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The DDB history is a mystery that is speculated upon by many. The history is believed to predate the Bullmastiff and the Bulldog. It is said that the Dogue can be found in the background of the Bullmastiff, and others claim that the Dogue and Mastiff breeds were both being acclomplished at the same time. Some believe that the Bulldog is the building block of the Dogue, and again, another group believes that the Bulldog was used in breeding programmes further down the line. Another theory is the DDB originates from the Tibetan Mastiff and it is also said that the Dogue is related to the Greco Roman molossoids used for war, as there was a breed similar to the DDB in Rome at the time of Julius Caesar's reign, possibly a cousin of the Neopolitan Mastiff. Other's suggest that the DDB is a descendent breed which existed in ancient France, the Dogue De Bordeaux of Aquaitaine. Whichever theory is true, it is obvious that the DDB shares the same common links as all modern molossers.
The DDB was once classified into 3 catorgaries, the Parisian, the Toulouse and the Bordeaux, types which were bred depending on the region of France and the jobs they were required to do.
Ancestral DDB had various coat colours such as brindle and majority of white markings that carried fully up the legs. They had scissor bites in some regions, undershot in others, big heads, small heads, large bodies and small bodies, a very inconsistent type. Another controversial aspect was the mask, red (brown) none or black.
The Dogues De Bordeaux of Bordeaux of the time also sported cropped ears, for fighting purposes. Regardless, they all had general type similar to todays DDB.
In 1863 the first canine exhibition was held at the "Jardin d'Acclimatation" in Paris, France. The winner of the DDB was a bitch named Magentas. The DDB was then given the name of the capital of their region of origin, todays Dogue De Bordeaux.
The DDB was used as a guardian, a hunter and a fighter. They were trained to bait bulls, herd cattle and to protect homes, butcher shops and vineyards of their masters. The DDB was prized as protectors and was often found in the homes of the wealthy of France.
A setback in the breed came during the French Revolution when many of the DDB perished with their wealthy masters. The DDB of the comman man has thrived. These became champions of the arena, and were powerful dogs bred to do their jobs and do them well. Another setback for the breed was following world war 11, Adolph Hitler was said to have demanded the execution of all Dogues because of their devout loyalty to their owners.
During the 1960's a group of breeders of the DDB in France, headed by Kaymond Triquet, worked on the rebuilding of the foundation of the Breed.
In thr 1800's the breed was hardley known outside of it's native regions, but some exports took place to England as early as 1885.The 1st known DDB to enter England was Turc, who belonged to Mr.Rieux, a young baker from Bordeaux. He was a combattant, a man who likes dog fighting.
For more information on the introduction of DDB to England visit the Dogue de Bordeaux club of Great Britain.
The 1st standard of DDB was written in 1869 by Perre Megnin.
