Dogue de Bordeaux
Trait scores
Health risk profile
Conditions below are ranked by documented prevalence and severity in the Dogue de Bordeaux. Risk level drives both veterinary costs and insurance pricing.
| Condition | Risk | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Hip and elbow dysplasia | high | Extremely common in the breed; buy only from OFA-screened parents. |
| Heart disease (aortic stenosis, DCM) | high | Cardiac disease is a leading cause of the breed's short lifespan; screen annually. |
| Bloat (GDV) | high | Massive deep chest; prophylactic gastropexy is worth discussing. |
| Skin fold dermatitis | moderate | Facial wrinkles need regular cleaning to prevent infection. |
| Cancer (lymphoma) | moderate | Elevated lymphoma rates appear in breed health surveys. |
Pet insurance for a Dogue de Bordeaux
Insurers price a Dogue de Bordeaux from the breed's documented claims profile — here, 3 high-risk conditions, led by Hip and elbow dysplasia and Heart disease (aortic stenosis, DCM). Enrolling early matters more than shopping hard: no carrier covers a condition once it is diagnosed.
Annual cost of ownership
Excluding insurance, the recurring cost of a Dogue de Bordeaux is driven by how much it eats — which scales with body weight — and how much grooming it needs. At 99–110 lbs and a grooming score of 2/5, the Dogue de Bordeaux sits below the average dog on grooming spend. Chronic conditions from the risk table above can add substantially to the medical side of the budget — one reason breed-matched insurance matters. For the component-by-component breakdown, see the average cost of owning a dog, and model your own numbers with thecost of ownership calculator.
About the Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux is an ancient French mastiff — the massive red dog of Turner & Hooch fame — that guarded estates and hauled carts. It is a calm, deeply devoted, low-energy guardian that is gentle with its family but naturally suspicious of strangers, requiring early socialization and confident ownership. The sobering reality is longevity: five to eight years is typical, among the shortest of any breed, with heart disease and joint problems the main drivers. Insurance reflects the giant-breed risk profile. Suits experienced owners who accept the shortened timeline.
Origin: France (Bordeaux)
Temperament
Related reading for Dogue de Bordeaux owners
- How much does pet insurance cost for a Dogue de Bordeaux?
- Dogue de Bordeaux hereditary conditions and what insurers actually cover
- Getting allergy and skin treatment covered
- The most expensive dog breeds to insure, and why
- What Dogue de Bordeaux coverage costs past age 8
- What counts as pre-existing before you enroll
Dogue de Bordeaux FAQ
How long do Dogue de Bordeauxs live?
The typical Dogue de Bordeaux lifespan is 5–8 years. Diet, weight management, and screening for the breed's known hereditary conditions have the largest measurable effect on longevity.
How much does pet insurance cost for a Dogue de Bordeaux?
There is no published breed-level price for pet insurance, so we do not quote one. NAPHIA's 2026 industry report puts the US average at $836 a year — about $70 a month — for accident-and-illness coverage on a dog, and insurers price above or below that line based on your dog's age, your ZIP code, and the plan you configure. The Dogue de Bordeaux carries 3 documented high-risk conditions, which is the main reason a Dogue de Bordeaux policy prices above the national average. For real numbers, request quotes for your dog's exact age and ZIP code.
Is the Dogue de Bordeaux a good apartment dog?
Usually not. At 99–110 lbs with an energy level of 2/5, the Dogue de Bordeaux needs more space and daily exercise than most apartments can offer.
What health problems are Dogue de Bordeauxs prone to?
The most significant documented risks are Hip and elbow dysplasia, Heart disease (aortic stenosis, DCM), Bloat (GDV). Ask breeders for the relevant health clearances and budget for insurance early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.