Make way, make way for one of the largest dog breeds out there - the magnificent Dogue de Bordeaux. A truly ancient French dog breed, you won’t find a more courageous, protective, affectionate or loyal dog than the Dogue de Bordeaux. Sure, they’re undeniably massive and are equally massive droolers and snorers. But these gentle giants only want to be with you. With their low exercise needs and lovey-dovey natures, their massive size is matched by their massive heart and sweet temperament.
Dogue de Bordeaux Facts
The Dogue de Bordeaux has been around so long that no one knows what their exact origins are. Some people believe they were introduced to France by Julius Caesar’s army in the first century BC. Throughout history they’ve been fighting dogs, hunters, guards, and movers of livestock. Dogue de Bordeaux weren’t widely known outside France until the 1989 movie Turner & Hooch!
- Breed Group: Working
- Height: Female: 58-66cm; Male: 58-68cm
- Weight: Female: 45kg+; Male: 50kg+
- Life Span: 5-8 years
- Coat: Short, smooth
- Colour: Brown, fawn, lilac and red
What Does a Dogue de Bordeaux Look Like?
A Dogue de Bordeaux is an extra large, powerful dog that looks a little like a mastiff. That’s in part thanks to their massive head. Compared to the size of their body, it’s the biggest head in the canine world. You’ll also notice a bulldog-esque undershot jaw, floppy ears, and droopy jowls, which are often covered in drool.
Dogues de Bordeaux rock plenty of wrinkles, especially on their deeply furrowed brow. Underneath are oval, dark eyes that compliment their coat colour. Talking of their coats, they have a distinctive short, smooth coat that normally comes in rich brown colours.
Powerfully built, Dogues de Bordeaux have stocky, muscular bodies with deep chests that are close to the ground. If you’ve ever watched the 1980s classic Turner & Hooch, you’ll know that they can move incredibly quickly when they need to.
Although their size might be intimidating, Dogues de Bordeaux are sweet, sensitive dogs with highly lovable faces.
Dogue de Bordeaux
Dogue de Bordeaux Temperament: Surprisingly Sweet
Well-trained and well-socialised Dogues de Bordeaux are lovely, sweet dogs who bond strongly to their people and are famed for their loyalty. Dogue de Bordeaux are also stubborn dogs and will happily rule the roost if they haven’t been properly trained while still a puppy (and manageably small!).
Generally calm, gentle, mild-mannered and laidback (again, if they’ve been properly trained and socialised), Dogue de Bordeaux make fantastic companions who want nothing more than quality time with their BFF (i.e. you). This quality time doesn’t even need to be active. Although they’re classed as working dogs, their exercise needs are really low - they just want to be by your side. This is a dog that’s happiest hanging with their family. Maybe it’s time to invest in that king size bed? Although it’s worth knowing that Dogue de Bordeaux are champion snorers and droolers…
With their history of being guardians, Dogue de Bordeaux can have protective tendencies, which might even tend to aggressive tendencies, especially towards other dogs. With the right training and socialisation from puppyhood, you can equip your Dogue de Bordeaux with the confidence they need to become friendly, welcoming pups. Heck, they can even learn to live happily alongside cats, kids and other dogs, with proper training or if they’ve grown up together.
Keeping Dogues de Bordeaux Healthy: 5 Issues to Watch Out For
As an extra large dog breed, Dogues de Bordeaux have a short expected lifespan of 5-8 years. But this shouldn’t stop you adding this sweet soul to your home.
Bloat
Like all deep chested large dogs, bloat (or gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)) is a big risk for the Dogue de Bordeaux. Bloat causes their stomach to fill with gas and twist on itself, cutting off the blood supply to vital organs. Bloat can come on very quickly and is life-threatening. Surgery is the only treatment option. It’s important to learn the signs of bloat and take your DDB to the vet immediately if you spot any. Symptoms include panting, a sore or tender stomach area, trying to vomit but not being able to, and pacing. You can help reduce the risk of bloat by avoiding exercising your Dogue to Bordeaux for 30 minutes before and after eating. A slow feeder can help too.
Orthopaedic Problems
One look at the super large Dogue de Bordeaux and you can understand why they experience orthopaedic problems - they have lots of strain on their bones, joints and ligaments. This can result in hip, elbow and shoulder dysplasia, a painful condition that can affect and limit a Dogue de Bordeaux’s movements. Waiting until your Dogue de Bordeaux is at least 18 months old for strenuous activity and jumping can help. Medication, weight management and surgery are treatment options for dysplasia. But as an inherited condition, responsible breeders should screen for it.
