Dogue de Bordeaux
LoyalCourageousAffectionate
France · 5–8 years
About the Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the French Mastiff, is one of the oldest French dog breeds with a history dating back over 600 years. Famous for their massive, wrinkled head — the largest head-to-body ratio of any breed — and their role alongside Tom Hanks in the movie 'Turner & Hooch,' these powerful dogs are surprisingly gentle and affectionate. Dogues are loyal, courageous, and deeply devoted to their families. They form intense bonds with their owners and are calm, quiet house dogs despite their intimidating appearance.
Breed stats
- Height
- 23–27 in
- Weight
- 99–110 lbs
- Lifespan
- 5–8 years
- Group
- Working
- Coat
- Short, fine, soft
- Origin
- France
Coat colors
- Fawn
- Mahogany
- Red
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
30–45 min
per day recommended
Daily food
3–5 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Aortic stenosis
- Hip dysplasia
- Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
- Cancer
Not every Dogue de Bordeaux will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Dogue de Bordeauxs eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- The Dogue de Bordeaux has one of the shortest lifespans of any breed, averaging just 5 to 8 years. This is due to a combination of their large size and predisposition to several serious health conditions, particularly heart disease (dilated cardiomyopathy and aortic stenosis), cancer, and bloat. A study found the median lifespan was just 5.5 years. Responsible breeders are working to improve longevity through cardiac screening and careful breeding practices, but prospective owners must be prepared for a potentially very short time with their dog.
- Yes, Dogue de Bordeaux are heavy droolers — among the worst in the dog world. Their loose, pendulous lips and massive jowls make drooling constant, and it increases significantly around food, water, heat, and excitement. Drool ropes, strings, and splatter are a daily reality for DDB owners. Most keep towels in every room and in the car. The drooling cannot be trained away — it is a physical characteristic of the breed. If drool is a concern, this breed is not a good match regardless of their many wonderful qualities.
- Dogue de Bordeaux are natural guard dogs with an ancient heritage of property protection. Their massive, imposing presence alone is usually enough to deter most threats. They are naturally suspicious of strangers and will position themselves protectively between their family and unknown visitors. Dogues rarely need to escalate beyond a deep, warning bark and an intimidating stance. They are not aggressive dogs but are courageous and will protect their family if genuinely threatened. Proper socialization ensures they can distinguish between real threats and normal visitors.
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