The Dogue de Bordeaux looks like it’s wandered straight out of a medieval castle — wrinkled face, melon-sized head, and jowls with the power to redecorate your walls in seconds. Fierce on the outside, yes. But on the inside? A soft, loyal family dog who just wants your sofa (and your sandwich).
Not sure if a slobbery French mastiff is really the dog for you? Try our Which Dog Breed Is Best for Me? Quiz to see if you’re ready for the drool life.
Great Names for a Dogue de Bordeaux
These dogs are too grand for boring names. Here are some playful picks to get you started:
French flair: Gaston, Hugo, Amélie, Fleur, Roux, Toulouse
Big and bold: Goliath, Diesel, Brutus, Titan, Maximus, Athena
Soft hearts: Ruby, Florence, Beau, Dolly, Honey, Clover
Comedic picks: Slobberchops, Droolius, Biscuit, Rascal, Pickle, Noodles
Want even more? Head to our Dog Name Generator for hundreds of fun ideas.
Pickles’ Aside: “I still think Croissant is the best name ever — but maybe that’s because I’d quite like to eat one.”
Exercise
Picture this: you’re ready for a brisk power walk. Your Dogue? They’ve already flopped on the pavement after ten minutes. These giants are more about slow ambles, sniff-abouts, and then collapsing like an oversized rug.
What they need:
- 2 short, gentle walks a day (20–30 minutes each)
- Time to sniff and explore at their own pace
- A secure garden for mooching about
- Zero marathons — they’re not built for long runs
“They are awesome dogs, very protective, but sweet and loving at the same time. Very lethargic too, lots of laying around, definitely not a hyper dog.”
Mastiff Power Warning
Don’t underestimate their strength. Even a lazy Dogue has the muscle to drag you across the park if it spots something interesting.
Temperament
Behind the gladiator’s look hides a marshmallow heart. Dogues are deeply loyal, sensitive to their families, and happiest when they’re glued to your side.
- Loving and affectionate with family
- Protective if they sense danger
- Surprisingly lazy — naps are their favourite sport
- Sensitive souls who don’t respond well to harsh words
“They are stubborn, slobbery, powerful and the sweetest dogs you will ever meet. They need constant positive training and will bond hard with the family.”
Training
Training a Dogue de Bordeaux is like negotiating with a toddler who weighs 50 kilos. They’re clever enough to learn quickly, but also clever enough to ignore you if they can’t see the point.
Top training tips:
- Start early — a 10-week puppy is easier to manage than a 50kg adult
- Keep sessions short and fun
- Use positive reinforcement (never harsh methods)
- Focus on basics: recall, loose-lead walking, and “no jumping”
“They need constant positive training … will bond hard with the family.”
Need backup? Try the World’s First AI Dog Trainer for breed-specific tips — it’s like having a trainer in your pocket (minus the drool).
Strangers & Watchdog Potential
When strangers knock, you might expect booming barks and an intimidating presence. Sometimes you’ll get that. Other times? One owner confessed:
“My 9 month old Dogue de Bordeaux is the worst guard dog ever. Whenever we come home, she doesn’t bark and timidly approaches the door.”
So:
- Some are natural watchdogs with a bark to match
- Others are surprisingly timid
- Early socialisation makes all the difference
Other Animals
The Dogue can share a home with other pets, but introductions need to be made carefully.
- Their size alone can overwhelm smaller pets
- Raised with cats? Many Dogues will accept them
- Same-sex dogs may not always get along — supervision is key
Grooming
Coat care is simple, drool care is not.
- Weekly brushing keeps their coat healthy
- Regular ear and wrinkle cleaning to avoid infections
- Stock up on drool cloths — you’ll need them in every room
Health
This is where Dogue ownership gets tough. They’re prone to joint issues, heart conditions, and bloat. Worst of all, they’re not a long-lived breed.
Common concerns:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Heart problems
- Bloat (gastric torsion)
- Short lifespan (6–8 years on average)
“Not a DDB owner but … we eventually soured on the DDBs because of the health issues and short life spans.”
“My 6-year-10-month old Dogue De Bordeaux … is unable to stand up on his own. … he is the sweetest.”
For breeder questions to help you avoid heartbreak, download our Best in Breeder Guide.
Cost of Ownership
Owning a Dogue isn’t just a commitment of love — it’s a commitment of cash.
- Puppies: £1,500–£3,000
- Insurance: £60–£120+ per month
- Food: £80–£120 per month (think industrial quantities)
- Grooming: Mostly DIY, but drool clean-up costs extra
- Vet bills: High, due to breed health issues
Famous Owners & Moments
Tom Hanks gave the Dogue de Bordeaux its Hollywood debut in Turner & Hooch, cementing its reputation as the slobberiest star of the 80s. Since then, they’ve kept a cult following as loyal, if messy, companions.
Myth-Busting
| Myth | Truth |
|---|---|
| They’re aggressive guard dogs | Most are soft-hearted family dogs who just look intimidating |
| They’ll live as long as other large breeds | Sadly, 6–8 years is average |
| They don’t need much training | Their stubborn streak means they need more early training, not less |
FAQs
Are Dogues good with kids?
Yes, but their size means play needs supervision.
How much exercise do they need?
Two gentle walks a day and plenty of nap time.
Do they drool?
Waterfalls. Constant waterfalls.
Are they easy to train?
They’re stubborn — consistency and positivity are everything.
Thinking of Bringing One Home?
If you’re ready for a short-lived but unforgettable love story, the Dogue de Bordeaux will give you loyalty, comedy, and a steady supply of drool. Just be sure you’re prepared for the costs and the challenges, too.
Stay organised with our New Puppy Paw-rent Planner and immortalise their squishy face with a Custom Cartoon Pet Portrait.
Breed Stats
- Size: Giant
- Weight: 45–65kg
- Lifespan: 6–8 years
- Best Trait: Loyal and affectionate
- Challenging Trait: Drool, stubbornness, health problems