Dogue De Bordeaux

A strong, muscular French breed with a natural propensity for defending, the Dogue de Bordeaux. Despite the breed’s menacing look, he is a kind companion with a tolerant, quiet demeanor. He makes a great security dog since he is fiercely dedicated and loyal. Despite his reputation for snoring and drooling, the Dogue de Bordeaux is a low-maintenance dog who only needs modest exercise. The most well-known representative of this dog breed appeared alongside Tom Hanks in the 1989 film Turner and Hooch. The Dogue de Bordeaux needs a lot of socialization and training since it is a loyal, assured, and territorial dog.
Despite being purebred canines, you could find them at shelters or with rescue organizations. Don’t forget to adopt! If you want to bring a dog home, avoid shopping.
The huge head of the DDB, as they are frequently called, will catch your attention right away. Additionally, you could notice some drool protruding from their mouth. This kind of dog may appear menacing at first, but if necessary, they will defend their homes and family. However, these puppies tend to be gentle and affectionate. But don’t be deceived. Due of this breed’s tendency for stubbornness, they require experienced pet owners who can maintain constant training.
For a complete list of Dogue de Bordeaux characteristics, see below!
Dogue De Bordeaux Breed More Info
Dogue de Bordeaux is known for being gentle and docile and is a dedicated and loving family dog, yet he can also be headstrong and haughty. To avoid hostility toward other animals and unnecessary aggression toward strangers, patient, consistent training and early and comprehensive socialization are essential. He is a great guard dog that excels in many sports and activities, including carting, obedience, therapeutic work, tracking, and search and rescue. He is devoted, confident, and possessive.
Dogue De Bordeaux Personality

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a loyal friend that forms strong relationships with their family and would defend them and their area if it is under danger. They are nice with kids and will accept other house pets if introduced to them while they are young since they are well-bred, socialized, and trained. They could avoid eye contact with strangers or even be actively demoralizing. They have a strong desire to please, but because they may be quite sensitive, they need to be educated in a calm, consistent manner.
Dogue De Bordeaux History
This breed’s specific ancestry is uncertain; some believe it to be a breed from ancient Rome, while others contend it is a cross between the Tibetan Mastiff and the Greek Molossus. Others assert that the dog has always been French and has progressively evolved over the course of 2000 years. Regardless of its past, the Dogue de Bordeaux began their professional career as a highly effective fighting dog, competing against bulls, bears, and other canines. The Dogue, in addition to being a fighter, has developed various skills over time and has served as a battle dog, security dog, hunting dog, and even a cattle driving dog.
After the French Revolution, when the majority of noble dogs suffered the same fate as their noble owners, it was this latter duty that preserved the breed. The breed was eventually able to be revived thanks to those that worked as simple “butcher’s dogs” (who may in fact have been the more peaceful people). They were crossed with the Bulldog as part of this restoration, which made them smaller.
Dogue De Bordeaux Appearance
The enormous, bulky, and muscular Dogue de Bordeaux is no stranger to drawing attention. In connection with that, their wide, angular skulls are the largest in the canine world in terms of proportion. Males may reach an adult height of 27 inches and a minimum weight of 110 pounds, while females can grow to an adult height of 26 inches and a minimum weight of 99 pounds. Dogue de Bordeaux‘s are very than capable of bursting into a sprint, so don’t let their stature mislead you into believing they can simply plod along.
DDBs are brachycephalic, which means that their short snouts have an indented appearance. Their ears are tiny (at least in comparison to their extraordinarily massive skulls) and sit high on the head. They have brown, oval, wide-set eyes. A bit (or a lot) of drool makes Dogue de Bordeaux‘s solemn, aristocratic look even more charming. Their thick, loose-fitting skin forms expressive creases over their faces and jowls that hang down below their lower jaw.
All fawn-colored tones of short, silky fur cover Dogue de Bordeaux‘s velvety coats. They can also have white spots on their torso and limbs and black or brown masks. You could find the breed’s lovely hair on your carpet, couch, and clothing as a result of constant shedding, however weekly brushing can help prevent this.
Dogue De Bordeaux Temperament
Every dog is different and has a personality that is shaped by their genetics as well as their experiences in life, but well-trained and cared-for Dogue de Bordeaux de Bordeaux are known for being loving, peaceful, and mellow friends. The breed is referred to as royal, ready to please, and devoted by Pamela Cortese, president of Dogue de Bordeaux Rescue, Inc. However, she adds that despite their easygoing demeanor, they may be quite strong-minded. Due to this stubbornness, as well as the breed’s height and strength, early socialization and training are essential, which is why Dogue de Bordeaux‘s aren’t a good breed for novice dog owners.
Dogue de Bordeaux‘s are classified as working dogs, although they are quite pleased to lay around, ideally next to their master. They make brave, watchful dogs and are dedicated to their families despite having minimal activity. In relation to families, Dogue de Bordeaux are renowned for being wonderful with children. They can be shy and distrustful of strangers, like typical watchdogs. Once more, be careful to socialize your dog so that he feels at ease in a variety of settings and circumstances.
Dogue De Bordeaux Size
Males weigh no less than 110 pounds and stand 23.5 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder. Females typically weigh no less than 99 pounds and stand 23 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder.
Living Needs

