Non GS - Dog training in Cork

[emmet]

Hi KB just a quick couple of questions on your new Dogue de Bordeaux / French mastiff. I'am looking a getting a new dog in a few months, we are looking for a family dog with good natural protection/guard skills. We are moving from Dublin to Tipperary and the house is a little remote, I think my wife will feel a little bit better protected with a good size dog in the house, our last dog died last year (aged 16 human years), my main consern is we have a young family, 4,2 and newly born. I have done alot or research on the best breed of dog that will work best for us and have a short list of 3, Dogue de Bordeaux, bullmastiff and boxer. I think the bullmastiff is out because of the restricted breed law and not quite as stable as the other two.Head says Boxer, heart says DDB, would you recomend the breeder you bought from, was there any heart or hip problems with family line etc and do they really drool that badly. Best of look Emmet

 

[KB]

Reply to Emmet

I have done alot or research on the best breed of dog that will work best for us and have a short list of 3, Dogue de Bordeaux, bullmastiff and boxer. I think the bullmastiff is out because of the restricted breed law and not quite as stable as the other two.Head says Boxer, heart says DDB, would you recomend the breeder you bought from, was there any heart or hip problems with family line etc and do they really drool that badly. Best of look Emmet

Emmet,
I had short listed the Alaskan Malmute / DDB / Bullmastiff.
We have a 11 month old baby and 3 other small dogs and we allow them into the house (Kitchen only),so we needed a social, calm dog,short hair,not a jumper and doesn't need huge amounts of exercise.The Mal is meant to be very bouncy until they are 2 and have a huge coat and would walk forever so that was that one out of the equation.

The Bullmastiff being on the restricted list didn't help, I know of one that savaged a Rottweiler in a boarding kennel. a vet told me that they have potential to be more aggressive than normal.(I appreciate that all dogs do)

Friends of ours have a 3 year old DDB, a gentle giant of a dog, good natural guard dog instincts and they too have a new born baby.

Boxers are superb dogs, the DDB cant jump over walls like a Boxer could.The Boxer probably has a longer life span than the DDB(8ish years).

I took the chance with the Breeder, he wouldn't sell before Xmas,which I liked,he has 2 DDB, a Boxer and a Lab(all bitches) The pup was microchipped and IKC Reg and socialised with kids. The Dam was calm and gentle so I was happy. My vet was pleased with the pup.I can pass on his details to you if you wish. He still has 3 males and 3 females left, they would be almost 5 months old now so he has reduced the price. Advertised on donedeal.ie (Limerick)

Rgds
Kevin

 

[emmet]

Thanks for the info Kevin, sounds like you had a similar requirements to us and the more we hear and read about DDB's the more I like. The calmer nature of the DDB is definitely an advantage in a house full of kids but like you said the short life span is something to remember as I'd say you'll get very fond of these big old slobs.I need to go and meet a few more owners and breeders to get a bit more info, your idea of getting a good level of training is spot on as these dogs are no lab's or King Charles.Thanks again for the info and best of luck with your new drool machine. Emmet