This imposing, wrinkled giant always attracts attention. It is almost impossible for this dog to go unnoticed. He is generally calm and gentle but can be very stubborn, especially if he lacks a firm leader. He loves his family and watches over them diligently. On the other hand, he has a few drawbacks: he drools, sheds, snores, and is sensitive to extreme temperatures.
Most of us first saw the Dogue de Bordeaux on the big screen in 1989 when this breed stole the show in the movie “Turner & Hooch” starring Tom Hanks. Since then, this incredible dog has been winning hearts and homes. He is related to mastiffs and is characterized by a massive head, muscular body, and serious expression on his deeply wrinkled face. His personality ranges from reserved to sociable and even comical. The Dogue de Bordeaux is a guardian breed with a history of fighting, but today, he is primarily a companion and show dog.
To avoid confusion, we will occasionally use the abbreviation for this dog – DDB. The DDB is quite brave, full of love, and loyal, but he is not a dog for inexperienced owners. He is strong and stubborn and requires firm leadership, consistent and fair training, as well as early and intensive socialization. Without these, he may become aggressive towards other dogs and impossible for an inexperienced owner to handle.
This is not a dog you can tie up in the yard. The Dogue de Bordeaux loves his people and always wants to be with them, so expect to share your couch and bed with him. Because he is a brachycephalic breed (short-nosed), he may have anatomical deformities that make cooling down through breathing difficult. Keep him in an air-conditioned space – he can quickly die if left outside or if he exercises too much in the heat.
He is often lazy and calm, except when needed as a guardian. The Dogue de Bordeaux has a low activity level and is content to spend his days napping, with occasional short walks or brief play sessions. Get him a ball to chase and toss. These dogs can also compete in agility and weight pulling, and some even serve as therapy dogs.
When it comes to small children, the Dogue de Bordeaux is loving and protective. His calm nature means he is unlikely to knock over a child, but no dog, regardless of size, should be left alone with children. He can get along with cats and other dogs if raised with them from a young age.
Breed Overview – The Dogue de Bordeaux

The Dogue de Bordeaux belongs to the mastiff family and originates from France, where he has been present for over 600 years. He has thick, loose skin covered with fine, short fur. His coat can be any shade of fawn, from light to dark red, with or without a black or brown mask. Their impressive build and strength make them excellent guardians, but they require careful training.
The Dogue de Bordeaux
Height | 23 – 27 inches at the shoulder | Weight | 90 – 160 pounds |
Adaptability | 🟡🟡🟡 | Child Friendly | 🟡🟡🟡 |
Apartment Friendly | 🔴 | Exercise Needs | 🟠🟠 |
Dog Friendly | 🟠🟠 | Health Issues | 🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢 |
Barking Tendencies | 🟠🟠 | Intelligence | 🟡🟡🟡 |
Energy Level | 🟠🟠 | Grooming | 🟢🟢🟢🟢 |
Trainability | 🟡🟡🟡 | Territorial | 🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢 |
Social Needs | 🟡🟡🟡 | Stranger Friendly | 🔴 |
History of the Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux is closely related to the mastiff, bullmastiff, Neapolitan mastiff, and similar breeds. It is believed that they have existed in France for at least 600 years. These dogs guarded estates and hunted large game such as wild boars. They lived well until the French Revolution when their association with aristocracy often cost them their lives. Some, however, found a new purpose as butcher or farm dogs.

The first recorded appearance of a DDB at a dog show occurred in Paris in 1863, but the breed standard was not written until 1896. Since these dogs originally came from the Bordeaux region in France, the breed was named after that area. Today, they are often referred to by the abbreviation DDB. Other names for the breed include French Mastiff or Bordeaux Dog.
In the United States, the first Dogue de Bordeaux was imported in 1959, but it only became widely known 30 years later, thanks to its role in “Turner & Hooch” with Tom Hanks. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed in 2008, and today, it ranks 68th in popularity.
Temperament and Personality of the Dogue de Bordeaux
This dog looks quite serious and possesses great confidence. However, when he is with his family, he can be relaxed and even comical. The Dogue de Bordeaux is an attentive and brave pet. His personality can vary – some are reserved, some sociable, some comical, gentle, stubborn, or quick learners. Each dog has its unique nature.
At his best, the Dogue de Bordeaux is calm and gentle but can also be very stubborn. When a dog of this size decides to do things his way, it can be extremely difficult to change his mind. That is why it is essential that he undergoes extensive socialization from a young age and is guided by a firm but respectful owner. Without this, he can develop aggression towards other dogs, smaller animals, or even people. If you want to live with a DDB, you must be prepared to learn, set boundaries, and earn his trust.
When he has an owner he respects, the Dogue de Bordeaux is an excellent family dog. He loves spending time with his family – on the couch, in bed, or simply lying next to them. He is not overly active and is content to lie quietly and watch over the house. Short walks and occasional play are enough for him. However, do not be fooled – if a stranger knocks on the door, the DDB will be ready to protect you immediately.