Dogue de Bordeaux de Bordeaux would enjoy it if their owners adopted a “what’s mine is yours” mentality. such as your couch. your bed, too. also your own zone. DDBs perform best when they can be close to their owners; they occasionally struggle when they must be apart for extended periods of time.
Dogue de Bordeaux may flourish in households with children, as was previously noted, but because to their size, care should be given. For instance, a DDB with good intentions might accidentally tip a young infant over. And before bringing a Dogue on a stroll, a child should be old enough to manage one. The breed has a strong desire to hunt, thus a squirrel in motion may quickly cause havoc.
Dogues don’t necessarily require a lot of room, either inside or outside, but they may not be the ideal choice for apartment residents depending on the particular apartment and dog in each situation. For starters, a Dogue de Bordeaux size makes it possible for your downstairs neighbors to accuse you of housing cattle. A steady influx of people and animals coming and going from your building could be a little stressful for him because he is a natural watchdog.
Dogue De Bordeaux Care
Since Dogue de Bordeaux de Bordeaux are such large canines, positive reinforcement training and socializing are quite important. Nobody enjoys having to deal with an out-of-control dog that weighs more than 100 pounds, not even the dog. Owner and principal clinician of the Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland, Oregon, Christopher Pachel, DVM, DACVB, adapts his socialization and training methods to the temperament of the breed. According to him, mastiff personalities tend to be quite laid-back but also little apprehensive or worried about people outside of their small social group. “They seem to be more in accordance with a guard breed propensity rather than being typically obviously scared.”
In light of this, Pachel suggests a more thorough strategy for interacting with and teaching DDBs. While reinforcing the desired behavior patterns for situations in which some of those guarding tendencies may be more likely to manifest in the absence of proactive direction, he says, “I worry less about creating exciting positive associations and more about developing tolerance and acceptance of a variety of circumstances.”

In other words, Pachel advises being proactive instead of reactive about everyday things that could cause a pup to get wound up. For example, he says it’s wise to teach dogs how to respond when the doorbell rings so that expectations are set long before doorbell-induced barking becomes a concern. And the sooner you can begin establishing these goals, the better. Waiting till your Dogue de Bordeaux puppy is fully grown is not advised.
Pachel does not advocate using harsh, punitive training techniques. The majority of dogs benefit from stability and clear expectations, he says. “A harsher hand may appear to be working in the short term, but it may not be achieving the results that people believe it to be. When it comes to training, the majority of the many sorts of mastiffs I’ve dealt with are really fairly obedient. Furthermore, despite their size, they are typically more than responsive enough to prevent major issues if contacted promptly.”
Dogue De Bordeaux Health
The DDB is no exception to the rule that all breeds are prone to certain health issues. Some of the main worries are listed in a health information document from the Dogue de Bordeaux Rescue, Inc.
- Heart disease: Dilated cardiomyopathy and subaortic stenosis are two types of cardiac disease that are frequently seen in DDBs. Dilated cardiomyopathy weakens the heart’s capacity to pump blood and eventually leads to the expansion of the heart’s chambers. Following are indications of congestive heart failure and leaking valves. Contrarily, subaortic stenosis describes a narrowing of the space below the aortic valve, which restricts blood flow and can make the heart work harder than it should.
- Gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV): GDV, also known as bloat, starts when food, gas, or liquid becomes stuck in the stomach, causing it to expand—in extreme cases, becoming as big as a basketball. Other issues outside the digestive system may result from this growth. Breathing may become difficult due to pressure on the lungs, and emergency surgery may be necessary if the stomach turns in on itself (like a towel being wrung out).
- Hip dysplasia: A hip malformation that results in this developmental condition’s loose joint, which can cause discomfort, mobility problems, and osteoarthritis, is what gives rise to it.
- Cancer: Osteosarcoma (bone cancer), lymphoma (lymphatic system cancer), hemangiosarcoma (cancer in the blood vessels), breast cancer, and mast cell tumors (growths) are a few of the more prevalent cancers that might afflict Dogues.
Two more medical issues should be mentioned. Dogues are at danger of developing brachycephalic syndrome, a disorder in which many anatomical defects restrict the upper airway, because they are a brachycephalic breed with a shorter muzzle and nose. Second, this mellow breed is prone to weight gain, which can result in a variety of health problems.
Dogues de Bordeaux live just 5-8 years, which is not very long. But you can take a proactive approach to caring for your pup and giving those years a good quality of life by working with your veterinarian and studying the indications of frequent health concerns. Because they are a brachycephalic breed (short-nosed), they may have respiratory issues and may struggle in hot weather or with excessive exertion.
Dogue De Bordeaux Exercise

