Dogue de Bordeaux at a Glance: Quick Facts

Before diving deep, here’s a quick overview of what to expect from a Dogue de Bordeaux. This table provides a snapshot of their key characteristics, combining data from breed experts and our own experience.

Temperament

Loyal, courageous, calm, and affectionate with family; can be stubborn.

Height

23-27 inches (at the shoulder)

Weight

99-150+ lbs (males are typically larger)

Lifespan

5-8 years

Grooming Needs

Low to Moderate (regular brushing, wrinkle cleaning, drool management)

Exercise Level

Moderate (daily walks and playtime are sufficient)

Good With

Experienced owners, families with older children, and other pets if socialized early.

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Shedding Level

Moderate (sheds year-round)

The Soul of a Dogue de Bordeaux: Temperament and Personality

French Mastiff Bordeaux Dog Dogue de Bordeaux on natural background

Don’t let their formidable size fool you; the Dogue de Bordeaux is a sensitive soul with a heart of gold. Often described as a “gentle giant,” their core personality is a blend of serene calmness and unwavering loyalty. With their families, they are loving, patient, and surprisingly gentle. They form profound bonds and thrive on being an integral part of the family unit, often shadowing their favorite people from room to room.

However, this devotion is paired with a strong protective instinct. They are natural guardians, historically bred to watch over estates, and they carry that vigilance with them today. While not needlessly aggressive, they are inherently wary of strangers and will stand their ground to protect their home and loved ones. Early and consistent socialization is non-negotiable to teach them the difference between a welcome guest and a potential threat.

The Dogue de Bordeaux also possesses a notable stubborn streak, a sign of their intelligence and independent nature. They respond best to a confident, patient leader who uses positive reinforcement. Harsh corrections will only damage their trust and prove counterproductive. Underneath that brawny exterior lies a sweet, sometimes goofy, and deeply affectionate companion who asks for nothing more than your love and leadership.

Is a Dogue de Bordeaux Right For Your Family & Lifestyle?

This breed is a significant commitment, and it’s crucial to be honest about whether their needs align with your life. They are a perfect match for some, but not for everyone.

A Dogue de Bordeaux is an ideal companion for:

Experienced Dog Owners: Their size, strength, and stubborn nature require a confident owner who can establish clear leadership. They are generally not recommended for first-time owners.

Homebodies or Families with a Presence: They are deeply attached to their people and do not do well when left alone for long, extended periods.

People with Room in Their Homes (and Hearts): While they can adapt to apartment living with enough exercise, their large size is better suited to homes with a bit more space.

Families with Older Children: Their patient and loving nature makes them great with kids, but their immense size means they can accidentally knock over small toddlers during play.

You might want to reconsider a Dogue de Bordeaux if:

You’re a Neat Freak: This breed drools. A lot. You will need “drool rags” in every room and a tolerance for slobber on your clothes, furniture, and walls.

You Want a Low-Maintenance Companion: Their grooming involves more than just a quick brush; daily wrinkle and jowl cleaning is essential to prevent skin infections.

You Live in a Very Hot Climate: Their short snout (brachycephalic) makes them highly susceptible to overheating. They need a climate-controlled environment.

You’re Looking for a Dog to Leave Outside: This is an indoor dog. Their need for companionship and sensitivity to temperatures makes them entirely unsuited for outdoor living.

Caring for Your Dogue de Bordeaux: Needs & Recommendations

Providing the right care is key to a long, healthy, and happy life with your Dogue de Bordeaux. Here’s what you need to know.

Diet & Nutrition

As a giant breed, the Dogue de Bordeaux requires a high-quality, large-breed dog food to support their bone and joint health. It’s critical to avoid overfeeding, as they are prone to obesity, which puts immense strain on their frame.

  • Adults: A fully grown Dogue de Bordeaux may eat between 4 to 7 cups of dry food per day, split into two meals.
  • Puppies: Their needs change as they grow. A general guideline is 2-4 cups daily for an 8-12 week old puppy, increasing to 5-8 cups for a 5-6 month old. Always consult your vet for precise amounts based on your puppy’s specific needs.

Bloat Prevention: To reduce the risk of life-threatening bloat, feed them smaller meals twice a day rather than one large one, and avoid vigorous exercise an hour before and after eating.

Exercise Requirements

Despite their history as working dogs, the Dogue de Bordeaux has moderate exercise needs. About 45-60 minutes of activity per day is usually sufficient.

  • Puppy Care: It is crucial not to over-exercise a growing puppy. Their joints and bones are still developing until they are 18-24 months old. Stick to low-impact activities like walking and swimming. Avoid forced running and jumping off furniture to prevent long-term damage.

Adult Activities: Daily walks, a good romp in a securely fenced yard, and puzzle toys to engage their minds are perfect. They can also enjoy and excel in dog sports like cart-pulling and obedience once they are fully mature.

Grooming

While their short coat is easy to care for, their wrinkles and drool require attention.

  • Coat: A weekly brushing with a rubber curry brush or grooming glove will remove loose hair and keep their coat healthy.
  • Wrinkles & Drool: This is a daily task. Gently wipe the folds on their face with a damp cloth and dry them thoroughly to prevent yeast and bacterial infections. Keep a drool cloth handy at all times.

Nails, Ears, & Teeth: Trim their nails monthly, check their ears weekly for signs of irritation or infection, and brush their teeth daily to prevent painful dental disease.

Training & Socialization

Training a Dogue de Bordeaux is about building a bond based on mutual respect.

