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

The 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 Mastiff?

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

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

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

Is Dogue de Bordeaux or Mastiff bigger?

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

Which barks more, Dogue de Bordeaux or Mastiff?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Dogue de Bordeaux or 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 Mastiff: Which Needs Less Grooming?

Dogue de Bordeaux vs Mastiff: full comparison

Trait	Dogue de Bordeaux	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 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 big, substantial dog that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. By comparison, the Mastiff is a genuinely giant dog that demands a large home, and everything about keeping it costs more. 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 needs light but regular activity to stay content. The Mastiff needs light but regular activity to stay content. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Dogue de Bordeaux is very easy to groom — an occasional brush is all it takes and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Mastiff needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. 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 very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. The Mastiff picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and is famously gentle and patient with children. On guarding instinct, Dogue de Bordeaux is naturally alert and defends its people, whereas Mastiff is naturally alert and defends its people.

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, 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, Dogue de Bordeaux and Mastiff are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Dogue de Bordeaux and 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 Mastiff if you want the more child-friendly companion or you want a bigger, more substantial dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Dogue de Bordeaux or the Mastiff better for families with children?: The 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 Mastiff?: The Dogue de Bordeaux and Mastiff shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Dogue de Bordeaux or the Mastiff?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Dogue de Bordeaux or Mastiff bigger?: Mastiff is the larger breed; Dogue de Bordeaux is smaller and more compact.
Which barks more, Dogue de Bordeaux or Mastiff?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Dogue de Bordeaux or 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 Mastiff