Dogue de Bordeaux
Overview
The French Mastiff, an ancient guardian and draught breed with a famously soulful, wrinkled face, the Dogue de Bordeaux is powerful, calm and devoted to its family. It suits experienced owners who'll train such a strong dog early and kindly, manage heavy drooling, and go in aware that the breed has one of the shortest lifespans of all.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Dogue de Bordeaux is good with children and can be selective with other dogs. They tend to be a quiet, and as a guide they are best for experienced owners. As with any dog, early socialisation, reward-based training and supervision around young children make all the difference.
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Dogue de Bordeaux typically needs around 30 minutes (gentle, broken into shorter walks) of exercise a day (roughly 30–45 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk, some play and a little training usually keeps them content; mental stimulation matters as much as the distance covered. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coat upkeep is wash-and-go and shedding is moderate. A quick brush now and then, plus the occasional bath when needed, is usually plenty. Whatever the coat, check ears, nails and teeth as part of a regular routine.
Feeding considerations
Like any dog, a Dogue de Bordeaux should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced dog food appropriate for its size and life stage. Portions scale with body weight and activity, so a giant breed will eat a fair amount compared with other breeds — follow the food’s feeding guide and your vet’s advice, and weigh portions to avoid creeping weight gain. Treats — including fruit and veg — should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
Pros & cons
Pros
- +Devoted, calm and naturally protective
- +Affectionate with its family
Things to consider
- –Very powerful — needs experienced training
- –Drools heavily and has a notably short lifespan
Is a Dogue de Bordeaux right for you?
On space, a Dogue de Bordeaux is needs plenty of space — they really need plenty of room and a lot of daily activity. For experience level, they are best for experienced owners. First-time owners can absolutely succeed, but should be ready for consistent training, exercise and (ideally) some support.
Kit that suits a Dogue de Bordeaux
Size-appropriate everyday essentials:
Helpful tools
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
Are Dogue de Bordeauxes good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Dogue de Bordeauxs tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Dogue de Bordeaux need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Dogue de Bordeaux needs around 30 minutes (gentle, broken into shorter walks) of exercise a day (30–45 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Dogue de Bordeauxes shed a lot?
Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is wash-and-go — a quick brush now and then is usually enough.
Are Dogue de Bordeauxes easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Best for experienced owners. Dogue de Bordeauxs are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Dogue de Bordeauxes bark a lot?
Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Dogue de Bordeauxes good with other dogs?
Can be selective with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Dogue de Bordeauxes suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A Dogue de Bordeaux really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.