Dogue de Bordeaux: made famous by "Turner and Hooch"

If you love dogs and truly believe that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, then perhaps it’s time to catch a glimpse of the Dogue de Bordeaux, an ancient French breed and member of the mastiff family.

While the Dogue de Bordeaux was developed many centuries ago, the breed just became eligible for registration by the American Kennel Club in 2008, and still remains a rare breed. Unlike the bullmastiff and a few other related breeds, the Dogue de Bordeaux hasn’t captured the attention of the American dog fancy and is seldom seen at dog shows in this part of the country.

Fairhaven residents Marc and Debra Gadbois love large working breeds and have owned towering Great Danes for decades. The couple recently stepped out of their comfort zone and purchased a Dogue de Bordeaux, after falling in love with Hooch, the canine star that appeared in the popular movie “Turner and Hooch.”

“We love big dogs, big jowls,” begins Marc.

Debra recalls that the family also owned as bloodhound named Clyde, a loveable hound that died at a young age from an aggressive form of lung cancer.

The couple began searching last year for a canine playmate for Remington, an energetic young Great Dane that loves to play. They researched various breeds, including the Neapolitan mastiff, but quickly realized that the imposing and sometimes stubborn working breed would not be best suited for their lifestyle.

After perusing the Internet and watching some online videos, the experienced dog owners, the couple discovered PuppyCreek Kennels in Huntsville, Arkansas, where they picked their latest canine acquisition, PuppyCreek Scarlet, by watching a video of the dog’s litter.

Marc emphasizes that he was searching for a reputable breeder who offers health guarantees on their stock. The Gadboises were also concerned with temperament since they may opt to have Scarlett participate in a pet therapy program at a local nursing home or assisted care facility once the canine becomes older.

Debra adds that Scarlett weighed 44 lbs at the age of 16 weeks, and should weigh 120-140 lbs at maturity.

Despite Scarlett’s daunting stature, her owners enjoy her sweet temperament and charming personality.

“She’ll follow you around from room to room,” Debra shares.

According to the breed standard, the Dogue de Bordeaux is a molasser, a member of a group of large, solidly built breeds that are all descended from a common ancestor. While the breed’s lineage is shrouded in mystery, historians agree that an early ancestor of the modern Dogue de Bordeaux first appeared in the early 14th century in the Bordeaux region of Southern France and was used as a flock guardian and also to protect castles from intruders.

Respected dog judge P. Levi Marsman of Easton, Mass., a former breeder and handler of Doberman pinschers and an authority on the working breeds, describes the Dog de Bordeaux as “very solemn” but never aggressive.

“It’s not a breed that really turns you on,” he says, adding that these dogs, which are about the size of a Siberian husky and shorter than a bullmastiff, never developed a large following in this country.

Marsman says he usually judges no more than two or three specimens at a show, except in areas where there is a concentration of breeders and puppy buyers who gather to exhibit their dogs.

The renowned adjudicator observes that the Dogue de Bordeaux has a much more fluid movement than the larger Neapolitan mastiff, as well as less pronounced wrinkles on its face.

According to the official breed standard, these powerful canines should have a massive head, a serious expression and stocky, athletic build – all of which, when combined, make the Dogue de Bordeaux a very imposing character.

“It’s just the appearance that scares intruders,” Marsman quips.

Apparently Scarlett’s looks don’t scare too many people away. The large wrinkly pup continues to attract legions of adoring fans and has become the official mascot of the local musical group “Girl Friday,” a classic rock band that features Marc on the drums.

“People love her and everyone takes her picture,” Marc reveals.

Like all dogs, the Dogue de Bordeaux needs socialization and an owner who is firm yet fair. The Gadboises are members of the Wampanoag Kennel Club, where they train in obedience and hope to participate in rally exercises.

“You can take her anywhere,” Debra says, adding that meeting people of all ages and exposure to a variety of situations is crucial to the dog’s socialization.