Dogue de Bordeaux: The Mastiff Breed That Can't Be Exterminated

The French Mastiffs

Cats may have nine lives, but the Dogue de Bordeaux (DDB) has enjoyed at least three lives, having barely escaped extinction twice in its long history.

To get the most accurate facts on this ancient and rare breed that has been resurrected, I interviewed Sharon Sakson, who is an accredited American Kennel Club dog show judge and author of Paws and Effects: The Healing Power of Dogs.

Here is her expert view of the lovable Dogue de Bordeaux and her opinion of why they make happy, dependable, and loyal friends.

War and Hitler Could Not Kill Them

The Dogue survived two brushes with extinction. The favored darlings of the French aristocrats, these dogs enjoyed a pampered lifestyle with their elite owners. When the nobles fell out of favor, however, the dogs did too. The breed was nearly wiped out when they were slaughtered alongside their humans; only a handful survived.

Adolf Hitler made the second attempt at eliminating the breed. Enraged by their loyalty and devotion to their masters, he ordered the dogs killed.¹ Once again, a remnant was saved and provided the base stock for the preservation of the breed.

According to the American Rare Breed Association (ARBA), the breed was revitalized in the 60s and enjoys a renewed popularity today. According to Sakson, there are approximately 2,000 Dogues de Bordeaux registered with the AKC at the time of this writing.

Facts About the Dogue de Bordeaux

Here are some fascinating and little-known facts about this ancient and regal breed:

• The breed originated in the Bordeaux region of France.
• Their alternative names are French mastiff, Bordeaux bulldog, or Bordeaux mastiff.
• Ancestors of the breed include Tibetan mastiff, Neapolitan mastiff, Bullmastiff, and bulldog.
• Dogues belong to the AKC Working group.
• They were originally used for guarding, hunting, and fighting.
• Dogues have a short lifespan of about 8 to 10 years.
• These are massive dogs that stand about 23.5 to 26.5 inches high and weigh from 99 to 110 pounds.
• The coats are various shades of fawn, with red, brown, or black masks.
• Dogues are imposing, haughty, and arrogant but lovable and eager to please.
• Their grooming needs are minimal: just brush the coat regularly, trim their nails, clean their ears and facial wrinkles, and you are done.
• The need for attention is high, and these dogs should be exercised at least twice daily.
• The breed's known health problems are hip dysplasia, heart murmurs, demodectic mange, eosinophilic panosteitis (growing pains), and bloat.
• They have a high intellect with well-developed guarding instincts.
• Dogues are friendly, non-aggressive dogs that love social interaction.

Characteristics of the Breed

In spite of their giant size, these are graceful, agile dogs of the molosser (mastiff) type. They are extremely easygoing and people-oriented. In fact, they endure with patience being dressed in hats and articles of clothing.

Because of their highly developed guarding instincts, however, they require early socialization and obedience training to be good dog citizens. Sakson suggests that owners begin training early, as it has been her experience that whatever a dog experiences during the first 5 to 12 weeks of life becomes what it believes for life. She recommends that you take your Dogue puppy with you during your daily routine and expose him or her to lots of new people, places, and environments.

While they are assertive and confident, they are not aggressive. Their huge ego matches their enormous body, and they may try to dominate or attack other dogs if they feel their “family” is threatened.

An Expert's Point of View

In overall appearance, the head of the Dogue de Bordeaux is rounder than the typical square mastiff head. It is well proportioned with a short, big muzzle, wide nostrils, and rounded drop ears.

The wrinkled face and forehead have a frank facial expression. The jaws are prominent and strong and should meet evenly. The chest is broad and deep with large lungs.

The overall appearance is one of massiveness and strength because of their large bone structure. Their powerful legs end in huge paws. The tail is deep-set and carried low. Hooch, the canine actor in the movie Turner and Hooch, is a Dogue.

My Dogue de Bordeaux expert Sharon Sakson says, “They just seem to me to have a happy, clown-like appearance. If you did not know their temperament, you would probably be afraid. However, about two years ago in south New Jersey, I judged over 60 Dogues at the National Specialty Weekend. Without exception, these dogs showed no apprehension or aggression; in fact, a Dogue named Crusader seemed to be grinning at me as he entered the ring.”

