Cross Training Questions

I already have 2 Labs and a Terrier, I love dogs but my son wants to get a Dougue de Bordeaux is this madness!

I love dogs, my 3 are well trained. A friend has said "Well 4 would be no different from 3", my husband is also in favour of my son getting the dog for us for our 20th wedding pressent. I would like to know peoples views - I think this dog may be too big, but as people's answers to some of the questions I have read say if trained right they are fine. There is no way I would be able to take the 4 dogs out on my own, I can take the 3 I have at the moment with no problems. The other problem I am worried about is I have read that the Dogue de Bordeaux is dominant, how would it fit in? I don't want to get the pup then have to rehome it, that wouldn't be fair. My terrier (Dalmation, Whippet and Schnauzer cross) will be 5 in November, one Lab is 4 and the pup will be 1 in July. It all started when my husband saw a Labradoodle in the vets! everything was calm till then. As I say I love dogs and have all the time in the world for them, but don't want to make a mistake

Public Comments

1. Personally, I wouldn't do it. Sounds like you have read up on this breed, as you've said, it can be dominant. I love dogs as well. But, there is a limit. Its your time and money. Good luck.
2. My feeling is that if all the members of a household are not in favor of another dog (especially the one doing most of the care), then you should not get the dog. Your husband and son should respect your wishes. I have seen too many cases where what you describe happens - a dog has to be rehomed because it did not fit in the household. And yes, 4 dogs are more work than 3. There reaches a point where it becomes too many (my number is 2 - and I am a total dog lover). And you are right, Douge de Bordeaux can be a dominant breed and would take a lot of training and socialization with the other dogs. More work for you.
3. You seem like you have the best interest of your home/family/ and the potential puppy at heart! 4 dogs is definately different than 3!! Dogue de Bordeaux are a great breed and I have nothing against them personally, but this sounds like you are unsure of another dog in the house - period. I would definately say wait on it! Make your sona dn husband take care of the 3 you already have without you having to do it, if they still want an even bigger dog after having to care for your current dogs after a month - then perhaps think it over and speak with your husband about it again. Good luck!
4. Sorry its rather a lengthy answer but below is a description of the Dog de Bordeaux - you can make your own mind up. I think they are great !! Description The Dogue de Bordeaux also called the French Mastiff and sometimes called the Bordeaux Bulldog is a short, stocky mastiff with a huge, heavy, broad, wrinkled head. The head is a very important feature when evaluating this breed. Top quality show males have a head circumference of 27-30 inches (68-75cm). The jaw is undershot and powerful. The Dogue should always have a black or red mask that can be distinguished from the rest of the coat around and under the nose and including the lips and eye rims. The nostrils are very open. The muzzle should be at most 1/3 the total length of the head. The upper lips hang thickly down over the lower jaw. The skin on the neck is loose, forming a noticeable dewlap. In general, the skin is thick. The ears hang down. The body is thickset with a short, straight topline and a gentle rounded croup. The front legs should be straight and heavy-boned. The straight tail begins thickly at the base and then tapers to a point. It should not reach lower than the hocks. The short soft coat comes in shades of fawn to mahogany with a black or red mask. White markings are allowed on the tips of the toes and on the chest, but white on any other part of the body is a fault. Temperament Breeders have softened the temperament of this dog quite a bit from his original ferocity. Today the Bordeaux has a good and calm temperament. It is extremely loyal, patient and devoted to his family. Fearless and confrontational with strangers, he is a first class watch and guard dog. This breed can be very aggressive with other dogs. Socialize very well with other animals from an early age. The Dogue de Bordeaux snores and drools. Males will not tolerate other males. Despite his fearsome appearance, the Dogue de Bordeaux is gentle with children and family members. However this is a powerful animal, and is not suitable for an inexperienced dog owner. As of a few years ago a Dogue de Bordeaux puppy cost approximately $1200-2000. Height, Weight Height: 23-30 inches (58-75cm) Weight: 120-145 pounds (54.4-65.2kg) Health Problems The Dogue de Bordeaux is not an easy dog to breed. Litters are generally small. Cesarean sections are often needed at birth because of the puppies extremely large heads. The dams are so broad chested that they often lie on their stomachs to nurse their pups, sometimes squashing them. Breeders must watch out vigilantly for the pups or some will probably be lost. Females can be very protective of their puppies. Living Conditions This breed will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are very inactive indoors and will do okay without a yard. Exercise Needs lots of exercise. Life Expectancy About 10-12 years. Grooming Very little is needed. This breed is an average shedder. Origin There are numerous hypotheses about the origin the Dogue de Bordeaux. It may be descended from the Greek and Roman Molossus, from mastiffs brought to Europe by the Alans, from the dogs of Aquitaine or from Spanish dogs from Burgos. The Dogue de Bordeaux has had many uses over his long history. The breed has served as a war dog, and flock guardian, and as a combatant in dog gladiator sports where he was pitted against bulls, bears and other dogs. At the end of the middle ages, he became a cattle driver and personal bodyguard. During the French Revolution, many dogs who tried to defend their noble master's estates were killed. Luckily, enough interest remained in the breed to guarantee its continued existence. Raymond Triquet and his French Dogue de Bordeaux Club saved the breed. The Dogue de Bordeaux is now thoroughly established in France and gaining popularity in other countries. There are currently around 3000 Bordeaux in the United States. The breed is recognized by the FCI, but is not yet recognized by the AKC. Group Mastiff