Key Points
- The cost of a Dogue de Bordeaux in Australia typically ranges from $3,000 to $6,500, depending on factors such as age, pedigree, and breeder.
- This powerful mastiff breed is known for its loyalty, protective instincts, and deep affection toward its family.
- Mature Dogue de Bordeauxs are generally calm and relaxed indoors if their exercise and training needs are met, though puppies and young adults can be energetic and boisterous.
In Australia, the cost of a Dogue de Bordeaux varies depending on age and source, with options for purchasing or adopting:
- Puppies (8–12 weeks): Typically $3,000 to $6,500
- Juveniles (6–12 months): Typically $2,000 to $4,500
- Adult Dogs/Retired Show Dogs: Typically $1,000 to $3,000
- Rescue Adoptions: Typically $300 to $900
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a muscular, large-boned breed that commands attention with its distinctive appearance and calm confidence. Sometimes called the French Mastiff, it combines natural guarding ability with a gentle, devoted temperament toward its family. While they are capable of being calm house companions, they require regular exercise, consistent leadership, and proper socialisation to reach their best potential.
Before welcoming a Dogue de Bordeaux into your home, it is important to understand the full financial commitment, from the upfront purchase price to the ongoing costs of feeding, veterinary care, grooming, and training. This guide will walk you through what to expect when it comes to the cost of owning a Dogue de Bordeaux in Australia, helping you prepare for a well-planned and rewarding long-term relationship.
Initial Purchase Price of a Dogue de Bordeaux in Australia
Buying a Dogue de Bordeaux comes with an upfront cost that reflects breeder standards, health testing, pedigree, and the level of care provided during the first critical weeks. Here is what you can expect when purchasing or adopting a Dogue de Bordeaux.
- Puppies: Expect to pay between $3,000 and $6,500 for a Dogue de Bordeaux puppy from a reputable breeder. This usually covers health testing for hip, elbow, and heart conditions, microchipping, vaccinations, early socialisation, quality nutrition, and registration to confirm pedigree and breeding standards.
- Juveniles: Older puppies and adolescents (6 to 12 months) generally cost between $2,000 and $4,500. They may already have basic obedience training and a clearer temperament profile, which can appeal to households looking for a young dog with some training foundation.
- Adult Dogs: Adult or retired show Dogue de Bordeauxs may be available for $1,000 to $3,000. These dogs are usually well-socialised, house-trained, and accustomed to a structured routine, making them a good choice for owners wanting to avoid the demands of puppyhood.
- Rescues: Adopting from a breed-specific rescue group or shelter is the most budget-friendly path. Fees typically range from $300 to $900 and usually include vaccinations, desexing, and microchipping. This option also offers the satisfaction of providing a second chance to a dog in need.
In summary, prices vary depending on factors such as age, lineage, and breeder reputation, but quality breeding should always take priority over finding the lowest price. To browse available litters and breeders, visit the Dogue de Bordeaux puppies for sale listings.
Factors That Influence Dogue de Bordeaux Pricing
Breeding a sound and well-tempered Dogue de Bordeaux requires skill, resources, and dedication. Ethical breeders focus on producing puppies with good health and stable temperaments, which naturally affects the purchase price.
- Health Testing: Breeding dogs are screened for conditions common in the breed, including hip and elbow dysplasia, heart disease, and more. These evaluations help reduce the risk of inherited problems and support the long-term health of the puppies.
- Veterinary Care: Litters receive comprehensive veterinary attention, from pregnancy monitoring through to vaccinations, parasite prevention, and wellness checks before they leave for new homes.
- Early Socialisation: Puppies are introduced to different environments, people, and everyday sounds to build confidence and adaptability in their early weeks.
- Nutrition and Housing: Quality nutrition for breeding dogs and puppies, along with clean and secure housing, is essential for healthy growth and development.
- Breeding Costs: Many breeders enhance their programs with imported bloodlines or stud services to preserve and improve breed quality.
- Pedigree and Registration: Puppies from responsible breeders are registered with Dogs Australia, ensuring transparency in lineage and adherence to recognised breeding standards.
These combined efforts contribute to the overall price but also provide reassurance that your Dogue de Bordeaux has been bred with care and commitment. Connecting with reputable Dogue de Bordeaux breeders allows you to ask informed questions, review health clearances, and better understand the background of your future companion.