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Special Needs of This Giant Breed

Gigantic dogs are giant responsibilities in every way. Their chew toys must be heavy-duty and sturdy, or the dogs will destroy them easily. They require more floor and yard space than a Chihuahua or smaller breed, and cleaning up after them is a bigger job. They eat more, play more, and love more.

The Dogue is predisposed to bloat (a condition where the stomach twists). Sakson describes bloat like this: The stomach gets too much air, swells, and twists on both ends. The twist at the stomach end prevents the dog from throwing up, so he cannot relieve himself. The twist to the intestine prevents him from passing anything and is very painful. Fortunately, bloat is uncommon, according to Sakson.

The best way to minimize the dog’s risk is to feed him two or three small meals each day rather than one large meal. Avoid exercise for at least an hour prior to feeding time, and do not exercise them for at least two hours after eating.
Specially designed food bowls to force them to eat slowly and gulp less air or raised food dishes are best. Sakson also recommends that owners soak the kibble to reduce the risk of bloat, and allow the animals to rest in their crates both before and after eating.

According to Joseph Janish, author of The Dogue de Bordeaux, these dogs are “very sensitive to anesthesia. A 'normal' dose can be lethal.” He recommends that owners of DDB make sure that their veterinarian is familiar with the breed and their hypersensitivity.

Why They Make Great Pets

Sakson mentioned that she plans to get a Dogue in the near future, and I asked her why. Here is her opinion on why this breed is a good choice for an intuitive, delightful companion animal:

• Great attitude
• Big but athletic
• Protective but friendly and non-aggressive
• Wonderful companion

However, she also stressed that potential owners should consider their living space—the Dogue requires lots of room—and the lifetime cost before getting such a large dog. These dogs also require lots of exercise and daily interaction with their people to stay happy and healthy.

While a mammoth-sized dog is not for everyone, for those who make the time and financial investment, the Dogue is an excellent family dog and gives many years of love and friendship.

If you would like to find out more about Sharon Sakson or her work, please visit her website, The Healing Power of Dogs.

References and Sources

• 1: American Kennel Club (AKC)
• 2: The Dogue de Bordeaux, Joseph Janish
• Sharon Sakson, AKC accredited dog show judge and author, telephone interview, 11/20/2010
• The Complete Dog Book, Official Publication of the American Kennel Club, 18^th edition
• The Original Dog Bible, edited by Kristin Mehus-Roe
• Dogs: 101 Adorable Breeds, Rachael Hale

Share Your Two Cents!

Please chime in with your opinion on these large and lovable pooches. Would you consider getting a Dogue de Bordeaux for a pet, or do they seem like too big a responsibility? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comments section below.

© 2011 Donna Cosmato

Would You Want to Own a Dogue de Bordeaux?

Julie tandy on September 01, 2020:

Hi all we had our first ddb last yr as a pup. Totally fell in love with her. Unfortunately in December she was taken ill after rushing her to the vets and them putting her on oxygen etc we were told she was critically ill with her heart. We took her the nxt day to a heart specialist who told us she didn’t have long to live. We took her home with all her medication loved her gave her the best life we could until she sadly lost her battle last month 2 weeks before her first birthday. We bought her from a breeder saw both parents . I am so lost without her and desperately want another ddb but am so worried now. We never got to see her grow to the size she should of been.Looking at other pups (ddb) they look so much the same as our beautiful girl it’s hard to go for one now but really do want same breed again to experience this amazing breed.

Mac on August 29, 2020:

Hi

My question may seem a little odd.

We own two Dogue de Bordeaux and are potentially moving to France from Australia.

Upon looking at Banned breeds in France it states banned are 'Mastiff types'.

Does anybody know if the Dogue de Bordeaux is banned in France as absurd as this might sound there is little that would surprise me these days even banning a breed from its own place of origin.

If anyone has moved to France and brought their pedigree (papers) Dogue de Bordeaux with them without and problems please let me know.

Thanks in advance.

Leslie on October 15, 2018:

Our beautiful DDB Topaz has been gone a few years now, but she was one of the sweetest charcters! She earned her CGC and excelled at obedience. The only problem in training was oddly enough that she never cared for treats. She was super smart, and would immediately learn what SHE wanted to learn, but didnt give a hoot for food rewards. We tried everything! One day she kept pulling clothes out of the hamper repeatedly and we figured out that our toddler had left an oatmeal cookie in a pocket. After that, we knew she would do ANYTHING for a piece of oatmeal cookie! Very loving, sweet girl.

