Dogue de Bordeaux Puppy Guide: Milestones, Feeding,
Complete Dogue de Bordeaux puppy guide covering age milestones, feeding portions, vaccination schedules, potty training, socialization, and first-year
The Dogue de Bordeaux — often just called the Dogue — is one of the most ancient French mastiff breeds, and raising one from puppyhood is a commitment unlike any other. Dogue puppies grow into 110–150 lb (50–68 kg) adults with powerful jaws, deep loyalty, and a stubborn streak that demands early, consistent training. If you're bringing home Dogue puppies or preparing for one, this guide maps every critical milestone from week 4 through month 12, with exact feeding portions, vaccination timelines, and real cost figures so there are no surprises.
When Should You Bring Your Dogue Puppy Home?
Responsible Dogue de Bordeaux breeders typically release puppies between 8 and 10 weeks of age. While some owners push for earlier pickup, the AKC recommends that puppies remain with their littermates until at least 8 weeks to learn bite inhibition and basic canine social skills. For giant breeds like the Dogue, many experienced breeders prefer holding puppies until 10 weeks because the extra time with the dam improves temperament stability and reduces fear-based reactivity later in life.
Bringing a Dogue puppy home before 8 weeks increases the risk of:
- Poor bite inhibition (excessive nipping that persists into adulthood)
- Separation anxiety and clinginess
- Difficulty reading canine body language with other dogs
- Higher stress during the transition to a new environment
If a breeder offers you a Dogue puppy at 6 weeks, treat this as a red flag. Reputable breeders invest in those extra weeks of socialization within the litter. Plan your pickup for the 8–10 week window and use the waiting period to puppy-proof your home and set up a crate station.
Age-Specific Milestones: What to Expect Week by Week
Dogue puppies develop on a predictable timeline, but their giant-breed physiology means joint care, controlled exercise, and slow growth are priorities that don't apply to smaller breeds. Here's what each developmental window looks like.
Weeks 4–8 (Still With the Breeder)
At this stage, your Dogue puppy is learning from littermates and the dam. Eyes and ears are fully functional. The puppy begins eating gruel (kibble softened with warm water or puppy milk replacer) and transitions to dry kibble by week 6. Weight at 8 weeks typically ranges from 12–18 lb (5.5–8 kg). The breeder should be handling puppies daily, introducing novel surfaces (tile, grass, carpet), and starting name recognition.
Weeks 8–12 (Home Transition & Bonding)
This is the primary bonding period. Your Dogue puppy will sleep 18–20 hours per day and may cry the first 2–3 nights in the crate. Expect rapid weight gain — roughly 2–3 lb per week. This is when you establish feeding routines, begin crate training, and start short (5-minute) leash walks on soft surfaces. Keep exercise strictly controlled: the Merck Veterinary Manual warns that excessive exercise during growth-plate development increases the risk of osteochondrosis and hip dysplasia in giant breeds.
Weeks 12–16 (Confidence Building & Basic Commands)
Your Dogue puppy should now recognize their name, respond to "sit," and tolerate brief handling of paws, ears, and mouth. Fear periods often hit around 12–14 weeks — your puppy may suddenly become wary of objects or people they previously ignored. Respond by keeping experiences positive and never forcing interaction. Weight at 16 weeks typically reaches 35–50 lb (16–23 kg).
Weeks 16–24 (Adolescent Foundations)
Teething begins in earnest around 16 weeks. Your Dogue puppy's adult teeth push in, and chewing intensity peaks. This is the window to solidify leash manners before your puppy becomes strong enough to pull you off your feet. Enroll in a positive-reinforcement puppy class (force-free methods only — no prong or shock collars). Expect testing of boundaries: your Dogue may "forget" commands they previously knew. This is normal adolescent behavior, not regression.
Months 6–12 (The Giant-Breed Teenager)
Your Dogue will reach 70–80% of adult height by 6 months but won't reach full weight until 18–24 months. Sexual maturity begins — males may start marking, females may enter their first estrus cycle between 6–9 months. Discuss spay/neuter timing with your veterinarian; many giant-breed specialists recommend waiting until 12–18 months to allow growth plates to close, which may reduce orthopedic disease risk. Continue controlled exercise — no forced running, jogging, or repetitive stair climbing until 18 months.
