French Mastiff
November 8, 2008 by Mastiff Pet Fan
Filed under French Mastiff
French Mastiffs, or the Dogue de Bordeaux, have a long and distinguished history, reaching back as far as the early fourteenth century. Aside from that, what makes this breed so special?
One distinguishing feature that the French mastiff has is its large head, which is said to be the biggest head among the dog breeds. Their head circumference, when taken from the skull’s widest point, can be as much as their height at the shoulders. The height of a French mastiff at the shoulders can vary from 22 to 30 inches. These dogs also tip the scales at 120 to 145 pounds. Their coat is usually of a reddish or brown hue.

French Mastiff
French mastiffs have an extensive history of being used as guard dogs, hunters and even as beasts of burden. They are quite loyal to their owners and their family and form a deep bond with them. They are usually unflappable but because of their protective nature, they will not hesitate in challenging intruders into their home.
As a breed, they are actually quite athletic. They also have very good hearing and smell which, which when coupled with their perceptiveness, allows them to respond to threats quickly.
Proper training can help these dogs to stay fit. It can also help them to become better behaved. Common health concerns that their owners must watch out for include hip dysplasia and cancer. The life span of these dogs can reach 11 to 15 years if they are taken care of properly.