Puppy Bordeaux Dog: Complete Growth, Feeding & Training Guide
Your complete puppy Bordeaux Dog guide covering milestones, feeding schedules, vaccination timelines, socialization, and first-year costs for Dogue de Bordeaux puppies.
The Dogue de Bordeaux — often called the French Mastiff — is one of the most ancient and imposing French breeds. Bringing home a puppy Bordeaux Dog is a commitment unlike raising most other breeds. These puppies grow rapidly, eat voraciously, drool prodigiously, and require deliberate socialization during a narrow developmental window. Mistakes in the first six months can lead to lifelong behavioral challenges or orthopedic problems in a dog that will eventually weigh 99–150 lb (45–68 kg).
This guide gives you the exact timelines, feeding amounts, vaccination weeks, and cost figures you need to raise a healthy, well-adjusted Dogue de Bordeaux puppy from eight weeks through the first year.
When Should You Bring Your Puppy Bordeaux Dog Home?
The AKC recommends that large and giant-breed puppies stay with their littermates until at least 8–10 weeks of age. For the Dogue de Bordeaux, most responsible breeders hold puppies until 10–12 weeks because of the breed's slower emotional maturation and the critical socialization work the breeder begins during weeks 6–8.
Before pickup day, confirm your breeder has completed the puppy's first veterinary exam, administered the initial DHPP vaccine (typically at 6–8 weeks), and provided a written health guarantee covering breed-specific conditions like hip dysplasia and cardiac defects.
Age-Specific Milestones: What to Expect Week by Week
Dogue de Bordeaux puppies develop on a slightly compressed timeline compared to smaller breeds. Here is what you should see at each stage:
| Age Range | Expected Weight | Key Milestones |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 4–8 (with breeder) |
5–15 lb (2–7 kg) |
Eyes fully open; first teeth erupt; begins eating gruel/weaning food; learns bite inhibition from littermates; first deworming and DHPP vaccine at 6–8 weeks |
| Weeks 8–12 | 15–30 lb (7–14 kg) |
Transition to new home; primary socialization window opens; crate training begins; learns name recognition; second DHPP at 10–12 weeks; short leash walks begin |
| Weeks 12–16 | 30–50 lb (14–23 kg) |
Fear imprint period (8–11 weeks) ends; confidence-building exercises critical; third DHPP at 14–16 weeks; rabies vaccine given; potty training consistency expected; basic sit/down/reliability |
| Weeks 16–24 (4–6 months) |
50–80 lb (23–36 kg) |
Teething begins (baby teeth shed); chewing intensity peaks; can hold bladder 4–5 hours; adolescence onset; testing boundaries; spay/neuter discussion with vet |
| Months 6–12 | 80–130 lb (36–59 kg) |
Adult teeth fully in; growth rate slows; sexual maturity; advanced training and impulse control work; transition from puppy to large-breed adult food around 10–12 months; joint supplement discussion with vet |
Feeding Schedule: Exact Portions by Age and Weight
Dogue de Bordeaux puppies need a large-breed puppy formula — not standard puppy food. Large-breed formulas contain controlled calcium (1.0–1.5% on a dry matter basis) and phosphorus ratios that prevent rapid bone growth linked to hip and elbow dysplasia. The Merck Veterinary Manual emphasizes that overfeeding giant breeds is as dangerous as underfeeding.
| Age | Meals per Day | Daily Total (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8–12 weeks | 4 meals | 3–4 cups/day (divided into ¾–1 cup per meal) |
Soak kibble in warm water for first 1–2 weeks if puppy struggles with hard pieces |
| 12–16 weeks | 3 meals | 4–5 cups/day (~1.5 cups per meal) |
Begin monitoring body condition score (BCS); ribs should be palpable but not visible |
| 4–6 months | 3 meals | 5–7 cups/day (~2 cups per meal) |
Growth spurts common; adjust up or down based on weekly weigh-ins |
| 6–12 months | 2 meals | 6–8 cups/day (3–4 cups per meal) |
Transition to large-breed adult formula at 10–12 months gradually over 7–10 days |
Recommended large-breed puppy food brands that meet AAFCO nutritional standards and have completed feeding trials include Royal Canin Giant Puppy, Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy, and Hill's Science Diet Large Breed Puppy. Always look for the AAFCO statement of nutritional adequacy on the label.
