Dogue de Bordeaux

Is a Dogue de Bordeaux right for you?

The Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff) is one of France's oldest breeds, recognisable by its huge head, wrinkled brow and coat ranging from pale fawn to mahogany. At home it is calm, devoted and protective. But anyone considering one needs to face a hard fact first: the Dogue de Bordeaux is among the shortest-lived of all registered breeds. Your years together are often limited, and heart disease, cancer and bloat are real risks during them.

Before you adopt

The Dogue de Bordeaux is not usually on breed-restriction lists (it is not on Turkey's dangerous-breeds list, for example), but it is a powerful dog and full responsibility for control rests with you. Check local rules anyway.

Breeder choice is critical. Ask for the parents' echocardiogram results from a veterinary cardiologist, plus hip and elbow evaluations. A murmur may be heard with a stethoscope, but diagnosis needs an echo. Look at the puppy's footpads: cracks or thickening can indicate hereditary hyperkeratosis.

Avoid exaggerated types with very short muzzles, very loose eyelids and heavy wrinkling; these features increase breathing and eye problems. Asking how old the parents are and at what age the grandparents died gives you a sense of the line's health.

Adult Dogues are sometimes given up to rescues because of their care needs; an adult with a cardiac check is more predictable than a puppy.

Temperament

The FCI standard describes the Dogue as a vigilant, courageous guardian without aggressiveness; very attached and affectionate to its owner, calm and balanced, with a high stimulus threshold. It also notes that males normally have a dominant character.

At home it mostly sleeps and wants to be near its family. It is wary of strangers and territorial; it barks rarely but convincingly. It can clash with other dogs, especially large dogs of the same sex.

It is sensitive. Harshness and shouting make it shut down; praise and rewards work far better. Its stubbornness is not a lack of understanding but a lack of perceived need.

Health issues and lifespan

Sources usually give an average lifespan of 5 to 8 years. A UK study based on veterinary records found a median age at death of 5.5 years in a small sample of 21 dogs, placing the breed among the shortest-lived. Make your decision knowing this.

• Heart disease: Subaortic stenosis (SAS) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) are among the leading causes of death. Tiring quickly, fainting, coughing, fast breathing and a swollen belly are signs. Have murmurs investigated in puppyhood and arrange regular cardiac checks in adulthood.
• Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat): The stomach fills with gas and twists. A swollen belly, unproductive retching, heavy drooling and restlessness mean going straight to an emergency vet; it can kill within hours. The MSD Veterinary Manual recommends preventive gastropexy for at-risk breeds, often done at neutering.
• Cancer: Lymphoma, haemangiosarcoma, mast cell tumours and bone cancer are reported. A growing lump, swollen lymph nodes, unexplained lameness or weight loss need a vet.
• Hip and elbow dysplasia: Lameness and difficulty rising. Controlled growth and a lean weight are the best protection.
• Heatstroke and breathing difficulty: The short muzzle makes cooling hard. Heavy noisy breathing, a bluish tongue or staggering are emergencies.
• Footpad hyperkeratosis: Pads harden and crack, usually from 4-6 months, sometimes with lameness and infection.
• Eyelid problems: Entropion and ectropion; watering, redness and squinting are signs.

Feeding

An adult Dogue (under the FCI standard at least 50 kg for males and 45 kg for females) typically eats roughly 550-850 g of quality dry food a day, depending on energy density and activity. The breed gains weight easily, and extra weight strains both joints and heart.

• Puppy (2-18 months): Giant-breed puppy food. Do not push growth; do not add calcium.
• Adult: At least two, ideally three, smaller meals a day.
• Senior (from about 5-6 years): Ageing starts early in this breed; adjust calories and joint support with your vet.

To reduce bloat risk, use a slow-feeder for fast eaters, limit activity for about an hour before and after meals, and avoid feeding in stressful situations. A possible link between some grain-free diets and DCM is still under investigation; choose food with your vet.

Grooming and coat

• Fine, short coat; a weekly rubber brush. Moderate shedding.
• Facial folds should be wiped daily with a damp cloth and dried thoroughly; trapped moisture causes skin infection.
• Keep drool cloths handy, especially after drinking and eating.
• Check eyes daily for discharge and redness.
• Nails every three to four weeks; long nails affect a heavy dog's posture.
• Summer care: No walks in the heat of the day; cool floors, shade and plenty of water. In hot climates air conditioning is close to essential.

Training and exercise

Daily requirement: 30-60 minutes of steady walking and short play sessions. The Dogue is not a running partner; long runs and exercise in heat are dangerous.

Priorities:

1. Early socialisation (8-16 weeks). Essential for an adult that is balanced with strangers and other dogs.
2. Leash manners. A 50-60 kg dog pulling is a dog you cannot hold; teach it in puppyhood.
3. Basic cues and calm greetings. Not jumping on people is a safety issue at this size.
4. Controlled growth. Avoid stairs, jumping down and long strenuous walks until about 18 months.
5. Handling for vet visits. Accustom the puppy to having its mouth, ears, paws and folds touched.

Short, rewarding, enjoyable sessions give the best results.

History

According to the FCI standard, the Dogue de Bordeaux is one of the most ancient French breeds and probably descends from the dogs of the Alans. In the 14th century Gaston Phébus, Count of Foix, wrote in his hunting book that such a dog held its bite more strongly than three sighthounds.

Until the mid-19th century it was little known outside Aquitaine. It was used for hunting boar, guarding homes and cattle, working for butchers and, at times, fighting. It appeared under its present name at the first French dog show in Paris in 1863. Of the Toulouse, Paris and Bordeaux types, the Bordeaux type became today's breed; the first standard was published in 1896.

Badly hit by both world wars, the breed was threatened with extinction after the second and was revived in the 1960s. Much of its international fame comes from the 1989 film "Turner & Hooch".