Dogue de Bordeaux Background Information & History

Dating back over 600 years from the Bordeaux region of France, the Dogue de Bordeaux is a massive breed with a fearless demeanor. These dogs mainly served as an impressive wild game hunter, however, they were involved in dogfights because of their ruthless personalities.

The Dogue de Bordeaux was a fairly unknown breed outside of their homeland until one of these pups starred in a movie with Tom Hanks called Turner and Hooch. Ever since then, the Dogue de Bordeaux has seen a steady increase in population throughout the United States and other parts of the world.

Dogue de Bordeaux Temperament & Personality

The Dogue de Bordeaux is known to be protective, loving, and independent. As long as they have been trained and socialized from a young age, your dog should be a well-behaved companion for years to come.

The Dogue de Bordeaux thrives on human interaction, so it’s important they are with their owners as much as possible. They also feel that it is their rightful duty to protect the ones they love, which means they can be an excellent watchdog for the entire family. Although they can be a very loving breed, they tend to be wary of strangers and need a long introduction to feel comfortable in front of unfamiliar people.

Dogue de Bordeaux Training Tips

Since the Dogue de Bordeaux can have a stubborn side, training them may be a difficult task. That’s why it’s important to start the dog training process as young as possible so they develop the necessary skills to become a well-behaved companion later on in life.

As their owner, it’s important to establish that respect and make sure your dog views you as the head leader of the household. Once that respect is created, you should have no problem training your Dogue de Bordeaux. It is also important to socialize your dog with different people, places, and experiences while he is still a puppy so they feel comfortable with everyday interactions.

Dogue de Bordeaux Exercise

Although they may not be bouncing off the walls with energy, the Dogue de Bordeaux still requires a sufficient amount of daily activity to stay at their best. These giant dogs require at least two 30-minute walks a day and plenty of play time in between. Most importantly, these dogs need to spend as much time as possible being close to their owners, so take advantage of bonding with your pups during your daily walks together.

Dogue de Bordeaux Lifespan

The average lifespan of the Dogue de Bordeaux is between 5 to 8 years.

Dogue de Bordeaux Popularity

As of right now, the Dogue de Bordeaux is ranked as the 66th most popular dog breed in the United States out of 202 registered breeds.

Dogue de Bordeaux Feeding

When creating your dog’s feeding regimen, make sure to consider his weight, age, activity level, and metabolism. When choosing his food, make sure to look for a product that contains all-natural and nutritious ingredients. It is also important to provide him with a bowl of fresh water at all times to prevent dehydration.

Dogue de Bordeaux Grooming

The bulky Dogue de Bordeaux should be brushed at least once a week to keep their coat clean and healthy. Unlike most breeds, their skin folds in many areas which should be cleaned and checked on a regular basis.

Aside from regular canine coat grooming, make sure to check their ears, eyes, and nose for any signs of infection. It is also important to brush their teeth weekly to prevent bacteria and tartar from building up, which can cause dental disease later on in life. Lastly, trim their nails every couple of weeks if they do not wear down naturally on their own.

Are Dogue de Bordeaux’s Good With Kids?

The protective and loving personality of the Dogue de Bordeaux is a perfect fit for a household with children. With that being said, however, it’s important that the child is old enough to deal with such a big animal.

Dogue de Bordeaux Health Problems

The Dogue de Bordeaux is generally a healthy breed, however, they are still prone to several health complications later on in life. Possible canine health problems of the Dogue de Bordeaux can include:

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV): Gastric dilatation-volvulus, also known as bloat in dogs, is a serious health problem that affects large, deep-chested breeds. Bloat occurs when the stomach fills with air or gas, expands, and then twists. Once this happens, the dog is unable to expel these gases, which can restrict bloat circulation to their heart. If you believe your dog is suffering from bloat, take your pup to the veterinarian right away.

Epilepsy: Canine epilepsy is the number one cause of seizures in dogs. Triggers that bring on these seizures may be from a variety of factors including trauma, cancer, or brain tumors.

Other Resources

National Breed Website: Dogue de Bordeaux Society of America

Rescue: Dogue de Bordeaux Rescue