going to crufts tomorrow i would bring some of mine on that sponsored walk just toshow you and others how a properly trained dogue can walk not knock people over or small children loves all dogs and people and is really well behaved its the work you put in as a pup that makes a dog if the dog has no manners and isnt trained yes it could be to much because of size but a responsible owner would train it not to do this and this not to be acceptable most dogs would actually knock a 1 yr old over my frenchies would be capable if i let them, i actually think rescues do a brilliant job but mastiffs that i have seen in rescue and believe me i have seen a lot usually have health problems ex back yard breeding bitches or not true to type bordeaux
a few and far between with the odd acception i love how people make comments about breeds that they arent experience with how many bordeaux have you lived with and how many yrs have you kept them

Gotta say comparing one breed to another or saying mine is like this breed is utter rubbish. There are labs I wouldn't like to see in a young family situation but because they're 'cute' they're acceptable. Labs can be as bad as any other breed. The comments on the hard work were more aimed at the size and handling of such dogs as the Douge. Not really a dog for a first time dog owner. The concerns with the kids is again probably due to the size and the inexperience of the prospective owner (no offence).

I have met nasty labs, spaniels, yorkies and collies. All are apparently acceptable family pets because of their look. I love big dogs and a friend of mine has a HUGE dobe and a 7 year old. The Dobe is fantastic with the kid but people still disaprove because of the dogs look. It's pretty much a big black and tan dally but because it doesn't have spots it shouldn't be around kids. Crap!

Ref the rescue dog comment how can you be so dismisive of these dogs purely because they have found themselves without a home yet defend a whole breed? They may well be ill bred and 'crap' in your eyes but please don't tar all rescues the same and potentially put people off rehoming.dont think that iam slating rescue work i am not at all i fully support it and even donated money yesterday to rain rescue but any large mastiff in rescue shouldnt be rehomed with under 12yrolds regardless of looks health and temperment,

No one has said rehome one. All people have said is a Dogue is not a dog for a novice. Even from a pup. If a person has never owned a dog before they aren't going to know how to train and handle any dog let alone one that's going to be pretty big. I would never reccomend to anyone such a large dog as a first dog. Start small and work up. I'm getting there myself. I started with collies at a very young age am now at the large muscular dog stage where I feel comfortable. Untill I know I can handle these dogs with no problems (and have the space) I will get to the giant breeds. My dream dog is a Wolfhound but it's not going to happen for a while yet.

You didn't say any mastiff in rescue you said any dog. And I'm sorry I disagree. Not all rescues have no history and to just say no because it's a rescue is wrong.

Your small breeds might be giddier but large breeds tend to be more clumsy and again a deffinite no no for a novice.

dogues are easy to look after, a walk round the block and they are knackered any flat faced breed cant walk far, most chunky well bred dogues are very chilled and dont spring around knocking people over they are plodders not pullers thats why i asked you if you had experienced with dogues, look at the breed standard , no mastiff should be rehomed with children under 12yrold just because it says its ok with children in its previous home doesnt mean its going to be ok with anybody elses, mastiffs are very loyal dogs and dont like change of homes often everybody has there own views but please dont try to tell me about something you dont have the experience with ie dogue de bordeaux the true to type bordeaux ie not snouty not leggy, placid temperment are not bouncy dogs and arent hard to handle they are one of the easier breeds to own, i am not slating a poor dogue that is unwanted and in rescue every dog deserves a loving home and i love all dogs regardless of breed but most arent well bred ie again health, temperment, and type, they can come with a lot of problems,and mastiffs can have problems with there health that can be fatal or very expensive to fix, i have known of people dump them because of the vet bill ie demodex mange, thats why you should buy from a good breeder, please come and see my dogs you will change you mind about the breed

I'm not slating the breed and have met some fantastic ones in my time. I took offence to the 'no rescue dogs' comment. Now you've explained the mastiff reasoning behind it I agree. But still think they are not a dog for a total novice. They may not need much care but still need a reasonable amount and if the new owner does end up with one with 'issues' or health problems it's going to be very stessful contending with that and a toddler. I wouldn't reccomend any large breed as a first dog to anyone. Not just the mastiffs but all large dogs. If they do not have the proper training as a pup and brought up correctly it's a hell of a lot of dog to contend with.

