The Dogue de Bordeaux
- 13 hours ago
- 12 min read
Big Head, Bigger Heart
What's Breed Got to Do With It: Vol. 17
If you’ve never met a Dogue de Bordeaux in person, imagine a living, breathing Renaissance sculpture — all muscle, wrinkles, and gravitas — but with the emotional core of a middle-school boy who just wants snacks and approval.
Gus and I are in a Be Braver class right now with one of these gentle giants, a big red boy named Ruffie. When he lumbered in on day one, I’ll admit it: I straightened up like I was about to be graded on my posture.
He’s huge. He’s solid. His face looks like he’s perpetually annoyed at the state of modern society.
But then he leaned into his mom for cheese sticks and let her mop up his drool with a towel she carries like it’s part of her daily uniform.
In a word, he is delightful.
Meeting Ruffie was the perfect reminder of why this series exists. Because a dog’s appearance can tell you something about its history, its purpose, and even some of its likely tendencies, but it rarely tells you the whole story.
So let’s talk about the Dogue de Bordeaux — where this spectacularly wrinkled French tank came from, what it was bred to do, and what it really means to bring one home.
History: France's ancient heavyweight
The Dogue de Bordeaux is one of France’s oldest breeds, with roots that reach back centuries. Exactly how the breed came into existence is a little murky — as is the case with many very old breeds — but its history is closely tied to the working mastiffs of France.
And “working” is the important word here.
The Dogue was used for jobs that required courage, strength, and the ability to stay engaged with a task that could involve some very large, very dangerous animals. Historical accounts describe Dogues being used to hunt large game such as wild boar, as well as guarding homes, estates, butcher shops, and other property.
In other words, this was not a dog developed because somebody thought, “You know what would look adorable next to the fireplace? A 110-pound French mastiff.” The breed had a job.
And while the modern Dogue de Bordeaux is primarily a companion and family guardian, you can still see pieces of that original job description in the dog.
They tend to be deeply attached to their people. They can be naturally protective. They notice what is happening around them. And when something seems worthy of their attention, they may take that responsibility very, very seriously.
Just ask the UPS driver.
They take their jobs seriously
The Dogue de Bordeaux belongs to the Working Group, and that matters more than the group designation might suggest.
Working dogs were developed to do things with humans. Guard. Pull. Hunt. Protect. Assist. Perform.
The Dogue's particular combination of power, courage, watchfulness, and devotion didn't happen by accident.
Today's Dogue may spend considerably more time supervising the living room than guarding a vineyard, but that doesn't mean the working-dog brain disappeared.
A Dogue de Bordeaux is generally described as calm, affectionate, devoted, and protective. The breed standard calls for a dog that is vigilant and courageous without being aggressive, and calm and balanced with a high stimulus threshold.
That last part is important.
The goal isn't a dog who thinks every stranger is a potential enemy or every noise is an emergency. A stable Dogue should be capable of taking in the world without immediately deciding that the world needs to be dealt with.
But genetics aren't guarantees.
A Dogue is still an individual dog, and temperament is influenced by genetics, socialization, environment, training, and experience. A confident, well-socialized Dogue and a fearful or poorly socialized Dogue can be two very different dogs.
And when those dogs weigh more than 100 pounds, the difference matters.
What does that look like at home?
It can look like a dog who wants to be wherever you are.
They tend to form strong bonds with their people, and many do not particularly enjoy being left alone for long periods.
Meaning:
It can look like a dog who watches the front window when somebody approaches the house.
It can look like a dog who notices the strange noise coming from the backyard approximately seventeen seconds before you do.
It can also look like a giant red dog who spends half the afternoon asleep on the floor and then suddenly decides that the flirt pole brought out in training class is the most suspicious object he has ever encountered.
The Dogue de Bordeaux is not necessarily a high-energy dog. But “low energy” and “no needs” are not the same thing.
They benefit from structure, predictable expectations, regular activity, socialization, and training. They also need people who understand that a calm dog still needs to learn what is expected of him.