Vaccination Schedule: Week-by-Week Immunization Plan
Your Dogue de Bordeaux puppy follows the standard core vaccination protocol, but because giant breeds mature immunologically at the same rate as other dogs, timing is straightforward. The AVMA and the AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines recommend the following:
| Age | Vaccine | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | DHPP (1st dose) | Core | Protects against distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus-2), parainfluenza, and parvovirus; usually given by breeder's vet |
| 10–12 weeks | DHPP (2nd dose) Bordetella (optional) |
Core Non-core |
Bordetella (kennel cough) recommended if attending puppy classes or boarding |
| 14–16 weeks | DHPP (3rd dose) Rabies |
Core Core (legally required) |
Final puppy DHPP; rabies required by law in all US states; some vets give separately 2–3 weeks after DHPP to reduce reaction risk in giant breeds |
| 12–16 months | DHPP booster Rabies booster |
Core | After this, DHPP and rabies are typically given every 3 years depending on local law |
Leptospirosis and Lyme disease are non-core vaccines your vet may recommend based on your geographic area and lifestyle. Discuss these at your 12-week visit.
Socialization Window: Weeks 3–14 Exposure Checklist
The Dogue de Bordeaux has a natural wariness of strangers and a strong guarding instinct. This makes the primary socialization window (weeks 3–14) arguably the most important developmental period for this breed. Puppies not adequately exposed to novel stimuli during this window are significantly more likely to develop fear-based aggression, territorial reactivity, and anxiety as adults.
Your goal: at least 100 positive exposures across the categories below before 14 weeks. Quality matters — each encounter should be calm, voluntary, and paired with high-value treats.
- People: Children, elderly individuals, people wearing hats/sunglasses/uniforms, delivery workers, people of different ethnicities and heights, people using wheelchairs or crutches
- Animals: Calm adult dogs (vaccinated), cats (supervised), livestock if rural (observed from safe distance)
- Surfaces: Gravel, grass, metal grates, wet pavement, stairs, ramps, car interiors
- Sounds: Vacuum cleaner, thunderstorm recordings (low volume), doorbell, car horns, construction noise, fireworks recordings (very low volume, paired with treats)
- Handling: Paw touching, ear examination, mouth opening, nail trimming practice, collar/harness putting on, being lifted (while small enough), gentle restraint
- Environments: Pet store (carried until fully vaccinated), friend's house, sidewalk, park bench, outdoor café perimeter, car rides (short, positive destinations only)
- Objects: Umbrellas opening, plastic bags rustling, brooms, bicycles, skateboards, trash cans
When can your puppy go outside and meet other dogs? Until the full DHPP series is complete (around 16 weeks), avoid public dog parks and high-traffic pet areas where parvovirus may be present. You can socialize your puppy in controlled settings: carry them in public spaces, arrange playdates with fully vaccinated dogs in private yards, and attend puppy classes that require proof of vaccination.
