Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff) is one of the oldest French dog breeds — its history in the Bordeaux region stretches back centuries, and it was used as a war dog, hunting dog, and livestock guardian.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
France
Lifespan
5–8 years
Weight
54–68 kg (119–150 lbs)
Height
58–69 cm (23–27 in)
Exercise
20 to 40 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — high-quality giant breed food in strict portions. Giant breed puppy food essential. Elevated bloat risk — controlled feeding protocol.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff) is one of the oldest French dog breeds — its history in the Bordeaux region stretches back centuries, and it was used as a war dog, hunting dog, and livestock guardian. It is the breed made famous in the 1989 film "Turner and Hooch" alongside Tom Hanks. The DDB has the largest head of any dog breed relative to body size — the head circumference can exceed 75 cm. It is one of the shortest-lived large breeds — the average lifespan of 5–8 years reflects significant health challenges from the extreme conformation.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
Massive — a very large, heavily muscled dog with an enormous, wrinkled, jowly head that is the breed's defining characteristic. The head is disproportionately huge relative to the body. Deep wrinkles frame a mournful expression. Fawn to mahogany coat. Profuse drool.
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
Moderate
Brushing
1x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-4-6-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Loyal, patient, and devotedly affectionate — the DDB is a gentle giant with its family. Slow-moving but capable of explosive power. Courageous. Devoted to its family in a deeply bonded, sometimes clingy way.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
2/5Attention Need
4/5Friendliness
4/5Playfulness
3/5Protectiveness
4/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
House-Small-Garden
Daily Exercise
20 to 40 min/day
Ideal Weather
10°C to 25°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
20%
Attention
40%
Playfulness
30%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
drooling increase, guarding, stiffening, leaning heavily
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Experienced owners only. Very low exercise — 30–45 minutes daily maximum. Giant breed puppy protocols critical. Daily face and wrinkle cleaning. Prophylactic gastropexy strongly recommended. Profuse drooling is a constant feature of ownership.
Nutrition Notes
Giant breed formula. Bloat risk extreme — gastropexy essential. Shortest average lifespan of any breed — prioritise quality over quantity of food. Anti-inflammatory diet.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
SHORTEST AVERAGE LIFESPAN OF ANY BREED (5-8 years). Bloat — gastropexy essential. SAS (subaortic stenosis). DCM. Hip dysplasia. Cancer. Ectropion. Brachycephalic issues. The largest head circumference of any dog breed. "Turner and Hooch" (Tom Hanks movie). Drool is extreme.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
2000 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
1600 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
One of the shortest-lived dog breeds — average 5–8 years. Cardiac disease (dilated cardiomyopathy, aortic stenosis). Bloat (GDV) — very high risk. Hip and elbow dysplasia. Skin fold infections. Brachycephalic features. Osteosarcoma. Cherry eye.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Shortest-lived breed (5-8 years). Largest head. "Turner and Hooch." Gastropexy is non-negotiable. India: heat sensitivity serious.
Purchase Price
$1,500 to $3,500
Adoption Fee
$100 to $500
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
"Turner and Hooch" (1989) — the Tom Hanks film — featured a Dogue de Bordeaux as "Hooch," making the breed internationally famous overnight. The breed's prodigious drooling became a defining cinematic joke.
The Dogue de Bordeaux has the largest head of any dog breed relative to body size — the official breed standard sets the minimum head circumference at 68 cm (female) and 72 cm (male), with notable individuals exceeding 75 cm.