You cannot train the working-dog instincts out of a Dogue.
You can teach him how to live successfully with those instincts.
Size: seriously, how big are we talking?
Pretty darn big.
According to the AKC breed standard, males should stand approximately 23½–27 inches at the shoulder and weigh at least 110 pounds. Females are approximately 23–26 inches and at least 99 pounds.
And remember: those are minimums for weight, not a promise that your particular Dogue will stop there. This is a dog whose physical size needs to be considered in all the mundane parts of life.
Can you physically manage the dog if something goes wrong?
Can you get the dog into your vehicle?
Will the crate fit?
Will the dog bed fit?
Will your veterinarian's exam table accommodate the dog?
Can you afford equipment, medication, food, boarding, and veterinary care for a dog of this size?
Can your dog walk politely on a leash if he decides he would rather go somewhere else?
That last one is not theoretical.
A 25-pound dog who decides he doesn't want to walk is a stubborn puppy.
A 110-pound dog who decides he doesn't want to walk is an engineering problem.
Health issues: the real talk
This is where the pretty face and impressive physique need to take a back seat to reality.
Like many large and giant breeds, the Dogue de Bordeaux has health concerns that prospective owners need to understand before falling in love with one.
And yes, you are going to fall in love with one. That's how this works.
Common concerns include orthopedic problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia and shoulder disorders, which can have a major effect on mobility and quality of life.
Research into the breed has also identified cardiac disease and sudden unexpected death as areas that deserve continued attention.
Then there's GDV — gastric dilatation-volvulus, commonly called bloat — which is a life-threatening emergency. The stomach fills with gas and may twist, cutting off blood supply. It requires immediate veterinary attention.
There is another uncomfortable reality worth discussing:
The AKC currently lists the Dogue de Bordeaux's life expectancy at approximately 9–11 years.
That may sound like a decent lifespan compared with some giant breeds, but it is still short compared with what many people hope for when they bring home a dog.
And because health problems can become expensive quickly in a dog this large, financial preparation matters.
A $500 veterinary procedure for a 40-pound dog and a $500 veterinary procedure for a 110-pound dog may not remain $500 once anesthesia, medications, imaging, hospitalization, or specialized care enter the picture.
Pet insurance is worth investigating before you need it, particularly because pre-existing conditions may affect coverage.
And if you are purchasing a puppy from a breeder, health testing isn't optional window dressing. Ask to see the actual results.
The AKC's current recommendations for the Dogue de Bordeaux include:
Hip evaluation
Elbow evaluation
Cardiac examination
Shoulder evaluation
Don't be afraid to ask what health problems have occurred in the breeder's dogs, their parents, siblings, and previous litters.
And pay attention to how the breeder answers.
A breeder who says, “Our dogs have never had a problem, so we don't bother with testing,” is giving you information.
So is the breeder who says, “Here are our dogs' results, here are the issues we've encountered, and here's what we're doing to improve the next generation.”
The second answer is the one you want to hear.
Level of care required
Grooming
The good news: the Dogue de Bordeaux has a short, relatively low-maintenance coat.
The other news: the Dogue de Bordeaux has a face.
And that face comes with lips.
And those lips come with drool.
Lots of drool.
Low-maintenance coat, high-maintenance slobber.
You will own towels.
Many towels.
You may also discover that your Dogue can somehow deposit saliva on a surface that is several feet away from where he is actually standing. This is not scientifically understood. I have witnessed this in class. It's impressive.
Regular brushing will help manage shedding, but grooming isn't just about the coat. Skin folds need to be checked and kept clean and dry, particularly if your dog is prone to irritation or infection.
And because Dogues can be sensitive to heat, you'll also need to think about weather when planning exercise and outdoor time.
Exercise
Moderate is a better description than either “couch potato” or “athlete.”
A healthy adult Dogue needs regular exercise, but this is not the dog you buy because you're looking for a running partner.
