We are located in suburban Philadelphia. We began researching the Dogue de Bordeaux in 1998 and bought our first dogue in 2000. Since that time we have added two more dogues to our family, become active in conformation showing, and have had our first litter. Our dogues are pets first and foremost; our primary goal is to make sure they live a happy and healthy life. We’re fortunate to be able to take them to work with us each day and their weekends are mostly spent playing at our local park or swimming in the Chesapeake Bay.
We are firm believers in the FCI standard as it was written by Professor Raymond Triquet. While the breed is known for its impressive head type, we feel a truly excellent example of the breed is so much more than just a big head. Proper structure, harmony, and balance along with good health make up the complete Dogue de Bordeaux. Our goal will always be to produce correct dogues that conform to the FCI standard of the breed. As our breed moves toward full acceptance into the AKC working class, we feel it is a critical point in the history of the American Dogue de Bordeaux. We’re excited for the opportunities this presents to our breed; however, it’s important to us that the Dogue de Bordeaux does not lose the characteristics that have made it such an unequaled and impressive breed.
Click here to view the FCI Breed Standard
In the time we’ve been involved with the breed, we’ve learned a great deal. Many of our preconceived notions and thoughts about the Dogue de Bordeaux have evolved through our learning. We understand there is not a simple formula to breeding top quality dogues; however, we will use all of the tools available to us to help improve the quality of the American-bred Bordeaux. We believe strongly in health testing and participate in the DDBSA’s Healthy Stars Program. We show our dogues with the intention of attaining critiques from knowledgeable judges not simply in an effort to collect ribbons (although the ribbons are always nice!). As a breeder, we feel your greatest asset is the ability to be honest about your dogues; it’s essential to know your dogues’ strengths as well as weaknesses if improvements are to be made.
As we move forward with our dogues, we plan to expand our focus to include the working abilities of the Dogue de Bordeaux. This breed is capable of such varied tasks and we recognize the importance of maintaining their working drive. A well-conditioned, correct Dogue de Bordeaux with strong working capability is a thing of beauty and what we, at Monarch Bordeaux, strive to produce.
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