Breeds
Dogue de Bordeaux: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care
A Dogue de Bordeaux is a powerful, devoted, sensitive mastiff-type guardian with a massive head and a soft heart for its family. Dogues are calm and loyal at home, but they are huge, drool heavily, need careful exercise while growing and have one of the shortest lifespans of any breed. The AKC says ownership is not for the timid or the very busy. Here is what to expect on size, lifespan, health and care.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 14, 20264 min read3 sources
Dogue de Bordeaux temperament and personality
The AKC rates the Dogue de Bordeaux five out of five for affection with family and as a watchdog, and three out of five for openness to strangers. It describes an immensely powerful guardian that is also a sensitive breed needing trust.
Most Dogues are calm, steady companions that like to be close to their people; VCA notes limited tolerance for being alone. Their protective instinct is real, so early socialization and confident, kind handling are essential.
How big do Dogues de Bordeaux get?
The AKC lists male Dogues at 110 pounds and up and females at 99 pounds and up, with males reaching about 27 inches at the shoulder and females 23 to 26 inches. The short coat is a rich fawn, and the AKC says the breed has, proportionately, the largest head in the canine world.
The body is stocky and powerful. Plan your home, car and budget for a very heavy dog, and keep it lean to protect the joints and heart.
Dogue de Bordeaux lifespan and common health issues
The AKC gives a Dogue de Bordeaux lifespan of 5 to 8 years. VCA says the breed's shorter lifespan is partly due to its size and a predisposition to serious heart disease and cancer, and describes several orthopedic, breathing, neurologic, cardiac and digestive risks as a giant flat-faced breed.
The AKC calls bloat a serious concern and urges owners to learn the signs; VCA lists restlessness, drooling, retching without bringing anything up and a swollen belly. That is an emergency. Heart disease, cancer, hip and elbow problems and epilepsy are also concerns, and recommended tests are hip, elbow, cardiac and shoulder evaluations. Ask breeders for parent results.
Exercise needs
The AKC says young Dogues should be limited to low-impact exercise until at least 18 months old, should not be overexerted, and should not run up and down stairs or jump off anything higher than their back. Swimming is excellent exercise at any age.
Adults can do more, but daily walks at a steady pace are usually enough. VCA notes the breed is sensitive to heat, so exercise early or late on warm days and watch for heavy panting.
Grooming, drool and shedding
The AKC says the breed is well known for how much it drools, and that the facial wrinkles need attention at least weekly, sometimes daily, to keep them clean and dry. Clean the ears weekly, check for debris or infection, and trim nails monthly.
Shedding is four out of five and drooling five out of five on the AKC scale. A weekly brush with a rubber curry brush keeps the coat tidy. Keep towels within reach.
Training a Dogue de Bordeaux
The AKC calls socialization and early obedience training an absolute must. Dogues are sensitive and need trust, so a rough trainer or heavy-handed approach should be avoided; discipline should be firm and consistent without being harsh. Short daily sessions of five to ten minutes, ended while the dog is still keen, usually work better than one long session.
Teach leash manners, a calm greeting and a reliable settle while the puppy is still manageable. Reward-based training with food and praise suits the breed's sensitivity.
Are Dogues good with kids and other pets?
The AKC rates the Dogue three out of five with young children, and VCA says they are generally good with supervision. Size and strength mean toddlers can be knocked over, so supervise and teach calm behavior.
With other dogs the AKC rating is three out of five, and VCA notes they may be selective, so early socialization matters. Introduce new dogs slowly, on neutral ground and on leash, keep early meetings short and positive, and feed dogs separately. A calm, well-socialized Dogue usually settles well with the family's own pets.
What a Dogue de Bordeaux needs at home
Plan for giant sizes: a secure fence, a strong collar and heavy-duty leash, an extra-large crate or resting area, a thick orthopedic bed, heavy non-tip bowls, drool towels, gentle wipes for facial folds and heavy-duty nail clippers. Air conditioning helps in summer.
Book a vet visit soon after bringing your Dogue home and ask about safe growth, bloat signs, heart screening and breathing.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
How long do Dogues de Bordeaux live?
The AKC lists a lifespan of 5 to 8 years, among the shortest of any breed. Careful growth, a lean weight, knowing the signs of bloat and regular heart checks help.
How big does a Dogue de Bordeaux get?
The AKC lists males at about 23 to 27 inches and 110 pounds and up, and females at 23 to 26 inches and 99 pounds and up.
Are Dogues de Bordeaux good family dogs?
For experienced owners, they can be devoted, calm family guardians. They need early training, supervision with children, heat precautions and plenty of company. Individual dogs vary, so meeting the parents, or the adult dog itself, is the best guide.
Do Dogues de Bordeaux drool a lot?
Yes. The AKC rates drooling five out of five, and the facial wrinkles need cleaning and drying at least weekly, sometimes daily, to prevent skin problems.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