Daily walks, opportunities to explore, training, and age-appropriate activity can go a long way. Puppies require particular care.
Large and giant breeds mature slowly, and their developing bones and joints need to be protected from excessive or repetitive high-impact activity. Your veterinarian can help you determine what is appropriate for your individual puppy as he grows.
The goal is not to keep the puppy in a bubble. The goal is to let him grow into that enormous body without asking his developing skeleton to do more than it's ready to handle.
Training
This is the part where I would put a giant neon sign over the page:
>> TRAIN YOUR DOG. <<
A Dogue de Bordeaux doesn't need harsh training. In fact, harsh handling can be counterproductive with a breed that can be sensitive as well as strong-willed.
What they do need is early socialization, consistency, patience, positive reinforcement, and clear expectations. And they need those things before they're enormous.
Because let's be honest:
A 20-pound puppy jumping on you is annoying.
A 100-plus-pound adult jumping on you is a lawsuit waiting to happen.
A giant dog who hasn't learned how to walk politely on a leash, come when called, settle around distractions, accept handling, or respond to his person can be genuinely difficult to manage.
This is why I love that Ruffie is in our Be Braver class.
He's not there because he's a “bad dog.” He's there because training is part of responsible ownership. He's a huge dog learning how to navigate the world with his person. And he's doing it while occasionally collecting cheese sticks. As one does.
Mental Stimulation
A Dogue may not need to run ten miles a day, but that doesn't mean his brain can be left in neutral.
Training sessions, scent work, food puzzles, appropriate chew items, obedience exercises, and simply learning how to function calmly in different environments can all provide useful mental stimulation.
And remember the original job: this breed was developed to work with humans.
The job doesn't have to be heroic.
“Go lie on your mat while I make dinner” is a job.
“Walk politely past that dog” is a job.
“Come when I call you even though there is a very interesting squirrel” is definitely a job.
You don't need to give your Dogue a vineyard to guard.
You just need to give him something worthwhile to do.
Cost to own one
Let's talk about the elephant-sized dog in the room.
Upfront Cost
The price of a Dogue de Bordeaux puppy varies considerably depending on breeder, pedigree, location, and what is included.
Current U.S. examples range from roughly the mid-$3,000s into the $4,000-plus range, but there is no universal “Dogue price,” and a higher price is absolutely not proof of a better breeder.
Do. Not. Shop. By. Price.
Shop by health testing, temperament, transparency, breeding practices, socialization, and whether the breeder is trying to produce dogs who can actually live healthy, functional lives.
The Dogue de Bordeaux Society of America maintains a breeder listing service with specific requirements for participating breeders, which can be a useful place to begin your research.
But beginning your research is not the same thing as finishing it.
Do your homework.
Food
You are feeding a dog who may weigh more than some adult humans.
That adds up.
And because nutrition is particularly important during growth, especially in giant-breed puppies, this isn't a place where I'd recommend simply buying the biggest bag of whatever happens to be on sale.
Talk to your veterinarian about appropriate nutrition and body condition for your individual dog.
And please don't confuse “big” with “fat.” The breed standard calls for a powerful, muscular dog, not a furry red ottoman.
Veterinary Care
Expect veterinary expenses to reflect the dog's size and potential health needs.
Routine care costs money.
Medications may cost more because dosing is often weight-based.
Anesthesia and hospitalization can become more complicated.
Specialist care can become very expensive very quickly.
This is one of those breeds where planning for veterinary expenses isn't pessimism. It's responsible ownership.
The Drool Budget
I am only partially kidding.
Towels.
You need towels.
You may also want washable bedding, easy-to-clean floors in the areas where your dog eats and drinks, and a willingness to wipe your walls occasionally.
Welcome to giant-breed life.
Rescue: puppies aren't the only option
The Dogue de Bordeaux isn't a common breed, so you aren't likely to find dozens of them sitting in shelters waiting for homes — there are currently none listed on Petfinder in this area right now.
But “rare” doesn't mean “never.”
