French Mastiff Puppies: Complete Week-by-Week Growth & Care Guide
Everything you need to raise French Mastiff puppies — week-by-week milestones, feeding charts, vaccination schedules, potty training, and first-year costs.
The Dogue de Bordeaux — known to most as the French Mastiff — is one of the most ancient French breeds, and raising one from puppyhood is a commitment unlike any other. These puppies grow explosively: a French Mastiff puppy born at roughly 1.5 pounds can tip the scales at 50+ pounds by four months of age. That rapid growth demands precise nutrition, structured socialization, and a clear plan for joint-protective exercise.
This guide walks you through every developmental stage of French Mastiff puppies from the moment you bring them home through their first year, with exact feeding amounts, vaccination timelines, and realistic training expectations based on breed-specific veterinary guidance.
When to Bring Your French Mastiff Puppy Home
Responsible Dogue de Bordeaux breeders typically release puppies between 8 and 10 weeks of age. While some toy breeds benefit from staying with littermates until 12 weeks, French Mastiff puppies are physically robust enough at 8 weeks and critically need the socialization window that opens in your home.
Bringing your puppy home at 8–9 weeks gives you the maximum overlap with the primary socialization period (weeks 3–14), which the AVMA identifies as the most formative behavioral window in a dog's life. Every week you wait past 10 weeks is a week of exposure you cannot recover.
Before pickup day, have these essentials ready:
- XL wire crate (48-inch) with a divider panel — you'll expand space as they grow
- Orthopedic bed rated for 120+ lbs (Big Barker or Kuranda elevated cot)
- Stainless steel bowls — elevated feeder stand at elbow height to reduce air swallowing and bloat risk
- Large-breed puppy formula kibble — AAFCO-approved, calcium:phosphorus ratio between 1.1:1 and 1.4:1
- Bully sticks and Kong Classic (XL) for teething relief
Week-by-Week Development Milestones
French Mastiff puppies develop on a compressed timeline compared to smaller breeds. Their skeletal growth plates remain open until approximately 18–24 months, making controlled exercise and proper nutrition non-negotiable during puppyhood.
Weeks 4–8 (At the Breeder)
During this period, your puppy is still with the breeder. Key developments include:
- Weight: 4–12 lbs (1.8–5.4 kg) — expect roughly 1–2 lbs of gain per week
- Senses: Full vision and hearing; startle reflexes diminish
- Social: Littermate play teaches bite inhibition — puppies learn how hard is "too hard"
- Nutrition: Transition from mother's milk to gruel, then to softened kibble (large-breed puppy formula)
- First deworming: Typically at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks (pyrantel pamoate protocol)
What to ask your breeder: Request the puppy's exact weight log, deworming dates, and any early neurological stimulation (ENS) protocol used.
Weeks 8–12 (Home Adjustment)
- Weight: 15–25 lbs (6.8–11.3 kg)
- Sleep: 18–20 hours per day — do not interrupt sleep cycles
- Bladder control: Approximately 1 hour per month of age (so ~2 hours max at 8 weeks)
- Behavior: Fear imprint period (8–11 weeks) — negative experiences can create lasting phobias. Keep vet visits positive with high-value treats
- Exercise limit: 5 minutes of structured leash walking per month of age, twice daily (10 minutes at 8 weeks)
Weeks 12–16 (Confidence Building)
- Weight: 30–50 lbs (13.6–22.7 kg) — growth rate accelerates dramatically
- Teething begins: Deciduous incisors start loosening around 12–14 weeks
- Training: Short sessions (3–5 minutes) of sit, down, name recognition using food lures and positive reinforcement
- Socialization peak: This is prime exposure time — see the checklist below
- Exercise: 15–20 minutes of leash walking, twice daily. Avoid forced running, stairs, and slippery floors
Weeks 16–24 (The "Teenage" Phase)
- Weight: 55–85 lbs (25–38.6 kg) by 6 months
- Teething peak: Adult canines and premolars erupting (4–6 months) — chewing intensity surges
- Testing boundaries: Ignoring known commands is normal; maintain consistent expectations without punishment
- Second fear period: May occur around 6–14 months — sudden wariness of previously familiar stimuli
- Exercise: 25–30 minutes of structured walking, twice daily. Swimming is excellent low-impact exercise if available
6–12 Months (Adolescent Growth)
- Weight: 80–110 lbs (36–50 kg) by 12 months — males typically heavier
- Adult height: Approaching full height (23–27 inches / 58–69 cm at shoulder) though body fill-out continues to 2–3 years
- Spay/neuter window: Many large-breed veterinarians now recommend delaying until 12–18 months to allow growth plate closure — discuss timing with your vet
- Training: Can begin structured obedience classes; impulse control exercises become critical for a dog that will weigh 100–140 lbs
Feeding Schedule: Portions by Age and Weight
French Mastiff puppies require a large-breed puppy formula specifically — not standard puppy food. Large-breed formulas contain controlled calcium (1.0–1.5% dry matter basis) and moderate caloric density to prevent growth rates that outpace bone development. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual,过快 growth in giant breeds is a primary risk factor for osteochondrosis and hip dysplasia.
