The Dogue de Bordeaux is a fast growing dog, puppies can gain 1-2 kgs a week at average.

 

Although your Bordeaux puppy might be very cute and you want to show him/her off to the world. There are some simple guidelines to follow to ensure that your pet remains safe.

 

The mastiff breeds are very large dogs and have a lot of growing to do. Therefore they should not be "over-exercised" during the first year of life, and one should certainly avoid excessive weight-gain.

 

Your puppy should be vaccinated around 7 weeks prior to leaving the breeder.  You should then consult with your vet and the puppies breeder as to when the next vaccination is due.  There are different vaccines with different coverage so speak to your vet if you are unsure.  Vaccinations do also vary according to where you live, so speak to your vet about the types of vaccinations needed for your area, they might be slightly different to what your breeder has given your puppy. 

 

After the age of 12 months your puppy may have reached his/her maximum height and should then start to "widen" as they mature. From this point on it is ok to exercise your dog as often as the mood takes you. A note of caution here. It is always advisable that mastiffs (and deep-chested breeds in general) are not exercised one hour before or two hours after eating. Doing so can increase the incidence of "bloat" (Acute Gastric Dilation) which affects deep-chested breeds. It is caused by fermenting foods releasing gas into the stomach, which in most severe cases causes the stomach to twist. This condition is "very serious" and can prove fatal in many cases.  Your dog should also not be exercised in the middle of the day during the summer months. This may cause overheating and dehydration, leading to heatstroke. Your dog will be much more comfortable if he/she is exercised in the mornings or evenings during the warmer months.

 

                                                 

Exercise

 

When taking your puppy for a walk for the first time after a full course of vaccinations, ensure the walk is for no more than 5 minutes. Your puppy is still very young and may tire quickly. I would recommend walking your puppy for about 10 minutes each day until about 7 or 8 months of age.  After this time you may increase your puppy's walks to about 30 minutes. Due care should always be taken that the mastiff puppy is not "encouraged" to run and jump or navigate staircases around the home at any time during the first 12 months of life. They are growing rapidly and become very heavy dogs - such hard exercise may only serve to cause your puppy discomfort as the compounding weight becomes too much for his legs. This could possibly lead to permanent damage to immature bones and ligaments.

 

Even though the body is large, the mind is still young. It is common for a 7 month old puppy to knock over people while playing.

 

The Dogue pup needs exercise to develop its muscle structure, but must not be over exercised or engage in high impact activities.  Young pups get a lot of their exercise from play, but should never be allowed to climb stairs or jump off furniture etc.  Impacts can injure their joints and lead to problems in bone development.  I really can’t stress enough how important it is to avoid jumping and excessive running as a puppy, it might seem a bit hard on the puppy, but it is better for them in the long term.  It does not take much for a heavy pup to hurt itself when jumping of the bed, or to bang into something or trip over when running full speed around the house or yard.  Swimming is great exercise, and normal playtime should be sufficient for them to develop the muscle tone they need.

 

As the Dogue gets older, it is very important that they receive the proper amount of exercise to keep up their muscle tone and avoid them becoming overweight.  Again, swimming is great, walking in the cool of the morning or evening is ideal, avoiding exercise in the heat of the day.

 

 

TIPS to help your puppy’s hips & joints develop correctly:-

· Be very careful if advised to administer your puppy additional calcium – over supplementing may increase the bone remodeling (lots of fresh brisket & marrow bones & premium dry food may be adequate).  Too much calcium can cause as many problems as too little—Always listen to your vet and breeder.

· Keep your puppy off tiles or slippery surfaces – they can easily slip and pull muscles or do permanent damage to joints.

· Keep your puppy’s nails trimmed weekly – it may assist him/her in walking/standing correctly and help your pup keep its grip when on its feet.

· Keep your puppy off of staircases – repeated climbing of stairs on growing joints may only exacerbate any problems.

· Do not encourage your puppy to jump in and out of the car – because of his/her body weight; repeated pressure on joints from jumping may also exacerbate any problems.

· Do not let your Dogue put on too much weight – again too much body mass may intensify any problems with their legs.  Ask your vet about a healthy weight for your Dogue.

· Do not force your puppy to run for any distance, especially on tarmac, asphalt or other hard surfaces.

                                     

FEEDING YOUR DOGUE

 

Food plays an important part in their development, so be sure to seek the advice of your breeder with regards to feeding. 

 

A high quality premium dry dog food is a good start.   By using a premium grade puppy large breed formula until 12 months old then starting to mix in an adult formula you will be ensuring a good start for your puppies diet.  

 

Do not overfeed your Dogue, maintain a healthy diet and weight to prevent any joint development problems.

 

A Dogue needs fresh meat and variety in his/her diet. 

 

So rather than just give them dry food:-

· mix in wet food like beef or chicken mince

· cooked pasta

· fresh raw minced or lightly steamed veggies

· some leftovers (only as a treat)

· a little tinned food (only as a treat)

 

Raw bones on a daily basis:-

· like chicken carcasses or necks

· turkey necks

· lamb necks, lamb breasts/flaps

· brisket bones

· Never feed cooked bones.  

 

Other foods that are suggested to feed your dogue:

· Raw egg (or slightly cooked) and ground shell (twice week)

· Cottage cheese & natural yoghurt (a few times a week)

· Spoonful of honey (yummy in yoghurt)

· Sardines, tuna, salmon with the oils (at least once a week)

· Brown rice cooked in chicken or beef stock

· Rolled oats or oatbran (add some of the yoghurt & honey too)

· Scrambled eggs with grated cheddar cheese even tuna or salmon

· Fruit such as banana, rockmelon, strawberries, apple

· Beef or lamb hearts or lambs fry for variety as well

· Preservative free, colour free dog treats such as dried liver, pig ears or dog biscuits.

 

DO NOT FEED YOUR DOGUE :

· ONIONS

· CHOCOLATE

· MACADAMIA NUTS

· MUSHROOMS

· COFFEE

· GRAPES OR RAISINS

· CAT FOOD

· TOO MUCH RAW EGG

 

Below are some guidelines to help you in the care and feeding of your new puppy. 

 

When purchasing a puppy, breeders should provide an information pack containing instructions regarding feeding, worming, vaccinations and various other important information. 

 

If you are at all concerned about your puppy at any stage, in the first instance always refer to your breeder and your vet clinic.

Care and Nutrition

“Hubert” in a play kiss with mate Tallulah.

“Henry” borrowing his mum’s computer

“Henry” and friends on mum & dad’s bed.