| Height | 23.27 inches (male), 23-26 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 110 pounds & up (male), 99 pounds & up (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 5–8+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Loyal / Courageous / Affectionate [1] |
| AKC group | Working Group [1] |
| Origin | France [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 95 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
To avoid strain on developing bones and joints, the young Bordeaux should be limited to low-impact exercise until at least 18 months of age. They should not be overexerted and should not be allowed to run up and down stairs or jump off of surfaces higher than their back. Swimming is an excellent exercise for Bordeaux of any age. [1]
Grooming
The breed is well-known for how much they drool, and the wrinkles on their facial area need special attention at least weekly, sometimes daily, to see that they are kept clean and dry. At least once a week it's also important to clean the ears and check for debris or signs of infection. nails should be trimmed monthly. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Bloat, or gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), is a serious concern in the Dogue de Bordeaux. Owners should educate themselves to recognize the signs that bloat could be happening, and know what actions to take if so. Heart disease, cancer, orthopedic issues (such as hips and elbows), and epilepsy are also issues of concern in the breed. Responsible breeders will screen their stock for conditions the breed can be prone to. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, Shoulder Evaluation. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a giant dog (median $607) | $350 – $1,373 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Dogue de Bordeaux in 2008. [1]
- It ranked No. 95 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 63 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Dogue, DDB.” [1]
- The AKC lists France as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 4 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 4/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Anyone who hates vacuuming: AKC rates shedding 4/5
- ⚠️ Think twice: Neat freaks: AKC rates drooling 5/5
Common questions
How long do Dogue de Bordeauxs live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 5-8 years.
How big does a Dogue de Bordeaux get?
AKC breed information lists height 23.27 inches (male), 23-26 inches (female) and weight 110 pounds & up (male), 99 pounds & up (female).
How much are vet bills for a Dogue de Bordeaux?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For giant dogs like the Dogue de Bordeaux, a typical vet bill runs $350 – $1,373 (median $607). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.