all i have to say is research the breed first any breed and see if its right for you, before you buy i am off to crufts today as the bordeaux are showing today its going to be very interesting

did anybody actualy say they arent good with kids sheff?i im feeling a bit lost here cant find any remarks on that?

to be honet the only person on here who is really qualified to answer this question is sheff290
my niece has just got a ddb and the old woman said he isnt goopd with kids#
as soon as she got him home he snogged her 2 year olds face off

no anybody can answer this question,and experienced dog owner kids and dogs make great friends in the right circumstances and under right supervision

Is that because they own a DDB or because it would mean agreeing with us?

No mummy no one actually said they weren't good with kids. Only raised concerns as the OP has a 1 year old and as it doesn't sound like they have had a dog before to be wary as a large dog of any breed insn't for a novice.

I totally agree sheff290 research is important with any breed and and a must to prevent the dog being passed from pillar to post when it doesn't meet expectations or problems arise.

but this should be done with everydog right down to a tiny breed, not just a ddb, so id say in general do your research, in my opinion larger breed dogs are calmer more placid ect, but thats becouse many people have ma ny little dogs what are never walked ect they think becouse there tiny they dont need to be and they can be picke dup ect, thats why in the right circumstances and a good dog owner and parent, any dog can be brought into a family

to be honet the only person on here who is really qualified to answer this question is sheff290
my niece has just got a ddb and the old woman said he isnt goopd with kids#
as soon as she got him home he snogged her 2 year olds face off
thankyou amyrach, the trouble with some people on here they think they know about everything, well actually i dont know much about reptiles or rabbits so wouldnt make comment, but i actually do know what i am talking about with bordeaux most of you dont, so i find it really stupid that you can pass comment on a breed that you have no experience with at all , you wouldnt know a badly bred one if it smacked you in the face, bordeaux are a specialist breed and you need to do the research when you look to getting one, but i find it so amusing that you feel that you can pass comment like you are a expert on the breed,no all big dogs arent the same at all, i would like you to tell me what should you look for in a bordeaux when your buying one and what is the breed standard seen as you know so much to make a comment.

i agree i mean i want a ddb in the future and i have a little boy but i am also experienced with dogs have queit a few and all medium to large dogs,there not for first owners never owned one myself yet but i will one day either one of them or great dane, or maybe even a bernard lol been doing a lot of researchso if the thread has nothing to do with having dogues and small children why mention about your son after the previous comment said not to have one as a first dog and with a 1yr old i dont understand

no anybody can answer this question,and experienced dog owner kids and dogs make great friends in the right circumstances and under right supervisiontell me then what should you look for in the bordeaux, how do you know what to look for what health screening should they have, what health problems do they suffer from, what is the breed standard, who are the most experienced long time breeders in this country that have strifed to improve the breed, and bring fresh bloodlines into there kennels, how many bordeaux have you lived with and raised and whelped or shown, what are the champion lines can you visually look at a pedigree and know the dogs that are in there,and there strengths and weaknesses , etc etc till you know all these answers off the top of your head and have experience with the breed no you cant make a comment about the breed, you dont know and i find it quiet amusing that you are crossing this post about information that you have no experience with the breed at all,and i wouldnt tell you about something that you have great knowledge about if i knew nothing about it, thse people need to research the breed and decide for themselves if there right for them without people telling them what they DONT know, i have small dogs aswell and they are more problem than any of my bordeaux put together.

After all your comments i am now even more convinced that they are not suitable for a first time dog owner. I have dogs and a little experience but with all the things you have gone on about there is no way i would tackle this breed now or as a first dog. Like you say there is a alot to know and understand about the breed.

I believe Gerarffe was making the point that they are a big breed and i imagine if things go wrong and you don't get the training right the potential for harm is far worse than with a smaller dog. By the way i am not going to get into the whole any breed can harm or it doesn't matter what size the dogs is, nor am i slating this breed, yes i know this and get it but it is stil a valid point.

