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Dogue de Bordeaux - MAIN HUB

Meet the Dogue de Bordeaux! This loyal “gentle giant” is a low-energy guardian with a massive heart and sweet soul. A devoted family companion.

BREED GROUP

Working Dogs

Country of origin

France

BREED SIZE

Large

BREED HEIGHT

23 -

27 IN

58 -

69 cm

BREED WEIGHT

99 -

110 LB

45 -

50 KG

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a powerful, ancient French mastiff known for its massive head and loyal, affectionate nature. Often called the French Mastiff, this breed is a devoted family guardian that is typically gentle with children but can be stubborn and dominant, requiring experienced owners and consistent training. They are low-energy "gentle giants" that adapt well to various homes if given moderate exercise. However, potential owners should prepare for excessive drooling and significant health considerations, including a shorter life expectancy of 5 to 10 years and susceptibility to heart issues and dysplasia.
american kennel club (AKC) recognition

Yes

Breed was recognized in 2008.

International Canine Federation (FCI) recognition

Yes

Breed was recognized in 1954.

WHAT DO OWNERS WANT TO KNOW?

Are Dogues de Bordeaux good family dogs?

Very Good

8 out of 10

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a devoted family guardian known for its loyal, affectionate nature and gentle disposition toward children. While they are low-energy gentle giants that adapt well to various households, their potential for stubbornness and dominance makes them better suited for experienced owners. Consistent training is essential to ensure this powerful breed remains a well-behaved family companion.

Excellent

10 out of 10

Dogues de Bordeaux are exceptionally gentle and patient with children, often forming deep, protective bonds with their young family members. While their calm nature makes them excellent playmates, their massive size and strength can lead to accidental knocks, so supervised interactions are always recommended. Early socialization and consistent training are essential to ensure these "gentle giants" remain well-adjusted and respectful around kids.

Not Recommended

1 out of 10

The Dogue de Bordeaux is not recommended for first-time owners due to their massive size, potential for stubbornness, and natural dominance. They require a confident, experienced leader who can provide firm yet gentle consistent training and early socialization. Novices may find managing their brute strength and protective instincts challenging without prior experience with large guardian breeds.

Great

8 out of 10

Dogue de Bordeaux can adapt well to apartment living due to their calm, low-energy temperament and quiet nature indoors. While their massive size necessitates a relatively spacious environment to move comfortably, they are content with moderate daily walks and consistent companionship. Their laid-back personality makes them suitable for apartment dwellers who can accommodate their physical presence and provide regular outdoor exercise.

Not Required

10 out of 10

A yard is not strictly required for a Dogue de Bordeaux, as they are low-energy "gentle giants" that adapt well to various living environments. While a fenced yard provides a convenient space for this massive breed to move safely, their moderate exercise needs can be met through daily walks, making them surprisingly suitable for homes without large outdoor spaces.

Poor

2 out of 10

Dogues de Bordeaux prefer spending time with their families and can tolerate being left alone for only a few hours at a time. Because they form such strong attachments, they are prone to separation anxiety and may develop destructive behaviors if isolated for extended periods. They thrive best in households where they can remain close to their owners for most of the day.

Good

6 out of 10

Dogues de Bordeaux can coexist peacefully with cats, especially when raised together from puppyhood. Their calm and patient temperament often allows for harmonious bonds, though their strong prey drive means they may chase animals that run. Early socialization and supervised introductions are crucial to ensure a safe and respectful relationship between this powerful breed and feline companions.

Protective

3 out of 10

Dogues de Bordeaux are not naturally aggressive; they are typically calm, loyal, and gentle companions with their families. Any aggression usually stems from their strong protective instincts, territorial nature, or a lack of proper socialization and training. With early exposure to different people and pets, these powerful guardians remain predictable and devoted family members.

Low

3 out of 10

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a low-energy breed that is often described as a "gentle giant" or a "couch potato." While they possess immense power and strength, they are typically calm and content to lounge around the house with their family. They require only a moderate amount of daily activity, such as a few short walks and brief play sessions, to stay healthy and fit. Because they are a brachycephalic breed, owners should be careful not to overexert them, especially in hot weather.

~45 min a day

5 out of 10

Dogue de Bordeaux require moderate daily exercise, typically around 30 to 60 minutes. While they enjoy leisurely strolls and are relatively low-energy indoors, they benefit from regular walks and engaging play sessions to maintain physical health and mental well-being. Because of their heavy build and brachycephalic features, owners should avoid strenuous activity during hot weather to prevent overheating.

Danger

1 out of 10

Dogues de Bordeaux are highly sensitive to heat and prone to overheating due to their brachycephalic (flat-faced) structure. Owners should limit outdoor activities to cooler parts of the day, provide air conditioning, and monitor closely for signs of heat exhaustion.

Danger

1 out of 10

Dogues de Bordeaux are highly sensitive to heat and prone to overheating due to their brachycephalic (flat-faced) structure. Owners should limit outdoor activities to cooler parts of the day, provide air conditioning, and monitor closely for signs of heat exhaustion.

Likely Banned

3 out of 10

Dogues de Bordeaux are frequently subject to apartment breed bans due to their massive size and classification as a Mastiff, a breed often included on insurance-restricted lists. Their weight significantly exceeds standard apartment limits, which frequently cap at 50 pounds. It is essential to verify individual landlord policies and weight restrictions before applying, as these "gentle giants" are often excluded from high-density housing.

WHAT DO OWNERS WANT TO KNOW?


Photo
Reviewed by
Dr. Vojtech Gabriel
DVM · PhD · MBA
Veterinarian Researcher Dog breed specialist
Verified
"Dogues de Bordeaux are loyal guardians but face significant health challenges, most notably a very short lifespan and a high incidence of orthopedic issues. As a veterinarian, I emphasize monitoring for hip and elbow dysplasia, which can lead to severe mobility issues and arthritis. They are also highly prone to life-threatening heart conditions like Aortic Stenosis and Dilated Cardiomyopathy, as well as Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (bloat), requiring careful meal management. Regular cleaning of facial folds is essential to prevent dermatitis and infections. Given their brute strength and potential for dominance, I recommend early socialization, consistent positive reinforcement training, and maintaining a lean weight to reduce strain on their joints and heart."

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