The Bordeaux Pitbull is a unique hybrid, blending the strength of two powerful breeds: the French Mastiff (also known as Dogue de Bordeaux) and the Pitbull. This crossbreed results in a dog that is massive-headed, with a powerfully built body and a strong, protective instinct. Despite their imposing looks, many people don’t realize that these dogs can be surprisingly gentle and affectionate with their families.
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The Bordeaux Pitbull takes on the physical traits of both parent breeds, with its short hair and wide heads, and can grow to be a large dog, with a heart of gold, always devoted to its pack. Though this breed is not recognized as a purebred dog, it carries the inherent violent stigma often associated with Pitbull types. However, the Bordeaux Pitbull is far from aggressive when properly raised and socialized.
In fact, this breed is often described as a gentle giant that loves being around family, with a temperament that can switch from fiercely protective to remarkably tender. Socialization plays a key role in ensuring they get along well with other dogs and even smaller animals, making them a versatile companion in the right environment.
The ‘History
- The Bordeaux Pitbull is a hybrid breed, resulting from the combination of the Dogue de Bordeaux and various types of Pit Bulls.
- Both the Dogue de Bordeaux and Pit Bulls belong to the powerful molossers group, known for their strength and solid builds. This group also includes Mastiffs, Saint Bernards, and even Pugs.
- All these dogs are believed to have descended from the ancient Molossus, a breed that can still be found in some mountainous regions of Albania.
- The Dogue de Bordeaux is an ancient breed with a history of being used in France for various tasks, including baiting bulls, hunting boar, protecting property, and herding cattle.
- In the 1800s, the Dogue de Bordeaux was also part of developing the Tosa in Japan and the Argentine Dogo.
- The term Pit Bull refers to several muscular, short-haired dogs, usually with Terrier bloodlines, known for their stamina, strength, and tenacity.
- The primary breeds in the Pit Bull category are the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) and American Staffordshire Terrier (AST), recognized by the UKC and AKC respectively.
- Despite their ancient background, the Dogue de Bordeaux wasn’t well-known in the United States until 1982, when it was featured in Dr. Carl Semencic’s article.
- In 2008, the American Kennel Club officially recognized the Dogue de Bordeaux.
- The Bordeaux Pitbull is a mix of these two powerful breeds, each with their own legacy of strength, loyalty, and historical importance.
The ‘Appearance
The Bordeaux Pitbull is an impressive hybrid breed, combining the best traits of two powerful dogs. This mix results in a large, muscular animal with a broad head and a short coat. The square head shape and the round or oval eyes give it a strong yet captivating look. The ears are set high on the head and may either be folded over or hanging, adding to the dog’s distinctive appearance.
The muzzle varies between the two breeds—while the Pitbull has a medium-length muzzle, the Dogue de Bordeaux has a more brachycephalic structure. In most hybrids, the muzzle falls somewhere in between, though some may inherit the full brachycephalic trait.
In terms of skin, the Bordeaux Pitbull offers its own variety. The Pitbull tends to have tight skin, while the Dogue de Bordeaux has loose skin, creating large wrinkles. Some dogs may even have a black, brown, or red mask.
Here are some key details about the Bordeaux Pitbull‘s appearance:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 21-23 inches (up to 25-30 inches) |
| Weight | 75-100 lbs (up to 100-140 lbs) |
| Lifespan | 8-12 years |
| Colors | Black, brown, white, red, brindle, fawn, mahogany, with black/brown/red mask |
| Coat Type | Short, single-layer |
| Head Shape | Broad, square |
| Eyes | Round or oval, hazel to dark brown |
| Muzzle | Medium length (Pitbull), shortened (Dogue), hybrid in-between |
| Ears | High set, folded over or hanging |
| Skin | Tight (Pitbull) to loose (Dogue), large wrinkles |
| Temperament | Varies – Gentle, protective, affectionate, loyal |
The ‘Temperament
The Bordeaux Pitbull is a courageous and loyal dog, ideal for families. Both parent breeds are protective and tolerant of children, but due to their size and strength, supervision with toddlers is essential. This breed is intelligent, responsive, but can be a bit stubborn when it comes to training. Early socialization is key to preventing shyness or aggressive behaviors. They are generally agreeable with other animals.
Energetic and loving, the Bordeaux Pitbull enjoys being outdoors but craves constant companionship. They can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone too long. Known for their guard dog instincts and protective nature, they are also gentle and affectionate with their families. While they may be reserved with strangers, they will warm up and often cuddle with their owners. Regular training strengthens their bond and sharpens their instincts.
The ‘Training and Exercise
The Bordeaux Pitbull is a hybrid that blends the Dogue de Bordeaux and the Pit Bull. While the Dogue de Bordeaux doesn’t require much exercise, the APBT and AST need more. This crossbreed requires 60 to 90 minutes of exercise daily to stay in top health. Walking is a great option, but they also enjoy activities like dock jumping, agility training, and swimming.
If the Bordeaux Pitbull inherits a short snout from the Dogue de Bordeaux, be cautious of overheating and respiratory issues. Their large size and higher energy levels make them unsuitable for apartments, and some places may require dog liability insurance.
