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Breed & Health Info
Primary Breed Characteristics
Personality:
Beneath the scowling face there really is a gentle giant. Think of the drunk uncle at your cousin's wedding....this is your dogue.
This breed does not take to strangers - introductions should be made early on.
A natural guarding instinct - no need for further "guard" training, however obedience training is highly recommended.
Extremely loyal to the person it chooses as its master - Males tend to have "1" person although they will love everyone, Females tend to love everyone equally.
Generally calm and tranquil in nature - Except for the "Zoomies" that occur once or twice per day.
Not a high-energy animal - See above for exceptions.
Surprisingly agile when aroused.
Health Comes First at GingerHaus
Bred by H.E.A.R.T
We are proud to be an AKC Bred by HEART breeder. By continually studying the health conditions that affect our beloved breed we can eliminate many problems before they begin.
Embark Genetic Testing
By testing all of our breeding dogs through Embark we go deeper than required by our parent club and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals requirements for a CHIC number. We go to the genetic level in order to prevent future health problem and prepare our puppies for their best life with their new families.
AKC Canine Health Foundation : Breeder Member
As Breeder members of the AKC Canine Health Foundation we not only contribute financially to the study of diseases/disorders that affect dogs, we also continue our education in health studies related to the dogs we love so much.
Health Concerns
We recommend checking ofa.org to confirm any testing results of your puppy's Sire & Dam
Heart Issues
We recommend an Echocardiogram for Sire & Dam
DCM: Dilated Cardiomyopathy: The heart becomes so large, thin, and weak that it can no longer effectively pump blood to the body. As this problem advances, he may act weak or tired, faint or collapse, breathe in a labored way, or cough.
SAS: Some Dogues de Bordeaux inherit a heart condition known as aortic stenosis. This disease causes a partial obstruction of blood flow as it leaves the heart, which means the heart must work harder to pump enough blood. If the condition is severe enough, your dog may faint or just seem to run out of energy during exercise. He may also have difficulty breathing, cough, or not grow as much as he should
Bloat
Also knows as Gastric Dilatation & Volvulus
Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus, also known as GDV or Bloat, usually occurs in dogs with deep, narrow chests. This means your Dogue is more at risk than other breeds. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting cuts off blood supply to the stomach, and sometimes the spleen. Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as 30 minutes. Your dog may retch or heave (but little or nothing comes out), act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position (front feet down, rear end up). If you see symptoms, take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately! Please see our printable/downloadable Bloat pamphlet below in memory of Cyrus, aka, The Bean
Bone & Joint Problems
Bigger isn't always Better
A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in DDBs.
Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, a disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and can result in arthritis. Since dysplasia can be inherited or environmentally induced we recommend that you feed your puppy an adult dog food instead of puppy food. Feeding a diet with proper calcium/phosphorous and protein ratios can reduce the chance of induced dysplasia. Allowing puppies to jump, over exercise, tread on slippery flooring or climb stairs can all induce dysplasia.
Overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering. Bigger isn't always better.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy affected dogues are increasing because of irresponsible breeding
There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary.
Reactive seizures are caused by the brain’s reaction to a metabolic problem like low blood sugar, organ failure, or a toxin.
Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma.
Primary seizures:
If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary, or idiopathic epilepsy. This problem is often an inherited condition, with Dogues de Bordeaux commonly afflicted. If your friend is prone to seizures, they will usually begin between six months and three years of age.
Bloat Brochure
It's Up to You
Lifelong Commitment
In the end, it is up to you as the Dogue de Bordeaux owner/buyer to make the right decision for your family. If properly bred and reared the DDB can be the best dog you've ever brought into your life. They are funny, fierce, loving, protective, farting, drooling bundles of love wrapped in a big ginger fursuit. The only thing bigger than a Bordeaux's head is his heart.
As big as they are, they are susceptible to many health conditions, many of which can be avoided through proper breeding practices and early socialization.
Whether you choose GingerHaus or someone else for your next puppy, please practice due diligence. Check www.ofa.org for health testing on the Sire & Dam. A CHIC number tells you that the breeder not only completed all breed club recommended testing, but they also published those results in an effort for transparency. OFA testing doesn't cover all diseases/disorders, so also inquire about genetic testing and results. Ask to meet the Sire & Dam and about history of bloat, seizures, EIC and renal disease.
No one can guarantee a perfectly healthy dog; genetics are a funny thing and flukes happen. Because we keep or co-own progeny from each litter we take health testing seriously. At GingerHaus we are proud to say that we participate in the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals CHIC program, utilize the Embark genetic testing program and rear our puppies using the BioSensor Superdog Protocol in an effort to increase the odds of our progeny living long, happy and healthy lives.