Working group

Dogue de Bordeaux

The French mastiff — massive, loving and famously drooly, with a short life.

Dogues de Bordeaux are powerful, heavy-headed mastiffs with a devoted, sensitive nature. They are calm and affectionate with family, but stubborn, protective and prone to serious health problems and a short lifespan.

Height
23–27 in58–69 cm
Weight
99–110 lb45–50 kg
Life expectancy
5–8 years
Size
Giant
Group
Working
Origin
France

Coat: Short, fine, soft coat on loose skin. Colours: Fawn, Mahogany, Isabella, With or without a black or brown mask.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement2.5 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"4.5 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability2.5 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation2.5 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level4.5 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness2.5 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety3.5 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness2.5 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive2.5 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking2.0 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level3.0 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden2.0 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency5.0 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability2.5 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness2.0 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level3.5 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Dogues are loyal, affectionate and often clingy with their families. They are usually calm indoors and enjoy lounging near their people.

They are natural guardians and can be wary of strangers or dominant with other dogs. They are stubborn and sensitive, and training must start early while they are still manageable.

Living with a Dogue de Bordeaux

Exercise

Moderate: two walks a day and some play. Avoid heat, humidity and strenuous exercise, especially in young dogs.

Grooming

Weekly brushing, daily wiping of wrinkles and jowls, and regular nail trims. Expect a lot of drool.

Training

Stubborn but sensitive; short, positive sessions and early socialisation work best. Lead manners are essential.

Kids & other pets

Loving with their own children, though their size and strength need supervision. Often best with opposite-sex dogs.

Time alone

Tolerates moderate alone time but dislikes isolation; needs a cool, comfortable space in warm weather.

Home fit

Best suited to a house with secure outdoor space; apartment living is hard on this breed and its neighbours.

Is a Dogue de Bordeaux right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Dogue de Bordeaux matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Dogue de Bordeaux typically lives 5–8 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Heart disease

    Aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy occur; cardiac screening of parents is important.

  • Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)

    A deep-chested giant breed at high risk.

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia

    Screened parents and slow puppy growth reduce the risk.

  • Cancer

    Lymphoma and other cancers contribute to the short average lifespan.

  • Skin fold dermatitis

    Facial wrinkles need regular cleaning to prevent infection.

Ask a breeder for

  • Hip and elbow evaluation
  • Cardiac examination by a cardiologist
  • Eye examination

Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Dogue de Bordeaux; Dogue de Bordeaux Society of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $2,000–$4,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Food, medication and anaesthesia are dosed by weight, so every vet visit costs more for a big dog.
  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

Mastiff-type dogs have lived in France for centuries, used for guarding, hunting large game and, sadly, fighting. The breed takes its name from the Bordeaux region.

The Dogue nearly disappeared during the French Revolution and again after the World Wars. It gained international fame in the 1989 film “Turner & Hooch” and was recognised by the AKC in 2008.

Did you know?

  • Hooch, from the 1989 film “Turner & Hooch”, was a Dogue de Bordeaux.
  • The Dogue has one of the largest heads in the dog world relative to its body.
  • The breed is also called the French Mastiff.

Library guides for Dogue de Bordeaux owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

How long do Dogues de Bordeaux live?
Typically only 5–8 years, due to heart disease, cancer and bloat.
Are Dogues de Bordeaux good family dogs?
Yes, for owners ready for their size, drool and health costs. They are loving and calm.
Do Dogues drool?
Yes, heavily.