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Dogue de Bordeaux

The Dogue de Bordeaux is an ancient French mastiff from the Bordeaux region, used for guarding, driving cattle and baiting.

It has the largest head in proportion to its body of any dog breed, deeply wrinkled, over a massive short-coupled frame.

It stands 58 to 69 centimetres and weighs 45 to 65 kilograms. The number that matters most is the lifespan: five to eight years, among the shortest of any breed, with a widely cited study putting the median close to five. It is affectionate, calm and deeply attached to its family, and choosing one means accepting a short life and a substantial veterinary bill, which is the honest way to describe the breed.

Origin
Bordeaux region, France; an ancient mastiff
Size
58–69 cm; 45–65 kg
Lifespan
5–8 years — among the shortest of any breed
Head
The largest head-to-body ratio of any dog breed
Temperament
Calm, affectionate, deeply family-attached
Health
Brachycephalic airway problems, dilated cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia

2 dogue de bordeaux photos, newest first

  • Biscuit, a dogue de bordeaux

    Biscuit

    Biscuit was promoted to mayor opening a very small fountain; unfortunately, a clockwork train misses the platform.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Biscuit, a dogue de bordeaux

    Biscuit

    Biscuit does this every morning and I have stopped questioning it.

    SunnyHeron · 2 weeks ago

Living with a dogue de bordeaux

Go in knowing the lifespan. Five to eight years is what the breed averages, and cardiac disease, cancer and joint failure are the usual causes. It is not a reason not to have one; it is a reason not to be surprised.

The shortened muzzle brings brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. Noisy breathing at rest is not normal. They overheat dangerously fast — no exercise in heat, never in a car, and a harness rather than a collar.

Ask for a cardiac evaluation on the parents; dilated cardiomyopathy is common.

Clean the facial folds regularly; trapped moisture causes dermatitis.

Grow puppies slowly on a large-breed diet, ask for hip and elbow scores, and expect a great deal of drool.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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