Dogue de Bordeaux

This is a French breed that enjoys great popularity in its home country. Its ancestors are the famous Eastern mastiffs, though it also has forebears like the English Bulldog, the Great Dane, and the Mastiff.

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a noble, brave dog, an excellent watchdog deeply attached to its family. Its sheer presence intimidates many would-be intruders; it's reserved with strangers and very observant.

As a fun fact, the Dogue de Bordeaux is one of the breeds used to create another well-known breed, the Pitbull.

What Is the Dogue de Bordeaux's Temperament Like?

The Dogue de Bordeaux is calm with a stable personality. It's observant and has a guarding instinct. It's not classified as a potentially dangerous dog under Spanish national law, though some autonomous communities in Spain have classified it as such, so you should check local regulations beforehand.

Before adopting one, it's a good idea to find out about the rules that apply where you live.

It's worth noting that the Dogue de Bordeaux isn't inherently dangerous, but it does have a bulky build and is a very strong dog. So if this breed has the misfortune of ending up in the wrong hands, it's clear it can become dangerous given its physical traits and brave temperament.

With good training and plenty of love and affection, it will be a noble, patient life companion. The Dogue de Bordeaux is self-confident and doesn't get worked up easily. It's also not a breed that tends to bark much.

With its family it's kind, good-natured, and affectionate. That said, it can be somewhat distant with strangers. It gets along quite well with other animals. And although it's an intelligent dog, it doesn't always obey since it can be a bit stubborn.

Characteristics of the Dogue de Bordeaux Breed

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a large dog, with an adult weight around fifty kilos. Its shape is rounded.

Its large, strong, imposing head stands out, with folds in the skin. The jaw is prominent and the muzzle is short.

Its eyes are light brown and oval-shaped. The ears are medium-sized and always dropped. It has a strong body, with a wide chest. Its legs are sturdy.

The Dogue de Bordeaux's coat is short, silky, and reddish/copper in color (various shades of both colors are accepted).

How to Train a Dogue de Bordeaux

It's important to start its training gradually from puppyhood; up until four or five months of age, we shouldn't attempt anything serious, just let it enjoy itself.

It's essential to socialize it from puppyhood so it doesn't react badly when we have visitors at home. Males are more dominant than females, so we need to be firm and stay calm.

For training to be effective, there's nothing better than using positive reinforcement and rewarding it when it does well. It'll learn quickly if we do it this way.

Since the Dogue de Bordeaux is a playful dog, it's a good idea to train it through games. It'll be hard to handle given its size once it's an adult. That's why it's best to start from puppyhood.

For our furry friend's training to succeed, we shouldn't give up easily but stay consistent, keep treats on hand, and be clear about our role as pack leader.

What Care Does a Dogue de Bordeaux Need?

Our Dogue will be a big eater. It can eat up to a kilo of food daily, depending on its size and age. This makes it a breed that requires a significant investment.

It needs a moderate level of activity, and it's better to take it for walks several times a day rather than intense physical exercise. That said, the best way for it to release energy is by playing with other dogs.

The Dogue is a breed that drools a lot because the skin around its muzzle is loose. In fact, the folds in its skin often cause irritation, which means we'll need to keep an eye on it to prevent infections.

It's much happier in homes with large yards than in small apartments; this breed needs plenty of space to feel free.