We called her drooly strings "spit bungees" as they would kind of bounce around. Our much smaller boxer always had "snail trails" on her back from snuggling up to Topi's chest. She was good with our cats, too. She loved everyone, but if I was standoffish with a stranger, she went into protective observer mode.

Healthwise, she developed pemphigus, which is an autoimmune disease of the skin. At one point, she suddenly developed inflammation in a joint from unknown cause that went systemic. We nearly lost her. She recovered well, but suffered some joint damage that limited her walking distance. Through all of this, she was a loving, gentle sweetheart.

One warning if you have stairs - we have an upstairs bedroom. Our dogs sleep with the pack, in a bed near ours. As DDBs grow, they are head and chest heavy and as pups it takes a while before they can go down stairs without tumbling. As such, she had to be carried down the stairs until she hit

40lbs or so.

Julie Post on May 19, 2017:

I had a beautiful big guy that recently passed at the age of 10. Absolutely the best most laid back loving personality. He even let baby chicks rest on him. Very vocal like he would try to answer you if you were asking him something. Now about the not so good stuff... He drooled a shocking amount. I have drool on every surface of every wall in my home. I honestly didn't believe how much they drool when I saw the Turner and Hooch movie... it's all true. Forget keeping your pants clean around them because they are lovey dogs that are always rubbing on you looking for a good pet leaving a slime trail on your clothes. Ear infections were common but became more frequent as he got older. At around 7 years old he developed skin allergies. We switched him to grain free dog food which helped with the skin issues and reduced the ear infections but never completely cleared up. He was very healthy until his age started catching up to him. I think if you can get passed the mess from the drool... these dogs make great family pets. My boys were 3 and 5 when we got him and he was a big teddy bear that always waited for them to go down the steps before he would follow. He was very careful not to push past anyone. He was also not the type to fetch but would follow and not wander off on a hike. Such a great dog that is truly missed.

Mysti Linck on August 22, 2016:

We got our Doggie De Boudreaux from a Mastiff rescue over a year ago. Although they lied about his age & he was under weight , we love him dearly! He now weighs 110, coat shines & goes everywhere possible with us! Sir Mugsley is a huge bundle of love! ♥

Norma Lawrence from California on August 04, 2016:

Great article with a lot of good information about this dog breed. Thanks

Donna Cosmato (author) from USA on January 29, 2014:

Hi Elle,

I'm so pleased to hear about your new best friend! I hope you enjoy many happy years together.

Elle on January 15, 2014:

I researched the breed extensively (using this page along with others) and obtained one despite my family and friends objections about the size/ drool /assumption of aggression etc. Thor is 9 months old and 40kgs he is as you describe above and is an amazing dog and member of the family my dad even wants one of his own due to the loving nature, companionship and laid back attitude around the house and the drool is not as bad as people make out (or maybe im just lucky :). thanks for a great page

Gypsy Willow from Lake Tahoe Nevada USA , Wales UK and Taupo New Zealand on December 06, 2013:

Well I never knew! And now I do. Thank you!

Donna Cosmato (author) from USA on June 04, 2012:

Thanks for sharing with us about your Dogue de Bordeaux, Miss Kate000. I'll bet he's a handsome boy:) I wish I could own one but my hubby has me on pet restriction right now, lol.

Miss Kate000 on June 03, 2012:

Great hub. We own a Dogue De bordeaux Called Boomba and he has only just hit teenage weighin in at 57kilos. Hes a bit loving boy yet a very loyal guard dog when needed. I love this type of dog, i think they are simply gorgeous.

Donna Cosmato (author) from USA on January 07, 2012:

Thank you, quester! I'm so glad to have the feedback from those of you that have hands-on experience with them since all my experience is via Sharon or research. The more I learn about them, the most amazing they seem. Thanks for the tip on the Shar-Peis, I have added them to my research hot list.

quester.ltd on January 07, 2012:

Good job, Donna - these are wonderful dogs. We have known these dogs for quite a while and have loved every one of them. BYW, Shar-Peis were nearly wided out as well for the same reason - loyalty. Strange how some men cannot abide such behavior from a 'dumb' aminal.

q

Donna Cosmato (author) from USA on January 07, 2012:

You're welcome, htodd, and I'm glad this information was useful for you. Thank you for leaving me a comment to know that you liked this article.