I also sheff290 feel you have made attacks on people because they do not agree with your view this is a public forum and people are entitled to their opinions you feel this breed is suitable for a first time owner others do not. You obviously have experience of the breed and are very passionate about it which i admire but please do not knock others for giving their opinions. We do not have to be champion breeders to have opinions or thoughts about something.
The poster asked a question and opinions have been given from both sides of the fence it is their choice as to where they go with it although it would have been nice for them to come back and post a response to the heated debate that ensued

I have pm' the op about the breed as I didn't want to get involved in this. I think if you have a borbeaux from a pup it is no harder work than any other pup and will grow up alongside a child with no problems. I took in a cck spaniel that was no longer wanted as he jumped up a 2 year old and knocked him over.I have a 18 month old bordeaux that I got when he was 11 months old who is huge and powerful but never jumps up and is so soft and gentle. Admittedly I wouldn't have got a grown one if I'd got young children because of his size but would certainly have a pup with a young child. To the op I say go and see these pups, come and meet mine if you like, do your research and then make an informed decision. Everyone will give you different advice but in the end it's your choice. I don't regret getting mine, and that goes for all my pets.

Ok i didn’t know my post would cause such a heated discussion, and to be honest i wasn’t sure what to post back. :loopy:

My partner in the past has had a large dog, (forgot what type it was).

With the sounds of the dog and the research ive done on the net, the dogs temperament sounds really good, and nothing ive read on the net doesn’t say anything about having these kind of dogs round kids, in fact everything ive read says the opposite, that there really committed to family with children. and the fact we would only get a dog from a pup and my daughter been 1, they will be fetched up together.

Im not very good with sheffied forum so not sure how to comment back to what someone has wrote, i.e with there comment 'quote' above (if this makes sense).. when i have afew minutes i will try and figure it out....:confused:

Thanks to all for your comments and options..:)

so if the thread has nothing to do with having dogues and small children why mention about your son after the previous comment said not to have one as a first dog and with a 1yr old i dont understand

what the hell r u on bout i never said it wasent to do with kids i said all dogs cn b good wi kids nt just ddb :loopy:

tell me then what should you look for in the bordeaux, how do you know what to look for what health screening should they have, what health problems do they suffer from, what is the breed standard, who are the most experienced long time breeders in this country that have strifed to improve the breed, and bring fresh bloodlines into there kennels, how many bordeaux have you lived with and raised and whelped or shown, what are the champion lines can you visually look at a pedigree and know the dogs that are in there,and there strengths and weaknesses , etc etc till you know all these answers off the top of your head and have experience with the breed no you cant make a comment about the breed, you dont know and i find it quiet amusing that you are crossing this post about information that you have no experience with the breed at all,and i wouldnt tell you about something that you have great knowledge about if i knew nothing about it, thse people need to research the breed and decide for themselves if there right for them without people telling them what they DONT know, i have small dogs aswell and they are more problem than any of my bordeaux put together.

your makining me realy mad making out i said there not good all that crap bout i wouldent know the breed if it hit me in my face?what the hell are u trana provew some point that ur a fantastic owner?u know everything>i never said u dident and i never said they where a bad breed, i said all kids and dogs make great friends under the right supervision bleedin hell u twisted my comments completely :loopy:

and also i never said i knew ddb if you read back i said i dont know the breed i was giving my opionion of dogs in general and i was researching as i would like one myself in the future ,i have a lot of experiences of dogs myself, like i said previously before u made me out to be so bloody horrible, that all dogs can be right dogs, all dogs can be good with kids, but also all breeds need reserch good ownership and you do need to know bout dogs , becouse if u dont theres not much point in having one

After all your comments i am now even more convinced that they are not suitable for a first time dog owner. I have dogs and a little experience but with all the things you have gone on about there is no way i would tackle this breed now or as a first dog. Like you say there is a alot to know and understand about the breed.

I believe Gerarffe was making the point that they are a big breed and i imagine if things go wrong and you don't get the training right the potential for harm is far worse than with a smaller dog. By the way i am not going to get into the whole any breed can harm or it doesn't matter what size the dogs is, nor am i slating this breed, yes i know this and get it but it is stil a valid point.

