French Mastiff Breed Guide
Formal breed name: Dogue de Bordeaux
Also known as: Bordeaux Mastiff, Bordeaux Dog
Wrinkled French mastiffs with gentle souls, Dogue de Bordeaux are calm giants whose protective instincts come wrapped in surprising tenderness.
Quick facts about this breed
Size
Giant
Weight
50-68 kg
Lifespan
10-12 years
Energy Level
Low
Family Fit
Only with older kids
Shedding
Low
Size
Giant
Weight
50-68 kg
Lifespan
10-12 years
Energy Level
Low
Family Fit
Only with older kids
Shedding
Low
About French Mastiffs
Developed in France during the 14th century, the Dogue de Bordeaux was bred as a guardian and hunting dog for French nobility. Their massive build and distinctive red coat made them formidable protectors of estates and prized companions of aristocrats.
Their short coat requires minimal grooming but their facial wrinkles need regular cleaning to prevent infections. Dogues are gentle giants with their families but naturally protective and territorial.
They are devoted to their families but can be aggressive toward strangers if not properly socialised. Dogues need moderate exercise but are sensitive to heat due to their flat faces. While generally healthy, potential owners should be aware of hip dysplasia, bloat, and breathing difficulties that can affect brachycephalic breeds.
Complete Care Guide for French Mastiffs
Expert advice on keeping your French Mastiff healthy, happy, and thriving at every stage of life.
Providing optimal nutrition for a French Mastiff requires careful attention to their unique dietary needs. These magnificent dogs thrive on high-quality, balanced meals that deliver appropriate portions of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Protein plays a particularly crucial role in maintaining their substantial muscle mass, while moderate fat content supports sustained energy levels and promotes a healthy coat.
Given their impressive size and predisposition to joint issues, careful portion control becomes essential throughout their development. Establishing consistent feeding schedules helps prevent rapid growth spurts that could stress developing bones and joints. Many French Mastiff owners find success with measured meals twice daily, adjusting portions based on age, activity level, and overall health status.
Digestive sensitivity often presents a challenge in this breed, making ingredient quality particularly important. Selecting easily digestible proteins and incorporating appropriate levels of dietary fibre helps promote optimal nutrient absorption while supporting digestive health. It's advisable to avoid sudden dietary changes and limit treats to no more than 10% of daily caloric intake.
Monitoring your French Mastiff's weight and body condition provides valuable feedback about their nutritional status. Regular weight checks and body condition scoring help ensure their diet maintains optimal health without contributing to excess weight gain, which could strain their joints and cardiovascular system.
How healthy is your French Mastiff?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about French Mastiffs from our community of pet parents
French Mastiffs, also known as Dogues de Bordeaux, are known for their calm and patient temperament. They are loyal and affectionate towards their family, showing a gentle side especially with children. Despite their imposing size, they are quite sensitive dogs who thrive on companionship and don't enjoy being left alone. However, their protective nature can make them wary of strangers, so early socialisation is important.