Donna Cosmato (author) from USA on January 07, 2012:

It is funny how life works out and sometimes we end up with a pet (pets) we had not planned on, but they give us more love and friendship than we could ever have imagined. I'll bet your cats are awesome, thoughtfulgirl2:)

With all the hustle and busyness in today's society, I'm always grateful when folks take time to let me know what they thought about a particular article I've written. Thank you for feedback; I'm pleased that you liked this.

Donna Cosmato (author) from USA on January 07, 2012:

Oh, daisynicolas, how cool that you have had some interaction with these dogs. (And what a handsome companion you have!) Your comments made my day.

htodd from United States on January 07, 2012:

Hi Donna,

Thanks for the info on Dogue Bordeaux

Claudia Smaletz from East Coast on January 06, 2012:

Interesting article, I always wanted a dog, but I've ended up having cats:) Thanks for the information. They seem as guileless as their expressions.

daisynicolas from Alaska on January 06, 2012:

You covered the pros and cons of this adorable intimidating dog. I have met a few in the dog park and they are easy to fall in love with.

Donna Cosmato (author) from USA on January 06, 2012:

Cindy, you are a treasure! Thank you again:)

Donna Cosmato (author) from USA on January 06, 2012:

Thank you Sinea! Your feedback and input is so valuable to me, and I love how you always take time to let me know what you thought about my articles:)

Donna Cosmato (author) from USA on January 06, 2012:

I'm pleased to hear that you were charmed by this hub L.L. Woodward:) Large breeds do have their endearing ways, don't they? Feedback from readers is the best reward I can get for my efforts so thank you for taking time to share your opinion.

Donna Cosmato (author) from USA on January 06, 2012:

Hi leahlefler! You are absolutely correct in saying that the molosser/mastiff bloodlines are evident in these dogs. They are magnificent specimens and what a treasure for all of us. Thank goodness the breed has been revived for dog lovers to enjoy:)

Donna Cosmato (author) from USA on January 06, 2012:

Hi Fenn, it is always nice to hear that you have fulfilled a reader's expectations; what a nice thing to say! Thank you for reading and sharing your opinion of this article. I'm grateful for your support of my writing.

Donna Cosmato (author) from USA on January 06, 2012:

DzMsLizzy, that's a very astute comment. These are muscular, powerful dogs but easy to train. I'm thinking that a well socialized Dogue would be as easy to handle as most other breeds, but because of their size they could seem intimidating.

We had a giant breed dog and he was surprising gentle and easy on the leash but he was a herding breed and when he caught a scent, he could give me a good jerk before I got him back under control. You are wise to take something like that into consideration when considering a pet.

Donna Cosmato (author) from USA on January 06, 2012:

Thank you, thank you, poetvix, for your congratulations and praise! I'm really humbled by everyone's well wishes and compliments:)

Donna Cosmato (author) from USA on January 06, 2012:

Hi Aruso, you are right in your comment about handling the Dogue de Bordeaux. Their size alone would make them a challenge if not properly socialized and trained and when you add in their playful nature, you've got lots of dog on your hands:) Thank you ever so much for taking time to leave me your opinion on this article.

Donna Cosmato (author) from USA on January 06, 2012:

Thank you Lori...your support and well wishes mean a lot to me:)

Donna Cosmato (author) from USA on January 06, 2012:

Thank you for commenting mason1966. This breed does have an astonishing history and backstory. I'm glad they survived these extermination attempts:)

Cindy Murdoch from Texas on January 06, 2012:

It really is a good hub, but then all of yours are. Your deserve it. Enjoy it!

Donna Cosmato (author) from USA on January 06, 2012:

Thank you so much, Cindy. I'm still in shock that my hub was selected for this award. I really appreciate everyone's compliments, comments and congratulations:)

Donna Cosmato (author) from USA on January 06, 2012:

Dogs are not for everyone, paolomali, and I think it is a wonderful compliment that you commented on this hub even though it is not something that you are really excited about. I really appreciate your time and input:)

Sinea Pies from Northeastern United States on January 06, 2012:

Donna, congratulations on being HUB OF THE DAY! I love this hub and you deserve it! Wonderful piece!