I also sheff290 feel you have made attacks on people because they do not agree with your view this is a public forum and people are entitled to their opinions you feel this breed is suitable for a first time owner others do not. You obviously have experience of the breed and are very passionate about it which i admire but please do not knock others for giving their opinions. We do not have to be champion breeders to have opinions or thoughts about something.
The poster asked a question and opinions have been given from both sides of the fence it is their choice as to where they go with it although it would have been nice for them to come back and post a response to the heated debate that ensuedpeople that dont understand the breed and havent had many CANT because all big dogs are different it makes me angry when people like to give a view on what they dont know about, the post was on bordeaux not a generalised thread on owning big dogs thats the difference
here, someone asked for advise on this breed, not big dogs in general so why all you lot with no experience on the breed expressed your views, thats why i got on my high horse, and for no other reason because you havent had any experience with THIS BREED

The true comment springs to mind here "THERE ARE NO 'BAD' DOGS JUST BAD OWNERS!!"

Ps - I would advise against having a Great Dane as they are the highest risk dogs for bloat. Need to have a sixth sense and a keen eye to spot this - luckily, I did on Saturday and saved Sophie's life by rushing her to the vets and she had an emergency op - £1,029!! The money is irrelevant - at least I still have my big girl :D Not that I am an expert but did my research on the breed before I got one - but the symptoms can easily be missed and the dog dies a horrendous death. BTW - her whole life management is spot on - it just happens :(

Good Luck - the dog will be whatever you make it - irrelevant of breed :thumbsup:

foxy thats something i dident know on bloat, but does it make it easier to have raised dishes of stands?or is that just something to make the dog more comfortable

The true comment springs to mind here "THERE ARE NO 'BAD' DOGS JUST BAD OWNERS!!"

Ps - I would advise against having a Great Dane as they are the highest risk dogs for bloat. Need to have a sixth sense and a keen eye to spot this - luckily, I did on Saturday and saved Sophie's life by rushing her to the vets and she had an emergency op - £1,029!! Not that I am an expert but did my research on the breed before I got one - but the symptoms can easily be missed and the dog dies a horrendous death.

Good Luck - the dog will be whatever you make it - irrelevant of breed :thumbsup:so do bordeaux badly bloat that is, the last bill i had for a bordeaux was 2300 cruciate rip, there not a dog that are cheap to maintain or when they get ill, try antibotics for a 76kilo dog very expensive not a dog the pdsa would be grateful to see there budget wouldnt stretch that far and it wouldnt be fair to drain its resources, i know a few people with bordeaux that have had there stomach stitched down to try a prevent bloat, its not nice and yes you have to know what to look for and quick

your makining me realy mad making out i said there not good all that crap bout i wouldent know the breed if it hit me in my face?what the hell are u trana provew some point that ur a fantastic owner?u know everything>i never said u dident and i never said they where a bad breed, i said all kids and dogs make great friends under the right supervision bleedin hell u twisted my comments completely :loopy:i wasnt trying to prove anything dont have to, like i said the thread was on a certain breed thats what they wanted the info on, not big dogs in general so why some of you came in on it not having any experience with bordeaux i dont know, thats why i bombarded you with questions if it had been on a generalist thread about large breeds then fine have your say, but you havent owned the breed in question, thats what my problem was with what you said sticking your oar in to a thread that asked advice on buying a dogue de bordeaux not owning any large breed for the first time , theres a difference love and you was happy to join a thread, but didnt have the correct info to give, and while we are on the subject off not having a big dog with no experience,some of my bordeaux bitches are no bigger than a lab and i take it you have managed to control that with a pram

people that dont understand the breed and havent had many CANT because all big dogs are different it makes me angry when people like to give a view on what they dont know about, the post was on bordeaux not a generalised thread on owning big dogs thats the difference
here, someone asked for advise on this breed, not big dogs in general so why all you lot with no experience on the breed expressed your views, thats why i got on my high horse, and for no other reason because you havent had any experience with THIS BREED

So you're saying that if they get a Dogue they won't have anyproblems what so ever and it will be a perfect dog from day one? Rubbish!

I wouldn't suggest any large breed to anyone as a first dog. If the training isn't done properly it is alot of dog to contend with. Also vet bills are phenominal in bigger breeds. For a first timer this can take you back if you're not prepared for it. Smaller dogs do tend to cost less at the vets hense the suggestion.

