Dogue De Bordeaux

Feed a high-quality food matched to your Dogue's life stage, whether puppy, adult, or senior. Some Dogues gain weight easily, so watch calorie intake and body condition, give table scraps sparingly if at all, and skip cooked bones and high-fat foods. Learn which human foods are safe for dogs, and check with your veterinarian about any weight or diet concerns.

Routine matters as much as the food. Feed an adult twice a day, and feed puppies more often, three or four times daily. Set specific mealtimes and keep to them, which helps with portion control and training.

• Use a measuring cup to portion meals accurately.
• Avoid free-feeding, since food left out all day can lead to overeating.
• Slow-feeder bowls or puzzle feeders slow eating and reduce the risk of bloat and GDV.
• Avoid exercise directly before and after meals to further guard against bloat.

Individual needs vary with age, activity, and metabolism. Your veterinarian is the clearest guide to how much to feed, and you can also follow the packaging guidelines and adjust to your dog's weight and activity.

A balanced, high-quality food is the foundation. Some supplements can support overall health: glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, which matters for large breeds; omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil for coat quality and immune function; and probiotics to support a healthy gut balance. Talk to your veterinarian before adding any supplement.

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a heavy drooler with a short, smooth coat that sheds year-round. A rubber curry or shedding blade once a week keeps loose hair to a minimum, and the coat is otherwise low-maintenance and does not require trimming. A groomer can handle nail trims if you prefer.

The wrinkled skin needs specific care. Moisture and debris collect in the facial folds and skin folds, which can lead to irritation, so clean and dry them regularly with pet-safe wipes, paying extra attention around the face, neck, and body. Give a full bath every four weeks or so with a mild, dog-specific shampoo, and a damp-towel wipe-down keeps the dog clean between baths. Do not over-bathe, since too many baths strip the coat's oils, and dry the dog thoroughly afterward, especially in the folds, because trapped moisture invites fungal or bacterial infection.

The short coat offers little protection from UV rays. If your Dogue spends a lot of time outdoors in sun, a dog-safe sunblock on exposed skin can help.

Clean the ears at least once a week and check for redness, swelling, heavy wax, foul odor, or discharge. Floppy ears can hold moisture, so wipe away excess water gently after baths or water play, use only a vet-recommended solution and cotton ball on the visible parts, and never insert anything deep into the ear canal. If you see constant scratching or head shaking, consult your veterinarian.

Trim nails about once a month to prevent overgrowth. For the eyes, watch for redness, excessive tearing, cloudiness, or discharge, and ask your veterinarian if anything looks off. Some Dogues show tear staining near the eyes, which you can clean gently with a damp cloth, keeping handling soft.

Dogues are generally calm and laid-back, with a moderate energy level. They enjoy leisurely walks, backyard play, and time with their people rather than constant high-intensity activity.

To spare developing bones and joints, limit a young Bordeaux to low-impact exercise until at least 18 months. Do not overexert a puppy, and do not let it run up and down stairs or jump from surfaces higher than its back. Swimming is excellent exercise at any age, and an older Bordeaux can work harder, including jobs such as pulling carts.

In adulthood, Dogues may enjoy a range of dog sports, including agility, carting, rally, competitive obedience, weight pull, water rescue, and tracking. These outlets give both body and mind something to do.

This breed adapts fairly well to different living situations and can manage apartment life with enough exercise and enrichment, though the ideal home is spacious with a securely fenced yard, since the breed tends to explore. Dogues can become destructive when left alone for long periods. Regular interaction and play help prevent this behavior.

Early socialization and obedience training are essential. Exposing a Dogue puppy to different people, pets, and environments helps prevent shyness or fearfulness, and time around other dogs reduces caution. Because the breed was historically used to guard people and property, dedicated obedience work turns a Dogue into a well-mannered companion.

These are sensitive dogs that need trust and resist rough or heavy-handed correction. Discipline should be firm and consistent without being harsh, and reward-based methods work well, since Dogues are sensitive to their owner's approval. They can be willful, sometimes called stubborn, so bring patience, stay calm rather than frustrated, and keep sessions short and engaging given their moderate energy.

Start with basics like sit, stay, and come to build a strong foundation. Leash training matters given the breed's size and strength, because calm leash manners prevent pulling. Because Dogues tend to protect their families and may bark at an unfamiliar presence, teach the dog to tell normal visitors from strangers and reward calm behavior around familiar guests.

Dogues typically have a calm, gentle demeanor. They are loyal and usually patient with children, especially when socialized early. The breed suits experienced owners prepared for its training and care needs.