Dogue de Bordeaux Dog Breed Guide
📍 Origin: France
The Dogue de Bordeaux is one of the most ancient French breeds, recognized for its massive, wrinkled head and deeply loyal nature. Despite its intimidating size, it forms strong bonds with family members and is known for a calm, affectionate temperament at home.
| Breed | Dogue de Bordeaux |
| Size | Giant (110–140 lbs) |
| Height | 23–27 inches |
| Lifespan | 5–8 years |
| Temperament | Loyal, Calm, Devoted |
| Energy Level | Moderate●●●○○ |
| Good With Kids | ✅ Yes |
| Grooming | Low Maintenance |
| Training | Good |
| Shedding | Moderate |
| Best For | Experienced Owners |
🐕 Dogue de Bordeaux Overview
The Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the French Mastiff, is a giant working breed with a broad, wrinkled head that is one of the largest in proportion to body size of any dog. Males weigh at least 110 pounds and carry a powerful, muscular frame built for guarding and draft work. The breed combines a gentle, devoted personality indoors with a naturally alert and protective instinct when strangers are present.
📜 History & Origin
The Dogue de Bordeaux is believed to have existed in France for several centuries, with records tracing the breed to the Bordeaux region of southwestern France as far back as the 14th century. It was historically used for hunting large game, baiting bulls and bears, and guarding the estates of French nobility. The breed gained international recognition after appearing in the 1989 film Turner and Hooch and was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2008.
👀 Size & Appearance
🐶 Male
- Weight: 110–140 lbs (50–63 kg)
- Height: 23–27 inches (58–69 cm)
🐕 Female
- Weight: 99–120 lbs
- Height: 22–26 inches
Coat type: Short, fine, soft
🧠 Temperament & Behaviour
With Children
Dogue de Bordeauxs are generally excellent with children. Their patient, gentle nature makes them reliable family companions. Always supervise interactions with very young children.
With Other Dogs & Pets
Can show aggression toward other dogs or animals. Early socialisation is important, but this breed may need careful management in multi-pet households.
🏃 Exercise Needs
Dogue de Bordeauxs have moderate exercise requirements — around 60 minutes of daily activity is sufficient. Two daily walks plus some playtime keeps most individuals happy and healthy.
⚠️ Apartment living: Not ideal. A house with a garden is strongly preferred.
🍗 Food & Diet Guide
🐶 Puppy (8 weeks – 12 months)
- Feed a large/medium breed puppy formula
- 3–4 small meals per day up to 6 months
- Reduce to 2–3 meals from 6 months onward
- Look for AAFCO "complete and balanced for growth" statement
- Avoid overfeeding — controlled growth prevents joint issues
🐕 Adult (Dogue de Bordeaux)
- Daily amount: 6 to 8 cups of high-quality dry kibble split across two meals of quality dry kibble
- Split into 2 meals per day
- Choose AAFCO-compliant food for adult maintenance
- Monitor weight monthly — adjust portions as needed
- ⚠️ High obesity risk — measure portions carefully
Always consult your veterinarian for a feeding plan specific to your dog's age, weight, and health status.
🏅 Training Guide
Basic Commands
Start sit, stay, come, and leave it from day one. Positive reinforcement with treats works best. Keep sessions to 5–10 minutes.
Toilet Training
Take puppy outside every 2 hours and immediately after meals, play, and sleep. Reward immediately after they go outside.
Leash Training
Start with a flat collar and short sessions. Reward loose-leash walking. A front-clip harness helps dogs that pull.
Socialisation
Expose to different people, sounds, and environments between 8–16 weeks. This is the critical window for confident adult behaviour.
✂️ Grooming
Brushing
Weekly brush is usually sufficient.
Bathing
Bath every 4–6 weeks or when dirty. Over-bathing strips natural coat oils.
Nail Trimming
Trim nails every 3–4 weeks. If you hear clicking on hard floors, they are too long.
Ear Cleaning
Check ears weekly for redness, odour, or discharge. Clean gently with a vet-approved ear cleaner.
🩺 Health Problems
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Preventive Health Tips
- Annual vet checkups (twice yearly for dogs over 7)
- Keep vaccinations and deworming up to date
- Maintain a healthy weight — obesity worsens most conditions
- Ask your breeder for OFA/PennHIP health clearances on parents
⏱ Lifespan
The average Dogue de Bordeaux lifespan is 5–8 years. Larger breeds tend to have shorter lifespans than smaller breeds. Individual lifespan depends heavily on genetics, diet, exercise, and veterinary care.