| Age | Expected Weight | Meals/Day | Daily Total (cups) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8–12 weeks | 15–25 lbs (6.8–11.3 kg) | 3–4 | 2.5–3.5 cups | Moisten kibble with warm water if needed |
| 3–4 months | 30–50 lbs (13.6–22.7 kg) | 3 | 3.5–5 cups | Transition to dry kibble; remove elevated bowl after meals |
| 4–6 months | 50–80 lbs (22.7–36.3 kg) | 3 | 5–7 cups | Monitor body condition score (BCS); ribs should be palpable |
| 6–9 months | 75–100 lbs (34–45.4 kg) | 2 | 6–8 cups | Reduce to 2 meals; avoid exercise 1 hour before and after meals |
| 9–12 months | 90–120 lbs (40.8–54.4 kg) | 2 | 7–9 cups | Begin gradual transition to adult large-breed formula at 12 months |
Recommended large-breed puppy formulas (2026): Royal Canin Giant Puppy, Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy, or Hill's Science Diet Large Breed Puppy. Look for the AAFCO statement confirming "growth" or "all life stages" feeding trials. Expect to spend $70–$110 per 30-lb bag.
Vaccination Schedule for French Mastiff Puppies
Your puppy's vaccination protocol should be customized by your veterinarian based on local disease prevalence, but the AKC-recommended core vaccination schedule provides a reliable framework. French Mastiff puppies follow the standard large-breed puppy protocol:
| Age | Vaccines | Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis/Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) — 1st dose | Core | $25–$45 |
| 10–12 weeks | DHPP — 2nd dose; Bordetella (intranasal or injectable); Leptospirosis — 1st dose (if recommended in your area) | Core + Lifestyle | $40–$75 |
| 14–16 weeks | DHPP — 3rd (final puppy) dose; Rabies (required by law); Leptospirosis — 2nd dose | Core + Legal | $50–$90 |
| 12 months | DHPP booster; Rabies booster (1-year or 3-year depending on product); Leptospirosis annual booster | Booster | $50–$85 |
Optional/lifestyle vaccines your vet may recommend: Lyme disease (if in a tick-endemic region), Canine Influenza (H3N2/H3N8, especially if attending group classes or boarding). Discuss a titers test — a blood test measuring antibody levels — at 16+ weeks to confirm adequate parvovirus and distemper immunity before exposing your puppy to high-traffic dog areas.
Socialization Window: Weeks 3–14 Exposure Checklist
The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) states that the window for primary socialization closes around 14 weeks, and incomplete socialization is the leading behavioral cause of relinquishment to shelters. For French Mastiff puppies — a guardian breed with natural wariness of strangers — this window is critical.
Before full vaccination, carry your puppy or use a stroller/wagon for exposures. Avoid dog parks and unknown dog feces. The goal is positive, controlled exposure, not overwhelming encounters.
Rule of thumb: Each new experience should be paired with a high-value treat (boiled chicken, freeze-dried liver). If your puppy shows fear, increase distance and let them observe without pressure. Never force an interaction.
Potty Training Timeline and Realistic Expectations
French Mastiff puppies are not the fastest to house-train. Their physical bladder capacity develops more slowly than their cognitive understanding, and the sheer volume of liquid a 40-pound puppy produces is substantial. Here is a realistic timeline:
| Age | Bladder Hold Time | Accidents/Week (Typical) | Milestone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8–10 weeks | 1–2 hours | Daily (multiple) | Learning the concept of "outside" |
| 10–14 weeks | 2–3 hours | 3–5 | Beginning to signal (whining, circling, door staring) |
| 4–6 months | 4–5 hours | 1–2 | Reliable with scheduled outings; occasional regression during teething |
| 6–9 months | 6–8 hours | 0–1 | Mostly reliable; may regress during second fear period |
| 9–12 months | 8+ hours | Rare | Considered fully house-trained |
When will my puppy be fully potty trained? Most French Mastiff puppies achieve reliable house training between 6 and 9 months, though some males may take until 12 months. Consistency matters more than speed: take your puppy out within 15 minutes of every meal, after every nap, and after every play session. Use a consistent verbal cue ("go potty") and reward immediately with a treat and praise upon completion.
Troubleshooting common setbacks:
- Nighttime accidents: Remove water 2 hours before bed. Set a 3 AM alarm for puppies under 14 weeks. Crate the puppy in your bedroom so you hear stirring.