Dogue Puppy Feeding Schedule: Portions by Age and Weight
Feeding a giant-breed puppy incorrectly is one of the fastest ways to cause developmental orthopedic disease. The goal is slow, steady growth — not maximum growth. Feed a diet specifically formulated for large or giant breeds, with calcium levels between 1.2% and 1.5% on a dry-matter basis and an AAFCO statement confirming suitability for large-breed puppy growth.
| Age | Typical Weight | Meals Per Day | Daily Portion (Giant-Breed Puppy Kibble) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8–12 weeks | 12–25 lb / 5.5–11 kg | 4 meals | 2–3 cups total (split into 4 feedings) |
| 3–4 months | 25–45 lb / 11–20 kg | 3 meals | 3–4.5 cups total (split into 3 feedings) |
| 5–6 months | 45–70 lb / 20–32 kg | 3 meals | 4.5–6 cups total (split into 3 feedings) |
| 7–9 months | 70–100 lb / 32–45 kg | 2 meals | 5–7 cups total (split into 2 feedings) |
| 10–12 months | 90–120 lb / 41–54 kg | 2 meals | 6–8 cups total (split into 2 feedings) |
Key feeding rules for Dogue puppies:
- Use the kibble manufacturer's feeding chart as a starting point, then adjust based on your puppy's body condition score (BCS). You should be able to feel ribs without pressing hard, and see a slight waist tuck from above.
- Never free-feed. Measured meals prevent overeating and reduce bloat risk.
- Use a slow-feeder bowl or snuffle mat. Dogues eat fast, and rapid ingestion of large meals is a primary risk factor for gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV/bloat).
- Rest for 60 minutes before and 60 minutes after meals — no vigorous play, running, or rolling.
- Transition to adult giant-breed food between 18–24 months, not earlier.
Vaccination Schedule for Dogue Puppies
Your Dogue puppy's immune system is immature at birth and relies on maternal antibodies from colostrum, which gradually wane between 6 and 16 weeks. The vaccination series is timed to fill immunity gaps as those antibodies decline. The AVMA and the AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines recommend the following core schedule:
| Age | Vaccines Administered | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis/Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) — 1st dose | Often given by breeder before pickup |
| 10–12 weeks | DHPP — 2nd dose; Bordetella (optional, recommended if attending puppy class) | Bordetella can be intranasal or injectable |
| 14–16 weeks | DHPP — 3rd (final puppy) dose; Rabies (required by law in most US states) | Maternal antibodies are typically gone by this point |
| 12–16 months | DHPP booster; Rabies booster (1-year or 3-year depending on product and local law) | Sets up adult vaccination intervals |
Non-core vaccines to discuss with your veterinarian based on your region and lifestyle: Leptospirosis (recommended in areas with wildlife or standing water), Lyme disease (tick-endemic regions), and Canine Influenza (H3N2/H3N8 — recommended if your Dogue will board or attend daycare). Your vet will determine the appropriate protocol based on local disease prevalence and your puppy's risk factors.
Socialization Window: Weeks 3–14
The primary socialization period for all puppies closes around 12–14 weeks. After this window, unfamiliar stimuli are more likely to trigger fear than curiosity. For Dogue puppies — a breed with natural guardian instincts and wariness of strangers — this window is especially critical. Under-socialized Dogues can become overly protective, reactive, or fearful, which in a 130-lb dog creates serious management challenges.
Before your puppy completes the DHPP series, you must balance socialization with disease risk. The AVMA and the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior both support controlled socialization in low-risk environments starting before full vaccination. Carry your puppy to new places, avoid areas with unknown dog feces, and arrange playdates with fully vaccinated, healthy dogs you know.
Dogue Puppy Socialization Checklist (Weeks 8–14)
Aim for positive exposure to each item. Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes) and reward with high-value treats (small pieces of boiled chicken or freeze-dried liver).