Don't get all preachy about this. You may have the experience with the Dogue but deffinitely not with handling people. As you have already stated ALL dogs are different and you can't make sweeping statements as you have about the breed. Even if bought from a pup problems can still arise.

So you're saying that if they get a Dogue they won't have anyproblems what so ever and it will be a perfect dog from day one? Rubbish!

I wouldn't suggest any large breed to anyone as a first dog. If the training isn't done properly it is alot of dog to contend with. Also vet bills are phenominal in bigger breeds. For a first timer this can take you back if you're not prepared for it. Smaller dogs do tend to cost less at the vets hense the suggestion.

Don't get all preachy about this. You may have the experience with the Dogue but deffinitely not with handling people. As you have already stated ALL dogs are different and you can't make sweeping statements as you have about the breed. Even if bought from a pup problems can still arise.
I don't think she's saying that at all. She's saying that if you get a Bordeaux you're not going to have any more problems with it than any other breed. A bordeaux is a great dog to have around kids as they are so gentle but will protect the family if needed. My 11 month old had no training when I took him on so I took him to Lotti's training class and he was the most chilled out dog there.He did his training and picked it up just like the other dogs; he was no harder to train.Everyone loved him. A bordeaux pup will fit into a family setup as long as it is well socialised( this goes for any pup) and has been brought up in a family setting

So you're saying that if they get a Dogue they won't have anyproblems what so ever and it will be a perfect dog from day one? Rubbish!

I wouldn't suggest any large breed to anyone as a first dog. If the training isn't done properly it is alot of dog to contend with. Also vet bills are phenominal in bigger breeds. For a first timer this can take you back if you're not prepared for it. Smaller dogs do tend to cost less at the vets hense the suggestion.

Don't get all preachy about this. You may have the experience with the Dogue but deffinitely not with handling people. As you have already stated ALL dogs are different and you can't make sweeping statements as you have about the breed. Even if bought from a pup problems can still arise
you have no experience with the breed at all yet you see fit to join the thread as the title says ADVISE ON DOGUE DE BORDEAUX not can they cope with handling a big dog the advise they wanted was on the breed, not a long list on why you shouldnt have a big dog thats what i still cant get are you are expert on this breed no end of, you are beginning to iritate me now try joining a thread that you have no knowledge about, what the person needs to do is read up on the breed and see if its suitable for her considering all factors concerned you are a pet owner not a breeder and havent got the knowledge to dish out, like you have said havent had a big dog so what do you know about them, i have had bordeaux for yrs, later i introduced french bulldogs into my kennel i find them the small dog much more challenging than a big dogue and thats a fact its funny that all the dogue owners are saying there easy even though there big but the 2 people that has never had one are saying bordeaux are to big for first time owners, who would you go with the owners who have experience or the person thats never had one,you say work your way up first a small dog could live 15yrs then a medium could live another 15yrs then after 30yrs finally you can get your dream dog who in there right mind is going to wait that long what difference does it make if you research the breed and weigh the pros and cons up, train the dog from a pup put boundaries and rountine in place and insure your dog against illness most decent people will do that regardless of the breed they choose

I think that we all need to calm down a bit, arguing amongst yourselves isn't going to help the op to decide what to do, and it's going round in circles now.
Perhaps if you all just stick to the breeds attributes as I guess that is what the op wanted from us.

I think that we all need to calm down a bit, arguing amongst yourselves isn't going to help the op to decide what to do, and it's going round in circles now.
Perhaps if you all just stick to the breeds attributes as I guess that is what the op wanted from us.thankyou at last this is what the thread was about i dont want to argue really either just that i am experienced with the breed and can offer advise i have said to the op she is welcome to come and meet mine and have a chat, as i have said before i have a lot of knowledge and experience with the breed and can offer sound advise whether or not the breed is right for them, then they can decide on getting a dogue or not

thankyou at last this is what the thread was about i dont want to argue really either just that i am experienced with the breed and can offer advise i have said to the op she is welcome to come and meet mine and have a chat, as i have said before i have a lot of knowledge and experience with the breed and can offer sound advise whether or not the breed is right for them, then they can decide on getting a dogue or not

Sounds like a very good offer to me and one that the op would be wise to take up, theres nothing like being there up close with the dogs and see what they are really like to help someone decide if that type of dog is for them :thumbsup:

Shef290 - I have tried to work out what it is you are actually trying to ask in your questions - or what you are trying to put across - however, just this once, I will reply to your agressive tone - in the hope it will answer your questions.

