Lily’s Second Chance

Dogue de Bordeaux Guide: Temperament, Care and Adoption

What is the Dogue de Bordeaux like?

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a giant working dog known for its massive head, strong build and loyal nature. The American Kennel Club places the breed in the Working Group and lists its origin as France. Its coat is short and smooth, usually in shades of fawn.

Where does the breed come from?

It is one of the oldest French breeds, with obscure origins but a probable descent from Mastiff-type dogs that traveled with ancient armies. In its native Aquitaine it was used to hunt large animals such as boar, to guard homes and cattle, and in the service of butchers. Today it is used almost exclusively as a family companion and house guardian.

How big does a Dogue de Bordeaux get?

The American Kennel Club lists males at 110 pounds and up and females at 99 pounds and up, and places the breed in its extra-large size category. The United Kennel Club describes a mature height of 23 to 26 inches in males and 22 to 25 inches in females, with healthy dogs weighing at least 110 pounds for males and 99 for females.

Is the Dogue de Bordeaux good with children and strangers?

The American Kennel Club describes the breed as loyal, courageous and affectionate, and VCA Animal Hospitals calls these dogs typically calm and devoted to their families. Many are gentle with children but need supervision because of their size, and they may be reserved around unfamiliar people. If training is lacking, they can turn too protective or hard to handle, and with other pets they may be selective, which makes early socialization important.

How much exercise does it need?

Moderate daily exercise is typically enough, such as walks and structured activity. Hard, jarring exercise is best kept to a minimum, especially while a dog is still growing, to protect developing joints.

What does grooming involve?

The coat is low-maintenance, but weekly brushing helps manage shedding and keeps the coat in good condition. Skin folds should be cleaned regularly and checked for irritation or infection, and nail and ear care should be kept up routinely.

How trainable is it?

Consistent, positive training is described as essential for stable behavior, and early socialization helps manage the breed's size and protective instincts. The breed is best suited to experienced owners.

How long does a Bordeaux dog live, and what health issues matter?

The breed lives for a shorter time than many others, in part because of its size and a tendency toward serious cardiac disease and cancer. VCA Animal Hospitals describes them as a giant brachycephalic breed with orthopedic, respiratory, neurologic, cardiac and gastrointestinal risks, and names congenital heart disease (aortic stenosis). A veterinarian can advise on what checks suit an individual dog.

What should adopters know before looking at bordeaux dog rescue listings?

The breed tends to do best in homes with space, structure and close interaction, ideally with access to outdoor space. They have limited tolerance for time alone and prefer companionship, so ask the organization caring for a dog how it copes when left.

AKC breed facts

These are the American Kennel Club’s general facts and 1 to 5 ratings for the Dogue de Bordeaux as a breed. General tendencies don’t establish any one dog’s ancestry, personality or health; ask the listing organization about the dog you are considering.

AKC group
Working Group
AKC recognition year
2008
Height (AKC published)
23.27 inches (male), 23-26 inches (female)
Weight (AKC published)
110 pounds & up (male), 99 pounds & up (female)
General life expectancy
5-8 years
AKC size category
XLarge

AKC general breed ratings (1 to 5)

  • Energy: 3 of 5
  • Mental enrichment: 4 of 5
  • Trainability: 4 of 5
  • Grooming frequency: 1 of 5
  • Shedding: 4 of 5
  • Vocalization: 3 of 5
  • Drooling: 5 of 5
  • Adaptability: 4 of 5
  • Playfulness: 3 of 5
  • Watchful or protective tendency: 5 of 5
  • Affection toward family: 5 of 5
  • Openness toward strangers: 3 of 5
  • AKC child compatibility rating: 3 of 5
  • AKC dog compatibility rating: 3 of 5

Health screenings AKC lists for the breed

Breeding evaluations AKC names for the breed; they are not a diagnosis or a testing plan for any one dog.

  • Hip Evaluation
  • Elbow Evaluation
  • Cardiac Exam
  • Shoulder Evaluation

Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (opens in a new tab), retrieved November 4, 2026 (snapshot akc-2026-11-04).

Written by Lily's Second Chance with AI assistance from the sources listed under References. Facts were checked automatically against those sources on November 9, 2026.

References

Senior Dogue de Bordeaux dogs looking for homes

Each dog is listed by the shelter or rescue named on the card. Please confirm availability with them.