# Dogue de Bordeaux

Also known as: Bordeaux Mastiff, French Mastiff, Bordeauxdog
- **Group:** Mastiff & Mountain (FCI group 2)
- **Size:** Giant
- **Origin:** France
- **Height:** 58–69 cm
- **Weight:** 45–50 kg
- **Life expectancy:** 8–11 years
- **Temperament:** Loyal, Stubborn, Protective, Calm, Strong-willed
- **FCI standard:** No. 116

A massive, muscular French mastiff famed for having the largest head relative to body size in the dog world. Devoted and protective, it needs firm, early training and careful socialisation.

## Overview

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a powerful, heavily built French mastiff with a broad, wrinkled head, a short coat and a distinctive red or black mask. It sits low to the ground and is thick-set rather than tall.

Behind the imposing looks is a devoted family companion with a strong character. It does best with an experienced owner who can offer consistent training, early socialisation and a calm, secure home.

## History

The breed has been known in southern France, around Bordeaux, since at least the 14th century, and its name simply means mastiff of Bordeaux. It was first shown in Paris in 1863, where a female named Magenta won the class. Its exact ancestry is debated, with links suggested to ancient molossers and other mastiffs.

A uniform type only settled around 1920. After hard times in the twentieth century, French breeders led by Raymond Triquet rebuilt the breed in the 1960s, and a new standard followed in 1971. The film Turner and Hooch brought it wide attention in 1989, and it has since gained fans across the world.

## Appearance

This is a massive, balanced dog with a deep chest, thick bones and a slightly dipped topline. Males stand about 24 to 27 inches (61 to 69 cm) and females a little less, with minimum weights of 50 kg and 45 kg.

The head is the breed's hallmark: a huge trapezoid shape with a short, broad muzzle, a powerful undershot jaw, loose skin forming a dewlap, and small pendant ears. The tail is thick at the base and carried low.

## Temperament

Dogues de Bordeaux are affectionate and deeply attached to their family, yet they have a strong personality and a stubborn streak. They are naturally watchful and can be wary of strangers or other dogs if poorly socialised.

Starting training and socialisation as a puppy is essential, given their size and strength. With calm, fair guidance they become gentle, steady housemates.

## Care and exercise

Exercise needs are moderate: daily walks and a safe garden are enough, and they should not be pushed hard in heat because their short faces make cooling difficult. Avoid strenuous exercise while growing.

The short coat is easy to groom, but facial folds should be cleaned and dried regularly, and drooling is part of life. Expect a big appetite and a big food bill.

## Health

The shortened face can cause breathing trouble and heat intolerance. Heart conditions such as aortic stenosis and tricuspid valve dysplasia are seen, along with skin problems like demodicosis. A UK study found an average life span of about 11 years.

## Ratings (1 to 5)

- Energy: 2
- Exercise needs: 2
- Grooming: 2
- Shedding: 3
- Trainability: 3
- Barking: 2
- Good with children: 3
- Good with other dogs: 2

Page: https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/dogue-de-bordeaux
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dogue_de_Bordeaux · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q37878
Photo: Canarian (CC BY-SA 4.0), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:French_Mastiff_female_4.jpg
Profile written by an AI model from the sources above.