The Dogue de Bordeaux is a large, muscular French mastiff breed, often called the French Mastiff in the U.S. This impressive dog has a thick-set build, heavily boned legs, and relatively small paws. Adult males can reach up to 27 inches tall, with females slightly smaller at around 25.5 inches, and their weight can climb as high as 115 pounds. Their short, fine coat is famed for a rich deep copper-red shade.
Originally bred to serve as working dogs for guarding and draft tasks, today the Dogue de Bordeaux is primarily cherished as a companion dog. While less common than some breeds, it has a dedicated following in the U.S., admired for its noble appearance, strong guarding instincts, and a gentle yet loyal temperament. Like many purebred dogs, however, they face a variety of inherited health challenges that owners and breeders must consider carefully given their impact on care needs and lifespan.
The typical lifespan for a Dogue de Bordeaux in the United States ranges from about 5 to 8 years, though some dogs have been known to live as long as 10 to 12 years with exceptional care. This relatively short life expectancy is consistent with that of many giant breeds. The oldest recorded Dogue de Bordeaux reached 12 years, demonstrating that with attentive care and responsible breeding, extended longevity is possible.
Owners in warmer states, such as Florida or Texas, should be particularly cautious about heat exposure because these dogs are prone to heatstroke due to their brachycephalic (short-nosed) facial structure, which can impair breathing and temperature regulation.
The Dogue de Bordeaux’s genetic diversity is moderate, with an inbreeding coefficient slightly above the ideal threshold, suggesting ethical breeders should focus on maintaining or improving breed diversity. This helps prevent hereditary diseases and promotes more robust overall health.
This breed’s unique physical conformation means owners should be aware of certain health issues:
To minimize hereditary health problems, reputable U.S. breeders typically perform a battery of health screenings on their breeding dogs including:
Dogue de Bordeaux dogs may also be at risk of:
Adopting a Dogue de Bordeaux requires commitment to ongoing care. Potential owners should seek out reputable breeders who conduct comprehensive health testing. Routine veterinary checkups, including joint, heart, and respiratory screenings, are essential. Exercise should be managed carefully to avoid stress related to their brachycephalic features, and temperature exposure, particularly in hotter climates, must be monitored to prevent heat-related health issues. Consideration of pet insurance is also wise due to potential veterinary costs.
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a majestic and powerful dog breed with a somewhat shorter lifespan compared to many other breeds. Its owners in the U.S. must be prepared for the challenges tied to its genetic and physical traits. Through responsible breeding, health screenings, and informed caregiving, owners can significantly improve their Dogue de Bordeaux’s quality of life and help ensure it enjoys its fullest potential lifespan.