Breed-specific rescue organizations do exist, and adult Dogues can be wonderful options for people who are prepared for the breed but would rather skip puppyhood.
Dogue de Bordeaux Rescue, Inc. is a nationwide, foster-based rescue organization that places Dogues of different ages and needs. Its available dogs change regularly, so even if there isn't a dog near you today, it's worth checking back if you're seriously interested in the breed.
And there is an advantage to adopting an adult that is easy to overlook — you may have a much clearer idea of who you're getting.
A puppy is a collection of possibilities, but an adult dog is starting to show you who he actually is.
That doesn't mean rescue is automatically easier. A rescue Dogue may come with behavioral, medical, or training needs that require considerable experience and resources.
But for the right person, the opportunity can be pretty wonderful.
So ... is a Dogue de Bordeaux right for you?
As always, I encourage readers to take the AKC Breed Selector Quiz and answer honestly about your lifestyle, experience, activity level, home, and expectations. The quiz is a starting point, not a verdict, but it can help you think through whether the breed's general characteristics fit your life.
But for the Dogue de Bordeaux, I'd add a few questions of my own.
Can you handle a very large, very strong dog?
Are you prepared to commit to training before the dog becomes physically imposing?
Are you comfortable living with a dog who may be naturally protective?
Can you afford the food, equipment, routine veterinary care, and potential medical expenses associated with a giant breed?
How do you feel about drool?
No, really.
How do you feel about drool?
Are you prepared for a dog who may be affectionate and devoted but isn't necessarily going to be your 24/7 social butterfly?
Can you provide structure, socialization, and mental stimulation without expecting your dog to become something his genetics never intended him to be?
And perhaps most importantly:
Do you like the idea of living with a dog who may look like he should be guarding the gates of a medieval castle but would actually prefer to lie on your feet while you watch television?
If you answered yes to all of that, well ...
You might be a Dogue person.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Curious about whether a Dogue de Bordeaux actually fits your lifestyle? Wondering if another breed might be a better match for your household? The AKC's Dog Breed Selector quiz is a genuinely useful starting point before you fall in love with a face at the shelter or add your name to a breeder list. akc.org/breed-selector-tool
Finding a Dogue de Bordeaux — where to start
If you've decided that the Dogue de Bordeaux belongs on your short list, resist the urge to start by Googling “Dogue de Bordeaux puppies near me” and sending money to the first person with adorable puppy pictures.
Start with information.
The Dogue de Bordeaux Society of America is the AKC parent club for the breed and offers breed information, health resources, and a breeder listing service.
Wherever you find your Dogue, remember that the resource is only the beginning.
Meet the dogs.
Talk to owners.
Ask breeders uncomfortable questions.
Ask rescue organizations uncomfortable questions.
Learn about the breed's health problems before you're staring at a veterinary estimate.
And if you're looking at a puppy, look at the adults.
The enormous red puppy with the giant head is adorable. Obviously.
But the adult dog standing beside the breeder tells you a lot more about what that puppy may eventually become.
And what about Ruffie?
Ruffie has already taught me something important.
From across the training room, he looks like a dog who could have been carved out of stone and assigned to guard the entrance to a French château.
Up close, he's a big red boy who leans into his person, takes cheese sticks politely, and apparently has no objection whatsoever to having his face wiped down with a towel.
He's enormous.
He's impressive.
He's insanely adorable.
And he's a really good reminder that sometimes the dog who looks the most intimidating is also the one quietly hoping you'll tell him what a good boy he is.
That's the Dogue de Bordeaux.
Big head. Bigger heart. And quite possibly the largest drool budget in the room.
Don't miss a single bark.
What's Breed Got to Do With It is part of our ongoing series on breed realities, adoption advocacy, and finding the right fit. It drops right here on the Bark Blog every Thursday.
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My Barking Life is an animal-themed art and advocacy brand based in Ohio. Follow along at mybarkinglife.com and on Instagram, Threads, Facebook, and Pinterest.
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