Tips for a Longer, Healthier Life
- Feed a balanced, high-quality diet appropriate for age and size
- Maintain a healthy weight throughout life
- Regular exercise matched to age and health status
- Annual vet visits for early detection of health issues
- Dental care — dental disease affects overall health significantly
💷 Puppy Price
United Kingdom
Pedigree KC-registered puppy from health-tested parents
Pakistan
Pedigree puppy from registered breeder
India
Registered breeder, health-checked pup
Estimated Monthly Cost (UK)
Prices vary by breeder, location, and pedigree quality. Always buy from a health-tested, reputable breeder — never from puppy farms.
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Experienced dog owners
- Families with older children
- Owners with large homes and yards
- Excellent with children
❌ Cons
- First-time dog owners
- Apartment dwellers
- Owners who travel frequently
- Prone to obesity — portion control essential
🆚 Dogue de Bordeaux vs Other Breeds
✅ Dogue de Bordeaux wins at
The Dogue de Bordeaux is more agile and slightly more expressive in facial features, making it a popular show and companion breed.
✅ Mastiff wins at
The English Mastiff has a longer average lifespan and tends to be more tolerant of other dogs in a multi-pet household.
✅ Dogue de Bordeaux wins at
The Dogue de Bordeaux offers a more protective instinct and a lower-energy lifestyle that suits owners who prefer a calmer giant breed.
✅ Great Dane wins at
The Great Dane is generally more sociable with strangers and other pets, and adapts somewhat better to varied living environments.
🏠 Who Should Own a Dogue de Bordeaux?
✅ Great Choice If You Are:
- Experienced dog owners
- Families with older children
- Owners with large homes and yards
- A family with children
❌ Consider Another Breed If:
- First-time dog owners
- Apartment dwellers
- Owners who travel frequently
- You live in a small apartment without outdoor access
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dogue de Bordeaux good for families?
The Dogue de Bordeaux is an affectionate and loyal breed that forms deep bonds with its family, including children. It tends to be gentle and patient with kids it has been raised with, though its large size means interactions with toddlers should always be supervised. Families with older children and prior large-breed experience will find it a rewarding and devoted companion.
How much does a Dogue de Bordeaux puppy cost?
In the United Kingdom, a Dogue de Bordeaux puppy from a health-tested breeder typically costs between 1,500 and 3,000 GBP. In Pakistan, prices from reputable breeders range from approximately 80,000 to 200,000 PKR depending on lineage and availability. In India, expect to pay between 60,000 and 150,000 INR from a responsible breeder, with imported lines commanding the higher end of that range.
Is Dogue de Bordeaux easy to train?
The Dogue de Bordeaux is an intelligent breed but can be stubborn and strong-willed, which makes consistent, patient training essential from puppyhood. It responds best to positive reinforcement methods and firm but calm handling, as harsh corrections tend to cause the breed to shut down or become resistant. First-time owners often find training challenging, so working with a professional trainer experienced in large guardian breeds is strongly recommended.
What food is best for a Dogue de Bordeaux?
A large- or giant-breed formula kibble with high-quality animal protein as the first ingredient is the best foundation for a Dogue de Bordeaux's diet. Adults typically require 6 to 8 cups of dry food per day divided into two meals, and feeding from a raised bowl can help reduce the risk of bloat. Avoid overfeeding and limit high-fat treats, as the breed has a significant obesity risk that can worsen joint and heart conditions.
Does Dogue de Bordeaux bark a lot?
The Dogue de Bordeaux is not considered an excessive barker and is generally quiet and calm indoors. It will bark to alert its family to strangers or perceived threats, but it does not tend to vocalize without reason.
Can a Dogue de Bordeaux live in an apartment?
The Dogue de Bordeaux is not well suited to apartment living given its giant size, need for daily moderate exercise, and tendency to drool heavily indoors. A home with a secure yard and ample indoor space gives this breed the room it needs to be comfortable and healthy.
🏆 Final Verdict
The Dogue de Bordeaux is best suited to experienced dog owners who understand the breed's specific needs. With a lifespan of 5–8 years, moderate activity needs, and low maintenance grooming requirements, the Dogue de Bordeaux is a wonderful family dog.
If you can meet their exercise, training, and care needs, the Dogue de Bordeaux will reward you with years of loyal companionship.