Training this breed requires patience and consistency. Though eager to please, Bordeaux Pitbulls can also be stubborn and strong-willed, especially if they take after their Mastiff parent. Starting training and socialization early is essential for good behavior. Use positive reinforcement to encourage following commands and building a strong bond. Keep training sessions short to avoid boredom, and regular exercise like fetch or long walks will prevent weight gain. A weighted vest can help keep them engaged during walks, while offering them a sense of purpose, which they thrive on.
The ‘Health Issues
The Bordeaux Pitbull is generally healthier than its parent breeds, but it can still face some health problems. Like many large dogs, they might be prone to conditions such as hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and kidney problems. Heart problems are also common in this breed, and it’s important to schedule regular vet appointments to keep an eye on these issues.
Additionally, some serious conditions that may affect them include lymphoma and mast cell tumors. Despite these concerns, many of the health issues are alleviated by the mix of genes from the Pit Bull and Dogue de Bordeaux, especially when compared to the average life span of the Dogue de Bordeaux, which is typically just six years.
Minor issues like demodectic mange, skin irritation, and allergies may also occur. Dogs with a brachycephalic syndrome can experience breathing difficulties, so it’s important to be mindful of respiratory tests and other occasional tests like x-rays, MRI, and blood or skin scraping. With proper care and attention to their health, the Bordeaux Pitbull can live a long, happy life, benefiting from the combination of genes that help reduce the occurrence of certain conditions.
However, regular vet visits are essential to ensure their health is properly managed.
Grooming
The Bordeaux Pitbull is fairly easy to manage when it comes to grooming, thanks to its short coat. Regular brushing with a curry comb or soft bristle brush helps control shedding and keeps their coat healthy. Most of the time, monthly baths are enough, but if any skin disorders like ichthyosis develop, you might need to use medicated shampoo. If your dog inherits the folds and wrinkles from the Dogue de Bordeaux, be extra careful to prevent moisture buildup, as it can lead to skin irritation or a foul odor.
Wiping down their face and muzzle area weekly will help avoid red yeast, fungal, or bacterial infestations, especially since they tend to drool a lot. For dogs with loose skin, you’ll need to bathe and scrub them regularly. Make sure they are dried completely to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria in their folds. Paw pads should also receive special care to avoid drying or cracking, and using a good dog-safe moisturizer can help prevent this.
Start training your dog to tolerate grooming early on, especially since some Pit Bull breeds can be reluctant about having their feet touched. Grooming needs may vary based on whether your Bordeaux Pitbull has tight skin or loose skin, but weekly brushing and bathing are essential to keep them comfortable and clean.
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
The Bordeaux Pitbull is a large dog with a huge appetite. However, it’s important to be mindful of how much they eat to avoid issues like obesity. Most owners feed their Pit Mastiffs about 3–4 cups of dog food twice a day, but experts recommend dividing their meals into four smaller portions. This helps prevent overfeeding and bloating, which can cause discomfort.
When choosing dog food, make sure it is high in animal protein, as they need quality nutrients to maintain their massive size. Bordeaux Pitbulls often have a gigantic appetite, so it’s important to feed them about four cups of high-quality dry dog food per day. If your dog tends to eat too quickly, consider splitting their food into three or more meals and using a slow feeding mat to help them eat at a healthier pace, reducing the risk of digestive issues and bloating. Always choose food that’s specially formulated for large breed dogs to ensure they get the proper nutrition.
Bordeaux Pitbull Puppies
When looking for Pitbull Mastiff pups, it’s important to know that these dogs are among the fastest-growing dogs out there. By just 3 months, they can weigh around 30 pounds, and by 6 months, they can already weigh 70 pounds. By 9 months, they might weigh 80 pounds, and by 12 months, they can surpass 100 pounds. With this rapid growth, be prepared for a big dog in no time.
Bordeaux Pitbull puppies that come from reputable breeders tend to be more expensive, but they come with health benefits, as they’ll have health certificates for both parents. It’s always a good idea to see the pup’s mother and father, and insist on viewing their health certificates before making a purchase. This ensures the authenticity of the breeder. Additionally, seek recommendations from your vet for trusted breeders.
Bordeaux Pitbulls are still a relatively new designer dog, so the breed is still evolving in terms of temperament and behaviors. Understanding the traits of both parent breeds and comparing them to the crossbred offspring will give you a clearer idea of what to expect. These puppies, like the Dogue de Bordeaux, may inherit a strong sense of work and a protective nature, making them deeply devoted to their families.
Is a Mastiff Pit Bull Mix a Good Dog?
Yes, a Mastiff Pit Bull mix, often called a Pit Mastiff, can make a great dog. These dogs are known for being devoted, protective, and incredibly affectionate with their families. They are loyal companions, but due to their large size and strength, early training and socialization are very important to help them develop good behavior around other pets and people.
How Big Will a Mastiff Pit Bull Mix Get?
A Mastiff Pit Bull mix usually grows to be around 25 to 29 inches tall and can weigh anywhere between 100 to 140 pounds. Males tend to be a bit larger than females, but either way, you’re looking at a large, muscular dog!
Are Pit Bull Cross Staffy Illegal in the UK?
Yes, in the UK, Pit Bull Terriers are banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, which means any Pit Bull cross, including a Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix, would be illegal. It’s important to be aware of the laws around dog breeds in your area to avoid any legal issues.