Dogue De Bordeaux

Like every breed, the Dogue De Bordeaux is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:

• Train in a calm, consistent way, as they are more sensitive than they look.
• Teach walking on a lead and harness from an early age.
• Make socialisation with other dogs and people a priority.
• Work on everyday manners, including coming back when called.
• Ask an accredited trainer for help if you are not experienced.

• Children

  Usually better with older, calmer children.

• Other dogs

  Usually sociable with other dogs.

• Cats and small pets

  Often has a strong instinct to chase small animals.

• Flats and smaller homes

  Usually needs a roomy home.

• Garden

  A secure garden is strongly advised.

• Being left alone

  Usually copes only with short periods alone.

• First-time owners

  Best with an experienced owner.

Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.

• Exaggerated features

  PDSA notes concerns about excessive skin folds, which can easily develop dermatitis, an undershot jaw, a sometimes nervous character and a tendency to weak back legs.

• Hip and elbow dysplasia

  The joints do not fit together properly, which eventually leads to arthritis. The Royal Kennel Club recommends hip and elbow testing under the BVA/KC schemes before breeding.

• Eye problems

  The Royal Kennel Club recommends eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme. Brachycephalic breeds are also more prone to painful eye ulcers.

• Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)

  The short nose and flattened face can obstruct breathing, reducing the ability to exercise or even causing severe breathing difficulty.

• Gastric dilatation volvulus (bloat)

  The breed is prone to bloating and stomach problems, and smaller, more frequent meals can help reduce the risk.

• Dilated cardiomyopathy

  The heart muscle becomes progressively weaker and cannot work properly.

• Lymphoma

  A cancer of some of the cells of the immune system.

Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Dogue De Bordeaux home, it is reasonable to ask about:

• Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
• Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
• Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
• Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.

There are two costs: bringing a Dogue De Bordeaux home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.

Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 10 years, not just the first year.

If you have decided the Dogue De Bordeaux suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.

• Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
• Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
• Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
• Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.

Dogue De Bordeauxs do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.

Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.