{"id":22006,"date":"2014-10-17T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2014-10-16T21:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/?p=22006"},"modified":"2025-07-09T20:25:38","modified_gmt":"2025-07-09T17:25:38","slug":"dogue-de-bordeaux","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/breed-dogue-de-bordeaux-french-mastiff","title":{"rendered":"Dogue de Bordeaux"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the French Mastiff, is a majestic and powerful breed with a long history and a loyal heart. Despite their formidable appearance, they are well-balanced, calm, and incredibly devoted companions, perfectly suited for family life. These dogs, possessing a stable psyche and high intelligence, will become not only reliable guardians but also gentle friends to all family members. In this detailed overview, prepared by the experts at Tvaryny<\/a>, we will delve into all aspects of living with this unique breed, from its captivating history to the intricacies of care and training. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are known for being somewhat lazy and unobtrusive, which makes them comfortable to keep in an apartment, provided they get sufficient walks. An important advantage is that Dogue de Bordeaux, even as puppies, are not prone to destructive behaviour<\/strong>, preferring to calmly observe family life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Information About the Dogue de Bordeaux Breed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Dogue<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Parameter<\/strong><\/td>Characteristic<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Origin<\/strong><\/td>France (Bordeaux region)<\/td><\/tr>
Original Name<\/strong><\/td>Dogue de Bordeaux<\/td><\/tr>
FCI Classification<\/strong><\/td>Group 2 (Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs), Section 2.1 (Molossoid, Mastiff type)<\/td><\/tr>
Lifespan<\/strong><\/td>5-8 years (unfortunately, the breed is not long-lived)<\/td><\/tr>
Height at Withers<\/strong><\/td>Males: 60\u201368 cm; Females: 58\u201366 cm<\/td><\/tr>
Weight<\/strong><\/td>Males: from 50 kg; Females: from 45 kg<\/td><\/tr>
Temperament<\/strong><\/td>Calm, balanced, loyal, vigilant, brave, very attached to owner<\/td><\/tr>
Usage<\/strong><\/td>Guard dog, companion, family dog<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Breed History: From Gladiators to Family Favourites<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Dogue<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The history of the Dogue de Bordeaux dates back to ancient times and is one of the oldest in France. It is believed that their ancestors were molossus dogs \u2014 large and powerful canines used in the Roman Empire for gladiatorial fights and guarding. Over time, these dogs made their way to the territory of Gaul (modern-day France), where they crossbred with local breeds. It was in the Bordeaux region that the type of dog we know today was formed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For centuries, Dogue de Bordeaux were used for various tasks: they hunted large game such as wild boars and bears, guarded aristocratic castles and estates, and even worked as “butcher’s dogs,” helping to drive cattle. Their strength and fearlessness were legendary. Similar to other ancient guard breeds, such as the C\u00e3o de Castro Laboreiro<\/a>, the Dogue de Bordeaux was not just a dog but an integral part of the household and a symbol of security. It’s also worth noting the Dogo Argentino<\/a>, another powerful breed with a history of hunting and guarding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A turning point in the breed’s history came with the first dog show in Paris in 1863, where a Dogue de Bordeaux named Magenta won a gold medal. It was then that the breed received its official name and began to gain popularity outside its native region. However, two World Wars dealt a devastating blow to the population. The breed was on the verge of extinction. Only thanks to the efforts of dedicated enthusiasts, particularly Raymond Triquet, in the second half of the 20th century, was the population successfully restored. Today, the Dogue de Bordeaux is known and loved worldwide, not least thanks to the film “Turner & Hooch,” where a charming representative of this breed captured the hearts of millions of viewers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What the Dogue de Bordeaux Looks Like: Standard and Appearance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Dogue de Bordeaux is a dog of athletic build, radiating strength and power. Its appearance is harmonious, stocky, and very muscular. The most recognisable feature is its enormous, massive head<\/strong> with characteristic wrinkles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Head:<\/strong> Very large, trapezoidal when viewed from the front. The forehead is convex, the stop (transition to the muzzle) is very pronounced, almost at a right angle. The muzzle is short, powerful, wide, with well-developed cheeks. The characteristic bite is an undershot jaw (lower jaw protrudes forward).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Eyes:<\/strong> Oval, set wide apart. Colour \u2014 from hazel to dark brown, matching the coat colour. The gaze is calm and open.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Ears:<\/strong> Relatively small, triangular in shape, hanging, but not floppy. Set high and slightly raised at the base, which makes the head appear even wider visually.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Body:<\/strong> The body is powerful, with well-developed musculature. The neck is very strong, short, with loose skin folds. The back is straight, strong. The chest is wide, deep, extending below the elbows.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Tail:<\/strong> Thick at the base, tapering towards the tip. When at rest, it hangs down; in motion, it rises to the level of the backline or slightly above, but never curls.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Coat and Colour:<\/strong> The coat is short, fine, and soft to the touch. The colour is solid, ranging from light fawn to rich mahogany (red wood). A small white patch on the chest is permissible. A black or chestnut mask may be present on the muzzle.