French Mastahoula

The Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the French Mastiff, is a powerful, well-muscled dog with a massive build that commands immediate attention. Males typically stand 24 to 27 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 110 and 145 pounds, while females measure 23 to 26 inches and weigh 99 to 120 pounds. The breed is set somewhat low to the ground compared to other mastiff types, with a thick-set body featuring great depth and breadth, particularly between the forelegs. The distance from the deepest point of the chest to the ground is slightly less than the depth of the chest, contributing to the breed's powerful stance. The most distinctive feature of the French Mastiff is its enormous head, which is proportionally the largest in the canine kingdom relative to body size. The skull is broad and rounded, featuring deep wrinkles and a pronounced forehead. When viewed from above or front, the head forms a trapezoid shape. The muzzle is powerful and broad, measuring approximately one-third the total length of the head, with a pronounced underbite and powerful jaws. The upper lips hang thickly over the lower jaw, and the breed displays either a black or red mask that extends around and under the nose, including the lips and eye rims. The coat is short, fine, and soft to the touch, coming exclusively in various shades of fawn ranging from light fawn to dark red or mahogany. The skin on the neck is loose, forming a noticeable dewlap, while facial skin creates characteristic deep wrinkles that add to the breed's distinguished appearance. The front legs are straight and heavy-boned with tight, cat-like feet, while the straight tail begins thickly at the base, tapers to a point, and should not extend below the hocks. The overall impression is one of extreme power combined with an imposing yet noble bearing.

The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog is a medium to large, well-muscled working dog with a powerful build that conveys both agility and endurance. The breed stands 22 to 24 inches at the shoulder with an acceptable range of two inches either way, and weighs between 50 and 95 pounds depending on height and build. Males tend toward the larger end of the spectrum while females are typically somewhat smaller. The body is rectangular in shape, slightly longer than tall, with the length coming from a deep chest rather than excessive leg length, giving the dog a substantial yet athletic appearance. The head is powerfully built without appearing exaggerated, with a broad, flat skull and well-developed cheeks. The muzzle is strong and deep, tapering moderately toward the nose, with a length approximately equal to that of the skull. The breed displays remarkable variation in eye color, which can include blue, brown, green, or amber, with heterochromia (two different colored eyes) or eyes with multiple colors within the same eye being common and highly prized. The medium-sized drop ears are set at or just below the top line of the skull and hang close to the cheeks. The Catahoula's coat is perhaps its most distinctive feature, coming in an astonishing variety of colors and patterns. The leopard pattern, caused by the merle gene, is most commonly associated with the breed and features a solid base color with contrasting spots of one or more other colors. Coat colors include blue merle, red merle, brindle, and solid colors including black, red, chocolate, and yellow. The single coat is short to medium in length and lies close to the body. The tail is long, carried in a natural curve, and should not be docked. Predominantly white coats are discouraged due to their association with deafness in the breed.