What breed of dog are Turner and Hooch? - briefly
Turner and Hooch are both fictional characters. Turner is a human detective, and Hooch is a dog of the Dogue de Bordeaux breed.
What breed of dog are Turner and Hooch? - in detail
The characters Turner and Hooch are central to the 1989 comedy film "Turner & Hooch," starring Tom Hanks. The film revolves around the relationship between Scott Turner, a meticulous and by-the-book detective, and Hooch, a large, slobbering, and somewhat clumsy dog. Hooch is portrayed as a Dogue de Bordeaux, a breed known for its distinctive appearance and gentle demeanor despite its imposing size.
The Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the French Mastiff, is an ancient French breed that has been used historically for various purposes, including guarding and protection. This breed is characterized by its muscular build, wrinkled face, and loose skin. Males typically stand between 23 to 27 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 110 to 143 pounds, while females are slightly smaller. Their short, soft coat comes in various shades of red, from light fawn to dark red, often with a black or red mask on the face.
Hooch's portrayal in the film highlights several key traits of the Dogue de Bordeaux. The breed is known for its loyalty and affection towards its family, which is evident in Hooch's devotion to Turner. Despite his size and strength, Hooch is depicted as a gentle giant, often causing comedic chaos due to his clumsiness rather than any malicious intent. This aligns with the breed's reputation for being good-natured and patient, especially with children.
The film also showcases the breed's intelligence and trainability. Although Hooch starts as an unruly and undisciplined dog, he learns to follow commands and assist Turner in his investigations. This aspect of the character underscores the Dogue de Bordeaux's capability to be trained for various tasks, including service and therapy work, due to their intelligence and eagerness to please.
In summary, Hooch, the dog from "Turner & Hooch," is a Dogue de Bordeaux. This breed's distinctive physical characteristics, gentle temperament, and trainability are all features that contribute to the character's appeal and the film's humor. The portrayal of Hooch in the movie has undoubtedly contributed to the breed's popularity and recognition among dog enthusiasts.