- ☐ At least 10 different people (varying ages, ethnicities, heights, clothing — hats, sunglasses, hoodies, uniforms)
- ☐ 5+ children of different ages (supervised, calm interactions only)
- ☐ 3+ other fully vaccinated, friendly dogs of different sizes
- ☐ Surfaces: gravel, tile, wet grass, metal grates, tarps, wobble boards
- ☐ Sounds: vacuum cleaner, hair dryer, doorbell, thunderstorm audio (play at low volume, reward calmness), car horns
- ☐ Handling exercises: paw touching, ear inspection, mouth opening, nail clipping practice, gentle restraint
- ☐ Novel objects: open umbrellas, rolling suitcases, shopping carts, balloons, bicycles
- ☐ Environments: car rides (short, positive — not just vet visits), outdoor café patios, parking lots, quiet parks
- ☐ Grooming desensitization: soft brush on face wrinkles, damp cloth cleaning of facial folds
- ☐ Alone-time practice: leave puppy in crate or safe pen for 5–30 minutes while you're home, then while you step outside briefly
Potty Training Your Dogue Puppy: Timeline and Troubleshooting
Realistic expectations are essential. Most Dogue puppies achieve reliable house training between 4 and 6 months of age, though some take up to 8 months. Giant breeds mature more slowly than small breeds, and bladder control develops on that same delayed timeline. Anyone promising you can potty train a Dogue puppy in 3 days is selling you something.
When will my puppy be fully potty trained? Expect occasional accidents until 6 months. "Reliable" means fewer than 1–2 accidents per month with a consistent routine. Full reliability (zero accidents for 3+ months) typically arrives by 8–10 months.
Potty Training Log Template
Track every outing for the first 4 weeks to identify your puppy's natural rhythm:
| Time | Went Outside? (Y/N) | Pee / Poop / Both | Accident Indoors? (Location) | Treat Given? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:30 AM (wake-up) | Y | Both | — | Y |
| 8:00 AM (post-meal) | Y | Poop | — | Y |
| 10:00 AM | N | — | Kitchen tile | — |
Use this data to tighten your schedule. If accidents cluster at 10 AM, add an outing at 9:30 AM.
Potty training schedule by age:
- 8–12 weeks: Take outside every 1–2 hours during the day, plus immediately after waking, eating, drinking, and playing. Expect 1–2 overnight trips (set an alarm for 2–3 AM).
- 3–4 months: Every 2–3 hours during the day. Overnight hold time extends to 4–5 hours.
- 5–6 months: Every 3–4 hours. Most Dogues can hold overnight (7–8 hours) by this age.
- 7+ months: Every 4–6 hours during the day with a consistent morning and evening routine.
Troubleshooting common issues:
- Puppy pees inside right after coming in: Your puppy didn't actually empty their bladder outside. Stay out longer, walk to a different spot, and wait for a full void before rewarding and going inside.
- Puppy only poops in the crate: The crate may be too large (puppy is eliminating in one corner and sleeping in another). Use a divider to size it correctly — just enough room to stand, turn, and lie down. Also rule out diarrhea or parasites with your vet.
- Submissive/excitement urination when greeting: Common in Dogue puppies. Ignore the puppy for the first 60 seconds when you arrive home. Greet calmly at their level, outside if possible. Never scold — this is involuntary, not disobedience.
Crate Training Progression and Time Limits
A crate is your Dogue puppy's safe den and your most effective house-training tool. But giant-breed puppies need appropriately sized crates and strict time limits to avoid joint stress and anxiety.
| Puppy Age | Max Crate Time (Daytime) | Max Crate Time (Overnight) | Crate Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8–10 weeks | 1–2 hours | 3–4 hours (set alarm) | 36-inch with divider panel |
| 11–14 weeks | 2–3 hours | 5–6 hours | 36-inch with divider |
| 4–5 months | 3–4 hours | 7–8 hours | 42-inch or 48-inch |
| 6+ months | 4–5 hours | 8 hours | 48-inch or 54-inch (adult size) |
Crate training steps:
- Place the crate in a common area with the door open. Toss high-value treats inside and let the puppy enter and exit freely for 2–3 days.
- Feed all meals inside the crate with the door open, then closed for the duration of the meal.
- Close the door for 5-minute intervals while you sit nearby. Gradually increase to 15, 30, then 60 minutes.
- Leave the room for short periods (5–10 minutes), then return before the puppy shows distress.
- Begin overnight crating from night one. Place the crate near your bed initially so the puppy can hear and smell you. You can move it gradually to a preferred location over 2–3 weeks.
Never use the crate as punishment. If your Dogue puppy whines in the crate at night, wait for a 10-second pause in vocalization before opening the door or letting them out — otherwise you reinforce whining as the key that opens the door.
Teething Timeline and Safe Chew Strategies
Dogue puppies begin losing deciduous (baby) teeth around 12–16 weeks, and the process continues until approximately 6 months when all 42 adult teeth should be in place. During this period, chewing intensity is extreme. Dogue puppies have powerful jaw muscles even at this age, and they will destroy furniture, baseboards, and shoes without appropriate outlets.
Teething relief strategies:
- Frozen washcloths: Soak a clean washcloth in water, twist into a rope, freeze for 2 hours, and offer under supervision. The cold numbs sore gums. Discard once shredded.
- Rubber chew toys: Kong Classic (size Large or XL for Dogue puppies — the Puppy Kong rubber is too soft for their jaw strength by 4 months). Stuff with a smear of xylitol-free peanut butter and freeze.
- Benebone Wishbone (Large): Nylon chew designed for powerful chewers. Replace once deep grooves appear or pieces begin flaking off.
- Carrot sticks (whole, large): A cold, full-size carrot is a safe, edible chew. Supervise to prevent choking on large broken pieces.
- Avoid: Rawhide (choking and blockage risk), antlers and weight-bearing bones from large animals (tooth fractures), cooked bones of any kind (splintering), and any toy small enough to swallow whole.
If you notice a retained baby tooth (an adult tooth erupting beside a baby tooth that hasn't fallen out), mention it at your next vet visit. Retained deciduous teeth are common in brachycephalic and mastiff-type breeds and may need extraction to prevent crowding and misalignment.
Common Dogue Puppy Problems and Solutions
Puppy Biting and Nipping
Dogue puppies explore the world with their mouths, and their broad jaws make even playful nips painful. To stop puppy biting:
- When teeth touch skin, say "ouch" in a calm, firm tone and immediately withdraw attention — stand up, cross your arms, and look away for 15–20 seconds.
- Redirect to an appropriate chew toy the moment the puppy mouths your hand.
- End play sessions that escalate to hard biting. Puppies that are overtired bite harder — enforce a nap in the crate.
- Never hold the puppy's mouth shut, alpha-roll, or yank the collar. These aversive methods increase fear and can trigger defensive aggression in a breed already predisposed to guarding behavior.
Whining and Crying
Dogue puppies are vocal, especially during the first 2 weeks home. Whining in the crate at night is normal. Ensure the puppy has been exercised, has eliminated, and isn't too hot or cold before crating. A Snuggle Puppy (heartbeat toy) or a ticking clock wrapped in a towel can ease the transition. If whining persists beyond 20–30 minutes after settling, take the puppy out to eliminate (on leash, boring — no play), then return to the crate.
Destructive Chewing
Beyond teething, Dogue puppies chew from boredom and excess energy. Provide a rotation of 4–5 toys (don't leave all toys available — novelty maintains interest). Ensure adequate mental stimulation: 10 minutes of scent-work or food-puzzle activity tires a Dogue puppy more than 30 minutes of physical exercise.
Jumping Up
A 40-lb Dogue puppy jumping on guests is already a problem. Teach "four on the floor" by rewarding all four paws on the ground with treats and attention. Turn your back and fold your arms when the puppy jumps. Ask guests to do the same — consistency from every person is essential.
When Can My Dogue Puppy Go Outside and Meet Other Dogs?
This is one of the most common questions new Dogue owners ask. The answer requires balancing disease risk against the critical socialization window.
