Dogue de Bordeaux characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | 32% of breeds |
| Energy level | Low | — |
| Trainability | Medium | 48% of breeds |
| Friendliness | High | 35% of breeds |
| Good with children | High | — |
| Grooming needs | Very Low | 12% of breeds |
| Shedding | Medium | 40% of breeds |
| Barking | Low | 32% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | High | 22% of breeds |
| Adaptability | Medium | 41% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 8 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Dogue de Bordeaux right for you?
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a big, substantial dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. In terms of temperament, it is reliably good with children and a solid family choice and keeps a watchful eye and is protective of home and family. Day to day, the Dogue de Bordeaux does well on one steady walk a day plus a little play, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Dogue de Bordeaux does well on one steady walk a day plus a little play. With low energy and low athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Dogue de Bordeaux to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Dogue de Bordeaux is about as low-effort to groom as dogs get and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first. Be aware this is also a breed that drools noticeably.
Temperament and training
The Dogue de Bordeaux is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions and keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally. It would rather have company and manages only brief spells alone, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Dogue de Bordeaux
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Dogue de Bordeaux genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Drooling: Very high — the Dogue de Bordeaux drools more than almost any breed we score — expect cloth on hand and marks on your walls. Only 3% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Athleticism: Low — the Dogue de Bordeaux is less athletic than most breeds. Only 10% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Energy: Low — the Dogue de Bordeaux needs less exercise than most breeds. Only 11% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Grooming needs: Very low — the Dogue de Bordeaux needs unusually little coat maintenance. Only 12% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Dogue de Bordeaux actually costs you
| Exercise | Short daily walks are enough; it will not push you for more. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Minimal coat work — an occasional wipe-down and little else. |
| Time alone | Wants company. Long days alone are where the problems start. |
| Noise | Quieter than most breeds. |
Where the Dogue de Bordeaux fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Depends | Size alone rules out small flats, though the temperament can suit one. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | High child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Depends | Manageable for a committed beginner who takes training seriously from week one. |
| Homes with cats | Good fit | Low prey drive makes cohabitation straightforward in most cases. |
| Long working days | Depends | Low independence — this breed wants company and shows it when it does not get any. |
| Allergy households | Depends | No low-allergen coat recorded, though shedding is not extreme. |
| Wanting a watchful dog | Good fit | High protectiveness. Socialisation decides whether that reads as steady or reactive. |
Perfect for
- Experienced giant breed owners
- Calm families
- Large properties
- Patient owners
Things to consider
- Extreme drooling
- Heat sensitivity
- Short lifespan
Not sure which breed is right for you?
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Dogue de Bordeaux good with children?
- Yes — the Dogue de Bordeaux is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Dogue de Bordeaux shed a lot?
- The Dogue de Bordeaux has medium shedding.
- How much exercise does the Dogue de Bordeaux need?
- With low energy, the Dogue de Bordeaux needs relatively little exercise — short daily walks are usually enough.
- How long does the Dogue de Bordeaux live?
- The Dogue de Bordeaux typically lives around 8 years.
- Can the Dogue de Bordeaux live in an apartment?
- The Dogue de Bordeaux is a larger breed and does better in a home with more space, though it can adapt with enough daily exercise.
- Is the Dogue de Bordeaux easy to train?
- The Dogue de Bordeaux is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Dogue de Bordeaux be left alone during the day?
- The Dogue de Bordeaux would rather have company and manages only brief spells alone. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.