Here are a few suggestions we have on caring for your Dogue De Bordeaux. We certainly do not have all the answers, but have a few suggestions for you about things we have discovered along the way. 

Like people, dogs are what they eat. We recommend feeding your pup a dog food that is made up of all human grade ingredients. (i.e. Innova, health wise). We here at The Vinyard feed Health Wise dog food, made by Natura Pet. You can look this up at www.naturapet.com We believe that feeding your Dogue a better dog food will give him a better quality of life. (Contrary to popular opinion it is alright to feed your Dogue healthy human food, go ahead and give him burger and rice and those leftover green beans.) 

Hip dysplasia has four major causes: genetics, diet, overfeeding, and too much exercise at a young age. 

Do not let your dog get fat. Fat dogs have lots of health problems. Feed a good healthy diet. Carrying to much weight at a young age is going to add stress on soft puppy bones and this DOES have an effect on skeletal development.

New owners need to be very careful of over exercising a pup. This means no jogging until after the dog is 12 months old. This means not a lot of exercising to the point of exhaustion, or taking the pup for long long walks.

Although children and puppies were made for each other, remember child-pup playtime should always be supervised. Even if your pup is well socialized with children, youngsters are impulsive and may (and have) accidentally hurt each other in play.

Your pup’s happiness is in your hands. Establish basic training as well as a set of rules for family and pet to live by. A crate is a valuable tool, and most pups welcome the confines. It provides a closed and safe haven.

Pick a veterinarian that you are comfortable with and that will take the time to answer all your questions. If you do not currently have a vet, ask your friends who they use and who they would recommend. A good vet is an ever-present help in time of trouble!!

Health Concerns

The dogue de Bordeaux is a fast growing dog. As a result puppies can sometimes suffer from what is called Eosinphilic panosteitis or Pano, or better known to us as 'growing pains' Pano is an acute lameness unrelated to trauma. It might shift from one location to another as the pup grows.

Like most large boned dogs, hip dysphasia is a common problem of the breed. The Dogue de Bordeaux is supposed to be a athletically fit dog, with powerful, muscular legs. Any Dogue that does not fit this description should not be considered for breeding. 

Dogues can suffer from skin diseases. Demodex mange is the result of a mite that lives on the dog and compromises the dog when the immune system is low. This problem is often found with Dogues coming in as rescues in poor living conditions. 

 Dogues, as with many of other large, deep chested, breeds are prone to bloat.... a twisting of the stomach that can lead to death. Although experts are not sure as to the exact causes, it is believed that excessive exercise and excitement after eating and drinking can cause bloat. Bloat is commonly traced to the dogs gulping air that gets caught in the stomach. To prevent this, avoid feeding your Dogues immediately before or after exercise. DO NOT fill a huge bowl of food and leave there all day.

Special Note: The Bordeaux is very sensitive to anesthesia. A 'normal dose' can be lethal. Take extra special care in choosing a veterinarian who is familiar with the breed.  

 The Dogue lives on an average of 7 to 10 years.  

The Vinyard Bordeaux's
989-304-0211
E-mail: BigDogues@gmail.com