Dogue de Bordeaux

An affectionate companion with considerable strength

The Dogue de Bordeaux belongs to France’s old mastiff types. These dogs historically worked as guardians, hunters and cattle drovers. They were also used in animal fighting. Their precise origins are not fully known. By the nineteenth century, the type was particularly associated with southwestern France. It appeared under its present name at a Paris dog exhibition in 1863.

The short coat ranges from pale yellowish shades to rich reddish brown. Some dogs have a darker facial mask. The international canine federation FCI gives males a shoulder height of 60 to 68 centimetres and a minimum weight of 50 kilograms. Females measure 58 to 66 centimetres and weigh at least 45 kilograms. The broad head, skin folds and short face shape its appearance, but pronounced features can also cause health problems.

With familiar people, it can be affectionate and gentle. Its weight still requires care. During a greeting, it can easily knock a child or an unsteady adult off balance. Shared activities should therefore be supervised. Its size and strength make the breed poorly suited to households with small children. Other pets need thoughtful introductions. Rabbits and similar small animals should remain physically separate because chasing and hunting behaviour can occur.

Everyday life

Regular walks with time to sniff, small searches and calm training suit the Dogue de Bordeaux. Its relaxed appearance should not lead to exercise being neglected. Pace and distance need to suit its fitness, joints and breathing. Shorter routes in cooler parts of the day are helpful in warm weather. Audible breathing difficulty or consistently falling behind should be investigated.

It can exert considerable force on a lead. Loose lead walking and calm waiting should therefore be taught early with rewards. A prepared resting place away from the entrance is useful when visitors arrive. Clear exercises and kind consistency suit a sensitive Dogue better than rough handling. A qualified training class can support its owners while these skills develop.

It often values close company. Time alone should be introduced gradually, with suitable care for longer absences. Anyone taking over should be able to handle a heavy dog safely. Fellfolio’s cost planner can bring food, care and possible ongoing treatment costs together. This helps make the long-term commitments clearer before the dog arrives.

Everyday dog training: recall, a loose lead and clear communication ↗

Health

The short head can restrict the airway, making breathing and cooling more difficult. Noisy breathing, poor exercise tolerance or disturbed sleep may follow. These problems are called brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, often shortened to BOAS. Snoring and marked breathing noise should therefore be discussed with a vet. Breathing distress or collapse needs immediate help.

Hip and elbow dysplasia can cause painful joint problems. Parts of the joint develop abnormally or fit poorly. The parents’ examination results should be available before a puppy is chosen. Eyes and the heart deserve attention too. Britain’s Royal Kennel Club recommends eye screening, while the American Kennel Club includes heart examinations among its recommendations. The veterinary team should explain which additional checks suit the individual dog.

A twisted stomach is another important emergency. The stomach fills with gas and may rotate, rapidly compromising blood flow and circulation. Sudden restlessness, a swollen abdomen or unsuccessful retching need immediate veterinary attention. An available emergency service and suitable transport for a heavy dog should be planned in advance. A Fellfolio emergency card can keep contacts and important medical details together.