Dogue de Bordeaux

The precise origin of this breed is unknown with some thinking that is it was originally an ancient Roman breed while others suggest it is descended from the Tibetan Mastiff and the Greek Molossus. Others say it has always been a French dog that has slowly been developed over 2000 years. Whatever their history, the Dogue de Bordeaux started their working life as a highly successful fighting dog and was pitted against bulls, bears and other dogs. As well as being a fighter, the Dogue turned their paws to other roles and over the years has been a war dog, a guard dog, a hunting dog and even a cattle driving dog. It was this latter role that saved the breed after the French Revolution when most noble dogs met the same fate as their noble masters. Those working as mere ‘butcher’s dogs’ (who may indeed have been the more peaceable individuals), survived and were later able to re-establish the breed. As part of this re-establishment, they were crossed with the Bulldog which reduced their size.

You’ll need plenty of patience for this slow maturing breed, grooming is easy, but wiping up drool from the dog, yourself and your surroundings is not everybody’s cup of tea. Big dogs require big beds, big collars, big cars and big homes and gardens, and tend to come with big bills as well. For the active owner who enjoys walks and can put the training in to ensure this big goofy breed stays safe and out of trouble, the Dogue can be an excellent companion. Best with child-free families or those with older teenagers. 

They do not require as much exercise as may be expected – about an hour daily should be sufficient for an adult but this is better split into several short walks. They do enjoy spending time outside in the garden however, as long as it’s secure and they have both shade and constant access to water. Too much exercise too young can lead to bone and joint problems in later life and so should be carefully monitored.

This is a dog who needs a lot of space both inside and out. Gardens should be securely fenced with no access to casual visitors.

Giant-breed dogs, as well as having giant appetites, benefit from a different balance of minerals and vitamins, supporting different joint and cartilage needs. The Dogue de Bordeaux is prone to bloating and stomach problems; try feeding smaller, more frequent meals to help minimise the risk.

Grooming is relatively easy. A rubber grooming mitt over the short coat once a week, to remove any loose or dead hair is all that is needed. The skin folds on the face should be cleaned and dried regularly to stop any skin infections from starting.

As they are such a large dog, the Dogue de Bordeaux needs to learn to walk on a lead and harness from an early age, as well as learn all the usual canine manners including coming back when called. They are never going to excel in a training class but for them the socialisation aspect of being around other dogs and people is more important than learning obedience.  

The Dogue de Bordeaux can make a good family dog where there are older sensible children but is too large and often a little clumsy to be good with younger ones. Their aloofness with strangers means they are not good in households with lots of visitors of any age.

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.