Bordeaux Pitbull

He is not recognized by the F.C.I.

Origin
France <> U.S.A. -> U.S.A.
Translation
Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the Bordeaux Pitbull

The Bordeaux Pitbull is an unrecognized hybrid, a cross between an ancient giant breed dog known as the Dogue de Bordeaux and an American Pit Bull Terrier. It's important to note that the term Pit Bull can refer to a number of powerfully built dogs with short coats and broad heads. In most cases, breeders and dog lovers refer to the breed recognized by the UKC as the American Pit Bull Terrier and by the AKC as the Staffordshire Terrier, but this may not always be the breed used to fit into this cross. This mix of breeds will result in a large, powerfully built dog with a courageous, protective nature.

History of the Bordeaux Pitbull

Dogue de Bordeaux and American Pit Bull Terriers of all kinds are known as molossers, a group characterized by their strength and solidly built bodies. All members of the molossus group, including the Mastiff, Saint Bernard and even Pugs breeds, are said to have descended from a common ancestor, the Molossus, an ancient breed that still exists in certain mountainous regions of Albania. It's important to note that this hybrid is not recognized by any of the registries of crossbred dogs or dog breeders, so unless otherwise indicated, the term Pit Bull could refer to a number of different breeds.
        

A little of the Bordeaux Mastiff

        
The Bordeaux Mastiff is an ancient molosser, and during the early days of the breed, there were many variations among dogs classified as Dogues de Bordeaux, including differences in coat color, jaw formation and even different head sizes. By the 1800s, these dogs were widely employed throughout France and were trained to bait bulls and jaguars, hunt wild boar, protect property, and even herd cattle. Great Danes were used in the development of Japan's Tosa and Argentina's Dogo in the early 20th century, but it wasn't until 1970 that a more coherent breed standard was drawn up. Despite their ancient heritage, these dogs were virtually unknown in the USA until 1982, when a Dog World article was written by Dr. Carl Semencic, and they were not recognized by the American Kennel Club until 2008.
Standard of the Bordeaux Mastiff

A little of the American Pit Bull Terrier

The Pit Bull in this mix is a little more complicated. The term Pit Bull can refer to several types of muscular shorthaired dogs that have been bred incorporating Terrier into their bloodlines, and they are known for their endurance, strength and tenacity. In most cases, when it comes to a Pit Bull for breeding, the animal referred to is either the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT), which is recognized by Britain's UKC, or the American Staffordshire Terrier (AST), recognized by the AKC. These breeds are essentially identical, although there seems to be more variation in size and coloring acceptable for the American Pit Bull Terrier than for the American Staffordshire.
Presentation of the American Pit Bull Terrier

Appearance of the Bordeaux Pitbull

The Bordeaux Pitbull is a hybrid of two dogs of the Molosse variety, which means it will certainly be a large, muscular animal, with a broad head and a short, single-coated coat. The overall shape of the head will be square and solid with round or oval eyes that can vary in color from hazel to dark brown, and the ears will sit higher on the head and can be folded or hung. The muzzle between the two breeds varies, with the APBT and AST having a medium-length muzzle and the Dogue having a shortened brachycephalic structure. In the majority of cases, the hybrid's muzzle will fall between these lengths, but some may be born with the brachycephalic structure. Another difference between the two dogs is the appearance of the skin. While the Pit Bull has tight, narrow skin, the Dogue de Bordeaux's skin pulls away and creates large wrinkles, and your Bordeaux Pitbull could have skin anywhere in between. The Dogue really only comes in different shades of fawn, but the inclusion of APBT or AST means that any color combination can occur in this particular cross.

Temperament of the Bordeaux Pitbull

The Bordeaux Pitbull will generally take after the parent breeds, making a brave and loyal companion who prefers to be fully integrated into their families. Both parent breeds are very tolerant of children and protective, however, these dogs are extremely powerful and all interactions with toddlers and children must be carefully supervised. The Pit Bull variety of dog is intelligent and responsive, but the Dogue is known to be a little stubborn when it comes to training. As these dogs become very powerful in a short space of time, training and socialization should begin as early as possible. APBTs and ASTs are generally quite agreeable with other animals, however, Mastiffs that are not properly socialized can develop excessive shyness or aggressive behavior towards other dogs. Both breeds can be somewhat reserved with strangers, but are generally affectionate at home.

Needs and activities of the Bordeaux Pitbull

The Dogue de Bordeaux generally doesn't require a great deal of exercise, but the APBT and AST are a different story and are likely to require more exercise than the average dog. The hybrid of these two breeds will probably require 60 to 90 minutes of exercise a day to be healthy, although walking isn't the only way to get the exercise they need. Bordeaux Pitbulls are likely to enjoy alternative activities such as dock jumping, agility training and swimming. In most cases, the cross between these two dogs will have a short muzzle, but not quite brachycephalic, on occasion however, the canine may take after the Dogue de Bordeaux side of the family. Brachycephalic dogs tend to overheat and have respiratory problems, so it's important to watch for signs of the latter if your dog exhibits this trait. This dog is generally not recommended for apartment buildings due to its large size and higher exercise requirements. Many apartments may also restrict this type of dog, and homeowners' insurance may require dog liability coverage.

Maintenance of the Bordeaux Pitbull

These dogs are fairly easy to manage in the grooming area, as this hybrid's short coat is quite manageable. Although they require regular brushing with a curry comb or soft bristle brush to control shedding, monthly baths are generally adequate for these dogs. Medicated shampooing may be necessary if skin disorders such as ichthyosis develop, and if your dog has inherited the folds and wrinkles of the Dogue de Bordeaux, precautions should be taken to ensure that the skin folds have not trapped moisture as this can cause skin irritation and a foul odor may develop. The face and muzzle area should be examined and wiped weekly to avoid red yeast and other fungal or bacterial infestations, especially as dogs of this breed tend to drool quite heavily. The paws of these powerfully built dogs also require special attention to prevent drying out and cracking, including the use of a good dog moisturizer. This should be started as early as possible to sensitize the dog, as some breeds of Pit Bull variety may be reluctant to have their feet touched.

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