Is the Dogue de Bordeaux or the English Mastiff better for families with children?

The English Mastiff tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

Which sheds more, the Dogue de Bordeaux or the English Mastiff?

The Dogue de Bordeaux and English Mastiff shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Dogue de Bordeaux or the English Mastiff?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Dogue de Bordeaux or English Mastiff bigger?

English Mastiff is the larger breed; Dogue de Bordeaux is smaller and more compact.

Which barks more, Dogue de Bordeaux or English Mastiff?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Dogue de Bordeaux or English Mastiff?

For apartment or apartment living, Dogue de Bordeaux has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Dogue de Bordeaux vs English Mastiff: Easier to Groom?

Dogue de Bordeaux vs English Mastiff: full comparison

Trait	Dogue de Bordeaux	English Mastiff
Size	Large	Giant
Energy level	Low	Low
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	Very High
Grooming needs	Very Low	Low
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	High	High
Adaptability	Medium	Low
Typical lifespan	8 years	8 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The English Mastiff is a larger dog than the Dogue de Bordeaux, which affects space, food and exercise needs.

Size and living space

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a large dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. By comparison, the English Mastiff is a giant breed that requires real space: bigger rooms, a bigger car and a bigger food budget. If space, transport or budget are tight, the smaller of the two is the more practical choice.

Exercise and energy needs

The Dogue de Bordeaux does well on one steady walk a day plus a little play. The English Mastiff does well on one steady walk a day plus a little play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Dogue de Bordeaux is about as low-effort to groom as dogs get and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The English Mastiff needs minimal coat care, just a weekly once-over and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Dogue de Bordeaux picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. The English Mastiff picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. On guarding instinct, Dogue de Bordeaux keeps a watchful eye and is protective of home and family, whereas English Mastiff keeps a watchful eye and is protective of home and family.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Dogue de Bordeaux has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, English Mastiff has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Dogue de Bordeaux has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, English Mastiff has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Dogue de Bordeaux and English Mastiff are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Dogue de Bordeaux if you want a more adaptable dog, you prefer lower grooming upkeep, or you want a smaller, more apartment-friendly dog.

Choose the English Mastiff if you want the more child-friendly companion or you want a bigger, more substantial dog.

Not sure which breed is right for you?

Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.

Find your perfect match

Frequently asked questions

Is the Dogue de Bordeaux or the English Mastiff better for families with children?: The English Mastiff tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the Dogue de Bordeaux or the English Mastiff?: The Dogue de Bordeaux and English Mastiff shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Dogue de Bordeaux or the English Mastiff?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Dogue de Bordeaux or English Mastiff bigger?: English Mastiff is the larger breed; Dogue de Bordeaux is smaller and more compact.
Which barks more, Dogue de Bordeaux or English Mastiff?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Dogue de Bordeaux or English Mastiff?: For apartment or apartment living, Dogue de Bordeaux has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Dogue de Bordeaux vs English Mastiff