Dogue de Bordeaux
Updated November 29, 2025
The Dogue de Bordeaux is one of the most ancient French breeds, a molosser type known for its powerful build and massive, wrinkled head. They are loyal, protective, and affectionate with their families, but can be wary of strangers. This breed requires early socialization and training from a confident owner.
Loyal, Affectionate, Courageous, Vigilant, Even-Tempered, Protective
99-145 pounds
23-27 inches
5-8 years
Fawn, Isabella, Mahogany, Red, Red & White, Red With Black Mask, Red With Brown Mask, Tan
At a Glance
Good with Kids
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About Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux is one of the most ancient French breeds, a molosser type known for its powerful build and massive, wrinkled head. They are loyal, protective, and affectionate with their families, but can be wary of strangers. This breed requires early socialization and training from a confident owner.
What Makes Dogue de Bordeauxs Special
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a breed of contrasts: powerful and imposing, yet gentle and affectionate with its family. Their loyalty is unwavering, and they form deep, lasting bonds with their owners.
With a history as a guardian and hunter, they possess a natural courage and vigilance. This makes them excellent watchdogs, but also requires a responsible owner who can manage their protective instincts.
Their expressive, wrinkled face and serious gaze are iconic features of the breed, often belying their sometimes goofy and loving personality with those they trust.
Dogue de Bordeaux History & Origin
The Dogue de Bordeaux, sometimes called the French Mastiff, has a long and storied history in France, dating back to at least the 14th century. They were used for various tasks, including hunting large game, guarding estates, and even in the fighting pits.
The breed is believed to have descended from the Alan Vautre, which were brought to Gaul by the Alans.
The breed standard was first written in Paris in 1896.
The breed suffered greatly during the two World Wars, and at one point was close to extinction.
The 1989 movie 'Turner & Hooch' featured a Dogue de Bordeaux and brought the breed to wider public attention.
The Dogue de Bordeaux was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2008.
Dogue de Bordeaux Characteristics
Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Training Needs
Health Issues
Shedding Level
Dogue de Bordeaux Appearance
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a stocky and athletic dog with a powerful, muscular build. They have a distinctive, massive head with numerous wrinkles.
Their short, soft coat comes in various shades of fawn, from light to a deep red mahogany. A black or brown mask is a characteristic feature of the breed.
Physical Features
Ears
The ears are small in proportion to the head, set high, and hang down, close to the cheeks.
Eyes
Their eyes are oval-shaped, set wide apart, and can range from hazel to dark brown. The expression is typically frank and serious.
Nose
The nose is broad, with well-opened nostrils. The color matches the mask—black for a black mask, and brown for a brown mask.
Coat & Build
Coat Length
The Dogue de Bordeaux has a short, fine, and soft-to-the-touch single coat.
Coat Color
The coat is self-colored in all shades of fawn, ranging from a light fawn to a deep red mahogany. A black or brown mask is common, and limited white patches on the chest and feet are permissible.
Tail
The tail is thick at the base, tapering to a point. It is carried low and should not be docked.
Dogue de Bordeaux Temperament
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a devoted and loving companion to its family. Despite its intimidating appearance, it is known for its calm and patient demeanor, especially with children it has been raised with.
This breed forms a strong bond with its owners and can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. They thrive on being part of the family's daily life.
While affectionate with family, they are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers, making them excellent watchdogs. Their courage is renowned, but they are not typically aggressive without cause.
Early and consistent socialization is crucial for the Dogue de Bordeaux to develop into a well-behaved adult. This helps them learn to differentiate between welcome guests and potential threats.
They can be stubborn and require a confident, experienced owner who can provide firm but fair training. Positive reinforcement techniques work best with this intelligent breed.
Temperament Traits
Good With
Health
The Dogue de Bordeaux has a shorter lifespan than many other breeds, typically 5-8 years. They are prone to several serious health conditions, and responsible breeding and regular veterinary care are crucial.
Common Health Issues
Preventive Care
Regular veterinary check-ups, health screenings for breeding stock, proper diet and weight management, and careful exercise.
How to Care for a Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux, while having a low-maintenance coat, requires significant commitment in terms of training, socialization, and managing their health. They are a powerful breed that needs a knowledgeable owner.