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Dogue de Bordeaux Temperament: The Gentle Giant<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \"Dogue<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Behind the formidable appearance of the Dogue de Bordeaux lies a heart of gold. This is a dog with a very stable psyche, calm and self-assured. It deeply attaches itself to its family<\/strong> and is willing to do anything for them. Towards household members, it shows immense tenderness and patience, especially with children. However, due to their large size, games between the dog and small children should always be supervised by adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Towards strangers, the Bordeaux is cautious, but without unjustified aggression. It will not bark without reason, but its deep, resonant voice and its mere presence serve as an excellent deterrent to any intruder. It will only attack in the event of a real threat to its family or territory. With other pets, especially if they have grown up together, the Dogue de Bordeaux usually gets along well. However, males may show dominance towards other large dogs of the same sex, so early and proper socialisation is critically important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Pros and Cons of the Dogue de Bordeaux Breed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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    Advantages (+)<\/strong><\/th>Disadvantages (-)<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
    Outstanding Guardian:<\/strong> Its appearance and innate instinct make it an ideal watchdog.<\/td>Drooling:<\/strong> Be prepared for a significant amount of drool, especially after eating and drinking.<\/td><\/tr>
    Family Devotion:<\/strong> An incredibly loyal and loving companion.<\/td>Short Lifespan:<\/strong> On average 5-8 years, which is a painful factor for owners.<\/td><\/tr>
    Calm Temperament:<\/strong> Behaves quietly indoors and doesn’t create unnecessary noise.<\/td>Prone to Illnesses:<\/strong> The breed has a number of serious hereditary diseases.<\/td><\/tr>
    Patience with Children:<\/strong> Very gentle and tolerant towards children in its family.<\/td>Snoring and Wheezing:<\/strong> Due to their muzzle structure, they make many sounds in their sleep and while awake.<\/td><\/tr>
    Low-Maintenance Grooming:<\/strong> Short coat does not require complex care.<\/td>Stubbornness:<\/strong> Can be independent in decision-making, which complicates training.<\/td><\/tr>
    Adaptability:<\/strong> Can live in an apartment provided it gets sufficient walks.<\/td>Not for Novices:<\/strong> Requires an experienced, confident, and consistent owner.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Dogue de Bordeaux Health: Typical Ailments and Prevention<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \"Dogue<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Unfortunately, Dogue de Bordeaux cannot boast robust health and longevity. This is the price for their impressive size and specific build. Owners should be prepared for potential problems and pay maximum attention to prevention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia:<\/strong> The most common problem in large breeds. It’s important to choose a puppy from verified parents with dysplasia tests and not to over-exercise the dog physically during its growth period.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Heart Diseases:<\/strong> Dilated cardiomyopathy and aortic stenosis are frequently encountered. Regular check-ups with a cardiologist are mandatory.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Bloat (Gastric Torsion):<\/strong> A life-threatening condition. To prevent it, feed your dog 2-3 times a day in small portions, use raised bowls, and do not allow active play immediately after eating.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Oncological Diseases:<\/strong> The breed has a predisposition to various forms of cancer, particularly lymphoma. Any new growths or changes in behaviour require an immediate visit to the vet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    5. Breathing Problems (BOAS):<\/strong> Due to their short muzzle (brachycephalic syndrome), they tolerate heat poorly and may snore loudly and wheeze. In hot weather, walks should be moved to early morning or late evening.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    6. Dermatological Problems:<\/strong> Allergies and inflammation of skin folds (especially on the muzzle) are common. Folds require daily cleaning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    7. Complicated Births:<\/strong> Due to the very large heads of the puppies, bitches often require a caesarean section.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Care and Maintenance of the Dogue de Bordeaux<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Coat care<\/strong> for the Dogue de Bordeaux is minimal. It’s enough to brush it once a week with a rubber brush or grooming glove to remove dead hairs. Shedding is moderate. Bathe the dog only when necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Much more attention is required for the skin folds on the muzzle<\/strong>. They need to be wiped daily with a damp cloth or cotton pad, then thoroughly dried, to prevent the development of bacterial infections and irritations. Also, regularly check their ears and eyes, wiping them with special lotions. Claws should be trimmed every 3-4 weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Physical exercise<\/strong> should be moderate. Dogue de Bordeaux do not need exhausting training sessions or long-distance runs. Two leisurely walks a day for 30-40 minutes are sufficient. It is strictly forbidden to over-exercise puppies!<\/strong> Until 1.5-2 years of age, while the musculoskeletal system is forming, jumps, running up stairs, and games with abrupt movements should be avoided. If you live in a house with stairs, it is advisable to carry the puppy up and down until it is 5-6 months old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Training and Socialisation of the Breed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
