The Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the French Mastiff, is a powerful and noble breed with a long history. These dogs have been used for a variety of tasks over the years, from guarding livestock to protecting their owners. Here, we will explore some of the most famous stories of Dogues de Bordeaux and their incredible loyalty and courage.
Perhaps one of the most famous stories of loyalty and devotion is that of Hachiko, a Dogue de Bordeaux who lived in Japan in the early 20th century. Hachiko's owner, a professor named Hidesaburo Ueno, would commute to work every day on the train, and Hachiko would always accompany him to the station and wait for his return.
Tragically, Professor Ueno passed away suddenly at work one day, leaving Hachiko waiting at the station for his return. Despite his owner's absence, Hachiko continued to wait at the station every day for over nine years, until his own passing in 1935. Hachiko's loyalty and devotion to his owner touched the hearts of people around the world, and a statue was erected in his honor at the Shibuya Station in Tokyo.
Another famous Dogue de Bordeaux is Lex, a military working dog who served with the United States Marine Corps in Iraq. Lex was trained as an explosive detection dog and served alongside his handler, Corporal Dustin J. Lee. In 2007, Lex and Corporal Lee were serving on patrol in Fallujah when their vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb.
Tragically, Corporal Lee was killed in the explosion, but Lex survived. Despite his injuries, Lex refused to leave his handler's side and had to be forcefully removed from the vehicle. Lex was later awarded the Dickin Medal, the highest honor for military animals in the United Kingdom, for his bravery and dedication to his handler.
While the story of Turner and Hooch is fictional, it is still a beloved tale of a Dogue de Bordeaux and his human companion. The 1989 film Turner & Hooch starred Tom Hanks as Scott Turner, a neat freak detective who inherits Hooch, a slobbery and mischievous Dogue de Bordeaux.
Despite their differences, Turner and Hooch form a bond and work together to solve a crime and bring down a criminal. The film showcases the loyalty and intelligence of the Dogue de Bordeaux breed, as well as the unique bond that can form between a dog and his human companion.
These are just a few of the many stories of Dogues de Bordeaux and their incredible loyalty, courage, and devotion. Whether serving in the military, waiting for their owners at a train station, or starring in a Hollywood film, these dogs have proven time and time again that they are truly man's best friend.
With their powerful build, noble appearance, and loving temperament, the Dogue de Bordeaux is a breed that has captured the hearts of dog lovers around the world. Their stories serve as a testament to the special bond that can form between humans and their canine companions, and the incredible lengths that dogs will go to in order to protect and care for their owners.