10 Things You Need to Know Before You Get a Dogue de Bordeaux
So, you’re considering bringing a Dogue de Bordeaux into your life? First of all, excellent choice!
These dogs are like a cross between a lion and a teddy bear—majestic, loyal, and ridiculously lovable. But let’s not sugarcoat it: owning one isn’t all snuggles and Instagram-worthy moments.
Before you commit, here are 10 things you absolutely need to know about this unique breed.
1. They’re Massive—Like, Couch-Dominating Massive
Let’s start with the obvious: these dogs are huge. Adult males can tip the scales at 150 pounds (or more), and females aren’t exactly lightweight either.
Their giant heads alone deserve their own zip code. If you’re picturing them as a slightly bigger version of your neighbor’s Lab, think again.
This size impacts everything—where they sleep, how much space they need, and your ability to move them if they’re feeling stubborn (spoiler: they will feel stubborn at times).
Oh, and your furniture? Consider it theirs now. That couch you bought for yourself? It’s a Dogue bed now. Sorry.
Here’s a great video about this breed that you should watch.
2. Drool. Is. Everywhere.
Let’s not sugarcoat this one—drool is part of the package. Eating, drinking, yawning, or even breathing can result in epic slobber trails. And when they shake their head? Duck. Trust me, you don’t want to be in the splash zone.
Pro Tip: Invest in a drool towel and keep it within arm’s reach at all times. Also, say goodbye to wearing dark clothing unless you’re cool with accessorizing your outfit with shiny streaks of slobber. 😉
3. They’re Low-Key Couch Potatoes (But Not Lazy)
Despite their intimidating size, Dogues de Bordeaux are surprisingly laid-back. They’re not the type to bounce off the walls or beg for constant activity. A few short walks and a play session? They’re golden.
Most of the time, they’re content to lounge and supervise your every move from the comfort of their designated couch (aka your couch).
But don’t mistake their chill vibe for laziness. They still need regular exercise to stay fit and avoid becoming four-legged wrecking balls when they’re bored. Mental stimulation, like puzzle toys or obedience games, is a great way to keep their sharp minds engaged.
Raising a well-behaved Dogue De Bordeaux isn’t that easy, but it’s definitely possible with the right training. More on that later!
4. Training Is a Must (Unless You Enjoy Chaos)
Let me be blunt: if you don’t train a Dogue de Bordeaux, you’re asking for trouble. These dogs are big, strong, and smart—three traits that can be a nightmare without proper guidance. They need firm, consistent, and positive training from the start.
Use treats, praise, and a cheerful tone to motivate them. But be prepared—they can be stubborn. When they plant their massive paws and decide they’re not moving? Well, good luck. A strong leash game and early obedience lessons will save you from becoming a human sled.
5. They’re the Kings (and Queens) of Loyalty
If you’re looking for a dog that loves you more than life itself, you’ve found your match. Dogues de Bordeaux are fiercely loyal and protective of their families. They’ll follow you around like a bodyguard, always keeping an eye on their “pack.”
However, this loyalty can sometimes tip into overprotectiveness. Without proper socialization, they might see every stranger as a potential threat. Start introducing them to new people, pets, and situations early on. A well-socialized Dogue is confident and calm, not the canine version of an overly paranoid roommate. 🙂
6. Health Issues Are Part of the Deal
Here’s the tough part: Dogues de Bordeaux aren’t the healthiest breed. They’re prone to several issues, including hip dysplasia, heart problems, and bloat (a condition that can be fatal if not treated immediately).
Even with the best care, their lifespan is typically 5-8 years. Yes, it’s heartbreaking, but those years will be filled with more love and drool than you know what to do with. Make sure you’re financially and emotionally prepared for the vet bills that might come with this breed.
7. They Eat Like It’s an Olympic Sport
Newsflash: feeding a giant dog isn’t cheap. Dogues de Bordeaux require a high-quality diet to support their size and maintain their health. And no, you can’t just grab the bargain bag of kibble from the grocery store unless you enjoy massive vet bills later on.
Be ready to budget for premium food—both in terms of quality and quantity. Oh, and don’t forget a sturdy, spill-proof water bowl. These dogs don’t “sip” water; they attack it, and your floor will pay the price. 😉
8. They’re Great with Families (But Supervision Is Key)
Dogues de Bordeaux are wonderful with kids. Their calm demeanor and patience make them excellent family dogs. They’re gentle giants who instinctively know to be careful around little ones.
That said, their size can be a bit much for toddlers. They might accidentally knock over a small child just by turning around too quickly. Supervise interactions until everyone (dog and human) knows how to navigate each other’s space.
9. They’re Quiet… Until They’re Not
If you’re worried about constant barking, relax—Dogues de Bordeaux are relatively quiet. They’re not the yappy types who freak out every time a leaf falls. But when they do bark, you’ll know. Their deep, booming voice will make anyone think twice about approaching your home uninvited.
Most of the time, their presence alone is enough to deter would-be intruders. Just don’t expect them to bark at every little thing—they’re more about quality over quantity in the noise department.
Fun fact: Did you know that Leo Messi is a proud owner of the Dogue De Bordeaux?
10. Patience Is Your Best Friend
Owning a Dogue de Bordeaux isn’t always easy. They’re big, drooly, and sometimes stubborn as heck. But they’re also loving, loyal, and endlessly rewarding to have in your life.
Training them takes time. Cleaning up after them (both the drool and the… other stuff) takes effort. But when they look at you with those soulful eyes, it’s all worth it. Be patient, embrace the chaos, and enjoy the ride. 🙂
In Conclusion: Are You Ready?
The Dogue de Bordeaux isn’t for everyone, but if you can handle their quirks (and, yes, the drool), you’ll gain a loyal, loving companion who’ll always have your back.
Just remember: they’re not just pets—they’re family.
And like any family member, they come with a few challenges, but the love they give in return? Absolutely priceless.
I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉
