Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 10 and 12 years, which is decent for a mastiff of this size. This longevity depends heavily on the quality of the breeding, growth management, weight control and veterinary follow-up throughout life.
Build
A robust breed?
The Dogue de Bordeaux is not the hardiest breed. It tolerates excess poorly, whether it involves overly intense exertion, heat, or weight gain. Its robustness depends greatly on serious selection, a measured lifestyle, and careful monitoring of the first signs of locomotor, skin, or respiratory discomfort.
Watch points
What to watch for
Regular monitoring is useful from the youngest age, especially during growth and in heavy dogs. The condition of the joints, heart, eyes and paw pads must be monitored, without forgetting weight control and the care of the facial folds to limit irritations and infections.
Hip dysplasia : This orthopedic condition can hinder movement and worsen with rapid growth or excess weight.
Entropion and ectropion : Eyelid abnormalities can lead to chronic irritation and warrant ophthalmologic monitoring.
Aortic stenosis : This cardiac condition is among the predispositions reported in the breed and deserves appropriate veterinary follow-up.
Pad hyperkeratosis : Abnormal thickening of the pads can cause cracks, pain and sometimes bleeding.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
The Dogue de Bordeaux tolerates cold moderately but handles heat less well, especially during periods of exertion. In summer, outings must be shifted to cooler hours, with permanent access to water and rest. Its short coat does not protect it strongly from prolonged bad weather.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Maintaining a stable weight is essential in this heavy breed. Any excess weight increases stress on the joints and can worsen overall fatigue. A measured ration, limited treats and regular but reasonable activity are the best levers to keep him in condition.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Regularly monitor weight and body condition.
- Closely monitor growth in the puppy and young adult.
- Monitor the eyes, facial folds and the condition of the paw pads.
- Consult promptly in case of lameness, abnormal fatigue or exercise intolerance.
Vaccination
Dogue de Bordeaux vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Dogue de Bordeaux? Like all cats, the Dogue de Bordeaux receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Dogue de Bordeaux is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Dogue de Bordeaux vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your Dogue de Bordeaux?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Dogue de Bordeaux
Before breeding or adopting from a breeder, it is wise to check hip screenings as well as cardiac and ophthalmological monitoring. A veterinarian will then be able to adapt the monitoring according to the dog's age, weight, lifestyle and medical history.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
