Dogue de Bordeaux 2025 Guide: Temperament & Care 🐶

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

The Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the French Mastiff or Bordeaux Mastiff, is a majestic and muscular breed known for its deep loyalty and serious presence. Behind their wrinkled face and droopy jowls lies a calm, loving companion with a heart as massive as their body. In this comprehensive 2025 vet-reviewed guide, you’ll learn everything you need to raise, train, and care for a Dogue de Bordeaux. 🐾

📜 Breed Origins

One of the oldest French breeds, the Dogue de Bordeaux has been a guardian, hunter, and war dog since the Middle Ages. Historically used to guard estates, pull carts, and hunt large game, this breed is a symbol of strength and dignity. Despite their imposing size, they are known to be gentle giants with those they trust. 🇫🇷

🧠 Temperament & Personality

The Dogue de Bordeaux has a quiet confidence. They’re not high-energy but are deeply bonded with their humans:

• Protective & Loyal: Reserved with strangers but fiercely loving with family
• Calm & Laid-back: Not hyper—enjoys lounging with purpose
• Gentle with Kids: Patient and watchful with proper training
• Strong-Willed: Requires experienced, confident handling

🏡 Ideal Home Environment

This breed thrives in calm, structured households with the space to stretch out:

• Best in homes with yards—not well suited for apartments
• Ideal for experienced owners who appreciate quiet companionship
• Shouldn’t be left alone for long periods—craves routine and closeness

These dogs prefer to be near their people and are known for following their humans from room to room. 🛋️

✂️ Grooming & Coat Care

The Dogue de Bordeaux has a short, fine coat that’s low-maintenance but drool-heavy:

• Brushing: Weekly brushing helps reduce loose hair and keeps the coat shiny
• Bathing: Every 4–6 weeks or as needed
• Wrinkle Care: Clean facial folds regularly to prevent infections
• Drool Management: Keep cloths or wipes handy to clean jowls

🏃♂️ Exercise & Activity Needs

Despite their size, these dogs are not overly active—but still need daily movement:

• 30–45 minutes of daily walks or gentle play
• Avoid strenuous exercise in hot weather—they overheat easily
• Short obedience games or scent training can provide mental enrichment

They're a “couch potato with purpose”—balance is key. 🧠

🍗 Nutrition & Feeding

Proper feeding is essential to maintain joint health and manage their heavy frame:

• High-quality large-breed formula with lean proteins
• Glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3s for joint and skin support
• Feed in 2–3 smaller meals daily to reduce bloat risk

Consult Ask A Vet for weight-specific meal planning. 🍽️

🩺 Common Health Concerns

This breed is known for some significant health risks, especially due to their large size:

• Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus): Can be life-threatening—avoid exercise after meals
• Hip & Elbow Dysplasia: Common in large breeds—watch for signs of lameness
• Heart Disease: Especially dilated cardiomyopathy
• Skin Infections: Wrinkles and drool make hygiene essential

Regular vet checks and early intervention using Ask A Vet can increase longevity. 🩺

🎓 Training & Socialization

This breed needs early socialization and calm, consistent training. Tips include:

• Start basic commands as early as 8 weeks
• Use calm, reward-based techniques—never harsh corrections
• Expose to different environments, people, and dogs early
• Enroll in puppy classes or private sessions with a breed-experienced trainer

🧘♂️ Emotional Needs

Dogue de Bordeaux dogs form strong emotional bonds. To support their mental health:

• Provide daily companionship and avoid long separations
• Establish a consistent routine
• Offer toys and puzzles to prevent boredom

For behavioral challenges or emotional issues, consult a vet behaviorist on Ask A Vet. 🧠

🏁 Final Thoughts: Is the Dogue de Bordeaux Right for You?

If you want a calm, powerful companion that loves deeply and protects instinctively, the Dogue de Bordeaux could be a perfect fit. With proper training, veterinary care, and respectful handling, this breed becomes a gentle guardian and loving family presence. ❤️

Need help planning care or training for your Dogue de Bordeaux? Start your consult today at Ask A Vet!