Safe from day one (8 weeks):
- Your own fenced yard (if no unknown dogs have access)
- Carried outings — hold your puppy in your arms or a sling to visit shops, parks, and streets
- Playdates in private homes with fully vaccinated, healthy dogs whose vaccination history you've verified
- Puppy kindergarten classes that require proof of at least one DHPP dose and a clean fecal test (many veterinary-run facilities sanitize between classes)
Avoid until after the final DHPP dose (typically 16 weeks):
- Dog parks (highest parvovirus risk environment)
- Pet store floors with unknown dog traffic
- Public sidewalks and park paths with heavy dog feces contamination
- Unvaccinated dog playdates
After the 16-week DHPP dose and the rabies vaccine, wait 5–7 days for peak immune response, then gradually introduce higher-risk environments. By 5 months, your Dogue puppy can safely visit most public spaces.
First-Year Cost Breakdown for a Dogue de Bordeaux
Dogue puppies are expensive to raise, and giant-breed costs scale up quickly. Here's a realistic first-year budget based on 2025–2026 US pricing:
| Category | Estimated Cost Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy purchase price | $2,500–$4,500 | AKC-registered from health-tested parents (OFA hips, cardiac, elbow) |
| Veterinary care (Year 1) | $800–$1,500 | Puppy exam series, DHPP x3, rabies, fecal tests, heartworm prevention, flea/tick prevention, spay/neuter if done in Year 1 ($600–$1,000 for giant breed) |
| Food (giant-breed puppy) | $900–$1,600 | Approximately 25–40 lb bags per month at $60–$90 per bag, increasing as puppy grows |
| Supplies | $500–$900 | 48" or 54" crate ($100–$180), heavy-duty leash and harness ($40–$80), stainless steel bowls ($25–$50), grooming supplies for wrinkle care ($30–$60), chew toys and puzzle feeders ($80–$150), puppy pen ($60–$100), bed ($50–$120) |
| Training | $300–$700 | Puppy kindergarten ($150–$250 for 6-week course), basic manners class ($150–$250), optional private sessions ($80–$150/hour) |
| Pet insurance (optional) | $600–$1,200 | $50–$100/month for accident-and-illness plan; enroll at 8 weeks to cover hereditary conditions before exclusions apply |
Total estimated first-year cost: $5,600–$10,400 (excluding the puppy purchase price, total ongoing care is approximately $3,100–$5,900).
Keep an emergency fund of at least $1,500–$3,000 for unexpected vet visits. Dogue puppies are prone to ingesting foreign objects, and giant-breed emergencies like GDV (bloat) can cost $3,000–$7,000 for surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dogue Puppies
How often should I feed my Dogue puppy at 10 weeks old?
At 10 weeks, feed 4 meals per day, spaced roughly 4 hours apart during waking hours (e.g., 7 AM, 11 AM, 3 PM, 7 PM). Each meal is approximately ½ to ¾ cup of giant-breed puppy kibble, depending on your puppy's current weight and the specific food's caloric density. Always check the feeding chart on your food's packaging and adjust based on body condition.
When will my Dogue puppy stop teething?
Most Dogue puppies have all 42 adult teeth fully erupted by 6–7 months. The most intense chewing phase runs from 3.5 to 5 months. Continue providing appropriate chews beyond this period — adolescent Dogues still need to chew for jaw exercise and stress relief.
Are Dogue puppies good with children?
Well-bred Dogue puppies raised with positive child exposure are typically gentle and tolerant. However, their size means a clumsy 30-lb puppy can knock over a toddler. Always supervise interactions, teach children not to pull ears or tail, and give the puppy a child-free retreat space (the crate).
How much exercise does a Dogue puppy need daily?
Follow the "5 minutes per month of age" rule for structured walks: an 8-week-old gets about 10 minutes, a 4-month-old gets 20 minutes, and a 6-month-old gets 30 minutes per walk. Free play in a fenced yard can supplement this. Avoid forced running, jumping from heights, and repetitive stair climbing until growth plates close at 18–24 months.
What health tests should the breeder have done on the parents?
The AKC recommends that Dogue de Bordeaux breeding stock be screened for: hip dysplasia (OFA or PennHIP), elbow dysplasia (OFA), cardiac evaluation (OFA cardiologist), and cystinuria (DNA test). Ask to see OFA certificates — not just "vet checked" paperwork.
Tom Renshaw
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
