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.
Constitution
Is this 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.
Things to watch for
What to look out 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
Tolerance to cold and heat
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
Prone to weight gain
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.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet 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 vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Dogue de Bordeaux need? Like all dogs, Dogue de Bordeauxs should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Dogue de Bordeaux vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Dogue de Bordeaux booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Dogue de Bordeaux need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing 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 for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
