The most ancient of French dog breeds, the Dogue de Bordeaux ("Mastiff of Bordeaux") was around even before France was France. These brawny fawn-coated guardians of considerable courage are famously loyal, affectionate, and protective. With a serious expression, muscular build, and massive head, the Dogue de Bordeaux is an impressive breed — and the DDB also makes a loving and devoted companion.
The Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the Bordeaux Mastiff, French Mastiff, or Bordeauxdog, is a large French mastiff breed. A typical brachycephalic mastiff breed, the Bordeaux is a very powerful dog with a very muscular body. It is claimed to have the largest head in the canine world in proportion to the rest of its body.
Around Before France Was France
The Dogue de Bordeaux is one of the most ancient French breeds, probably a descendant of the Alans and, in particular, the alan vautre, of which Gaston Phebus, Count of Foix, wrote in the 14th century in his Livre de Chasse that "he holds his bite stronger than three sighthounds." The word "dogue" appeared at the end of the 14th century. The Dogue was known in France as early as the 14th century, particularly in southern France in the region around Bordeaux, which lent its name to this large dog.
The history of the breed is believed to predate the Bullmastiff and the Bulldog. In the middle of the 19th century, these ancient dogues were hardly renowned outside the region of Aquitaine, used for hunting large game such as boar, for fighting (often codified), for guarding houses and cattle, and in the service of butchers. In 1863, the first French dog show took place in Paris in the Jardin d'Acclimatation, where the Dogues de Bordeaux were entered under their present name, and the winner was a female named Magenta.
The breed suffered greatly during the two world wars, to the point of being threatened with extinction after the second world war, but got off to a fresh start in the 1960s. In the 20th century, a French teacher named Raymond Triquet fell in love with the Dogue, noticed its resemblance to a lion, and helped revive the rare breed, including breeding the influential Mowgli de la Maison des Arbres. The Dogue de Bordeaux received AKC recognition in 2008, becoming the 158th breed to join the Working Group.
The Largest Head in the Canine World
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a well-balanced, muscular, and massive dog with a powerful build, built rather close to the ground. Males measure 24 to 27 inches at the withers and weigh at least 110 pounds; females measure 23 to 26 inches and weigh at least 99 pounds. There is no formally stated maximum weight, but dogs must be balanced.
The massive head is a crucial breed characteristic — claimed to be the largest head in the canine world in proportion to the rest of the body. For males, the circumference of the head is roughly equal to the dog's height at the withers. The jaw is undershot and powerful, and the dog should always have a black or red mask that can be distinguished from the rest of the coat. The coat is short, fine, and soft to the touch, in all shades of fawn from a dark-red fawn to a light fawn, with limited white patches permissible on the chest and extremities. The skin on the neck is loose, forming a noticeable dewlap.
Calm, Affectionate, and Courageous
An ancient fighting dog, the Dogue de Bordeaux is gifted for guarding, which it assumes with vigilance and great courage but without aggressiveness. A good companion, it is very attached to its master and very affectionate — calm and balanced with a high stimulus threshold. The male normally has a dominant character.
Dogues are known for their calm and gentle temperament. They are extremely loyal to their families and are typically patient and affectionate with children, making them great with kids, especially when socialized from a young age. Known as gentle giants, Dogues typically have a calm and gentle demeanor. Along with that calm temperament comes stubbornness and self-confidence, and their protective instinct makes them guard their family with courage.
Exercise and Activity
Dogues de Bordeaux are not overly active. While they enjoy daily walks and playtime, they are not a high-energy breed that requires constant exercise. A moderate amount of physical activity generally keeps them content.
| Dog | Daily exercise | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy | 3–4 short play sessions of 10–15 minutes | Keep walks gentle; avoid hard surfaces while growing |
| Adult | 30–45 minutes total walk or play | Split into two shorter sessions if preferred |
| Senior | 20–30 minutes of gentle walking | Slow the pace and shorten distance with age |
Because of their breeding history, Dogues have a propensity to be protective of their families, which means they may bark when they sense an unfamiliar presence; proper training can help manage barking. The Daily Exercise Guide offers ideas for exercising a calm, laid-back breed.
Training a Dogue de Bordeaux
Much like other mastiff breeds, Dogues de Bordeaux tend to have a strong personality and are very stubborn. This mixed with their natural strength makes strict training crucial starting at a young age, including proper socialization so they do not end up with potential aggression towards other dogs or strangers.
Socialization, patience, and positive-reinforcement training are very helpful with this breed. They can be willful, so consistent, firm but gentle training is essential. The Dog Training Guide and Puppy Care Guide offer a solid foundation.
