STANDARD: Dogue de Bordeaux is a breed of dog that is strong, powerful, and imposing, as it was originally bred for the ancient blood sport of dog fighting, however, such dog fighting was banned many years ago. Therefore, now the dogue is prized as a family friend and guardian. The Dogue has an even, but sometimes stubborn temperament, and is extremely loyal and devoted to his master and family. However, the dogue is wary of strangers and can display marked dominance towards other dogs. It is imperative that this breed is well socialized, and remains well socialized throughout it's life to prevent it from becoming aloof and standoffish to new people and new situations. The Dogue must be socialized starting from a very early age, and dogue owners must be conscious of the great strength and tenacity of this very large and athletic breed. The Dogue de Bordeaux is also known commonly as the French Mastiff.

APPEARANCE: The Dogue de Bordeaux is a well balanced, muscular and massive dog that is powerfully built. The dogues size should come mostly from it's width and musculature, rather than it's height. The breed is to be somewhat low to the ground, and not tall and leggy like English Mastiffs. The dogue is a short coated breed, and therefore the coat does not require alot of attention. The breed carries a huge head that is furrowed by wrinkles and topped with small, pendant ears. The tail is thick at the base and tapers to the tip and is set and carried low. The breed is to be presented in a completely natural condition (no cropped ears, no docked tails, and natural dewclaws). It should be evaluated equally for correctness in conformation, temperament, movement when gaiting, and overall structural soundness.

HEIGHT & WEIGHT: Breed standard minimum states the desirable height at maturity when measured at the withers, should range from 23½ inches to 26½ inches for males, and from 22½ inches to 25½ inches for females. Male dogs in good condition should weigh at least 110 pounds, and female dogs at least 99 pounds.

HEAD: The massive head of the Dogue de Bordeaux is a crucial breed characteristic. The Dogue de Bordeaux is known to have the largest head in the canine world. For males, the circumference of the head, measured at the widest point of the skull, is roughly equal to the dog's height at the withers (shoulders). For females, the measured circumference may be slightly less. When viewed from the front or from above, the head of the dogue forms a trapezoid shape. The longer topline of the skull and the shorter line of the underjaw form the parallel sides of the trapezoid/