Setting Up Your Home, Essentials and Costs
Welcoming a Dogue de Bordeaux into your home requires more than simply purchasing the dog. Having the right supplies from day one ensures your new companion settles in comfortably and safely.
Essentials and Their Costs
- Crate: $200 to $400
- Bed: $100 to $250
- Collar, Leash, Harness: $100 to $160 combined
- Bowls: $30 to $60
- Toys: $60 to $100
- Grooming Tools: $60 to $90
These essentials create a safe and comfortable environment for your Dogue de Bordeaux and make the transition to their new home smoother. (Read: New Puppy Essentials Checklist Guide)
Vet Visits and Health Setup
- Microchipping: $60 to $90
- Vaccinations: $120 to $240
- Initial Vet Check-up: $120 to $180
- Spaying/Neutering (optional): $350 to $650
Training
Training is vital for this strong, intelligent breed.
- Puppy classes: $180 to $300 per course
- Private sessions: $80 to $130 each
These early investments help your Dogue de Bordeaux develop the calm, steady manners needed to manage their size and strength, making daily life smoother and more enjoyable for both dog and owner.
Ongoing Costs of Dogue de Bordeaux Ownership
Caring for a Dogue de Bordeaux involves ongoing expenses throughout its life. Here’s what to budget for:
Food
A large, muscular breed like the Dogue de Bordeaux requires substantial nutrition. High-quality, large-breed dog food will cost around $120 to $200 per month, depending on brand and portion sizes. (Read: What Should I Feed My Puppy: Guidelines to a Balanced Nutrition)
Grooming
Their short coat is easy to maintain, but regular brushing helps with shedding and skin health.
- DIY tools: $60 to $90 upfront
- Occasional professional grooming: $70 to $100 per session
Healthcare
- Vet visits and vaccinations: $250 to $350 annually
- Dental cleaning (every few years): $400 to $900
- Parasite prevention: $80 to $200 per year (Read: Puppy Worming Schedule: All You Need to Know)
Common Health Issues
- Hip or Elbow Dysplasia: Treatment can range from $1,500 to $7,000+, depending on severity and surgery requirements
- Heart Conditions: Management costs vary but can exceed $1,000 annually for medication and monitoring
- Skin Infections: Around $200 to $600 per year for treatment and maintenance
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat): Emergency surgery can cost $2500 to $6000.
Planning for these costs ensures you can provide consistent, high-quality care and avoid financial stress if health issues arise.
Health Testing: What Responsible Breeders Do
Reputable Dogue de Bordeaux breeders invest in comprehensive health testing to produce strong, healthy puppies. These evaluations identify inherited conditions early and guide responsible breeding decisions that protect the breed’s future.
Common tests and screenings include:
- Hip Dysplasia: Like many large breeds, the Dogue de Bordeaux may be prone to hip dysplasia. Maintaining a healthy weight and providing joint-friendly exercise can help reduce the risk.
- Elbow Dysplasia: A developmental elbow joint disorder that can lead to lameness and early arthritis. Responsible breeders screen parents’ elbows, and early vet checks help catch problems.
- Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD): An abnormality of growing joint cartilage (often shoulder, elbow, or hock) that causes pain and limping.
- Demodectic Mange: Overgrowth of normal skin mites, often seen in young dogs as patchy hair loss; many mild cases resolve with vet care.
- Cruciate Ligaments: Knee ligament injury can cause sudden hind-leg lameness. Keeping your dog lean and fit helps; partial tears may rest, while complete tears often need surgery.
- Eosinphilic Panosteitis (Pano): “Growing pains” in large, fast-growing youngsters that cause shifting leg lameness.
- Entropian: Inward-rolling eyelids that rub the eye and cause irritation or infection. It’s treatable, and surgery offers a permanent fix in moderate to severe cases.
- Ectropian: Outward-drooping eyelids that expose the eye surface, leading to dryness or discharge.
- Bloat (GDV): A life-threatening emergency where the stomach fills with gas and can twist—know the signs (swollen belly, unproductive retching, restlessness) and go straight to a vet.
- Epilepsy: A condition causing repeat seizures, typically managed long-term with medication and lifestyle adjustments. Many dogs live full, active lives with a good treatment plan.
- Lymphoma: A cancer of the lymphatic system often first noticed as enlarged lymph nodes.