Potty Training Timeline and Troubleshooting
Dogue de Bordeaux puppies are not notoriously difficult to house-train, but their large bladders and deep sleep cycles mean accidents happen more often than with smaller breeds. Here is a realistic timeline:
| Age | Bladder Capacity | Outing Frequency | Realistic Expectation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8–10 weeks | 30–45 minutes | Every 30–60 min + after every meal, nap, and play session | Multiple accidents daily are normal; focus on routine, not perfection |
| 10–14 weeks | 1–1.5 hours | Every 60–90 min during the day | Accidents decrease to 1–2 per day if schedule is consistent |
| 14–20 weeks | 2–3 hours | Every 2 hours + overnight (1–2 trips) | Reliable daytime control; occasional overnight accident |
| 5–6 months | 4–5 hours | Every 3–4 hours | Most puppies are fully reliable by 6 months; some Dogue de Bordeaux take until 8–9 months |
When will your puppy be fully potty trained? Most Dogue de Bordeaux puppies achieve reliable house training between 5–7 months. Males may take slightly longer due to emerging leg-lifting behavior around 6 months. If your puppy is still having daily accidents past 8 months, consult your veterinarian to rule out urinary tract infection or anatomical issues before assuming a training deficit.
Potty training protocol: Take your puppy to the same outdoor spot every time. Use a consistent cue word ("go potty" or "do your business"). Reward immediately with a high-value treat (freeze-dried liver or small cheese pieces) the moment they finish. Never punish accidents — this creates secretive elimination. Clean indoor accidents with an enzymatic cleaner (Nature's Miracle or Rocco & Roxie) to destroy odor markers.
Crate Training Progression and Time Limits
A crate is essential for a Dogue de Bordeaux puppy — not only for house training but for safety. An unsupervised 40-lb puppy with powerful jaws can destroy furniture, ingest dangerous objects, and injure themselves. Buy a crate that will fit the adult dog (48–54 inches long) and use a divider panel to reduce space as the puppy grows.
| Age | Max Crate Time (daytime) | Overnight | Training Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8–10 weeks | 30–60 minutes | 2–3 hours between potty breaks | Build positive association: feed meals in crate, give stuffed Kong, never use crate as punishment |
| 10–14 weeks | 1–2 hours | 3–4 hours between breaks | Practice short departures; leave radio on; cover crate with light blanket |
| 14–20 weeks | 2–3 hours | 4–6 hours (most sleep through) | Extend duration gradually; practice crate with household activity happening around puppy |
| 5–6 months | 3–4 hours | 7–8 hours | Begin leaving crate door open when home; puppy should choose crate as resting spot |
Teething Timeline and Safe Chew Strategies
Dogue de Bordeaux puppies have extraordinarily powerful jaws even during the teething phase. Between 3–6 months, baby teeth (28 deciduous teeth) shed and 42 adult teeth erupt. Your puppy will seek relief by chewing everything within reach.
Teething milestones:
- 3–4 months: Incisors begin loosening; increased mouthing and gentle nipping
- 4–5 months: Canines and premolars shed; peak chewing intensity; you may find small teeth on the floor (many puppies swallow them — this is harmless)
- 5–6 months: Molars erupt; chewing begins to decrease; adult bite pattern established
Safe chew recommendations for a giant-breed puppy:
- Kong Classic (size XL or XXL) — fill with peanut butter (xylitol-free) and freeze; provides 20–40 minutes of engagement
- Benebone Wishbone (Large) — nylon chew designed for powerful chewers; replace when worn down more than 25%
- Frozen carrots or apple slices — natural, low-calorie, and soothing on gums (remove apple seeds)
- Bully sticks (12-inch, thick) — supervise to prevent choking when piece becomes small; limit to 1 per day due to calorie density
Avoid: Raw bones (splintering risk), antlers (tooth fracture risk in developing teeth), tennis balls (abrasive surface wears enamel), and any chew smaller than the puppy's muzzle width.
Common Puppy Problems and Breed-Specific Solutions
Puppy Biting and Nipping
Dogue de Bordeaux puppies were bred to grip and hold large game, so their instinct to mouth is stronger than in many breeds. When your puppy nips:
- Say "ouch" in a calm, firm tone (not a high-pitched yelp, which can excite some puppies more)
- Immediately redirect to an appropriate chew toy
- If nipping continues, stand up and leave the area for 15–20 seconds (time-out from attention)
- Return and resume play only when puppy is calm
Consistent application of this protocol typically reduces nipping significantly by 16 weeks. Never hold the puppy's mouth shut, tap the nose, or use physical punishment — these methods increase fear and defensive biting.