I personally own a ddb bred by Matthew Spinks from the Ishinrosse Sun Kist Kinghave kennels, they need no explaining.

Rain Rescue has helped 15 pure ddb's and 5 cross breeds and so many different types/ages/sex/tempraments in those dogs. These so called 'rubbish that end up in rescue' are due to unsuspecting members of the public - handing over lots of cash to purchase a breed of dog they have not research and do not know what to expect - hence my reply on the original question of this thread - that I do not 'personally' believe it is a breed for a novice dog owner. Many dogs have come to us after the owners have been bitten by them, friends or neighbours being bitten, owners can't cope with the destruction they cause, people can't afford the vet bills and any number of reasons - why many other dogs end up in rescue - often through no fault of the dogs.

We have had them in as young as 10 months upto 8 years of age - male and female. From worn out abused and emaciated breeding bitches, to over dominant agressive stud dogs that have only been taken out of kennels to be used at stud, then shoved back away until next time with no exercise or affection. From very strong dominant 18 month old males - to badly beaten, fearful and neglected 4/5 year olds that could hardly be handled. This happens with any breed - but I am just trying to answer your question about my experience of this breed and what I personally have handled - which is not the same as yourself having owned nicely bred and obviously really well socialised dogs because you know what to do - I am explaining that most people dont know what to do.

At least 1/3rd of ddb's helped by Rain have been well bred, no doubt very expensive purchases, by people who hadn't read up on the breed prior to buying one and shelled out £1k plus. They hadn't bothered to socialise or exercise as they should at the correct stages in its life. Not all ddb's are slow - 1 walk around the block types. Some are overweight and lethargic - however many we have had in are capable and desperate to do a fair amount of walking and go crazy if they don't get it.

I am disgusted at your statement of the crap coming into rescue. Well its the crap that the ddb breeders are breeding - that ends up unwanted and dumped in rescue. Have you ever seen a ddb thats been living with a family and then found itself in a pound? I can tell you its not a nice site.

I also wonder what your definition of crap is - obviously very different to mine. I have been in mastiffs for many years and ddb's for the last 5 through the rescue. Rain ended up having to take them in because the Breed Club and their membership have so much back biting and arguing they can't manage to get a pure breed club rescue organised - because the whole breed is about making money, money money. Therefore small rescues like our own end up having to try to help out when owners are struggling with dogs they can't cope with.

You obviously have a lot of love and knowledge of the breed - and I wouldn't ever proclaim to having so much knowledge on any subject that I wouldn't listen to other peoples opinions as you do. I am also amazed that you feel that just by someone paying between £1k to £2k for a dog that they get a somehow 'good' dog. Idiots are jumping on the bandwagon of breeding ddb's and seeing that they can put any dog up for stud and demand a high price, or breed from any dog to any bitch - and still get a high price and somehow you are saying that you have to pay this ridiculously high price to ensure you have a good dog? I'm sorry but I don't quite get your idea on that one.

I do know how expensive well bred ones are - and that is fine when the people who are breeding and showing their dogs regularly put the effort into that. I am surprised that someone with as much knowledge and interest in ddb's like yourself did not go to Crufts on the Sunday when it was their most important day in the U.K. EVER. The first time that the breed could be shown at Crufts to see what the standards were and who got them - did your dogs not qualify?

I would also like to clarify that you did not make a donation to Rain Rescue/ You bought 2 tickets to go to see Crufts which you got at a reduced price of £10.00 for the pair - instead of the actual tickets price of £26. The person who was selling the tickets did the donation to Rain Rescue, but asked you to send the money to us. Please do not confuse purchase with donation.

I don't care a fig about true to type ddb's or how many inches the neck should be from the shoulder - perfection doesn't interest me at all - I just like the breed.