- Submissive urination: Common in young Mastiffs when greeting. Avoid leaning over or reaching toward the puppy's head. Greet at their level, sideways, with a calm voice.
- Regression at 6 months: Often coincides with hormonal changes. Do not punish — return to a tighter outing schedule for 2 weeks.
Crate Training Progression and Time Limits
A properly crate-trained French Mastiff has a safe retreat, reduced anxiety, and protection from household hazards when unsupervised. Use a 48-inch wire crate with a divider — start with a space just large enough for the puppy to stand, turn, and lie down, then expand as they grow.
Maximum crate time by age:
- 8–10 weeks: 1–2 hours maximum (outside of overnight sleep)
- 10–14 weeks: 2–3 hours
- 4–5 months: 4 hours
- 6+ months: 5–6 hours (never exceed 8 hours for an adolescent or adult)
Progression plan:
- Days 1–3: Leave the crate door open. Feed all meals inside. Toss high-value treats (stuffed Kong) into the crate throughout the day.
- Days 4–7: Close the door during meals. Stay in the room. Open immediately when finished.
- Week 2: Close the door, leave the room for 1–5 minutes. Return before the puppy vocalizes.
- Weeks 3–4: Extend absences to 15–30 minutes. Begin crating for short daytime naps.
- Month 2+: Crate overnight in your bedroom. Gradually move the crate to your preferred location once the puppy sleeps through the night consistently.
Never use the crate as punishment. If your puppy whines after being settled for 30+ minutes, they likely need to eliminate — take them out on leash, then return to the crate.
Teething Timeline and Safe Chew Strategies
French Mastiff puppies have powerful jaws even at 12 weeks, and their teething phase is intense. The full teething timeline:
- 3–4 weeks: Deciduous (baby) incisors erupt
- 4–6 weeks: Deciduous canines and premolars come in — puppy has 28 baby teeth by 8 weeks
- 12–16 weeks: Baby incisors begin falling out; adult incisors erupt
- 4–5 months: Adult canines erupt — peak chewing intensity and discomfort
- 5–7 months: Adult premolars and molars complete eruption — 42 adult teeth by 6–7 months
Safe chew recommendations by age:
- 8–12 weeks: Frozen wet washcloth (twisted into a rope), rubber Kong Classic (puppy formula, stuffed with moistened kibble and frozen)
- 3–5 months: Bully sticks (supervised only — remove when small enough to swallow), Nylabone Puppy Chew (softer formula), frozen carrot sticks
- 5–7 months: Benebone Wishbone (large), antler alternatives (avoid real antlers — too hard, risk of tooth fracture in powerful-jawed breeds), Kong Extreme (black rubber)
Common French Mastiff Puppy Problems and Solutions
Puppy Biting and Nipping
French Mastiff puppies explore the world with their mouths, and their jaw pressure increases weekly. How do you stop puppy biting?
- Redirect immediately: When teeth touch skin, say "oops" in a neutral tone, withdraw attention for 10–15 seconds, then offer an appropriate chew toy.
- Never use physical punishment: Alpha rolls, muzzle grabbing, or holding the mouth shut damage trust and can trigger defensive aggression — especially dangerous in a breed that will exceed 100 lbs.
- Teach "leave it" and "drop it" starting at 10 weeks using positive reinforcement (trade a toy for a higher-value treat).
- Manage arousal: Most biting spikes when puppies are overtired. If nipping escalates, your puppy likely needs a nap — crate them with a frozen Kong.
Whining and Vocalization
Dogues are not excessive barkers, but puppies whine to communicate needs. Before responding, run through this checklist: Does the puppy need to eliminate? Are they hungry? Are they in pain? Are they bored? Address the underlying need. For crate whining at night, a Snuggle Puppy (heartbeat toy) or a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel can ease the transition from littermates.
