You've read about the Dogue de Bordeaux, you've met several adult Bordeaux, and now you want one right now! WAIT! We hope this page will provide helpful advice on locating that perfect puppy or adult dog. Although you may initially think of a pet store, there are much, much better ways to find your new dog. Never buy a puppy on impulse; if you carefully research your future dog, you will be rewarded with a healthy, happy dog suited to your life.  These definitions are helpful to those starting their first Dogue de Bordeaux search.
 

The backyard breeder may be a nice person who does not mistreat his dogs. A BYB doesn't necessarily want to make money, but isn't willing to spend the time, money and effort to prove his dogs worthy of contributing to the general gene pool or insure the genetic health and soundness of the resulting offspring, to save future puppy owners both from heartache and excessive expenses.
The hobby breeder researches pedigrees; knows where problems lie and how to avoid them; actively shows in performance events and conformation to evaluate their dog's structure, movement and closeness to the breed standard; does all health/genetic testing possible to insure the genetic/general soundness of the resulting offspring; and understands their dog's faults and how to strengthen them via breeding. The hobby breeder is interested in producing the best, soundest, healthiest representatives of the breed for the future and rarely makes any money from breeding.
The professional breeder is either a hobby breeder producing many, many litters or a puppy miller. One could be considered a pro by producing more than about 3 litters a year or having many breeding bitches on the premises and breeding them every year, and still do all the right things. However, the more litters you produce per year, the harder it becomes to socialize all the puppies, evaluate temperaments and place in them appropriate homes. They will have less time to compete in performance events and may not have the space and time to take back a misplaced dog for "rehab" and placement.
The puppy mill breeder is in it for the money. Period. You've seen them on "60 Minutes" and "48 Hours". Tons of dogs packed into little cages, breeding like rabbits. Filth and neglect. No concern for genetic, general and temperamental health; slipshod record keeping with vague notions of parentage. Then there are United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) licensed breeders. These are the big guys, breeding several breeds for the pet store and puppy broker trade, but generally in cleaner, modern surroundings. The USDA only verifies breeding records for parentage and that all resulting offspring were given medical (shots, worming, et al) care prior to being shipped all over creation to become the "doggie in the window" at the local mall pet store. The USDA couldn't care less about pedigrees or genetic soundness.
 

Pet store puppies are much more likely to have health and temperament problems due to the way in which they are "produced" than a puppy from a reputable breeder. Look here for more information on the tragedy of puppy mills, about mothers that are bred at EVERY opportunity and dogs which have never known a caring touch of a caring owner.
 

Bringing home a puppy requires a serious time commitment until that puppy is close to a year old. Adult dogs can be the perfect alternative for a household too busy to raise a puppy or for anyone who doesn't want to deal with the mess that having a puppy inevitably brings.

Often, Dogue de Bordeaux are abandoned due to a change in a family situation or a move, or because they were too aggressive, sloppy, clumsy. They can be healthy, beautiful and loving companions. Rescue dogs can sometimes be granted a limited registration with the AKC, so with the exception of conformation, they can compete in all events. For more information on the events a rescue dog can compete in, contact the AKC.  These dogs may also be registerable with AMBOR, the American Mixed Breed Obedience Association to compete in OB events. For more info on the DDBS Rescue, click here to go to the Rescue page. Give a rescue dog a chance!
 

Breeders also occasionally have adult dogs available for placement. This may be a the pick of the litter which did not mature exactly as expected, or even a finished champion who no longer fits into their long-term breeding plan. Other times, a breeder may have a dog returned to them if the owner can no longer keep it for whatever reason. Often, they are looking to place such a dog in a great companion or performance home, but at a lower cost that would normally be the price of a puppy. All questions one would ask when buying a puppy should also be asked when choosing an adult dog from a breeder.
 

Rare breed shows are few and far between as are performance events. Not every  breeder can afford the long travel required to finish a dog quickly. Review pictures of Dogue de Bordeaux and the FCI standard, read about the breed and even attend Rare Breed or AKC shows. Beware of breeders who do not believe OFA or Penn Hipp is worth their time with the Dogue de Bordeaux.  All Bordeaux DO NOT PASS hip tests, but the breeder should take the initiative to try, and to know what their breeding stock's hips look like. Only dogs that pass OFA are given an OFA Breed Resigration Number, they can be found on this site here. Ask to see official results or xrays.
 

If you know someone with a Dogue de Bordeaux you like, ask them for the breeder's name or ask around. Reputable dog trainers and veterinarians may have had contact with the breed. Attend a dog show, but contact the show club as not all are well attended by Bordeaux. Some breeders advertise in national dog publications, newspapers or on the Internet. These can be a great resources, but the ability to advertise does little to indicate the quality of the breeder.
 

Visiting prospective litters is ALWAYS best, but Dogue de Bordeaux are still rare and there is often no responsible breeder locally. You may have to choose between traveling a long distance or having the puppy shipped. Many choose the second alternative, but that requires accurate communication with the breeder and careful descriptions of the type of puppy you are searching for. Families don't give up pets because its eyes are the wrong color, but too many dogs end up in shelters for behavior problems!
 

Before you contact the breeder, list the characteristics that you are looking for in your new puppy. Do you plan to show/breed in the future or will your new pooch be a family pet? Will you compete in performance events, like obedience or agility? Do you want an active puppy or a more laid back personality? Do you live in an apartment with dog size restrictions?
With your profile in hand, you are prepared to ask breeders the questions listed below as well as anything else you may want to know. This puppy may be a member of your family

for 8+ years. Do not feel embarrassed about asking all these questions; a responsible breeder will welcome your interest and admire your concern for the breed!