I have many personal friends in the Dogue de Bordeaux Club of GB due to the amount of work that we have done with the club over the years. Please tell me what have you done to help the breed over the many years you have been involved in it apart from sell the puppies - are you on the committee - or was you involved in any of the club shows?

This forum is open. Nobody has overall knowledge or ownership of anything - and we are a friendly forum where people can come for help and advise on what ever knowledge or experience each has to offer. You obviously have a lot of knowledge of this breed and that can be used to help others - hopefully you will use it to also help ddbs who need it to maybe and join Bev or Ann with the DDB rescue group now you know how much trouble the breed is in?

I am going to close this thread for a while until I decide what to do with it and let people calm down in general, this sort of thing is demoralising for the group...I am sure that we are all on the same side.

Ok thread re-opened, please be respectful of other peoples point of view, just say what you have to say there is no need for personal arguments to develop on a thread asking for advice it is counter productive.
Please keep in future to what the OP has asked advice on, next time this thread closes it will remain so!

Ive arranged to go tonight to meet Sheff290 dogs, so after the research ive made, books ive read and then seeing them for myself in a family home, i hopefully will have made my mind up, also Taking into consideration everyone’s options.

Will let you know what i think tomorrow. :)

Ive arranged to go tonight to meet Sheff290 dogs, so after the research ive made, books ive read and then seeing them for myself in a family home, i hopefully will have made my mind up, also Taking into consideration everyone’s options.

Will let you know what i think tomorrow. :)

Good for you - you won't be dissapointed, they are fabulous dogs :)

Ive arranged to go tonight to meet Sheff290 dogs, so after the research ive made, books ive read and then seeing them for myself in a family home, i hopefully will have made my mind up, also Taking into consideration everyone’s options.

Will let you know what i think tomorrow. :)

well done betty boo her dogs are fantastic

Ive arranged to go tonight to meet Sheff290 dogs, so after the research ive made, books ive read and then seeing them for myself in a family home, i hopefully will have made my mind up, also Taking into consideration everyone’s options.

Will let you know what i think tomorrow. :)

Brilliant I really think that this is the best way forward for you, hope that you enjoy your meeting, hurry back and tell us how it went :)

i agree i mean i want a ddb in the future and i have a little boy but i am also experienced with dogs have queit a few and all medium to large dogs,there not for first owners never owned one myself yet but i will one day either one of them or great dane, or maybe even a bernard lol been doing a lot of research

I was simply commenting on this piece of the thread - know nothing about DDB and will freely admit it - Good Luck I am sure you will make the right choice and get a super dog :thumbsup:

PS - Sophie is insured though Petplan - it costs around £36 per month and is worth every penny as it costs around £100 just for her anaesthetic!! - and our excess is £105 for each condition. Having said that, she had been insured from being around 1 year old - and they never exclude anything in the next policy year that you have claimed for (as a lot of insurance companies do) - Just thought this may help you if you are looking for insurance for your new hun!!

foxy thats something i dident know on bloat, but does it make it easier to have raised dishes of stands?or is that just something to make the dog more comfortable

Hi - the raised stands are meant to help them when eating as they don't gulp as much air. Sophie has had hers since she was a pup (different ones of course to accommodate her height! lol)Apparently, they should be fed little and often (Sophie has breakfast and tea) - they shouldn't be exercised after tea and you should wait at least half an hour after exercise before feeding them. Also stress can bring it on. If this helps anyone - I noticed Sophie was very restless and she tried to wretch - just once - and brought nothing up. I then took her to the field where she passed faces and I thought this may have been the problem. She then went through a scratching frenzy (how they do when they want to lay down) and then went really really lethargic - like she had consumed 2 pots of ACP tablets!! This was unusual as Gemima was in our house (I had called her to see what she thought) and she doesn't usually miss a trick when we've got visitors! Her temperature was fine (38.1) - at the vets her heart beat was 150 per minute!! - and her temperature had gone up to 39.1 . So she would have been heading for a heart attack if I had gone out (as planned) and left her. She had a Gastropexy - where the vet staples their stomach to their abdominal wall - so she can get bloat again - but it will just be the dilatation (gas) but her stomach can't twist (torsion) as it is stapled in place. This is what kills them apparently - like I say, no expert, just what the vet said - but if it helps anyone - it will be worth it :thumbsup:

On the web it stated that the risk ratio of bloat in Gread Danes is 48.? - number one on the list and the next breed (although I can't remember what it was) was 28.?

