A PUPPY that was born with a hole in its heart has defied all odds to be crowned top dog.

Eleven-month-old dogue de Bordeaux Baloo took home the title of best male puppy at the Northern Dogue De Bordeaux show.

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The pup, which had not previously competed, was diagnosed with a heart defect at 15-weeks-old.

And now his owner hopes he will take the national competition circuit by storm, after he was selected to take part in top dog show Crufts in March.

Owner Amy Ansell, 31, from Trawden, who has four dogue de Bordeaux said she was shocked the mischievous pup took home the top title.

Lancashire Telegraph:

She said: “We got Baloo when he was 12-weeks-old, and at 15 weeks he was diagnosed with a hole in the heart.

“When we were told that we didn’t think that we would be able to breed or show him.

“We decided that we would try him out and see how he did.

“He is a really mischievous dog, he has bags of character and wasn’t really doing what he was supposed to and at one point I was considering leaving the show.

“The dogs had to walk in circles and the judges look at their movement and see what condition they are in.

“I was shocked when he won best opposite sex puppy and then went on to be crowned best male puppy.

Lancashire Telegraph:

“I’m looking forward going to Crufts.

“Not only is Baloo competing but two of my other dogs, 23-month-old bitch Minnie and three-year- old Samson, will be as well.”

The Dogue de Bordeaux is one of the most ancient French dog breeds.

Traditionally, they were put to work in many different capacities, from pulling carts and hauling heavy objects, to guarding flocks and, historically, the castles of the European elite.

Crufts takes place from March 5 to March 8 at The NEC in Birmingham.

 

A powerful but friendly breed

  • The Dogue de Bordeaux breed, also known as French Mastiff or Bordeaux Bulldog, is thought to date to the fourteenth century, although a uniform breed type did not exist until the 1920s.
  • The history of the breed is believed to predate the Bullmastiff and the Bulldog, with it being said that the Dogue can be found in the background of the Bullmastiff.
  • Typically they have a good and calm temperament, and are known for being extremely loyal, patient and devoted. However, because they are a powerful dog they are not suitable for an inexperienced dog owner.
  • An adult dog will usually grow to around 23 to 30 inches tall (58 to 75cm) and weigh between 120 and145 pounds (54.4 to 65.2 kg). Litter sizes are around eight puppies,
  • The breed has served as a war dog, flock guardian, cattle herder, guard dog, trained to bait bulls, bears, and jaguars, and as a hunter of boars.
  • A Dogue starred alongside Tom Hanks in the 1980s film Turner and Hooch where the dog helped a detective.