Boerboel vs Dogue de Bordeaux: Size, Build and Temperament
Short answer: The Dogue de Bordeaux, or French Mastiff, is a heavy, short-faced guardian of at least 99 to 110 lb, known for its huge head. The Boerboel is taller on average, heavier at 150 to 200 lb and more athletic, with a longer muzzle. The Dogue is usually calmer and less active. The Boerboel handles heat and exercise better because its face is less short.
Boerboel vs Dogue de Bordeaux at a glance
Trait | Boerboel vs Dogue de Bordeaux |
Origin | Boerboel: South Africa Dogue de Bordeaux: France |
Original job | Boerboel: Farm and homestead guardian; first line of defense against predators Dogue de Bordeaux: Ancient French guardian |
Height | Boerboel: Males 24 to 27 in; females 22 to 25 in Dogue de Bordeaux: Males 23.5 to 27 in; females 23 to 26 in |
Weight | Boerboel: 150 to 200 lb Dogue de Bordeaux: Males at least 110 lb; females at least 99 lb |
Typical lifespan | Boerboel: 9 to 11 years Dogue de Bordeaux: 9 to 11 years |
Coat | Boerboel: Short, dense and smooth; low grooming Dogue de Bordeaux: Short, fine and soft; fawn shades |
Registry group | Boerboel: AKC Working Group Dogue de Bordeaux: AKC Working Group |
Guarding style | Boerboel: Calm, confident home and family guardian Dogue de Bordeaux: Courageous, loyal, calm |
Boerboel height comes from the AKC breed standard and weight from the AKC breed weight chart. Typical lifespan reflects what we see in the breed. Dogue de Bordeaux figures come from the breed standards and AKC resources listed under Sources.
Size and build
Heights overlap. The AKC standard sets male Dogues at 23.5 to 27 inches and at least 110 lb. Boerboels weigh 150 to 200 lb. The Dogue is built low and heavy, with a very large head and a short muzzle. The Boerboel has a longer leg and a more balanced, athletic frame.
Temperament and guarding style
The AKC describes the Dogue as a guardian "of considerable courage." Dogues are loyal and affectionate with family and usually calm. Boerboels are also calm in the house, but more active and more territorial.
More on how Boerboels behave with family, children and visitors is in our Boerboel temperament FAQ.
Training and handling
Both breeds can be stubborn and both need early socialization and consistency. Dogues are generally lower energy. Boerboels need more exercise and structure.
Our puppies start that work early through Cold River HomeStart™, the early foundation every Cold River puppy receives, and our Boerboel training FAQ covers house training, leash work, mouthing and more.
Exercise, work and performance
The Dogue's short face limits how hard it can work in heat. A Boerboel has more stamina and agility and does well in strength sports like weight pull.
Performance is how we measure the breed at Cold River. Cold River's Sun Wukong and Cold River's Mr. Wednesday both pulled 22,039 lb at a UPF event on May 9, 2026, the heaviest pull in any weight-pull federation's published results. Sun competes at about 164 lb and Wednesday at about 186 lb. The full results and sources are on our world record page, and our dog weight pulling guide explains how the sport works.
Health and lifespan
The AKC lists the Dogue de Bordeaux lifespan as 9 to 11 years, the same range that applies to the Boerboel. Short-faced breeds need extra care in heat. For growth, lifespan and bloat prevention in Boerboels, see our Boerboel size, growth and health FAQ.
Which breed is right for you?
Choose a Boerboel if:
You want a more athletic guardian with more stamina
You live somewhere hot and want better heat tolerance
You want a dog for strength sports
Choose a Dogue de Bordeaux if:
You want a calmer, lower-energy companion
You love the look of a very large head and short face
You want a breed that needs only moderate exercise
Whichever breed you choose, pick a breeder who can show you health results and what their dogs actually do. Our guide on how to choose a Boerboel breeder covers what to ask.
Common questions
Is a Dogue de Bordeaux bigger than a Boerboel?
Usually not. A Dogue is at least 99 to 110 lb by its standard. A Boerboel weighs 150 to 200 lb and is often taller.
Which breed lives longer?
They are similar. The AKC lists 9 to 11 years for the Dogue de Bordeaux, and Boerboels generally live 9 to 11 years.
Thinking about a Boerboel?
Start with our puppy application, see our available puppies, or read the Boerboel puppy price FAQ. To compare the Boerboel with more breeds, see Boerboel vs other breeds.
Sources
By Cold River Boerboels. Updated October 2026.
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