People usually look up the Dogue de Bordeaux when they’re weighing up a big guardian breed: how large they really get, whether they suit family life, and what health problems might shape the years ahead. With a dog this heavy and strong, small misunderstandings become practical ones—housing, training, insurance, travel, and day-to-day safety.
What follows is a grounded snapshot of the breed as it’s described in recognised standards and veterinary guidance: typical size and coat, temperament patterns, the health risks worth planning for (including bloat), and the kind of training and handling that keeps a powerful dog steady and manageable.
At a glance
- Type: Large mastiff-type, originally a guarding and working dog from France.
- Height (at withers): Typically about 60–68 cm (males) and 58–66 cm (females).1
- Weight: Breed standards set minimums of 50 kg (males) and 45 kg (females); many adults are heavier when in good condition.1
- Coat: Fine, short, soft to the touch; low-fuss but not “no maintenance”.1
- Colour: Fawn shades from mahogany to isabella; masks may be black, brown, or absent depending on the standard description.1
- Lifespan: Often reported around 5–8 years in general breed references; some datasets report longer averages, which may reflect differences in population and veterinary access.4, 5
What the Dogue de Bordeaux is like to live with
In the home, a well-raised Dogue de Bordeaux tends to be calm and observant, with a heavy, economical way of moving through spaces. They’re not usually frenetic, but they are physical: leaning, barging, and using their whole body in close quarters is common in young dogs and untrained adults.
They’re widely described as loyal and protective, and the same steadiness that makes them feel reassuring can also look like stubbornness. The breed often responds best to patient consistency rather than force, because once a Dogue decides to plant its feet, you’re negotiating with a lot of muscle and momentum.6
Children and other animals
Many Dogues live peacefully with children, but size changes the risk profile. A friendly bump can still knock a small child over. Supervision matters, especially around food, doorways, and excited greetings.
With other pets, early, well-managed socialisation helps. Some individuals can be pushy or intense with unfamiliar dogs, so assume you’ll need training, structure, and careful introductions rather than relying on “good nature” alone.6
Training and socialisation: the non-negotiables
This is a dog that benefits from being taught how to move through the world quietly: how to wait at thresholds, how to walk on a loose lead, how to settle on a mat, how to be handled by strangers without escalation. Those aren’t party tricks—they’re safety rails.
- Start early: it’s easier to teach manners to a puppy than to retrofit them onto a 50+ kg adolescent.7
- Keep sessions short: a few minutes, repeated often, tends to work better than long drills.
- Use reward-based methods: aim for calm repetition and clear consequences (access to things they want), rather than harsh corrections.
- Socialisation means neutrality: practise being around people and dogs without having to greet them.
Exercise: enough, but not extreme
Most Dogues do well with daily walks and chances to sniff, combined with brief play and basic training for mental work. They’re not typically endurance athletes, and heavy pounding exercise in heat is a poor match for a large, short-muzzled dog.
If you’re choosing between a small apartment and a house, the deciding factor is rarely “yard size” and more often whether you can manage a large dog safely—lifts, stairs, narrow hallways, shared entrances, and close neighbours. Space helps. Structure matters more.
Health considerations worth planning for
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a brachycephalic breed (short-nosed). That head shape can be part of the appeal, but it also raises the likelihood of breathing compromise and heat intolerance, particularly in warm weather or during exertion.8
Brachycephalic breathing and heat risk
Some dogs are merely noisy; others struggle. Signs that deserve a vet conversation include loud breathing at rest, collapsing after excitement, repeated gagging/regurgitation, or obvious exercise intolerance. Heat can tip a struggling airway into an emergency much faster than people expect.8
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV, “bloat”)
Large, deep-chested dogs are at higher risk of GDV, a life-threatening emergency where the stomach distends and may twist. Risk reduction is never perfect, but common veterinary guidance includes feeding multiple smaller meals, limiting hard exercise immediately after eating, and discussing preventative gastropexy with your vet for at-risk breeds.3
Orthopaedic and heart issues
Like many heavy breeds, Dogues are commonly discussed in the context of hip and elbow dysplasia and certain cardiac conditions. The practical response is boring but effective: keep them lean, build fitness gradually, and choose breeders who health test and can show results.
Grooming and everyday care
The coat is short and straightforward—weekly brushing usually keeps it in good order. The higher-maintenance parts are often the wrinkles, the ears, and the mouth. Many Dogues drool, sometimes dramatically, and skin folds can trap moisture and grime, so gentle cleaning and drying helps prevent irritation.6
Diet and feeding habits
Feed a complete and balanced diet appropriate for a large breed, and keep an eye on body condition rather than relying on the number on the scales alone. Overweight Dogues carry extra strain through joints and can find breathing even harder.
For GDV risk management, common recommendations include splitting food into two or more meals and avoiding vigorous activity around mealtimes, alongside discussing individual risk factors with your vet.3
History and origin (brief, practical version)
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a French mastiff breed long associated with guarding and working roles. Historical accounts describe use in guarding property and handling large animals; the exact details vary across sources, and some popular stories are difficult to verify cleanly. What remains consistent is the outline: a powerful, low-set dog built for presence and force.
In film: “Turner & Hooch”
The breed reached a wider audience through the 1989 film Turner & Hooch, where the dog “Hooch” is a Dogue de Bordeaux.9
Final thoughts
A good Dogue de Bordeaux has a quiet gravity about it: steady, physical, and very close to its people. It’s also a breed where health planning, thoughtful training, and realistic lifestyle choices matter from day one. If you can provide calm structure, handle a large dog safely, and budget for veterinary care, the Dogue can be an unusually devoted companion with a watchful presence that fills a doorway.
References
- Dogs SA (ANKC) breed standard: Dogue de Bordeaux
- The Kennel Club (UK): Dogue de Bordeaux breed standard
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV) / bloat
- PetMD: Dogue de Bordeaux (health and care overview)
- Royal Canin: Dogue de Bordeaux (breed overview)
- Vetstreet: Dogue de Bordeaux
- American Kennel Club: Dogue de Bordeaux facts (training and size notes)
- RSPCA Australia Knowledgebase: Brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs and BOAS
- Wikipedia: Turner & Hooch (Hooch identified as a Dogue de Bordeaux)
Veterinary Advisor, Veterinarian London Area, United Kingdom