At a glance
Basic requirements and commitment level
Daily requirements
Context & compatibility
Is this right for you?
Common scenarios where this breed tends to fit well or less well
A good match
- Are comfortable with drool and the hands-on reality of face/skin-fold housekeeping
- Want a devoted, heavy-bodied companion who prefers close-to-home life and steady routines
Not ideal
- Prefer a "clean and simple" dog lifestyle without extra grooming/cleanup logistics
- Want a heat-tolerant endurance dog for long, active days in warm weather
Care & health
Setup, routines, and health considerations
Care overview
The Dogue de Bordeaux is heavy-bodied, calm, and affectionate, often with a quiet seriousness. Their day-to-day needs are less about intensity and more about comfort and good big-dog manners.
Environment & space
Smaller homes can work if movement is easy (fewer stairs) and indoor comfort is stable. Heat can shape scheduling, and “big dog logistics” tend to be part of daily life.
Daily routine
Short, steady walks and low-impact activity usually suit them best. They tend to do better with consistent moderate routines than with intense exercise.
Health sensitivities
Common priorities include breathing comfort in warmth, joint mobility, skin-fold comfort, and maintaining a healthy body condition.
Grooming / coat
Easy coat care, but practical upkeep often includes drool management and fold hygiene. Shedding is moderate.
Background
Origins and how that history shapes what you see today
Origin region
France
Background
A French mastiff type with deep historical roots, the Dogue de Bordeaux was documented and standardized mainly across the 1800s as a heavy-duty guardian. It’s built for strength more than speed. Today, many Dogues are calm and devoted, but daily life includes drool, heat sensitivity, and a dog whose presence is impossible to ignore.
Social & behavior
Temperament and interaction style
Personality & activity
Calm, devoted, and home-centered, often happiest with steady routines. Can be stubborn, especially when rushed.
Handling & social style
Strong attachment to family; tends to be wary until someone is “approved.” Handling is easiest when manners are trained early and reinforced consistently.