      \"Dogue<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Training a Dogue de Bordeaux is a task that requires patience, consistency, and an understanding of the breed’s psychology. They are intelligent dogs, but they can be very stubborn and independent<\/strong>. They will not blindly follow commands; they need to understand their purpose. Positive reinforcement methods \u2013 praise, treats, toys \u2013 work best. Harshness and physical punishment are absolutely unacceptable and can lead to a loss of trust or even aggression in response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Early socialisation<\/strong> is a key factor in raising a well-balanced dog. From a very young age, introduce your puppy to different people, sounds, places, and other animals. This will help it grow into a confident, rather than fearful or overly aggressive, adult. Given their guarding qualities, it’s important to teach the dog to react appropriately to guests and strangers when out and about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Dogue de Bordeaux Nutrition: Key Recommendations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Proper nutrition is the foundation of a Dogue de Bordeaux’s health. Most breeders and veterinarians recommend feeding these dogs high-quality dry food of super-premium or holistic class, designed for giant breeds. Such food is already balanced in terms of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. It’s important to choose food with added chondroprotectors (glucosamine and chondroitin) to support joint health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      When feeding natural products, the diet is more difficult to compose, as the breed is prone to allergies. The basis should be lean meat (beef, turkey), offal, sea fish, fermented dairy products, vegetables, and a small amount of cereals. It is strictly forbidden to give your dog bones, sweets, smoked foods, fatty foods, and table scraps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The main rule:<\/strong> feed your dog 2-3 times a day in small portions to minimise the risk of bloat. After eating, the dog needs to rest for at least an hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Dogue de Bordeaux Compared to Other Mastiffs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      The Dogue de Bordeaux belongs to the large family of mastiffs, but it has its unique characteristics. Compared to other representatives of the group, such as the English Mastiff<\/a> or the Neapolitan Mastiff<\/a>, it is more athletic and “dryer.” It is also worth distinguishing it from breeds with similar functions but different origins, for example, the Dogo Argentino<\/a>, which is primarily a hunting dog. The Bullmastiff<\/a> also belongs to this family, known for its guarding capabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Breed<\/th>Origin<\/th>Weight (kg)<\/th>Height (cm)<\/th>Characteristic Features<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
      Dogue de Bordeaux<\/strong><\/td>France<\/td>45-50+<\/td>58-68<\/td>Athletic, very wide head, loyal, stubborn.<\/td><\/tr>
      English Mastiff<\/strong><\/a><\/td>Great Britain<\/td>70-100+<\/td>70-91<\/td>Largest by mass, calm giant, “gentle giant.”<\/td><\/tr>
      Neapolitan Mastiff<\/strong><\/a><\/td>Italy<\/td>50-70<\/td>60-75<\/td>Excess skin and folds, serious guardian, distrustful.<\/td><\/tr>
      Bullmastiff<\/strong><\/a><\/td>Great Britain<\/td>45-60<\/td>61-69<\/td>“Night Gamekeeper,” less drooly, more active than other mastiffs.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Interesting Facts About the French Mastiff<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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      • Hollywood Star:<\/strong> The most famous Dogue de Bordeaux in the world is a dog named Beasley, who played the role of Hooch in the film “Turner & Hooch” starring Tom Hanks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Butcher’s Dog:<\/strong> One of the breed’s historical “professions” was escorting and guarding cattle on their way to markets and slaughterhouses. They were called “le dogue de boucher.”<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Largest Head:<\/strong> Proportionately to its body, the Dogue de Bordeaux has the largest head among all dog breeds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Silent Guardian:<\/strong> Unlike many guard breeds, Dogue de Bordeaux are not prone to barking without cause. They intervene only when it’s truly necessary.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Different Types:<\/strong> Historically, there were several types of Dogue de Bordeaux (Parisian, Toulousan, Bordeaux), which differed in size and build. The modern standard is an averaged variant.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Frequently Asked Questions About the Breed (FAQ)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        Is the Dogue de Bordeaux suitable for a family with children?<\/strong>
        Yes, they are wonderful family dogs, very patient and gentle with children. However, due to their enormous size and strength, any interaction with small children should be supervised to avoid accidental injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Do they drool a lot?<\/strong>
        Yes, Dogue de Bordeaux are known for their copious drooling. Owners should always have a towel handy, especially near food and water bowls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Are Dogue de Bordeaux aggressive?<\/strong>
        With proper training and socialisation, they are a confident, not aggressive, breed. They are natural guardians but only show aggression in the event of a clear threat. They are reserved towards strangers but not hostile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Can a Dogue de Bordeaux be kept in an apartment?<\/strong>
        Yes, despite their size, they are quite calm indoors and can adapt to apartment living. The key condition is regular, but not exhausting, walks to meet their physical and mental needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        How long do Dogue de Bordeaux live?<\/strong>
        Unfortunately, this is one of the shorter-lived breeds. Their average lifespan ranges from 5 to 8 years. Some individuals live up to 10 years, but this is more of an exception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Video about the Breed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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