Betty Boo - here are a few photos of my DDB - he lives in a house happily with 2 kids, cats, 3 other dogs and lots of small furries. Everyone who meets him loves him, he's just a big, gentle giant!
http://s735.photobucket.com/albums/ww354/nox2693/?action=view&current=e06d90a7.pbw

Just an update

Tonight we have been to meet sheff290 and her dogs, they were all lovely! And we are already discussing when we are getting one.

The largest dog she has, has to be the largest dog ive ever met, and when he first come in house i was abit on edge till he had a little smell and then just sat next to me and my partner. no trouble at all!! now the little dogs in the house was really noisy. The DDB was so chilled out. Surprised me!

No matter how many books you read, or how long you spend search the net, its so much better to go see the dogs and speak to someone who knows what there on about!!

All her dogs are from a good blood line and she has all the evidence to prove this. She has 6 DDB and doesnt breed them as much as she could so its not just all about making money. I would advise anyone looking for a dog, to try and do them same as me, and go meet someone with the dog your looking for.

The advice Sheff290 given was really useful!

We have decided to go for one a DDB, and really excited about getting one. But would only get one from a pup so it can be fetched up by us and around my little girl.

My partner also took the largest dog out on the lead, now first thought was hes going to drag him, but again total oppisite.. just waked next to him with no problems.

Thanks all for your comments and thank you very much Sheff290 for letting us come meet you and your dogs. you have been a great help!!

Betty - wasn't it yourself that was giving away a Persion cos you couldn't look after him?

Hi im looking to re home my Persian... he’s very loving. But he his a male. he's nearly 1. He does need to be brushed everyday, but with going back to work after maternity, im finding time to do this hard, and his coat his getting mattered.

I'm sure you will have lots of time to look after your puppy Betty Boo - did you manage to rehome your cat? Obviously brushing the cat took you a lot of time and so you had to give him away - I'm sure the puppy and your baby will be much easier.

aw betty i am so pleased for you

she does know her business when it comes to ddb xx

Betty - wasn't it yourself that was giving away a Persion cos you couldn't look after him?

Hi im looking to re home my Persian... he’s very loving. But he his a male. he's nearly 1. He does need to be brushed everyday, but with going back to work after maternity, im finding time to do this hard, and his coat his getting mattered.

I'm sure you will have lots of time to look after your puppy Betty Boo - did you manage to rehome your cat? Obviously brushing the cat took you a lot of time and so you had to give him away - I'm sure the puppy and your baby will be much easier.

unbelieveable what has this got to do with this thread

Betty - wasn't it yourself that was giving away a Persion cos you couldn't look after him?

Hi im looking to re home my Persian... he’s very loving. But he his a male. he's nearly 1. He does need to be brushed everyday, but with going back to work after maternity, im finding time to do this hard, and his coat his getting mattered.

I'm sure you will have lots of time to look after your puppy Betty Boo - did you manage to rehome your cat? Obviously brushing the cat took you a lot of time and so you had to give him away - I'm sure the puppy and your baby will be much easier.

do we REALLY need more muck dragging into this thread..i appreciate its not ideal if thats the case but what if its not the same person?
im all for advice but mud slinging is something else the threads been locked once

It has a lot to do with this thread Amyrach.

Betty is looking to rehome a ddb puppy - and asked for advise for taking in a dog with her 1 year old child.

She tried to rehome a persian cat because she couldn't cope with the cat and its need for brushing. I am sure you who has experience of puppies know how much work they need - do you think she will cope with a puppy when she has to give a cat away?

do we REALLY need more muck dragging into this thread..i appreciate its not ideal if thats the case but what if its not the same person?
im all for advice but mud slinging is something else the threads been locked once

i agree you do not know anything about the circumstances

i appreciate your concerns RR but
A) its a bit personal
B) im sure Sheff will go through everything and if she doesnt find the OP suitable she wont sell...she seems a fine breeder

I think that this thread has run its course now.