A calm, even-tempered companion that is deeply devoted to its family and naturally watchful over home and people. Early training and socialisation help channel its strong will.132
how to spot oneDogue de Bordeaux coat and colours
short
A massive, powerful mastiff with a broad, wrinkled head and a fine, short coat that feels soft to the touch.13
Comes infawn (mahogany to isabella)fawn with black maskfawn with brown maskfawn without mask13
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Dogue de Bordeaux. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 6every year
how busy a day looksDogue de Bordeaux exercise needs
Moderate; the Royal Kennel Club suggests up to about an hour of exercise a day.5
where they are happiestDogue de Bordeaux at home
Suits a roomy home with a large garden; the Royal Kennel Club notes it is happiest with space, such as in the country.5
who they like aroundDogue de Bordeaux with people and other pets
Very people-oriented and devoted to its owner; sources describe it as good with children in its own family.34
the hands-on bitsDogue de Bordeaux grooming and care
The short coat sheds regularly and needs brushing about once a week.5
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Dogue de Bordeaux, and at what times?
Feed your Dogue de Bordeaux at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Consistent meal times help their digestion. For exact portions, check the food label and ask your vet.6
What should a Dogue de Bordeaux eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A high-quality dog food suitable for large breeds is ideal. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, as listed by the ASPCA. Always consult your vet for a balanced diet.7
How often should I bathe a Dogue de Bordeaux?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests bathing every 56 days, and general guidance recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets dirty or has skin issues. Use a dog-specific shampoo.8
How often does a Dogue de Bordeaux need brushing?
Brush your Dogue de Bordeaux about once a week to manage shedding and keep the coat healthy. Pet Wiki's plan recommends weekly brushing.58
How do I trim a Dogue de Bordeaux's nails, and how often?
Trim nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every 28 days as a starting point. Cut a small amount at a time, avoiding the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer.8
How much exercise does a Dogue de Bordeaux need?
Your Dogue de Bordeaux needs moderate exercise, about an hour a day according to the Royal Kennel Club. Daily walks and play sessions keep them happy and healthy.5
How do I look after a Dogue de Bordeaux's teeth and ears?
Brush your Dogue de Bordeaux's teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, ideally daily. Check ears weekly for moisture or dirt, gently wiping the outer ear; never insert anything into the ear canal.8
How long does a Dogue de Bordeaux live?
Lifespan varies by individual; please ask your vet for breed-specific life expectancy.
Is a Dogue de Bordeaux good with children and other pets?
Yes, the Dogue de Bordeaux is known to be good with children in its own family, being calm and devoted. Early socialisation helps with other pets. Always supervise interactions.34
Can a Dogue de Bordeaux be left alone?
This breed is very people-oriented, so being left alone for long hours can be challenging. Ask a good breeder or your vet for specific recommendations.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
what to watchDogue de Bordeaux health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Dogue de Bordeaux. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Hip dysplasia
Poorly formed hip joints that can lead to arthritis. PDSA lists it for the breed. ↗
Elbow dysplasia
Poorly formed elbow joints that can lead to arthritis. PDSA lists it for the breed. ↗
Skin fold dermatitis
Infection and soreness in the deep facial folds, which need regular cleaning and drying. PDSA; the breed is Royal Kennel Club Breed Watch Category 3. ↗
Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat a Dogue de Bordeaux costs
Running costs for a Dogue de Bordeaux, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Dogue de Bordeaux legal where you live?
7 of the 61 countries we check have a rule that names the Dogue de Bordeaux. Check the law before you travel or move, the details change.
RestrictedKategorie 2: presumed fighting dogs unless a Negativzeugnis (negative certificate after temperament test) is obtained for the individual dog.
BannedLChiens Art. 23 and RChiens Art. 17 (15 'chiens listés' and their crosses): these dogs are banned in the canton. Dogs already kept when their breed was listed may stay only with a keeping authorisation, and owners of newly listed dogs must apply within 12 months of the listing; listed dogs must pass a behaviour test (RChiens Art. 16).
Permit requiredRegolamento sui cani (RCani, in force 1 Jan 2026) art. 14-20: the 32 listed breeds (Bull Terrier and Miniature Bull Terrier share one entry) and their crosses, born after 1 April 2009, need an authorisation from the cantonal veterinary office before acquisition, a training course, and aptitude tests at 9 to 13 months and again in the third year. Applies to residents and to anyone staying with the dog in the canton for at least 30 days a year.
Permit requiredVorarlberg: keeping a listed breed requires an authorisation; muzzle, leash or custody conditions are set case by case by decision (older secondary overview, not re-verified against the current law).
Insurance requiredPart 2 licensing conditions: leashed and muzzled in public, insurance of at least 100,000 SGD, 2,000 SGD banker's guarantee, obedience training.
Insurance requiredLey 4078 CABA: registration before 3 months of age, muzzle and non-extensible leash of max 2 m in public, liability insurance, secure enclosure; abandonment is a serious offence.
RestrictedAnnex to Ministry of Agriculture and Food Resolution No. 40 of 12 Dec 2001 lists 40 potentially dangerous breeds (Russian names as in the FAOLEX copy, English in brackets). Importing them needs permission from the Main Veterinary Directorate, and owners must complete a special course at a dog club within three months. The Law of 1 April 2024 No. 361-Z on responsible treatment of animals replaced the term with 'dogs requiring special owner responsibility'; a new list is in a draft Council of Ministers resolution not yet adopted as of Aug 2026, so the status of the 2001 list is uncertain.
BannedSince 13 December 2024 it is illegal to breed, advertise or sell non-pedigree bully-type dogs of these breeds or their crosses, or to keep ones born after that date. Pedigree dogs with recognised kennel club registration are allowed, and existing non-pedigree dogs may be kept if they were microchipped and registered before 13 December 2024. Dogs brought from another EU country that the keeper has had for at least six months are exempt if registered within 30 days of entry.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
The breed is often said to have the largest head relative to body size of any dog.2
2
A female named Magenta won her class when the breed was first shown in Paris in 1863.2
3
The 1989 film Turner & Hooch, starring a Dogue de Bordeaux, gave the breed a big boost in the United States.2
4
Some Dogues have no mask at all and show reddish skin instead, which the standard allows.1
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed name 'Dogue de Bordeaux' comes from the French city of Bordeaux in the Aquitaine region, where these dogs were historically used for hunting large game and guarding. The word 'dogue' appeared at the end of the 14th century, and the breed was first exhibited under its present name at the 1863 Paris dog show.9
My day starts with a slow, happy groan as I roll off my big bed. My human scratches my jowls, and I give a soft, rumbly sigh. We take a gentle stroll around the block, I sniff every tree like it holds ancient secrets. Back home, I flop on my cool spot on the floor and watch the family bustle. When the kids come home, I wag my whole back end and let them lean on me. I keep a close eye on the front window, but I'm mostly just content. Dinner is simple, my bowl, my favorite time. Then it's back to my spot, dreaming of tomorrow's walks.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
for a film nightOn screen
Films and series picked by Oskar, who made Pet Wiki.
Turner & Hooch1989
A tidy detective is stuck with a drooling Dogue de Bordeaux witness.
Mastiff-type dogs have lived in south-west France for centuries, and the word dogue was already in use in the 14th century. They guarded estates and vineyards, hunted large game and pulled loads. After the world wars left very few dogs, breeders led by Raymond Triquet rebuilt the breed from the 1960s.1325
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