Destructive Chewing
Between 3–8 months, a bored Dogue de Bordeaux puppy can destroy baseboards, shoes, and furniture legs. Prevention requires management: puppy-proof rooms, provide 4–5 rotating chew toys, ensure at least 30–45 minutes of structured exercise and 15–20 minutes of mental enrichment (snuffle mats, training sessions) daily.
Jumping on People
A 60-lb adolescent Dogue de Bordeaux jumping on visitors is dangerous. Teach "four on the floor" from day one: reward the puppy with treats and attention only when all four paws are on the ground. Ask visitors to ignore the puppy (no eye contact, no touching) until the puppy is sitting calmly.
First-Year Cost Breakdown
Raising a Dogue de Bordeaux puppy is a significant financial commitment. Here is a realistic first-year budget based on 2026 US pricing:
| Category | Low Estimate | High Estimate | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy purchase | $2,000 | $4,500 | From a responsible breeder with OFA hip/elbow and cardiac testing; rescue/adoption: $300–$600 |
| Veterinary care | $800 | $1,500 | Vaccines, spay/neuter ($400–$800 for giant breed), microchip, fecal exams, heartworm prevention |
| Food | $900 | $1,400 | Large-breed puppy formula then adult formula; 30-lb bags average $55–$75; puppy eats ~12–18 bags in year one |
| Supplies | $500 | $900 | XL crate ($80–$150), heavy-duty bed ($60–$120), harness, leash, bowls, grooming supplies, chew toys, baby gates |
| Training | $200 | $600 | Puppy socialization class ($150–$250 for 6-week session) + basic obedience; private sessions if needed: $80–$120/hour |
| Pet insurance | $600 | $1,200 | Monthly premiums $50–$100 for giant breed puppy; highly recommended given breed's health predispositions |
| Total First Year | $5,000 | $10,100 | Excluding emergency veterinary care; annual ongoing costs after year one: $2,500–$4,500 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I feed my Dogue de Bordeaux puppy at 12 weeks?
At 12 weeks, feed 3 meals per day, totaling approximately 4–5 cups of large-breed puppy food. Divide into roughly 1.5 cups per meal. Feed at consistent times (e.g., 7 AM, 12 PM, 5 PM) to support potty training predictability. Remove uneaten food after 15–20 minutes to establish a feeding routine.
When can my puppy go to the dog park?
Wait until at least one week after the final DHPP vaccine (given at 14–16 weeks), which means approximately 16–17 weeks of age. Even then, choose less crowded times and monitor interactions closely. Dogue de Bordeaux puppies can be overwhelmed by high-energy dogs, and negative experiences during this period can create lasting fear responses.
How do I stop my puppy from biting my hands during play?
Use the redirect-and-withdraw method described in the biting section above. The key is consistency from every family member. If one person allows mouthing and another doesn't, the puppy will be confused and the behavior will persist longer. Expect noticeable improvement within 2–3 weeks of consistent application.
Should I be concerned about hip dysplasia in my puppy?
Yes — the Dogue de Bordeaux has a documented predisposition to hip and elbow dysplasia. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) lists the breed among those with elevated dysplasia rates. Your best prevention strategies are: purchase from a breeder who tests parent dogs (OFA Excellent/Good hips), feed a large-breed formula to control growth rate, avoid high-impact exercise (jumping, long runs on hard surfaces) until growth plates close at 18–24 months, and maintain a lean body condition score (BCS 4–5 out of 9).
When should I start formal training classes?
Enroll in a puppy socialization class at 10–12 weeks (after the first DHPP vaccine). Most reputable classes require proof of vaccination and maintain clean facilities. Follow up with basic obedience at 4–6 months. Given the Dogue de Bordeaux's size and strength, establishing leash manners and impulse control before the dog reaches full adult weight is critical for safety.
Beth Carrasco
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