Donna Cosmato (author) from USA on January 06, 2012:

Random Creative, what a nice compliment you have paid me ("I learned a lot"). Since I am a teacher at heart, those words are always music to my ears. Thank you for reading this and for the courtesy of leaving me a comment:)

Donna Cosmato (author) from USA on January 06, 2012:

Tillsontitan, your son is spot on about giant dogs. We had a St. Bernard border collie mix who was an awesome dog but everything about him was bigger and more involved than with our Chihuahua. He ate more and needed more exercise, but on the other hand, he gave us more love than we ever knew a dog could give. At our age, it was a challenge to keep up with him, however.

I've always wanted a min pin and I'll bet your little guy is a terrific pet. Thank you for taking time to comment on this hub and for your best wishes on the award it won.

L.L. Woodard from Oklahoma City on January 06, 2012:

What a charmer this breed seems to be. I enjoy large breed dogs, who are ever so much less boisterous than their tiny counterparts. You've done a great job with this hub.

Leah Lefler from Western New York on January 06, 2012:

Wow, the Bordeaux is definitely a survivor. I never realized that Hooch was a Bordeaux (from Turner and Hooch) - very cool! You can definitely see the Mastiff lineage in the breed!

Donna Cosmato (author) from USA on January 06, 2012:

Greetings Shawn and many thanks for the nice compliment on this dog breed article. The more I learn about large dog breeds, the more appreciation I have for them. I'm so glad you liked the pictures as selecting them was one of the most enjoyable parts of creating this.

Donna Cosmato (author) from USA on January 06, 2012:

Aww...thanks, Judi Bee! Your support and encouraging words mean so much to me. I appreciate your taking the time to leave me feedback on this hub.

Donna Cosmato (author) from USA on January 06, 2012:

Thank you for voting this hub up and interesting cr00059n. I really appreciate your positive feedback and kind words.

Donna Cosmato (author) from USA on January 06, 2012:

Thanks for the good wishes and congratulations Chaplin Speaks! I loved your play on words with "Dogue" and certainly appreciate how cats can impede one's addition of any other pets to a household as our calico cat thinks she rules our roost.

Donna Cosmato (author) from USA on January 06, 2012:

Congratulations John and Joyie on the new addition to your family:)Thanks for sharing your input on this hub.

Fenn on January 06, 2012:

An endearing and informative article. The title caught my eye and I was not disappointed at all. Thanks for sharing and voted up + useful.

Liz Elias from Oakley, CA on January 06, 2012:

Congratulations on Hub of the Day! Great job, here. Well researched and well presented article.

I don't think I'd get such a dog, although both my husband and I love dogs, we've become "cat people" due to our current physical limitations. If we were younger, and in better shape, we might be interested, though.

Voted up, interesting, useful and awesome.

Donna Cosmato (author) from USA on January 06, 2012:

Hi Deborah - yes, I did solicit opinions and thank you so much for sharing yours. You bring up an interesting point about the question of buying a purebred pet or rescuing or adopting one.

My favorite pets have been a scruffy looking little Chihuahua Shih-tzu mix and a giant St. Bernard Border collie mix, but I've also enjoyed my purebred babies. Thanks for your feedback and the reminder about the importance of responsible pet ownership.

poetvix from Gone from Texas but still in the south. Surrounded by God's country. on January 06, 2012:

Wow! Hub of the day is a real honor and could not have happened for a better hub, a nicer author, or a better subject, my favorite breed. Congrads in a major way to you!

Donna Cosmato (author) from USA on January 06, 2012:

Many thanks for your congratulations on this hub RTalloni:) Like you, I don't think I could own a breed this large at this point in my life, but the more I learn about them the more I wish I could see one in real life. However, for now I'll have to be satisfied with watching Turner and Hootch again.

I'm in agreement with everyone here who commented on how sad it was that someone tried to exterminate the breed, but I'm glad the effort was in vain.

arusho from University Place, Wa. on January 06, 2012:

Great hub! I was just wondering if that was the same type of dog in the movie Turner and Hooch. I love this dog, but don't know if I could handle having one!

LoriSoard from Henryville, Indiana on January 06, 2012:

Nice job, Donna. Congrats on getting Hub of the Day. Well deserved.

mason1966 from Louisville, ky on January 06, 2012:

This a great hub! I really enjoyed reading it. The history of this dog is incredible.