They don’t need as much exercise as you might think; for an adult, approximately an hour a day should be fine, although it’s preferable to break this up into many little walks. However, as long as it’s safe, and they have both shade and continual access to drink, they really love being outside in the garden. Young people should be carefully watched when exercising since excessive activity might cause bone and joint issues in later life.
The dogue de Bordeaux needs a suitable outlet for its average amount of energy given its size. Along with training, it’s crucial to get enough exercise, such as one lengthy walk or many shorter ones that add up to roughly 45 minutes each day. Don’t overdo it, though, as this huge breed dog may be prone to orthopedic issues. Take the dog for a stroll at a leisurely, not brisk, pace.
The dogue is also a brachycephalic (short-nosed) breed that may become overheated or experience respiratory problems. Make sure you are fully aware of your dog’s degree of endurance. If it can’t walk on its own four paws, you won’t be able to take this enormous dog home.
Dogue De Bordeaux Training

Early obedience training and socialization are essential. Being a delicate breed that needs to be trusted, the Dogue de Bordeaux should not be trained harshly or with a strong hand. Ownership of the breed is not for the timid or very busy; discipline should be tough and constant without being cruel.
Dogue De Bordeaux Grooming And Coat Color
The dogue de Bordeaux has a soft-haired, extremely short coat that doesn’t need any maintenance. For coat maintenance, sporadic usage of a grooming mitt or glove should be adequate. To prevent discomfort and infection, the dogue’s many skin folds do need periodic cleaning. Due to its enormous size, it is best to develop a grooming practice early on so your dog becomes accustomed to it. Regular tooth brushing—preferably daily—will help the dogue avoid dental problems. Even though the dogue’s nails could naturally deteriorate, inspect them frequently and cut the nails as necessary.
Usually, your dog only has to be bathed a few times a year. Grooming is rather simple. All that is required for weekly grooming is to run a rubber grooming glove over the short coat to remove any dead or loose hair. To prevent skin infections from developing, the skin folds on the face should be washed and dried on a regular basis. The Dogue de Bordeaux has a silky, delicate, and short coat. It covers thick, loose skin and ranges in hue from a rich shade of pale fawn to dark red fawn.
Dogue De Bordeaux Feeding and Nutrition
Adult dogs require between four and seven cups of dry food each day, divided into two meals. You must watch out that your dog doesn’t consume a lot of food all at once since this raises the possibility of bloat and stomach torsion. Feed the dog twice daily, and for one to two hours after each feeding, prevent free feeding or activity. Have access to fresh, clean water.

Big-breed dogs benefit from a distinct combination of minerals and vitamins, supporting diverse joint and cartilage demands in addition to having giant appetites. Feeding the Dogue de Bordeaux smaller, more frequent meals might help reduce the risk of bloating and gastrointestinal issues.
You might need to give this breed a particular diet because they are prone to food allergies, especially to wheat. Fortunately, there are high-quality, wheat-free commercial feeds for large breed dogs. Given that an adult male would consume a 50-pound bag of dry food per month, these dogs may be expensive to feed. Keep an eye out for weight gain in your dog, and talk to your doctor if any dietary, food, or activity adjustments are necessary.