How to tell if your Dogue de Bordeaux’s coat is healthy

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a distinctive large dog from The Kennel Club’s working group, known for its powerful build and expressive face. Many came to know this breed through the film “Turner and Hooch,” starring a Dogue de Bordeaux named Hooch.

This breed sports a short, straight, and soft coat with moderate shedding throughout the year. While it appears low maintenance, the coat benefits tremendously from regular brushing, and occasional bathing to keep it clean and healthy.

However, Dogues de Bordeaux require attentive care, especially because they are prone to certain skin and coat conditions such as sensitivities, allergies, and dermatitis. Understanding how to spot a healthy coat and the early signs of issues is essential for current and prospective owners.

1. Recognising Normal Coat Appearance and Texture

A healthy Dogue de Bordeaux coat should look clean, slightly shiny or glossy, and lie flat against the body. It should never appear dull, dry, or uneven. Over time, owners become familiar with their dog’s unique coat texture, making it easier to identify any changes that might signal a problem.

2. Understanding Shedding Patterns

Dogue de Bordeaux dogs moderately shed hair year-round, with increased shedding in spring and autumn as they adapt to seasonal temperature changes. Sudden or excessive shedding outside these times, particularly if fur looks thin or patchy, may be a warning sign of underlying health issues and warrants veterinary evaluation.

3. Feeling Your Dog’s Coat Health

The coat should feel smooth and soft but not fluffy or plush. If your dog's fur feels brittle, rough, or harsh, this can indicate nutritional deficiencies, skin conditions, or environmental irritations. However, slight natural variation exists among individual dogs.

4. Monitoring the Skin Condition

Healthy skin is the foundation for a healthy coat. The skin of a Dogue de Bordeaux should be clean, smooth, and free of flaky patches, redness, hot spots or sores. Due to their loose skin folds, particularly around the face and neck, these areas should be cleaned gently and dried thoroughly to prevent bacterial or fungal infections, which this breed is predisposed to.

5. Grooming Best Practices for Coat and Skin Care

Groom your Dogue de Bordeaux at least once a week using a rubber grooming mitt or bristle brush to remove loose hairs and distribute natural oils. Bathing should be done every four weeks with a mild, pH-balanced dog shampoo tailored for sensitive skin to avoid stripping protective oils. Pay particular attention to cleaning and drying skin folds to prevent moisture build-up and infections. Regular checks for irritation signs are essential, and any abnormalities should be discussed with your vet promptly.

6. Nutrition’s Role in Maintaining Coat Health

A well-balanced diet rich in protein and essential amino acids supports hair growth and skin regeneration. Supplementing your dog's meals with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, typically through quality fish oil, can enhance coat shine and reduce inflammation that may cause skin issues. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight with proper nutrition and exercise also supports optimal skin and coat condition.

7. Using Your Senses: Look, Feel and Smell

Besides appearance and touch, use your nose to monitor coat health. A clean, well-groomed Dogue de Bordeaux should not have a strong or unpleasant odour. Skin infections, trapped dirt, fungal issues, or dental problems can produce offensive smells. If you notice a funky odour persisting shortly after bathing, it is wise to consult your vet for diagnosis and treatment.

Summary and Next Steps

By understanding what a healthy Dogue de Bordeaux coat and skin look and feel like, recognising normal shedding cycles, grooming properly, and providing a nutrient-rich diet, you can help your dog maintain a glowing coat and robust skin health. Regular inspections and a proactive approach to any changes ensure your beloved pet’s comfort and well-being.

If you are considering finding a Dogue de Bordeaux puppy, ensure you seek a reputable breeder who prioritises health and temperament to give your new companion the best start.