Dogue de Bordeaux Dog Breed Facts & Personality

The Dogue de Bordeaux (“Mastiff of Bordeaux”), also called the French Mastiff, is a big, powerful dog with a huge head and kind, expressive eyes. People sometimes call them the Bordeaux Mastiff, Bordeaux dog, or just Dogue.

This breed has been around since at least the 12th century, making it one of France’s oldest dogs. It became famous worldwide in 1989 when a Dogue starred with Tom Hanks in the movie “Turner & Hooch.”

Diana Cobb, the founder and owner of Premiere Roux Bordeaux, says these dogs are calm, gentle, and adaptable, which makes them a great fit for many kinds of homes and families.

Let’s explore what makes this gentle giant so special!

Dogue de Bordeaux Appearance

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a strong, stocky dog. Male Dogues stand about 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh 110 to 150 pounds. Females are slightly smaller, at 23 to 26 inches tall and 99 to 130 pounds.

They have a short, smooth coat that comes in shades of fawn, from light tan to dark mahogany. One of their most unique features is their wrinkled face, with deep wrinkles on their forehead and loose skin around their jowls and neck.

The Dogue also has a large, square-shaped head—the biggest head-to-body ratio of any dog breed!

They are a brachycephalic breed, meaning their short, broad skull gives them a flat-faced appearance.

Dogue de Bordeaux Origin & History

The history of the Dogue de Bordeaux is a bit of a mystery. Some think they come from Bulldogs or Bullmastiffs, while others believe they’re even older.

What we do know is that this breed has lived in France for at least 600 years. They got their name in 1863 at a dog show in Paris, named after the Bordeaux region where they became well-known.

Over the years, Dogues de Bordeaux have worked as guard dogs, hunters, herders, and even fighters. Sadly, they were once used for baiting bulls, bears, and jaguars, a cruel practice that is now banned. After the French Revolution, the breed nearly disappeared because of its ties to the aristocracy.

In the 1960s, a teacher named Raymond Triquet started a breeding program that saved the Dogue from extinction. Without him, the breed might have been lost forever.

The Dogue de Bordeaux came to the U.S. in 1959. In 2008, the American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed.

Dogue de Bordeaux Personality & Lifestyle

The Dogue de Bordeaux may look imposing, but they are gentle giants with a loving nature. They form strong bonds with their families and are often called “velcro dogs” because they love being close to their people.

While they are not naturally aggressive, they can become overly protective or reactive if not properly socialized as a puppy, says Dr. Gabre Denton, a pet trainer and veterinarian with TeachMe.To

A well-socialized Dogue usually gets along with other dogs outside the home, but they may have trouble accepting another dog, especially one of the same sex. Their strong prey drive can also make them chase smaller animals, like cats. Training and socialization can help, but it may not completely stop this behavior.

Meanwhile, Cobb says Dogues are generally good with children if raised with them from puppyhood. However, when meeting new children, they need time to adjust, and supervision is important. Because of their large size, they might accidentally knock over a child, so always monitor interactions.

Dogue de Bordeaux Ideal Environment

This breed thrives in homes where they get plenty of attention and companionship. “Your Dogue de Bordeaux will absolutely not be happy to be left on the sidelines at home alone day in and day out,” Cobb says. They can also become destructive if too bored.

Homes with many stairs or upper floor apartments are not ideal, especially for growing puppies; she explains that the stairs can harm their developing joints and bones (like other large dog breeds).

Thanks to their calm nature, Cobb says the Dogue de Bordeaux can adapt to busy households and quieter environments. They don’t bark much, only when something unusual happens or if they need to alert their family.

Their exercise needs are moderate; Cobb recommends two to three 15- to 20-minute walks a day and some free playtime outside. However, high-impact activities like long runs or hikes should be avoided to protect their joints. Although they are capable of short bursts of energy, they don’t need long periods of intense exercise.

Due to their large size, they take up a lot of space in the home, car, and on the couch. A yard is not required, but they do need access to a secure outdoor area where they can safely release energy and explore.

Dogue de Bordeaux Training

Cobb says giant breeds like the Dogue de Bordeaux mature slower than smaller dogs. They don’t reach adolescence until they’re over a year old. While puppies are full of energy and curiosity, an eight-month-old Dogue is already as big and strong as many adult dogs.

