What Kind of Dog Is Hooch? The Surprising Answer

Hooch initially appeared in the blockbuster hit, “Turner and Hooch,” in 1989. In the movie, Turner (played by Tom Hanks) must take in Hooch after the dog’s owner, Turner’s partner, gets murdered. Turner isn’t too fond of the puppy at first, but as time passes, the two bond. Sadly, Hooch ends up dying, but not before leaving behind a pack of puppies for Turner to care for—and one of those puppies seems to act just like Hooch! So, what kind of dog is he? Well, Hooch happens to be a Dogue De Bordeaux!

Hooch Is a Dogue De Bordeaux

Many people think that Hooch is a French Mastiff, and they would technically be right. However, this breed is officially called the Dogue De Bordeaux. Not only was the original Hooch played by a Dogue De Bordeaux, but the five dogs in the “Turner and Hooch” series that streams on Disney+ are also Dogues De Bordeaux. The only way to understand Hooch and why he behaves the way he does is to learn more about the breed as a whole.

About the Dogue De Bordeaux

The Dogue De Bordeaux is a large French dog breed that can weigh more than 100 pounds when fully grown. Due to their size, they don’t have a long lifespan, and most live to be only 5 to 8 years old. These dogs are typically affectionate with their human family members, and they usually get along well with kids and other dogs. However, their size can make it challenging to keep young kids and smaller animals safe from accidental injuries when a Dogue De Bordeaux gets rambunctious simply because they are such big dogs.

These are extremely protective dogs that could make excellent watchdogs or guard dogs with the proper training. They don’t bark much unless there is a good reason to do so, and their energy levels are moderate, so they only require a short brisk walk daily to meet their basic exercise needs. However, a Dogue De Bordeaux is happy to play inside, adventure outdoors, and visit dog parks whenever they have the opportunity to.

Does the Dogue De Bordeaux Make a Good Pet?

Overall, the Dogue De Bordeaux can make an excellent family pet. Early obedience training is necessary to ensure proper behavior once a pup ages into adulthood. If you have young children in your home, it might be a good idea to wait until they are older and big enough to handle the rambunctious playfulness of the Dogue De Bordeaux. This breed should be able to get along with cats and other dogs within the household. It’s best to introduce your Dogue De Bordeaux to other pets while they are still a young puppy.

Conclusion

Hooch is a powerful, fun dog and highlights all the cool aspects of the Dogue De Bordeaux. However, Hooch also demonstrates the trouble that this breed can get into when left to their own devices. If you are considering getting a Dogue De Bordeaux as a pet, spend time with one in person to ensure that they are the right breed for you.

Featured Image Credit: Characters by Touchstone Pictures, The Walt Disney Company.  All rights reserved to the copyright owners.