"The concern has always been that the breed would lose type due to poorly educated judges in the AKC who might make their placements based on structure and movement alone. But we have been pleased to see that most of the Dogues attaining championships, and winning at the important shows such as Westminster and Eukanuba, have been Dogues that are structurally sound and have good type. So if anything, the AKC has encouraged breeders to pay more attention to producing sound Dogues, yet retaining type."

Modern Molosser catches up with  Mark and Cindy McElderry, the first American breeder-judges of the DDB.

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"Arguably, the Dogue de Bordeaux represents an ideal breed for cancer study, as it has faced multiple genetic challenges. Genetic bottlenecks such as the fusion of the three Dogue varieties (Toulouse, the Paris, and Bordeaux) in the late 1800s, as well as scant breeding during World War I, represented the first two bottlenecks. The third was during World War II, where Hitler reportedly ordered the killing of Dogues de Bordeaux due to their vigilant guarding of their families."

The number-one cause of death in the Dogue de Bordeaux is cancer -- in particular, lymphoma. Now, researchers are fighting back. 

"It has been almost 12 years after his death, but I will remember this legendary dog until my dying day. When I was buying him, I was only aware of his exceptional physical and breed qualities. He was flawless! With fantastic proportions and magnificent movement, he was still a true Molosser - a powerful frame, a broad chest and a beautiful classic head. He was of bright red color, which certainly added to his charm. But as outstanding as Belmondo's physique was, it paled before his gentle soul and great character." 

More than a decade after his death, Belmondo the Red Powerpack, one of the world's greatest Dogues de Bordeaux, is lovingly remembered.

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"A good-reaching movement will be achieved by well-angulated hindquarters, which ensure that the dog is propelled forward from the rear rather than pulled along from the front. When the Dogue moves, the body goes to the front and the head tends to drop. It is absurd to try to put the head up when showing a Dogue de Bordeaux."

Specialist judge Anne-Marie Class offers 10 things judges must know before judging the Dogue de Bordeaux.

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"You are probably asking yourself why people would endure some 24 hours of flights and additional road travel just to watch a dog show. With between 200 and 300 entries and a panel of breed-specialist judges, this is the pinnacle of the show calendar for the breed. It is the largest gathering of Dogues de Bordeaux in the world, attracting enthusiasts from almost every continent. Placement in the Ring D'Honneur is a great achievement, but winning Best in Show is the crowning glory."

Leanne Miller of Bellarouge Dogue de Bordeaux in Australia reports on the Holy Grail of Dogue Shows, the Clubmatch in France.

"The Dogue has been in the United States for more than 30 years. We have some of the best Dogues in the world.  But because of the lack of knowledge and harmony among the new breeders, many are relying on imports. It's always necessary to bring in new lines at some point in your breeding program, but right now, we are being overwhelmed with imports. This is why, with a relatively novice group of breeders, it is so important for the senior breeders to speak up, and not be so isolated from the Bordeaux community. Because if we really care about the breed, we will all help each other and make sure we go in the right direction."

Senior American breeder Dennis von Hof shares three decades of advice.