What to Know Before Buying a Dogue de Bordeaux Puppy
| Group | Working (AKC, recognized 2008) |
|---|---|
| Origin | France (Bordeaux region) |
| Height | Males 23.5–27 in, females 23–26 in |
| Weight | Females 99+ lbs, males 110+ lbs |
| Lifespan | Often just 5–8 years |
| Coat | Short, soft, fine; easy, but folds need care |
| Color | Fawn to mahogany, with a black, brown, or red mask |
| Temperament | Calm, loyal, affectionate, courageous, protective, sometimes stubborn |
| Good for | Experienced, committed owners prepared for the health and lifespan realities |
1. A Devoted Giant with a Short Life
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a brawny, ancient French mastiff with one of the largest heads in dogdom, calm, intensely loyal, and affectionate with its family, including children, and a confident natural guardian. But prospective owners must face the hardest fact about the breed: its lifespan is often just 5 to 8 years, among the shortest of any breed. Loving this dog means accepting a brief, intense companionship and significant health care.
2. The Health Demands Are Serious
The breed faces heart disease (notably aortic stenosis, which can be severe and early-onset), hip and elbow dysplasia, and, as a deep-chested dog, bloat (GDV). As a brachycephalic (short-faced) breed, they also overheat easily, snore, and can have breathing difficulty, so avoid heat and hard exertion. The facial and body wrinkles need regular cleaning to prevent infection, and they drool heavily.
3. Calm, Trainable, but Strong-Willed
Temperamentally, Dogues are famously mellow and easygoing indoors with only moderate exercise needs, daily walks suit them. But they’re powerful and can be stubborn and arrogant, so calm, patient, consistent positive training and early, extensive socialization are essential to prevent unwanted guarding behavior. They bond hard and want to be close to their people.
4. Grooming and Daily Care
The short coat is low-maintenance, but the skin folds and muzzle need weekly (or more) cleaning and drying to avoid irritation and infection. Keep them lean to protect joints and heart, provide soft bedding for that heavy frame, and never leave them outside in temperature extremes.
5. Finding a Responsible Breeder
Given the breed’s health and lifespan, careful breeding genuinely matters. Start with the Dogue de Bordeaux Society and Rescue and verify any breeder against the AKC Marketplace. Favor breeders prioritizing health, longevity, and more open airways, and budget for substantial vet care.
Frequently asked questions
How long do Dogue de Bordeaux live?
Often just 5 to 8 years, among the shortest of any breed, largely due to heart disease and other giant-breed health issues. Health-focused breeding gives the best chance at the upper end.
How much does a Dogue de Bordeaux puppy cost?
Prices vary by breeder and region, so confirm current figures directly with Dogue de Bordeaux Society breeders. Budget for significant veterinary costs.
Are Dogue de Bordeaux good family dogs?
Yes, for committed, experienced families. They’re calm, loyal, and affectionate with children, but their size, health needs, short lifespan, drooling, and heat sensitivity are serious considerations.
Do Dogue de Bordeaux have breathing problems?
They can. As a flat-faced (brachycephalic) breed they overheat easily, snore, and may struggle in heat or hard exercise. Buying from a breeder who selects for better airways helps.