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French Mastiff
French Mastiff
Origin
France
Size
Giant Breed
Ideal Space
House with backyard
Ideal Weather
10º-25ºC
Life Expectancy
8-10 years
Cost of buying
₹ 50,000 - ₹ 1,00,000
Top 5 Traits
Loyal
Protective
Intelligent
Playful
Fearless
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 4,900 - ₹ 7,650
by Happy Pet TeamUpdated on 16 May 2025
Introduction to French Mastiff Dog Breed
French Mastiffs, also known as ‘Dogue de Bordeaux’ is one of the oldest known French breeds. These are gentle giants originally employed for hunting, guarding and pulling carts. French Mastiffs are muscular, sturdy breeds known for their strength and versatility. Despite their intimidating appearance, these dogs are loyal, affectionate, and can make very good family pets.
Characteristics
Barking
Quiet
Loud
Temperament with Kids
Aggressive
Friendly
Playfulness
Silent
Very Playful
Friendliness
Not Friendly
Super Friendly
Compatibility with other dogs
Aggressive
Friendly
Need for attention
Independent
Very Needy
Monthly Expenses
What is the price of a French Mastiff?
Cost of buying
₹ 50,000 - ₹ 1,00,000
The average price of a French Mastiff can vary from ₹ 50,000 to ₹ 1,00,000 in India. The cost depends on factors like breed, lineage, and health conditions.
Prerequisites to pet a French Mastiff
Access to Veterinary
Lifestyle Compatibility
Financial Capability
Space and Environment
Time and Effort
Willingness to train
Are you ready to get a French Mastiff home?
Research: Do thorough research about the breed, its requirements, health issues, temperaments, traits, and compatibility. See if the dog breed is a good fit for your lifestyle.
Nutritional Guide to French Mastiff Dogs
Monthly Food Expenses
₹ 3,000 - ₹ 4,500
Calories per day
Puppies: 2200 kcal
Adults: 1800 kcal
Essential Nutrients
Carbohydrates
Fats
Minerals
Protein
Vitamins
Fibre
List of foods
Dry Dog Food
Fresh Meat
Fresh Fish
Fruits
Home made meals
Vegetables
Chicken
In this section, we will have a detailed understanding of the nutrition requirements for a DDA.
Breakdown of Macro-nutrients
Guide to select the right food for your DDB
- Food items like lean meat, chicken, and lamb are sources of high protein. This helps your dog’s muscle development and improves the immune system.
- Brown rice, barley, oats, ragi, etc, are sources of carbohydrates that provide energy for daily activity. Make sure to feed them a balanced quantity, as overfeeding might lead to obesity.
- Vegetables like green beans, carrots, cucumbers, spinach, etc, provide required minerals and vitamins and improve digestive health.
- Fruits like apples, bananas, pears, watermelons, strawberries, etc, provide antioxidants without any added sugar.
- Last but not least, keep your dog hydrated. Water is one of the most essential factors to keep their internal organs functioning properly. Feed them enough water to maintain their body temperature and help smooth bowel movements.
Food items that are toxic to your French Mastiff
Avoid anything with these ingredients
Alcohol
Avocados
Cherries
Cinnamon
Coffee / Tea
Dairy
Grapes
Lemon
Sugar
Salt
Onions
Mushrooms
- Avoid feeding your dog human foods like chocolate, raisins, grapes, avocado, onion, garlic, and alcohol; these cause severe damage to your DDB, and sometimes it can be fatal.
- When choosing commercial dry food, look for labels and avoid foods that contain artificial preservatives, colors, fillers, and odors.
- Be very careful about feeding your dog food that contains high amounts of salt and sugar. High amounts of salt causes fluctuations in blood pressure whereas feeding high amounts of sugar causes diabetes and related health issues in the long run.
- Fried and over-processed food like fried items and mutton can cause digestive problems in dogs.
- Checking for any signs of allergy is also important. Some dogs are lactose intolerant, so steer clear of dairy products.
General Healthcare Guidelines for DDBs
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 1,200 - ₹ 1,950
Common Health Issues
Hip Dysplasia
Bloat
Canine Influenza
Heartworm
Leptospirosis
Canine distemper
Lyme disease
Panosteitis
Parasites
Parvovirus
Rabies
Well being
Exercise
Bonding
Games
Socialization
Hiking
Energy Level
Medium
Exercise routine
30 - 60 minutes
Recognising Stress
Changes in appetite
Excessive Barking
Pacing
Excessive Panting
Reluctance to move
Increased laziness
Some of the common health conditions in French Mastiffs
Dogues de Bordeaux are generally healthy dogs; however, because of their large size, they are prone to some common health issues. Some of them are recognized by the Dogue de Bordeaux Society of America -
Vaccination details
Growth Stage
Core Vaccines
6-8 weeks
First set of vaccinations (DHPP, Bordetella, Rabies)
10-12 weeks
Second set of vaccinations (DHPP, Bordetella, Rabies)
14-16 weeks
Third set of vaccinations (DHPP, Bordetella, Rabies)
1 year
Annual vaccination (DHPP, Bordetella, Rabies)
Every 3 years
Rabies booster
How to Care for your Senior French Mastiffs?
As your dog ages, their food and medical needs change, and it becomes your duty to cater their needs to maintain a healthy lifestyle for them. Here are a few simple yet effective guidelines to take care of your senior DDB dogs.
Grooming Guidelines For Dogue de Bordeaux
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 700 - ₹ 1,200
Shedding Level
Moderate Shedding
Hygienic Checklist
Bathing
Brushing
Ear Cleaning
Nail Trimming
Eye Care
Teeth Care
Benefits of Grooming
Low Shedding
Odourless
Prevents Bad Breath
Cleanliness
Prevents infections
Quality of life
French Mastiffs have a short, thick coat that is relatively easy to maintain. Below are some tips that can help you in grooming your DDB.
Written by
Happy Pet TeamAuthor
Team Happy Pet is a passionate collective of pet experts, enthusiasts, and advocates dedicated to sharing trusted and insightful content.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of home is best for a French Mastiff?
French Mastiffs thrive in homes with a fenced-in yard where they are free to walk around without restriction. As long as their needs for exercise are addressed, they can adapt to both apartments and houses.
Can French Mastiffs compete in dog competitions like agility or obedience?
French Mastiffs can take part in a variety of canine sports and activities, provided they receive the right training and socialization, of course. They may perform well in a variety of areas, including obedience and pulling heavy objects.
Are French Mastiffs easy to train?
French Mastiffs are intelligent but can be stubborn and strong-willed, which can make training a challenge. Consistent, positive reinforcement training methods work best, and starting training and socialization at a young age is crucial to develop a well-mannered dog.