Grooming
The Dogue de Bordeaux has a short, fine coat that is easy to care for. Weekly brushing with a rubber curry brush or grooming mitt will help to remove loose hair and keep the coat healthy.
They are moderate shedders. Brushing may be needed more frequently during seasonal shedding periods.
The deep wrinkles on their face need to be cleaned regularly to prevent skin infections. Wipe them with a damp cloth and dry them thoroughly.
Nails should be trimmed regularly to prevent overgrowth and cracking. Their ears should also be checked and cleaned weekly to prevent wax buildup and infections.
Drooling is a significant trait of this breed, so be prepared to have towels handy to wipe their face and your home.
Training
Training and socialization should begin early for the Dogue de Bordeaux. They are intelligent but can be stubborn, so consistency and patience are key.
Positive reinforcement methods, using treats and praise, are most effective. Harsh training methods can lead to resentment and a breakdown of the bond between dog and owner.
Enrollment in puppy socialization classes is highly recommended to expose them to various people, sounds, and other animals in a controlled environment.
Due to their size and strength, teaching basic obedience commands like 'sit,' 'stay,' 'come,' and 'leave it' is essential for managing them effectively.
Diet
A high-quality diet formulated for large breeds is essential for the Dogue de Bordeaux. These diets are balanced for their specific growth and energy needs, including support for their joints.
The amount of food will depend on their age, size, activity level, and metabolism. It is crucial to monitor their weight and body condition to prevent obesity, which can exacerbate joint problems.
Divide their daily food intake into two meals to reduce the risk of bloat, a life-threatening condition for deep-chested breeds.
Ensure they have access to fresh, clean water at all times.
Exercise
The Dogue de Bordeaux has moderate exercise needs. Daily walks of 30-60 minutes are generally sufficient to keep them happy and healthy.
While they are not a high-energy breed, regular exercise is important to prevent weight gain and boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors.
Due to their brachycephalic (short-nosed) nature, they can be prone to overheating. Avoid strenuous exercise in hot weather and always provide a cool place for them to rest.
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Interactive toys and training sessions can help to keep their minds sharp.
Environment
The Dogue de Bordeaux is best suited for a home with a securely fenced yard where they have room to move around. They are not ideal for apartment living due to their size.
They are indoor dogs and thrive on being close to their families. They should not be left to live outdoors.
This breed can be sensitive to extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. They should have access to a climate-controlled environment.
Living Conditions
Space Requirements
A house with a securely fenced yard is highly recommended.
Climate Adaptability
Prefers cooler climates; susceptible to overheating in hot weather.
Apartment Living
Not well-suited for apartment living due to their size.
Best Suited For
Best for experienced dog owners who can provide consistent training and leadership.
Training Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Dogues de Bordeaux good family dogs?
Yes, they can be excellent family dogs and are known for being gentle and patient with children they are raised with. However, due to their size, interactions with young children should always be supervised.
How much do Dogues de Bordeaux drool?
Dogues de Bordeaux are known for their heavy drooling. Owners should be prepared for this and keep towels handy.
Are Dogues de Bordeaux aggressive?
They are not typically aggressive without reason, but they are very protective of their family and territory. Early and thorough socialization is crucial to ensure they are well-behaved and can distinguish between friends and threats.
How much exercise does a Dogue de Bordeaux need?
They have moderate exercise needs, requiring about 30-60 minutes of daily walks and playtime. They should not be over-exercised, especially in hot weather.
Are Dogues de Bordeaux easy to train?
They are intelligent but can be stubborn. They require a confident, patient, and consistent trainer. They are not the easiest breed to train and are not recommended for novice owners.
Specialized Care Guides
Puppy Care
Early socialization and puppy training classes are essential. Provide a diet for large-breed puppies to support controlled growth.
Senior Care
Monitor for signs of joint pain and heart issues. Adjust exercise to their ability. May require joint supplements.
First-Time Owner Tips
Not generally recommended for first-time owners due to their size, strength, and stubborn streak.
Looking for a Dogue de Bordeaux?
Connect with responsible breeders, rescue organizations, and pet adoption services in your area.