Training should start right away—ideally, the day you bring your puppy home. The Dogue de Bordeaux is smart but can be stubborn, so patience and consistency are important. They respond best to positive reinforcement, which builds confidence and strengthens the bond between you and your dog.

During training, Cobb says understanding what motivates your Dogue, like food, affection, or play, can make it more effective. They may take longer to learn, but once they understand a command, they’ll remember it.

Socialization is also key. Expose your Dogue puppy to different environments, sounds, and experiences in a positive way to help them become a confident and well-behaved dog. Without proper training and socialization, Dr. Denton says they may develop stubborn or dominant behaviors and become wary of strangers or other dogs.

Dogue de Bordeaux Grooming

The Dogue de Bordeaux has a short, smooth coat that is low-maintenance. Cobb recommends bathing your Dogue every four weeks and brushing them weekly to keep their coat clean and reduce shedding.

They shed moderately throughout the year, with more shedding in the spring and summer. Professional grooming can help, but luckily most dog parents can handle grooming at home.

Douge de Bordeaux Health

The Dogue de Bordeaux is prone to several health issues, including:

• Heart disease: This disease is the leading cause of death in this breed. It can be genetic or caused by factors like poor nutrition or infections. Ask your vet for advice on proper diet and care to reduce risks.
• Orthopedic issues: Cobb says large dogs like the Dogue de Bordeaux are prone to joint problems like elbow, shoulder, and hip dysplasia. Keeping them at a healthy weight, avoiding high-impact exercise, and using joint supplements can help.
• Bloat & gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV): Common in dogs with deep chests, bloat happens when a dog’s stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid, and can turn life-threatening if it twists (GDV). Feeding smaller meals, encouraging your dog to eat slower, and avoiding exercise right after eating can help prevent it.
• Skin problems: The Dogue’s loose skin is prone to irritation and infections. Regular baths and cleaning their skin folds with pet-safe wipes can help prevent problems like mange.
• Allergies: Some Dogues have allergies to foods or pollen, which may be inherited. If your dog shows allergy symptoms, talk to your vet.
• Cancer: Like other large breeds, the Dogue de Bordeaux is at higher risk for cancers like mast cell tumors and lymphoma. Early detection and treatment are important.

Cobb emphasizes buying a Dogue de Bordeaux from a reputable breeder. “Reputable breeders health test their breeding stock through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) to try to minimize the chances of these issues arising,” she explains. They should also be open to answering questions about their dogs’ health history.

Alternative Dog Breeds to Consider

Not sure if the Dogue de Bordeaux is right for you? Consider these similar breeds:

• Bullmastiff: A cross between the English Mastiff and the English Bulldog, this breed has a similar size and temperament as a Dogue.
• English Mastiff: This breed is affectionate and gentle but is larger than a Dogue. They can reach 230 pounds.
• Boxer: This dog is friendly, protective, and playful like a Dogue but much smaller, weighing 55 to 70 pounds.
• Cane Corso: Similar in size and temperament to a Dogue, this powerful mastiff breed is intelligent, loyal, and affectionate.
• Rottweiler: This breed is affectionate and gentle toward their family but wary around strangers. They’re large, but usually slightly smaller than a Dogue.

Getting a Dogue de Bordeaux

If you’re considering adding a Dogue de Bordeaux to your family, there are a few avenues to consider:

• Shelters: The Dogue de Bordeaux is a rare breed and not often found in shelters. However, it doesn’t hurt to check. Occasionally, one may become available if they were surrendered.
• Rescue organizations: Dogue dogs can be found through breed-specific rescue groups and general animal shelters. The typical cost for adopting a Dogue de Bordeaux is $100 to $500.
• Breeders: Purchasing from a reputable breeder is another option, especially if you’re looking for a puppy with a known lineage. Buying a Dogue de Bordeaux puppy from a breeder can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000. Steer clear of breeders who offer unusually low prices, refuse to provide health certifications, engage in mass-production practices, don’t ask about your lifestyle, or avoid answering your questions.

Takeaway

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a loyal, gentle giant with a rich history and a heart full of devotion. While their size and protective instincts may seem intimidating, they are loving companions who thrive with proper training, socialization, and care.

This breed is best suited for pet parents who can provide plenty of attention and a calm, structured environment. If you’re ready to welcome a Dogue into your life, they’ll reward you with a lifetime of loyalty and affection.