When it comes to small children, this dog is loving, protective, gentle, and tolerant. Unlike many large breeds that can be overly playful and unintentionally knock over a child, the Dogue de Bordeaux is usually careful. Still, no large dog should ever be left alone with children – every interaction must be supervised.
Every dog, no matter how good, can develop bad habits such as excessive barking, digging, climbing on kitchen counters, and other mischief. You can expect such behaviors from a DDB if he is bored, untrained, or neglected.
Training and Socialization of the Dogue de Bordeaux
Training should begin as soon as you bring your puppy home. Even at eight weeks old, a Dogue de Bordeaux is ready to learn. If you wait until the puppy is six months old to start training, you may end up with a stubborn dog that will have difficulty accepting rules. Ideally, enroll your puppy in a puppy training class between 10 and 12 weeks of age and start intensive socialization.
Due to their limited attention span, training sessions should be short—about 10-15 minutes, two to three times a day. This approach helps the dog stay focused and makes learning more effective. The quality of training is more important than the duration. It is necessary to use simple and clear commands that the dog can easily understand. Stick to basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and “come.” It is also crucial to avoid using multiple words for the same command to prevent confusion.
When it comes to socialization, expose your dog to different environments, people, and animals from an early age. Proper socialization helps prevent behavioral issues such as aggression or fear later in life.

Talk to the breeder, explain what kind of dog you are looking for, and ask for help in selecting a puppy. Breeders spend every day with the puppies and can give you precise recommendations based on your lifestyle and personality. No matter what you expect from your Dogue de Bordeaux, choose a puppy whose parents have a stable temperament and who has been socialized from a young age.
Health Issues in Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux, although known for its loyalty and protective nature, is prone to several health problems due to its size and physical characteristics. Here are the main health concerns associated with this breed:
– Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia are common orthopedic issues in Dogue de Bordeaux. These conditions involve abnormal joint development, leading to arthritis and pain. Symptoms may include difficulty standing, reluctance to jump or run, and an unusual gait. Maintaining a healthy weight and providing moderate physical activity can help manage these conditions.
– Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
Dilated cardiomyopathy is a serious heart condition in which the heart becomes enlarged and weakened, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively. Symptoms can be subtle but may include fatigue, coughing, and fainting. Regular cardiac check-ups are essential for early detection and treatment.
– Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV)
Commonly known as bloat or stomach torsion, GDV is a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and may twist. This condition is especially common in deep-chested breeds like Dogue de Bordeaux. Symptoms include a bloated abdomen, restlessness, excessive drooling, and unsuccessful attempts to vomit. GDV requires immediate veterinary intervention.
– Brachycephalic Syndrome
Due to its short muzzle, the Dogue de Bordeaux is prone to brachycephalic syndrome, which can cause breathing difficulties. Symptoms include noisy breathing, snoring, and difficulty exercising, especially in warm weather. Treatment may include lifestyle adjustments or surgical interventions, depending on severity.
– Eye Problems
This breed’s prominent eyes can lead to conditions such as entropion, where the eyelids roll inward, causing irritation. Regular eye examinations are important for early detection and treatment, which may include surgical correction if necessary.
– Cancer
Cancer is a significant concern within the breed, with lymphoma being one of the most commonly diagnosed types. Other forms of cancer, such as osteosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma, can also occur. Regular veterinary check-ups help with early detection and treatment.
– Skin Issues
Due to loose skin, the Dogue de Bordeaux is prone to infections and allergies caused by moisture accumulation in skin folds. Regular cleaning of these areas is crucial for preventing dermatitis and other skin conditions.

Awareness of these health issues is essential for Dogue de Bordeaux owners. Regular veterinary check-ups, a proper diet, moderate exercise, and attention to signs of discomfort can help manage these conditions and ensure a healthier and longer life for your pet.
Basic Grooming for Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux’s short coat is easy to maintain. Brush him once a week with a rubber curry brush to remove dead hair. However, grooming is not just about coat care. This breed has wrinkles that require special attention to prevent infections. Wipe them with a damp cloth or baby wipe, then dry them thoroughly to prevent skin problems.

It’s also a good idea to keep a towel handy to wipe your dog’s wrinkled face after every meal or drink of water. When he shakes his big head, he can sling drool everywhere. He also sheds heavily, so expect frequent vacuuming and cleaning.
Other grooming tasks include regular ear checks and cleaning when necessary, brushing teeth as often as possible, and trimming nails every few weeks.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a dog that is both a gentle companion and a fearless guardian, the Dogue de Bordeaux may be the perfect choice for you.
If you decide on this breed, you can find one through the Dogue de Bordeaux Society of America.