Here at Von Krenz Bordeaux ® - A BenchMark Breeder ™ we believe first and foremost in the health & well being of our Dogue De Bordeauxs. Since day one of breeding we have not deviated from making health the most important aspect of our breeding program. And with respect to well being of our prgram, we take such a proactive role in their nurturing and development that we affectionately refer to them as our 'kids' or 'babies'. Our Dogue De Bordeauxs are indeed, spoiled rotten, deeply loved members of our family.

We also believe that if you are going to breed dogues, you should only do so to contribute towards betterment of this fine breed. Thus our goal is to produce dogues which are uniform in looks, size, and temperament. This is accomplished through careful selection and planned breedings, it does not occur by accident. Therefore, we take great strides to research and acquire those bloodlines (American and European) that work to compliment each other.

Our mission encompasses the following areas. We feel that these four areas, like the legs of a table, must work together as a solid foundation in the planning and development of superior Dogue De Bordeauxs:

1) The DDB/Breed standard
2) Genetic health
3) Workability of the DDB
4) Temperaments

The Breed Standard

It is very important when selecting dogues for our breeding program, that we choose dogues of the correct type with traits that will compliment each other and meet or exceed the guidelines of the FCI standard. And of course, each must have something to contribute to our breeding program. We strive to select only the finest representations of the breed and we make every effort to produce a dogue that meets or exceeds the breed standard.

In the begining we diligently worked with some of the Europe's most highly regarded & respected breeders/kennels to obtain excellent representations of their bloodlines for use in our breeding program. Our breeding program now includes lines from: V. D. Bargefenne, The Red PowerPack, De L'Etang de Mirloup, Del Matachin, Vom Hessenbleek, De l'Eloile Saint Hubert, Des Chenaies de Kom Pystou, De la Gaie Maisonnee, Kwan de la Seigneurie, De la Seigneurie Des Chartons, De L'Aube Rouge, De Beemdse, V. Douvergenhout, Un de Mes Amis, Appellation Controlle and other outstanding lines to name a few. Parents to some of our dogues are Rano de l'Aube Rouge, Bam-Bam Un De Mes Amis, Pomaz Orzoeje Azur, De Beemdse Bumper, Pistou V. D. Bargefenne to just name a few.

And today, in 2009, we have breeders from around the world contacting us direct in hopes of obtaining some of the rare and endagered pedigrees that we have preserved in our own breeding program over the last dozen years.

You can review the FCI DDB Stanard elswhere on our web site.

Genetic Health

Fact: Von Krenz Bordeaux ® - A BenchMark Breeder ™ has set the highest standard in the DDB community for genetic health by subjecting our DDB program to more OFA (Orthopedic Foundation For Animals) evaluations than any other breeder. An extremely important factor to look at when making a decison with who you ultimately purchase your DDB puppy from.

When considering the genetics for our breeding program, we carefully review all of the factors. We study our pedigrees at great length and investigate their ancestry for at least five generations to be certain that we are breeding from the soundest dogues available. We recognize that since this breed has a limited gene pool, the breed itself is not without its unique problems. Diversity in line is of the utmost importance. We will be the first to tell you that since domestic dogs are a creation of mankind they have often been produced to perform specific tasks. As a result, many domestic dogs will have specific faults. If anyone tells you otherwise, his or her breeding program should be viewed with caution. This is why we make it a principle to avoid particular 'bloodlines' that we know (from documented history) to carry serious genetic defects that would severely undermine our breeding program.

Over the years, we have been able to document very problematic lines based upon confidential information obtained from inquiring parties as well as breeders who have confided in us with specific issues to some of their own lines.

We firmly believe that due to multiple health issues related to the Dogue De Bordeaux, that each and every one of our 'kids' undergo a rigorous health screening and/or certification process. We screen 100% of our dogues prior to being used in our breeding program. It is also our policy to provide each & every client with an honest assessment of each of our "babies" strengths & weaknesses.

We are so confident in producing pups of sound health and temperament that we now extend to all of our clients a 5 year replacement warranty*. We know of no single DDB breeder anywhere who has extended such a lengthy warranty to their pups.

* See contract for details on 5 year replacement warranty.

Workability of the Dogues

The history of the Dogue De Bordeaux is that of a 'working breed'. While there remains much speculation as to its exact origin and purpose, it is generally agreed upon that this is a 'working dog'. In both the U.S. and abroad, it is classified as a 'working dog'. Therefore, we feel that it is extremely important in the preservation of this breed to promote this inherent characteristic that makes it an excellent candidate for the obedience ring, for clinics and nursing homes (as a therapy dog) as well as a highly-capable, trusted and loving family companion.

Note: We place more emphasis on producing a 'smart' DDB rather than a 'beauty pagent winner' DDB. We have proven that our 'smart' DDBs are just as good as any other breeders 'show winners', plus our 'smart' 'show winners' are healthy too.

Temperament

In this day and age, there is no place for an overly aggressive or unmanageable dog in the family home. Yet far too many breeds have undergone the extreme scrutiny of government, prompted by mass hysteria, because they have been perceived as 'aggressive dogs'. Unlike the "pit bull family" of terriers, Rottweiler & other "working type dogs", the DDB has not been outlawed in our communities.

Since the Dogue De Bordeaux is a large breed, we recognize that it is imperative that they be manageable, sociable, friendly & of sound temperament. That is why we take pride in the fact that we monitor our 'babies' throughout their early development so that we can assess each one's unique personality and behavioral habits, so as to be able to inform you on what to expect upon receiving your new "family member". In addition, our 'babies' are socialized from day one through such activities as supplemental bottle-nursing, cuddling, bathing and playing. This degree of human interaction is critical during the early weeks of development and thus makes our 'babies' far superior in 'suitability' and 'demeanor' as loving family companions.

It should also be noted that any owner of a large breed 'working dog', the DDB included, should maintain an ongoing, continual process of socialization and training. We have seen far too many persons who have neglected this critical aspect of socialization to only end up with a problematic animal.

You can be assured that we will always provide the necessary after sale support that is essential in helping you keep your companion animal a happy, well adjusted family member.

Revised & Updated: September 2009