France
The Dogue de Bordeaux also called the French Mastiff is a short, stocky mastiff with a huge, heavy, broad, wrinkled head. It is a very powerful dog, with a very muscular body yet retaining a harmonious general outline. Stocky, athletic, imposing, it has a very dissuasive aspect.
It makes an excellent family pet. It will bond to its family and feel separation is a form of punishment. 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).
Self-colored, in all shades of fawn, from Mahogany to Isabella (lightest fawn). A good pigmentation is required. Limited white patches are permissible on the chest and extremities of the limbs. It is available in three mask colors. 1. No mask or red mask 2. Brown mask 3. Black mask.
Skin, thick and sufficiently loose fitting. The hair is fine, short and soft to the touch.
It is not an easy dog to breed. Litters are generally small. Cesarean sections are often needed at birth because the puppies have 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 tend to be very protective of their puppies. To minimize the risk of your French Mastiff developing any hereditary health issues, you should buy a Dogue de Bordeaux puppy from a reputable Dogue de Bordeaux breeder.