Dogue de Bordeaux: Temperament, Care & Health

Dogue de Bordeaux

The wrinkled, soulful 'French Mastiff' — a gentle, devoted giant whose biggest flaw is how briefly he stays.

devotedloyalcalm indoorswatchfulstubbornaffectionate with family

Updated June 12, 2026 Reviewed against American Kennel Club

Dogue de Bordeaux dog in a natural setting

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People unprepared for heavy drool, snoring, and heat sensitivity; those wanting a long-lived dog; novice owners who can't manage a strong, willful giant; or anyone on a tight veterinary budget.

Origin

The Dogue de Bordeaux — the ‘French Mastiff’ — is an ancient French breed from the Bordeaux region, historically used to guard estates, haul heavy loads, and bait large game. It is one of the most recognizable mastiffs: massive head, soulful expression, deep wrinkles, and a powerful, low-slung body. Many people first met the breed through the film Turner & Hooch, but the real dog is calmer and more dignified than its slobbery on-screen reputation.

Temperament & Daily Life

At heart, the Dogue is a devoted, sensitive companion. Indoors they are typically mellow, leaning against their people and content to share the couch. They are naturally watchful and make confident guardians, but they should be steady rather than aggressive. Expect stubbornness — they are intelligent but not eager pleasers — and expect drool and snoring as part of the package. They bond hard and do best with owners who are home much of the day; long isolation doesn’t suit them.

Exercise & Training

This is a moderate-energy breed. Daily walks and some play keep them fit, but they are not jogging partners, and their short muzzle and heavy build make them prone to overheating — keep exercise gentle in warm weather. Because puppies grow so quickly, avoid high-impact exercise on young joints and keep them lean. Start training and socialization early; a 100-plus-pound dog that hasn’t learned manners is a genuine handful, so patient, reward-based work from puppyhood pays off.

Grooming

Grooming is easy: the short coat needs only weekly brushing and the occasional bath. The real maintenance is the face — clean the deep wrinkles regularly to prevent skin-fold infection, and keep that drool rag close.

Health

Here honesty matters most. The Dogue de Bordeaux has one of the shortest average lifespans of any breed, often just 5-8 years. The breed is predisposed to serious heart disease, including dilated cardiomyopathy and subaortic stenosis, which can cause sudden death — so insist on cardiac clearances (echocardiogram) for the parents. Hip and elbow dysplasia are common, as are heat and breathing problems tied to the short muzzle, and bloat (GDV) is a deep-chested-breed emergency. None of this means you shouldn’t own one; it means you should buy from a health-testing breeder and budget realistically for veterinary care.

Who This Breed Suits

The Dogue de Bordeaux is for the owner who wants a profoundly loyal, gentle giant and goes in with open eyes about drool, heat sensitivity, cost, and a heartbreakingly short life. If you can give one a soft place to land, a cool home, and good veterinary care, you’ll be loved completely — for as long as you have together.

Health to watch

Common in the breed — not a diagnosis. A good breeder screens for these, and your vet can guide prevention and early care.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) & subaortic stenosis — The breed is predisposed to serious heart disease that can cause sudden death. Ask for cardiac clearances (echocardiogram) on the parents and have your vet listen at every visit.

Hip and elbow dysplasia — Common in this heavy, fast-growing breed; OFA or PennHIP hip and OFA elbow evaluations on the parents are important.

Brachycephalic / heat sensitivity — The short muzzle and heavy build make them prone to overheating and breathing strain. Avoid exertion in heat and never leave them in warm cars.

Bloat / gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) — A deep-chested-breed emergency. Learn the signs and consider feeding strategies your vet recommends.

Orthopedic strain from rapid growth — Giant puppies grow fast; controlled growth, lean body condition, and avoiding high-impact exercise on young joints help protect them long-term.

Sources

American Kennel Club — Dogue de Bordeaux Breed Standard & Information — Size, coat, and temperament standard

Dogue de Bordeaux Society of America — Breed-club health testing recommendations

UFAW — Genetic Welfare Problems: Dogue de Bordeaux (Dilated Cardiomyopathy) — Cardiac disease prevalence

Merck Veterinary Manual — Hip dysplasia, brachycephalic syndrome, and GDV references

Frequently asked questions

Why do Dogues de Bordeaux have such a short lifespan?

The breed averages only about 5-8 years, largely due to high rates of serious heart disease (including dilated cardiomyopathy) and the orthopedic and cancer risks common to giant breeds. Buying from a breeder who does cardiac and hip clearances improves your odds but does not eliminate the risk.

Do Dogues de Bordeaux drool a lot?

Yes — heavily. Their loose jowls mean drool, especially after drinking, eating, or exercise. If you're particular about clean walls and clothes, this breed will test you. Keep a 'drool rag' handy.

Are Dogues de Bordeaux good family dogs?

With their own family they are famously loyal, affectionate, and patient, and many do well with older, respectful children. Their size and strength mean interactions with young kids should always be supervised, and early socialization is essential.

How much exercise does a Dogue de Bordeaux need?

Moderate — daily walks and play are enough; they are calm indoors and not endurance athletes. Avoid hard exercise in heat or on young, growing joints, as their short muzzle and heavy frame make overheating and joint strain real risks.