Apartment fit
Apartment life is possible only in practical setups with elevator access, cooling, and outdoor routines. The breed's bulk and drool are major considerations.
WorkingLarge
France
FranceDogue de Bordeaux
Weight
99-150 lb
Height
23-27 in
Lifespan
5-8 yrs
Coat
Smooth Short
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a massive French mastiff with a short fawn coat, heavy head, loyal guardian temperament, and significant health and drool considerations.
Massive French mastiff breedShort fawn coat with black, brown, or no maskLoyal, affectionate, calm, and watchfulHigh drool and heat sensitivity
Breed Names
Official, native, and commonly used variants
French MastiffBordeaux Mastiff
LoyalAffectionateCourageousCalmWatchful
Weight
99-150 lb
Height
23-27 in
Lifespan
5-8 yrs
Coat
Smooth Short
At A Glance
Daily living snapshot
A quick read on energy, upkeep, and what day-to-day life with this breed usually feels like.
Energy
Moderate
Barking
Moderate
Drooling
High
Shedding
Moderate
Grooming
2/5
First-time owner
No
Overview
The Dogue de Bordeaux is an old French mastiff breed, historically used for guarding, hauling, and protection work. It is massive, muscular, low-set, and famous for its broad head, serious expression, and deep loyalty to family.
A good Dogue is usually calm, affectionate, courageous, and watchful. It should not be treated as a casual first dog: size, strength, drool, heat sensitivity, and guardian instincts require early socialization, careful handling, and realistic expectations.
The coat is short and fawn, ranging from lighter shades to mahogany, with black, brown, or no mask depending on the standard. Health and lifespan are major ownership factors. Owners should discuss hips, elbows, heart disease, cancer, epilepsy, bloat, breathing, skin folds, and heat risk with responsible breeders and veterinarians.
Temperament & Personality
LoyalAffectionateCourageousCalmWatchful
This breed tends to suit homes looking for a loyal, affectionate, courageous companion, with daily rhythms shaped by moderate energy, moderate barking, and high drooling.
Coat type
Smooth
Coat length
Short
Shedding
Moderate
Colors
Fawn, Mahogany, Black Mask, Brown Mask, No Mask
Lifestyle Compatibility
Family Friendly3/5
Good with Kids3/5
Good with Dogs2/5
Good with Strangers2/5
Apartment Friendly2/5
Exercise Needs2/5
Grooming Needs2/5
Trainability3/5
Good fit if you want
- A breed chosen for specific lifestyle fit
- Room for routine exercise
- Confidence handling structure and training
Plan ahead for
- 2/5 exercise needs
- moderate shedding and coat upkeep
- moderate barking in daily life
Owner Fit & Everyday Behavior
Best for
- experienced mastiff owners
- homes prepared for drool and giant-dog costs
- owners who can manage heat and health risks
- families with calm handling and space
Not ideal for
- first-time owners wanting an easy large dog
- hot homes without cooling
- people who dislike drool
- owners unable to manage a powerful guardian
Common challenges
- drooling
- heat sensitivity
- short lifespan
- joint and heart disease
- leash strength
Barking & behavior
Dogue de Bordeaux are usually watchful and loyal. Manage visitors calmly and avoid letting the dog decide independently who belongs near the home.
Training style
Use calm, consistent rewards and early manners. Leash control, handling, grooming cooperation, and visitor routines are essential.
Grooming & shedding
Brush the short coat, clean folds, wipe drool, trim nails, and check skin. Grooming is simple, but maintenance is constant.
Care Guide
Exercise
Dogue de Bordeaux adults need steady, moderate exercise, not hard endurance work. Keep walks controlled, avoid heat, and protect growing dogs from repetitive impact.
Grooming
The short coat is easy to brush, but facial wrinkles, ears, nails, skin, and drool cleanup need routine attention. Keep folds clean and dry where needed.
Training
Start socialization and manners early. Teach leash control, calm visitor routines, handling, and settling before the dog reaches full strength.
Nutrition
Feed measured meals for slow, lean growth and adult body condition. Discuss bloat risk, joint health, heart health, and large-breed nutrition with a veterinarian.
Behavior & Environment
Energy level
Moderate
Barking level
Moderate
Drooling level
High
Watchdog ability
5/5
Guard dog ability
4/5
Climate tolerance
Cold weather3/5
Heat tolerance1/5
Health Considerations
Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.
Hip dysplasiaElbow dysplasiaHeart diseaseCancerBloat riskEpilepsyHeat sensitivity
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Dogue de Bordeaux a good apartment dog?
It can live in a roomy apartment only with careful exercise, heat control, elevator or stair planning, and excellent leash manners. Size and drool make it difficult.
Does the Dogue de Bordeaux bark a lot?
It is often a moderate barker, but its watchdog presence is serious. Teach calm visitor routines and do not encourage uncontrolled guarding.
Is the Dogue de Bordeaux good for first-time owners?
Usually no. The breed's size, strength, drool, health risks, and guarding instinct make it better for experienced large-dog owners.
How much exercise does the Dogue de Bordeaux need?
Most adults need moderate daily walks and controlled activity. Avoid heavy exertion in heat and protect puppies from high-impact exercise.
Is the Dogue de Bordeaux good with kids and other dogs?
A well-raised Dogue can be affectionate with family, but supervision is essential because of size and strength. Some are selective with unfamiliar dogs.
Does the Dogue de Bordeaux drool a lot?
Yes. Heavy drooling is part of the breed, and owners should expect regular cleanup around meals, water, heat, and excitement.
What is the biggest challenge of owning the Dogue de Bordeaux?
The biggest challenge is managing a huge, drooling guardian breed with heat sensitivity, short lifespan, and significant health risks.
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