Donna Cosmato (author) from USA on January 06, 2012:

I'm glad you loved this article ktrapp! It's always a pleasure to read your feedback on my writing; thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to leave me a note.

Donna Cosmato (author) from USA on January 06, 2012:

Thank you for extending your congratulations mary615; I really appreciate your kind words and the supportive votes.

I did not know that Hooch was a Dogue de Bordeaux until I interviewed Sharon for this article. I had always loved him in the movie but knew I could not have such a large dog so I never tried to find out what breed he was. It was fun to find out all these fascinating facts about one of my favorite dog celebrities:)

Cindy Murdoch from Texas on January 06, 2012:

Congratulations on Hub of the Day with this one. As I said earlier, it is amazing that someone would try to exterminate an animal for loyalty, as that is a most wonderful trait for an animal. Congrats!

Donna Cosmato (author) from USA on January 06, 2012:

Thank you for your kind words cclitgirl! I was very surprised to learn that this hub was selected as the Hub of the Day, and I appreciate your congratulatory message. Please let me know if you do decide to get a Dogue de Bordeaux. I'd love to hear about your experiences with this breed.

paoloumali from Philippines on January 06, 2012:

I'm not into dogs but I enjoyed reading this.

Liz Rayen from California on January 06, 2012:

I love this breed. Ever since I saw Turner and Hooch! I had no idea of the rich history behind them. Makes me adore them even more. Wonderful Hub. Voted up and very interesting!

Blessings,

~Lisa

Rose Clearfield from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on January 06, 2012:

Great topic for a hub! I learned a lot reading this. Congrats on getting Hub of the Day!

Mary Craig from New York on January 06, 2012:

I thought I knew so much about dogs but you definitely educated me on this one. I'd seen him as Hooch but knew very little. I've always wanted a big dog but after my son lived with his St. Bernard for a while he warned me (at my age) I may not want to make that commitment especially with the "drool factor." I do love them though I guess I'll stick with my min pin. Your hub was great and the pictures and video outstanding. Really enjoyed this and congrats on being Hub of the Day!

Donna Cosmato (author) from USA on January 06, 2012:

Thanks for the vote and the tweet, James Poppell! I'm always so encouraged when I received such helpful feedback on a hub. Thank you for letting me know you enjoyed reading about these terrific Dogues.

Shawn Scarborough from The Lone Star State on January 06, 2012:

These are beautiful dogs. I really like large breeds but I wasn't familiar with this breed. Thanks for taking the time to put together this hub. I enjoyed the pictures too.

Judi Brown from UK on January 06, 2012:

Yay Donna, Hub of the Day - well deserved, congratulations to you!

cr00059n on January 06, 2012:

This article is one of the best articles I've read about dogs. Such an interesting composure, with key events and battles that make it unique. I'm glad that the remaining Dogue de Bordeaux are thriving in society. Giving you a vote up for interesting. Thanks.

Sarah Johnson from Charleston, South Carolina on January 06, 2012:

Way to go, Donna! Congratulations on Hub of the Day!

This is such an interesting article. Did not know Hitler was a dog-killer as well. So happy this breed survived.

I love big dogs, but unfortunately, my two cats would never allow any type of "dog"ue.

John and Joyie on January 06, 2012:

Really a good read.. I love dogs and my shi-tzu dog just delivered 5 puppies yesterday. Here's the link if u want to read mine as well.

https://johnandjoyie.hubpages.com/hub/Five-Shi-tzu...

Deborah Neyens from Iowa on January 06, 2012:

What a well-done hub and well-deserving of Hub of the Day. Congratulations! I've never heard of this name for the breed, but I am familiar with French Mastiff. What a beautiful dog with an interesting history.

As for my opinion (because you asked), I love big dogs so I wouldn't shy away from the responsibility, but I'm unlikely to get a purebred. My dogs both have been mutts born to purebred mothers as the result of unplanned pregnancies. In one case, the male dog climbed over two 6 foot chain-link fences to get out of his kennel and into her kennel, and in the other case the male dog (a stray) managed to get the job done through the fence. And that's a good lesson about spaying and neutering. : )

Donna Cosmato (author) from USA on January 06, 2012:

Thank you for taking time to read and to leave me your feedback on this hub, pattyworld1. I'm an avid dog lover overall, but there is just something about this breed that is irresistible. Since I can't own one, writing about them was the next best thing. I'm so glad you enjoyed this:)