Dogue De Bordeaux Lifespan: Average Life Expectancy and More!

Have you fallen head over heels for the adorable Dogue de Bordeaux? If so, you’re not alone! This lovable breed has been popular for hundreds of years, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re looking for a guard dog, a cuddle buddy, or just a best friend, the Dogue de Bordeaux has you covered. Let’s discuss the average lifespan of this lovable breed and explore some health issues that they commonly experience.

Dogue De Bordeaux: A Brief Introduction to the Breed

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a mastiff breed that originated from ancient France. As such, these dogs can grow to be very large, and both males and females will weigh between 100 and 150 pounds at maturity. They’re sometimes referred to as gentle giants due to their big frame and unwavering loyalty. In fact, many people seek this breed specifically for guard dog purposes. If given the proper training, the Dogue de Bordeaux will excel in this role due to their high intelligence, eagerness to please their owners, and protective instincts. Even though this breed has the ability to cause harm to those who threaten their family, they are typically very calm and docile. They love to snuggle with their owners and enjoy being the center of attention.

Although they are typically a relaxed breed, owners should avoid introducing small dogs and cats to the home if possible. The Dogue de Bordeaux has a strong prey drive, so they may accidentally harm smaller pets in the home. However, they will likely get along with larger dogs just fine. The same applies to young children. Although this breed is endlessly loyal and loving to their families, accidents can happen. They are a powerful breed, and they may inadvertently harm a child by running into them or knocking them over. Overall, this breed does best in homes with older children and other large dogs.

Average Life Expectancy of a Dogue De Bordeaux

Unfortunately, as is the case with many large-breed dogs, the Dogue de Bordeaux has a short lifespan. On average, Dogue de Bordeaux will live to be between five and eight years old. But why is this? According to Science X Network, a study authored by researchers at the University of Adelaide found that “Larger dogs didn’t necessarily age faster than the smaller breeds, but the research did show that as the breed’s average body weight increased, so did the rates of cancer. We believe the relationship between a dog’s body size and their lifespan may be caused by an evolutionary lag in the body’s cancer defenses, which are unable to keep up with the rapid and recent selective breeding of bigger dogs.” Despite this, the oldest Dogue de Bordeaux lived to be 12 years old.

Buying your Dogue de Bordeaux from an ethical breeder will give them the best chance at a long and healthy life. Unethical breeders, or puppy mills, often don’t perform genetic testing on their dogs. Because of this, their animals are at a higher risk of inheriting congenital diseases. These conditions can range from painful to life-threatening, and in some cases, dogs can die prematurely. It’s important to do thorough research on the breeder you choose to purchase from to prevent this from happening.

Health Problems Common in Dogue De Bordeaux

Although many Dogue de Bordeaux live healthy lives and are unaffected by serious health concerns, it’s important to be aware of which diseases they are susceptible to. One in particular that is common among dogs of this breed is gastric dilatation. According to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, “The condition is multifactorial but is commonly associated with rapid ingestion of large meals. The presence of food and gas causes the stomach to significantly dilate and expand, which may have several severe consequences.” Treatments for this condition range from medication to surgery depending on severity.

Other medical conditions owners should look out for are cancer, heart problems, epilepsy, and dysplasia. Pet insurance is an excellent safety net to have during a medical emergency, and many plans start at as little as $25 per month.

How Your Dogue De Bordeaux Can Live a Long and Healthy Life

The Dogue de Bordeaux has moderate exercise needs. At maturity, roughly 45 minutes of physical activity per day is recommended. Owners can meet these needs by going on walks, playing fetch, or letting their dogs run around the backyard. In addition, owners should closely monitor the diet of their dogs. At their size, this breed should be eating about 4 and 1/2 cups of food per day at minimum. However, it’s important not to overfeed your dog either as obesity can branch off into a myriad of health issues. As always, it’s important to talk to your vet to determine your Dogue de Bordeaux’s specific needs.

As a rule of thumb, it’s best to take your Dogue de Bordeaux to the vet for annual health screenings. Dogs, like many animals, often try to hide their symptoms until it’s too late. Make sure you go in once yearly for a check-up to catch any disease before it progresses beyond repair. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, medical emergencies still occur. If this happens, it’s important not to blame yourself. As long as you’ve followed these steps, you’ve done the best job you possibly could. Unfortunately, some situations are just beyond the owner’s control.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Dogue de Bordeaux is an excellent breed, and both first-time owners and seasoned ones alike will enjoy their company. As long as you purchase your puppy from an ethical breeder, take them in for yearly check-ups, and ensure that they’re eating properly and getting enough exercise, you have little to worry about. Speak to your vet immediately if you notice a sharp change in your dog’s personality or behavior. As long as you follow these tips, you’re giving your Dogue de Bordeaux the best chance at living a long, happy, healthy life!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © maxbelchenko/Shutterstock.com