The Dogue de Bordeaux presents a powerful and imposing appearance, immediately recognizable by its massive, broad head and muscular, athletic body. This giant breed displays substantial bone structure and well-developed musculature throughout, creating an impression of strength and determination. Males typically stand between 23.5 to 27 inches at the shoulder and weigh 110 pounds or more, while females measure 23 to 26 inches and weigh 99 pounds or more. The breed's overall silhouette is slightly longer than tall, with a rectangular body shape that conveys both power and agility.
The most distinctive feature of the Dogue de Bordeaux is its enormous head, which is among the largest in proportion to body size of any breed. The skull is broad, slightly rounded, and heavily wrinkled, with pronounced skin folds creating characteristic furrows that extend from the stop down the sides of the face. The muzzle is broad, deep, and powerful, measuring approximately one-third the total length of the head. The nose is broad with well-opened nostrils, always colored to match the mask, ranging from black to lighter brown tones. The massive jaw features an undershot bite where the lower teeth extend slightly beyond the upper teeth when the mouth is closed.
The eyes are oval-shaped, set wide apart, and positioned in the frontal plane of the face. Eye color ranges from hazel to dark brown, with darker shades preferred. The expression conveys confidence, intelligence, and a certain nobility. The ears are relatively small compared to the head size, set high and falling forward at the fold, with rounded tips reaching approximately to the level of the eye when alert. The ears should never stand erect or be carried too far forward.
The neck is extremely strong, muscular, and well-defined, nearly cylindrical in shape. The skin on the neck is supple and loose, forming a slight dewlap without being excessively pendulous. The body structure displays considerable depth and substance, with a broad, deep chest extending down to the elbow level. The ribcage is well-sprung and barrel-shaped, providing ample room for heart and lung capacity. The topline shows a slight rise from the withers to the loin before descending gently to the croup. The back is broad and muscular, while the loin remains short and solid, contributing to the breed's overall strength.
The forequarters feature strong, straight legs with substantial bone and well-developed muscles. The shoulders are powerful and moderately laid back, with upper arms of good length creating proper angulation. Pasterns are strong and slightly sloped. The hindquarters are equally powerful, with well-muscled thighs and moderate angulation at the stifle and hock joints. The rear legs are straight when viewed from behind, standing parallel to one another. The feet are strong and compact, with well-arched toes and thick, elastic pads. Front feet tend to be slightly larger than rear feet.
The tail is thick at the base and tapers toward the tip, set relatively low and reaching to the hock when extended. At rest, the tail hangs naturally, while in motion it may rise but should never curl over the back or be carried tucked beneath the body. The coat is short, smooth, and fine-textured, lying close to the body without any undercoat. The skin throughout the body is thick and somewhat loose, particularly around the head and neck.
Acceptable coat colors for the Dogue de Bordeaux include all shades of fawn, from light fawn (sometimes called Isabella) to dark red mahogany, with the richest colors being most desirable. The breed characteristically displays a mask on the face, which may be black, brown, or red, with black and brown being most common. Some dogs exhibit a black mask that extends to the ears and around the eyes, while others show a more limited brown or red mask. White markings are permissible on the chest and toes, though they should remain minimal. Any other color patterns, including brindle or extensive white markings, are considered faults or disqualifications depending on the extent.
Sexual dimorphism is quite apparent in the breed, with males displaying noticeably larger heads, heavier bone structure, and more substantial overall mass compared to females. Females maintain the breed's characteristic power and proportion but in a slightly more refined package. Movement should be fluid and athletic for the breed's size, with a ground-covering stride that demonstrates balance, power, and purpose. The gait shows good reach in front and strong drive from the rear, with the topline remaining level during movement.
Affection Level
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Extremely devoted to family members, forming deep bonds with their people
Good with Children
Excellent with children when properly socialized; gentle and protective but requires supervision due to size
Good with Other Dogs
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Can be territorial with same-sex dogs; early socialization essential
Good with Other Pets
Variable depending on individual dog and early exposure; some show strong prey drive toward smaller animals
Playfulness
Moderate playfulness; enjoys interaction with family but not hyperactive
Energy Level
Moderate energy; requires daily exercise but not excessively demanding
Trainability
Willing to learn but can be stubborn; requires consistent, patient training
Intelligence
Intelligent and perceptive; excellent problem-solving abilities
Tendency to Bark
Low to moderate; generally quiet but will alert to strangers or unusual activity
Amount of Shedding
Moderate shedding year-round; increases during seasonal changes
Grooming Needs
Low maintenance; weekly brushing and occasional baths sufficient
Prey Drive
Moderate prey drive; may chase smaller animals if not properly socialized