Heart Issues
Dogue de Bordeaux are at a higher risk of developing 2 heart issues: dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and aortic stenosis. DCM causes the heart to become enlarged and weak, stopping it from pumping blood effectively. Medication can help manage it. Aortic stenosis is a blockage of blood flow as it leaves the heart. The most severe cases will need surgery to replace the blocked valve. Regular vet check ups will help keep an eye out for any developing heart problems.
Cancer
It’s not known why but lymphoma (also known as lymphosarcoma) happens more often in Dogue de Bordeaux than other breeds. This cancer causes their body to make abnormal white blood cells (called lymphocytes) so it can be found anywhere throughout their body. It can be diagnosed through a blood test and it’s often successfully treated with (costly) chemotherapy.
Epilepsy
Another genetic condition Dogue de Bordeaux can experience is epilepsy so ensure your breeder screens for it. It normally starts when they’re between 6 months and 3 years old. A seizing Dogue de Bordeaux might paddle their paws or jerk or shake uncontrollably; drool; chew their tongue; or foam at the mouth. Epilepsy can normally be managed with medication.
Caring for Your Dogue de Bordeaux Dog
The good news: a Dogue de Bordeaux’s coat is very easy care and their exercise needs are pleasingly low. The not-so-good news: you’re going to get up close and personal with those wrinkles (and that drool).
Grooming
Dogue de Bordeaux are famous for their drool so you’re going to need to keep an eye on the wrinkles on their face. Expect to give them a gentle clean and thorough dry at least weekly, and maybe even daily. Specially formulated pet wipes can help, or use a clean, damp flannel. Make sure you dry their faces properly after cleaning, otherwise bacteria can grow.
At least once a week you’ll need to clean their ears. Because they’re floppy, they can be breeding grounds for bacteria. Gently wipe them to get rid of dirt and debris, and check for signs of infection too (redness, scratching or oozing). At the same time, you can give their coat a quick brush to help get rid of any loose, dead hair.
Every month, give them a bath. In between, a quick wipe down with a damp towel will keep them smelling sweet. After bath time, clip or trim their nails. Due to their size, you’ll need some extra large, powerful nail clippers!
Finally, aim to brush their teeth every day. Not only will this keep plaque and tartar at bay, but it will help prevent dental disease which, left unchecked, can lead to a range of health issues.
Nutrition
Dogue de Bordeaux aren’t known for being fussy eaters and should happily tuck into quality commercial dog food that’s tailored to their life stage (puppy, adult or senior). Due to their size, expect them to eat a lot. Giant dog breed specific food is an option as it’s specially formulated to meet their unique needs.
Because Dogue de Bordeaux aren’t particularly high energy, they don’t have a physical outlet to burn off the calories they eat. Watch their portion size to make sure you’re not overfeeding them. Being overweight puts dogs, especially extra large ones like Dogue de Bordeaux, at risk of many health problems, including stressing their joints and vital organs. Oh, and treat calories count towards their daily calorie limit so be careful not to offer them too many.
Exercise
Support your growing Dogue de Bordeaux’s bones and joints by avoiding all strenuous activity until they’re at least 18 months old. This means they shouldn’t run up and down stairs or leap off anything that’s higher than their back. True water babies, swimming is great low-impact exercise for a Dogue de Bordeaux of any age - chuck on your togs and go for a swim with them! It’s also a great way to cool them off on hot NZ days.
You can still wear out Dogue de Bordeaux puppies through mental stimulation. Stock up on puzzle toys and slow feeding bowls to give their brains a workout.
Once they’re old enough, aim to walk your Dogue de Bordeaux for about 30 - 45 minutes a day. They’re not designed to run, so keep walks at an easy pace.
Training
Early socialisation and obedience training is essential for the stubborn and strong Dogue de Bordeaux. As a sensitive breed, they need a firm and consistent approach that isn’t harsh. Dogue de Bordeaux don’t respond well to harsh or forceful training methods. Instead, positive reinforcement (where they’re rewarded for their efforts with play time, toys and treats) helps build a strong, trusting relationship between you and your Dogue de Bordeaux.
You need to be prepared to put in the hours and work training a Dogue de Bordeaux - they’re not well suited to a timid or time-poor owner.