  • Start Early: Begin socialization the moment your puppy comes home. Expose them safely to various sights, sounds, people, and other dogs to build a confident, well-adjusted adult. Puppy training classes are an excellent resource.

Be Firm & Consistent: They need to know the rules and trust you as a strong, fair leader. Use positive reinforcement techniques; their sensitive nature does not respond well to harshness. Their stubbornness requires patience, but their eagerness to please their owner is a powerful motivator.

Health & Lifespan: What to Expect

The Dogue de Bordeaux has a regrettably short lifespan, typically 5-8 years. Responsible breeding is paramount to producing the healthiest puppies possible. At PuppyGuyz, we only partner with breeders who conduct extensive health screenings.

Potential health concerns in the breed include:

    • Heart Conditions: Such as subaortic stenosis.
    • Cancer: They have a higher-than-average incidence of certain cancers, like lymphoma.
    • Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus): A life-threatening condition where the stomach twists.
    • Epilepsy: A neurological condition that can cause seizures.
    • Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Malformations of the joints that can lead to arthritis.

The Dogue de Bordeaux Society of America recommends cardiac, elbow, hip, and shoulder evaluations. When you choose a puppy from PuppyGuyz, you can be confident that our breeders have prioritized the health of their dogs, screening for these preventable conditions to give you the best possible start.

The History of the Dogue de Bordeaux: From Gaul to Your Home

Bordeaux mastiff in front of white background

The Dogue de Bordeaux is one of the most ancient French breeds, with a history shrouded in mystery and legend. The prevailing theory traces their lineage back to the massive mastiff-type war dogs brought to Gaul (now France) by Julius Caesar’s Roman legions. Over centuries, these powerful dogs were used for everything from hunting large game to guarding the estates of French nobility.

During the French Revolution, their aristocratic masters were lost, but the breed survived by taking on a new role as a livestock drover and guardian, earning them the nickname “The Butcher’s Dog.” For centuries, they remained a French secret, virtually unknown to the rest of the world until 1989. The movie Turner & Hooch starred a drooling, lovable, and stubborn Dogue de Bordeaux, catapulting the breed to international fame. The AKC officially recognized them in 2008, and today, they are cherished primarily as loyal family companions.

Meet Our Available Dogue de Bordeaux Puppies

Your search for a loyal, courageous, and loving friend ends here. Below is a gallery of our available Dogue de Bordeaux puppies from our network of ethical, vetted breeders. Each puppy is waiting for a loving home and comes with our comprehensive health guarantee and nationwide delivery promise.

Rosie female cavapoo
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Cavapoo – Rosie

$2,300.00
Duke Male Siberian Husky
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Siberian Husky – Duke

$2,300.00
Betty Siberian Husky Female
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Siberian Husky – Betty

$2,300.00
fern Female German Shepherd
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German Shepherd – Fern

$2,300.00
Rory Male German Shepherd
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German Shepherd – Rory

$2,300.00
Daisy female Labrador Retriever
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Labrador Retriever – Daisy

$2,300.00
Harry male Labrador Retriever
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Labrador Retriever – Harry

$2,300.00
Isabella female Labrador Retriever
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Labrador Retriever – Isabella

$2,300.00
View all Available Puppies

 

Find a Dogue de Bordeaux Near You

While we offer safe and convenient home delivery across the country, we have strong networks of exceptional breeders in several key states.

Looking for a Dogue de Bordeaux puppy in your area? We deliver healthy, well-socialized puppies to families across the United States. Explore our available puppies by state to find the perfect addition to your family:

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Your Comprehensive Dogue de Bordeaux FAQ

We’ve compiled and answered the most common questions about the Dogue de Bordeaux, using insights from across the web to create the single most helpful FAQ available.

How do you pronounce Dogue de Bordeaux?

It’s pronounced “dohg-duh-bor-DOE.”

Are Dogue de Bordeaux good family dogs?

Yes, they are exceptionally loyal and patient with their families. However, due to their massive size, they are best suited for families with older children to prevent accidental injuries to toddlers.

Are Dogue de Bordeaux good guard dogs?

They are excellent guard dogs. Their history as guardians makes them naturally protective and watchful. They possess a courageous and deterring presence.

Do Dogue de Bordeaux drool a lot?

Yes, immensely. Their loose jowls mean drool is a constant part of life. Be prepared with towels and a good sense of humor.

How much exercise do they need?

They require moderate exercise, about 45-60 minutes per day. Daily walks and some playtime are usually enough to keep them happy and healthy.

Are they easy to train?

They can be a challenge. Their intelligence is paired with a stubborn streak. They require a patient, confident, and consistent owner who uses positive reinforcement. They are not recommended for novice owners.

How big do they get?

They are a giant breed. Males can weigh over 110 pounds (often up to 150 lbs) and stand 23-27 inches tall. Females are slightly smaller.

When do Dogue de Bordeaux stop growing?

Like most giant breeds, they have a long puppyhood and typically finish growing around 18-24 months of age.

Do they shed?

Yes, they are moderate shedders year-round. Regular brushing helps manage loose hair.

Are Dogue de Bordeaux hypoallergenic?

No, they are not hypoallergenic. They shed and produce dander, making them unsuitable for people with dog allergies.

Are they aggressive?

They are not typically aggressive, but they are powerful and protective. Poor socialization can lead to territorial aggression. Early and thorough socialization is absolutely critical.

Are they good with other dogs and cats?

With early socialization, they can get along well with other dogs. They have a high prey drive, so they may be inclined to chase cats. If raised with a cat from puppyhood, they can often learn to coexist peacefully.