Dogue de Bordeaux
About the Dogue de Bordeaux
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Large (50-100 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 23-27" |
| Weight | 99-150 lbs |
| Coat Type | Smooth |
| Coat Length | Short |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Moderate (30-60 min/day)
45 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
Moderate - Weekly
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Moderate mental stimulation needed
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $1,500-$4,000 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,800/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Dogue de Bordeauxs may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Families with Children
- Guard Dog
May Not Be Ideal For
- Apartment Living
- First-Time Owners
- Long Work Hours Away
Guides for your Dogue de Bordeaux
The story behind the Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux comes from southern France, particularly the region around Bordeaux, where heavy molosser-type dogs guarded property, drove cattle, worked in butchers' yards, and historically fought large animals for sport. Several regional types existed under different names before French breeders consolidated them, and a standard was drawn up late in the nineteenth century as dog shows spread. Numbers fell severely across the world wars, and the breed was rebuilt from a small base afterwards, with French breeders through the middle of the twentieth century responsible for the modern dog. FCI recognition followed, an American film appearance in the 1980s raised international awareness sharply, and the American Kennel Club recognised the breed in 2008. It now lives mainly as companion and guardian.
Originally bred for: Property guardian, Butcher's and cattle dog, Estate protection dog. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Dogue de Bordeaux
A very heavy, fast-growing breed where controlled growth on a large-breed puppy diet genuinely matters. Keep adults lean to spare the joints, spread food across the day, choose a bowl and kibble shape a broad flat muzzle manages easily, and rest the dog around meals.
Watch for: No particular ingredient pattern is characteristic here. Owners of heavily wrinkled breeds sometimes link facial-fold irritation to food, though moisture and cleaning routine usually matter more. Because this breed carries notable health considerations, dietary decisions are best made alongside a veterinarian.
Not sure what to put in the bowl? See our picks for the best dog food for large breeds.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket, and a slow feeder bowl if your dog inhales dinner. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Dogue de Bordeaux
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse chew toys built for strong jaws and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a properly sized crate.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.