Dogue de Bordeaux
Giant dog (over 45 kg), typically living 5–8 years. This is a flat-faced (brachycephalic) breed, so take extra care in warm weather.
Typical adult weight
Males: 54–65 kg
Females: 45–54 kg
Individual pets vary. Body condition matters more than the number on the scales.
At a glance
Typical lifespan
Median lifespan for a Dogue de Bordeaux is around 8.5 years, based on an estimate built from this breed's size, type and published lifespan range. Try our dog lifespan calculator for a figure adjusted to your own dog.
Life with a Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux needs a good daily walk plus some off-lead time to feel settled. As a giant dog (over 45 kg as an adult), it is reasonably easy to train with positive, reward-based methods, which matters most in the first year while good habits are being formed. It also is fairly quiet, with occasional barking.
Coat care is a big part of day-to-day life with this breed: its coat needs almost no work beyond an occasional wipe-down, and it sheds a moderate amount, with heavier shedding at coat-change times. Around the home, the Dogue de Bordeaux is usually good with children and tends to be patient and tolerant and can be selective about which other animals it gets on with, though every individual dog is different and early, positive socialisation makes a real difference.
Weather is worth planning for too – this breed copes very poorly with warm weather and needs extra care in summer. Being flat-faced (brachycephalic), it is also at higher risk of overheating and breathing difficulty, so take extra care on warm days and after exercise. Whatever your plans for exercise, feeding or budgeting, the tools below are pre-loaded with typical figures for the Dogue de Bordeaux so you can get a quick, personalised estimate.
Puppy growth chart
Estimated weight by age, based on an adult weight of around 54.5 kg (the midpoint of typical males and females) and a standard giant-breed growth curve. Real puppies vary by ±15% or more.
| Age | % of adult weight | Expected weight |
|---|---|---|
| 12 weeks | 25% | 13.6 kg |
| 16 weeks | 33% | 18 kg |
| 26 weeks | 50% | 27.3 kg |
| 39 weeks | 70% | 38.2 kg |
| 52 weeks | 80% | 43.6 kg |
| 78 weeks | 95% | 51.8 kg |
| 104 weeks | 100% | 54.5 kg |
Feeding guide by weight
Rough daily amounts for a neutered adult Dogue de Bordeaux of average activity, using the standard 70 × weight0.75 formula and a typical dry food energy density of 3600 kcal/kg. Always check the exact figure on your own food's packaging.
| Body weight | Daily calories | Roughly dry food |
|---|---|---|
| 45 kg | 1946 kcal | 541 g |
| 54.5 kg | 2247 kcal | 624 g |
| 65 kg | 2564 kcal | 712 g |
For a figure tailored to your dog's age, activity and neuter status, use the dog food calculator.
Daily exercise needs
As a toy and flat-faced breed-type dog, the Dogue de Bordeaux typically needs about 20–40 minutes of exercise a day, split across one or two walks plus some off-lead time or play where possible.
Puppies, seniors and dogs recovering from illness need much less – see how much exercise does my dog need for a plan by age and health.
Estimated UK costs
Ongoing costs (food, insurance, routine vet care, flea/worm treatment, grooming and extras) for a Dogue de Bordeaux typically run to around £297–£402 a month, or roughly £44,550–£60,300 over an average 12.5-year lifetime, not including one-off costs like purchase price, neutering or equipment.
Insurers price on breed. Flat-faced breeds (breathing and eye surgery) and large or giant breeds (joint surgery) usually cost more to insure and to treat.
These figures are UK averages and will vary by region and lifestyle. See our cost-of-ownership guide for a full breakdown you can adjust yourself.
Health conditions to be aware of
Like all breeds, the Dogue de Bordeaux has its own set of conditions vets keep an eye out for. Knowing about them ahead of time means you can ask the right questions, consider health screening, and choose insurance cover that suits.
- BOAS
- Heart disease
- Hip dysplasia
Because the Dogue de Bordeaux is flat-faced (brachycephalic), extra care in warm weather really matters – see is it too hot to walk my dog before heading out on warmer days.
A breed being prone to a condition does not mean your pet will get it. Ask your vet about screening and insurance.
Calculators for your Dogue de Bordeaux
Guides to read next
Estimates only – not a substitute for advice from your vet.
Last reviewed: 22 September 2026