- Heart Conditions: Some Dogue de Bordeaux dogs may experience heart issues, particularly as they age. Regular vet visits are important to monitor heart health.
- Respiratory Issues: Due to their short muzzle, they can be prone to breathing difficulties, especially in hot or humid conditions.
These health checks lower the risk of genetic disorders being passed on and reflect the breeder’s dedication to producing well-balanced, healthy dogs.
Health testing is ideal, however, it is important to also understand the breeder's practices and health evaluations in their program, and their breeding stock. Health testing should always be done with a purpose, and have a tangible goal. For example, to eliminate a genetic disease from their lineage and breeding stock.
A good breeder will understand the health risks in the breeding program, and take appropriate actions to not reduce the potential affects of passing genetic issues to progeny.
Pet Insurance in Australia
Large breeds like the Dogue de Bordeaux can require costly veterinary care over their lifetime, particularly if they develop breed-related issues such as joint disease, cardiac problems, or other serious conditions. A good pet insurance policy can ease the strain by covering part of the expense for accidents, illnesses, and sometimes routine health services.
In Australia, monthly premiums for this breed often sit between $35 and $85. The exact figure will depend on factors such as your dog’s age, overall health, and the level of cover chosen. Some owners prefer accident-only policies for lower premiums, while others opt for comprehensive cover that includes chronic conditions, surgery, and preventive treatments.
Enrolling your Dogue de Bordeaux in a plan early helps avoid certain exclusions and ensures you have financial support if unexpected health problems arise. Having this safety net means you can prioritise your dog’s wellbeing without worrying about sudden, high-cost vet bills.
Read: What is Pet Insurance and What Does Pet Insurance Cover
Professional Services and Extras
Dogue de Bordeaux dogs are loyal and people-oriented, which means they thrive with regular interaction and structured care. There may be times when professional help is needed, such as during workdays, travel, or busy periods.
- Dog walker: $30 to $60 per walk
- Daycare: $50 to $70 per day
- Overnight boarding: $55 to $95 per night
- Pet sitter (in-home): $40 to $65 per day
Extras like sturdy toys, long-lasting treats, grooming supplies, and replacement bedding can add $30 to $70 each month. Factoring in these services ensures your Dogue de Bordeaux remains well cared for, even when you cannot be there yourself.
Budget-Friendly Ownership: Tips for Saving
Caring for a Dogue de Bordeaux can be costly, but there are ways to manage expenses without sacrificing quality of care.
- Begin with a reputable breeder to help minimise the risk of expensive health issues later in life.
- Consider adopting a mature Dogue de Bordeaux if you want to bypass the puppy stage (see mature dog listings).
- Learn basic grooming techniques to reduce the need for frequent salon visits.
- Make homemade treats and enrichment toys to keep your dog entertained on a budget.
- Keep up with routine vet visits and preventive care to avoid larger bills from untreated problems.
- Compare pet insurance options that offer value for large, heavy-set breeds.
These strategies can help you control costs while still giving your Dogue de Bordeaux the high standard of care they deserve.
Is a Dogue de Bordeaux Right for You?
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a devoted and protective companion that forms strong bonds with its family. They are well-suited to owners who can provide structure, training, and a steady presence at home. While generally calm indoors, they need regular walks and mental stimulation to stay healthy and content.
This breed thrives in households with the space to accommodate its size and strength. Their loyalty and affectionate nature make them wonderful family dogs, but early socialisation and consistent guidance are essential to ensure they are confident and well-mannered in different situations.
Learn more about the Dogue de Bordeaux’s temperament and care needs on the Dogue de Bordeaux breed information page.
Not certain this is the right fit? You might also explore breeds with similar loyalty and presence, such as the Bullmastiff or Newfoundland, which offer different temperaments and activity levels.
A Lifelong Bond with Your Dogue de Bordeaux
Owning a Dogue de Bordeaux is both a fulfilling experience and a long-term commitment. While the financial aspects are important to consider, careful planning ensures they are manageable over the years.
Every investment in nutrition, training, healthcare and enrichment helps nurture a healthy, well-balanced companion. With their calm indoor presence and deeply loyal nature, Dogues de Bordeaux bring security, affection and a strong sense of companionship to the home.
By preparing for the breed’s specific needs and lifestyle, you’ll be ready to enjoy many years of devotion, protection and shared moments with your Dogue de Bordeaux.