Grooming a Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux's short, fine coat requires regular brushing to maintain it and prevent shedding. Pet parents must also be willing to wipe away lots of drool and dedicate time to their Dogue's skin care, particularly in the wrinkles.
| Task | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing | 1–2 times a week | Brush in the direction of the coat and check for tangles |
| Bathing | Every 6–8 weeks or as needed | Use a mild dog shampoo |
| Nail trimming | Every 3–4 weeks | Trim when you hear nails clicking on the floor |
| Ear checks | Weekly | Look for wax, redness, or odor |
| Teeth brushing | 2–3 times a week | Dental chews help as a supplement |
Routine care includes nail trimming, ear cleaning, and tooth brushing. The Dog Grooming Guide covers caring for a short-coated, wrinkly breed.
Feeding a Dogue de Bordeaux
A Dogue de Bordeaux should be fed high-quality food appropriate to its age, size, and activity level, typically in two meals per day. As a large, heavy breed, careful weight management is important to protect joints, and feeding in a slow manner can help prevent bloat.
| Life stage | Meals per day | Portion per meal (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (under 6 months) | 3–4 meals | 1–1.5 cups | Use a large-breed puppy formula |
| Adult | 2 meals | 2–3 cups | Adjust to activity level and body condition |
| Senior (7+ years) | 2 meals | 1.5–2.5 cups | Consider a senior or joint-support formula |
Your veterinarian can recommend the right diet and portions.
Health and Veterinary Care
Dogues de Bordeaux are generally healthy, but because of their extra-large size they typically only live 5 to 8 years, though a 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 11.1 years. They can be prone to certain health conditions, including hip and elbow dysplasia, heart conditions, eye problems, and bloat. As a brachycephalic breed, they are sensitive to heat. Responsible pet parents may consider pet insurance to help manage potential healthcare costs.
| Check-up | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wellness exam | Annual | Includes dental and weight check |
| Vaccinations | Annual booster | Follow your veterinarian's schedule |
| Heartworm prevention | Monthly (or as advised) | Year-round in most regions |
| Dental check | Annual cleaning as recommended | Watch for tartar buildup |
| Hip and elbow dysplasia screening | Discuss with your vet | OFA/PennHIP on parents |
| Senior wellness checks | Start from age 6–7 | Early detection of age-related conditions |
The Signs of a Healthy Pet guide is a useful home checklist.
Home Environment
The Dogue de Bordeaux possesses an endearing personality that makes it a beloved companion for many families. Known as gentle giants, Dogues are calm and gentle and can be great with kids, especially when socialized from a young age. They make excellent companions, deeply devoted to their owners.
This breed is a fearless, powerful dog who excels at both guard dog work and companionship to his family. They're relatively low-energy and adapt well to family life. If you're weighing whether a Dogue de Bordeaux fits your life, the Choosing the Right Pet guide can help you compare honestly.
Common Ownership Challenges
Owning a Dogue de Bordeaux means committing to a giant, powerful breed with a strong, stubborn personality that requires strict training and socialization from puppyhood. They drool heavily, need dedicated skin and wrinkle care, have a short lifespan of 5 to 11 years, and are prone to several serious health conditions. They can be protective and bark at unfamiliar presences, and their size makes them unsuitable for novice owners.
Yet for the right owner, the Dogue de Bordeaux is incomparable — a calm, loyal, and affectionate gentle giant, the ancient mastiff of France.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Extremely loyal and devoted
- Calm, gentle, and affectionate
- Great with children
- Excellent guard dog
- Moderate exercise needs
- Courageous protector
Disadvantages
- Short lifespan (5–11 years)
- Heavy drooling
- Stubborn and strong-willed
- Prone to serious health conditions
- Heat-sensitive brachycephalic breed
- Not for novice owners
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do Dogues de Bordeaux get? Males stand 24–27 inches and weigh 110–150 pounds; females 23–26 inches and 100–120 pounds.
How long do Dogues de Bordeaux live? Typically 5 to 11 years.
Are Dogues de Bordeaux good family dogs? Yes — calm, affectionate, and great with kids when socialized.
Are Dogues de Bordeaux easy to train? They're willful and stubborn — strict, consistent training is crucial.
Are Dogues de Bordeaux good guard dogs? Excellent — they guard with vigilance and courage.
Are Dogues de Bordeaux good for first-time owners? No — their size and temperament suit experienced owners.
Why is their head so big? It's the largest head in the canine world relative to body.
Are Dogues de Bordeaux rare? They were rare, but revived in the 1960s and recognized by AKC in 2008.
Do Dogues drool? Yes — a lot.
What colors do Dogues come in? All shades of fawn with a black or red mask.
Are Dogues good apartment dogs? They're calm but very large — best with space.
What health problems do Dogues have? Hip/elbow dysplasia, heart conditions, eye problems, and bloat.