Destructive Chewing
A bored or under-stimulated French Mastiff puppy can destroy furniture, baseboards, and shoes within minutes. Prevention strategy:
- Puppy-proof every room: use bitter apple spray on baseboards, block access to electrical cords
- Rotate chew toys every 3 days to maintain novelty
- Provide 15–20 minutes of mental enrichment daily (snuffle mats, frozen Kong puzzles, scatter feeding)
Joint and Mobility Concerns
French Mastiffs are predisposed to hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Protect developing joints by:
- Limiting stair climbing until 6+ months
- Using non-slip rugs on hardwood floors
- Avoiding high-impact activities (jumping off furniture, agility) until growth plates close (18–24 months, confirmed by veterinary X-ray)
- Maintaining lean body condition — overweight puppies have significantly higher dysplasia rates
First-Year Cost Breakdown for a French Mastiff Puppy
Budgeting realistically prevents surrender. French Mastiff puppies are expensive to raise — their size drives up every cost category. Here is a 2026 estimate for the first 12 months:
| Category | Items | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Purchase | Reputable breeder (health-tested parents, AKC registration) | $2,500–$5,500 |
| Veterinary | Wellness exams (4+), vaccinations, deworming, fecal tests, heartworm prevention, spay/neuter (if done in year 1) | $800–$1,800 |
| Food | Large-breed puppy formula (~25–30 bags of 30-lb over 12 months) | $1,800–$3,000 |
| Supplies | XL crate, orthopedic bed, harness, leash, bowls, grooming supplies, chew toys, wrinkle wipes, enzymatic cleaner | $400–$800 |
| Training | Puppy kindergarten (6–8 weeks), basic obedience (6–8 weeks), possible private sessions | $250–$600 |
| Insurance | Pet insurance (recommended — French Mastiffs have high emergency vet rates) | $600–$1,200/year |
| Miscellaneous | Microchip, licensing, pet sitter/daycare, emergency fund buffer | $300–$700 |
| TOTAL FIRST YEAR | $6,650–$13,600 |
After the first year, expect ongoing annual costs of $2,500–$4,500 for food, preventive care, insurance, and supplies. French Mastiffs have a lifespan of only 5–8 years, and the emotional and financial weight of potential cardiac or orthopedic surgery makes pet insurance a strongly recommended investment from day one.
When Can My Puppy Go Outside and Meet Other Dogs?
This is one of the most common questions new French Mastiff puppy owners ask, and the answer balances infection risk against the closing socialization window:
- Immediately (8+ weeks): Carry your puppy to outdoor environments — parks, outdoor cafes, neighborhood sidewalks in a carrier or wagon. Exposure to sights, sounds, and surfaces is safe before full vaccination.
- Avoid until fully vaccinated (~16–18 weeks): Dog parks, pet store floors, areas with unknown dog feces, and group puppy classes where vaccination status is not verified.
- Safe socialization classes: Many veterinary clinics and training facilities require proof of at least 2 DHPP doses (10+ weeks) before allowing entry. These controlled environments are generally safe and strongly recommended.
- After final DHPP at 16 weeks: Wait 1–2 weeks for immune response, then your puppy can safely explore public areas, meet fully vaccinated dogs, and attend group classes without restriction.
The AVSAB position statement on puppy socialization explicitly states that the risk of behavioral problems from inadequate socialization outweighs the disease risk for puppies who have received at least their first set of vaccines. Waiting until 16+ weeks to begin socialization means missing the most critical developmental window entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I feed my French Mastiff puppy at 8 weeks?
At 8 weeks, feed 3–4 meals per day, totaling approximately 2.5–3.5 cups of large-breed puppy kibble. Divide the daily total evenly across meals. Always provide fresh water, but remove the water bowl 2 hours before bedtime to reduce overnight accidents.
How do I stop my French Mastiff puppy from biting my hands?
Use the redirect-and-withdraw method: when teeth touch skin, calmly say "oops," stand up and turn away for 10–15 seconds (removing attention), then return and offer an appropriate chew toy. Consistency from every household member is essential. Never hit, yell, or hold the puppy's mouth shut — these methods create fear and can escalate biting in a guardian breed. Most puppy biting diminishes significantly by 5–6 months as adult teeth fully erupt.
Are French Mastiff puppies good with children?
Well-socialized Dogue de Bordeaux puppies are typically gentle and patient with children. However, their size means an 8-week-old puppy already weighs as much as a small toddler, and adolescent Mastiffs can accidentally knock over young children. Always supervise interactions, teach children not to pull ears or tail, and give the puppy a child-free retreat space (the crate).
Do French Mastiff puppies drool a lot?
Puppies drool less than adults, but you should expect drool from around 4–6 months onward as their jowls develop. Keep a drool cloth handy, especially after eating and drinking. Adult Dogues are prolific droolers — this is a breed trait, not a health concern, unless drooling is sudden and excessive (which could indicate oral pain or nausea).
When should I start training my French Mastiff puppy?
Begin training the day you bring your puppy home (typically 8 weeks). Start with name recognition, "sit," and handling exercises using food rewards in 2–3 minute sessions, 3–5 times daily. Enroll in a positive-reinforcement puppy kindergarten class by 10–12 weeks. Given this breed's eventual size (100–140 lbs for males), establishing polite leash walking and impulse control early is essential — a 120-lb untrained adolescent pulling on a leash is a safety risk.
How much exercise does a French Mastiff puppy need?
Follow the 5-minute-per-month rule for structured leash walks: 10 minutes at 8 weeks, 20 minutes at 4 months, 30 minutes at 6 months — split into two daily sessions. Free play in a fenced yard is fine, but avoid forced running, jumping, or repetitive fetch on hard surfaces until growth plates close (18–24 months). Over-exercising a growing Mastiff puppy increases the risk of developmental orthopedic disease.
Jonas Cole
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
