Are Dogue de Bordeaux Dangerous?

Highlighting the Risks and Dangers of the Dogue de Bordeaux Breed

The Dogue de Bordeaux (also known as the Bordeaux Mastiff or French Mastiff) has an intimidating appearance reminiscent of many more aggressive dog breeds. Despite its aggressive aesthetics, the Dogue de Bordeaux is not generally associated with dog attacks. They are a calm, alert breed with a superior level of intelligence. However, their sheer size means that, on the rare occasion they do bite, they can inflict significant damage. 

This post explores the potential dangers associated with Dogue de Bordeaux and will explain the steps to protect yourself and your loved ones should you suffer an attack injury.

Dogue De Bordeaux: Rare Attacks with Often Deadly Consequences

Also known as the French mastiff, the Dogue de Bordeaux breed has a wrinkled brow, and an underbite with a powerful jaw. The breed’s jaw made it one of the world’s most prized guard dogs, known for its ability to detect danger and remain alert for long periods. However, this loyalty and constant on-guard personality can come at a price for Dogue de Bordeaux owners. 

There have been wide reports of French mastiff attacks throughout the U.S. in recent years. While there are fewer examples of the breed causing serious injuries than there are with pit bulls, boxers, and other muscular breeds, the stories bear reading for those considering bringing a Dogue de Bordeaux into their home. 

Consider, for example, the case of a paramedic killed by a 140-pound French mastiff in Chicago. In this case, the victim was alone and unable to fend off the dog due to the animal’s sheer size.

There’s also the case of an Amazon driver in the U.K. attacked by a French mastiff while completing his route. In this example, the victim was lucky the dog owner could interrupt the attack and pull the animal away. However, they were left with significant injuries to their arm and had to undergo treatment at a local hospital for deep lacerations. 

One of the more brutal examples of the power and terror associated with a Dogue de Bordeaux attack is a case from Murcia, Spain, in which a mother and daughter were mauled to death by the family’s two dogs. There was little warning of the attack, according to the deceased’s relatives, and the animals were otherwise peaceful and loving. 

This highlights how quickly life can change for those living their lives in the presence of French mastiffs and the need to be on guard when the animal’s behavior changes.

Dogue de Bordeaux Risks

The strong-willed Dogue de Bordeaux is fiercely loyal and attached to their owners. This loyalty creates a risk associated with bringing other people into your home. Further potential risks with Dogue de Bordeaux ownership include:

• Size and domineering temperament

Their massive size and strong temperaments make them unsuitable for homes with children. They are best with experienced, consistent owners who can manage their size. 

Male Dogue de Bordeaux Prize Dominance 

Dominance and running the home are two characteristics of male Dogue de Bordeaux. As previously highlighted, with our summary of the breed’s most violent attacks, French mastiffs will attempt to dominate owners. Their stubborn nature makes the breed hard to train for those who don’t have the time or the experience with a high-energy, high-power animal. 

Rules Against Ownership in Some Homeowner Associations

While they don’t have the notoriety of pit bulls and rottweilers and are rarely banned under insurance policies, owners often discover their homeowner’s association does not allow French mastiffs on the property. The breed’s size and history of attacks have gained attention in communities globally.

Isolation Breeds Fear and Aggression

Owners have noticed that a Dogue de Bordeaux left alone while they go to work is often more aggressive and tends to be suspicious of strangers, noises outside,  and guests in the home. This is a common factor in stranger attacks when the dog becomes fearful and attacks visitors during get-togethers. It’s another reason to analyze your dog’s behavior carefully before inviting guests to the home and removing the animal from the property for the duration of the event if you suspect there is even remote potential for acts of aggression. 

Aggression Towards Dogs of the Same Breed

Dogue de Bordeaux owners have noted their dog becomes aggressive towards other French mastiffs on walks. The sheer size of the animals makes breaking up a dog fight involving two of the breed almost impossible. Dog trainers recommend owners avoid busy dog parks and other situations where they may encounter larger dogs. 

Bite Strength of French Mastiff Dogs

Despite having a sweeter disposition than other dogs of their size and breeding, the French Mastiff has one of the strongest bites—more powerful than a Doberman, boxer, German Shepherd, pitbull, Chow Chow, bulldog, or Rottweiler. Take a look at the 20 strongest-biting dogs and how their bite force/jaw strength compare:

• 743 psi – Kangal Dog
• 730 psi – Bandog Dog
• 700 psi – Cane Corso
• 556 psi – Dogue de Bordeaux (or French Mastiff)
• 556 psi – Tosu Inu
• 552 psi – English Mastiff
• 540 psi – Dogo Canario (or Perro de Presa Canario)
• 500 psi – Dogo Argentino
• 399 psi – Leonberger
• 328 psi – Rottweiler
• 305 psi – American Bulldog
• 238 psi – German Shepherd
• 235 psi – American Pitbull
• 230 psi – Boxer
• 229 psi – Doberman
• 227 psi – Alano Español (or Spanish Bulldog)
• 224 psi – Dutch Shepherd
• 220 psi – Chow Chow
• 210 psi – English Bulldog
• 195 psi – Malinois (or Belgian Shepherd)

A French Mastiff’s bite is twice as hard as a German Shepherd, Doberman, Chow Chow, or pitbull. To put this “pound per square inch” (psi) figure in perspective, a human being’s bite force is just 120-140 psi and one of the strongest biters alive, the crocodile, has the jaw strength for a 3,700 psi bite.

Possible Injuries from a French Mastiff Attack

There’s no better way to understand the kind of injuries a French Mastiff can inflict than looking at real attacks these dogs have carried out. Earlier, we noted cases from across the globe, but there are also examples of French Mastiff attacks throughout the United States.

• In Zion, IL, in 2011, a 110-pound Dogue de Bordeaux escaped from his backyard enclosure to attack a 15-year-old boy riding by on a bicycle. Bystanders say that the attack lasted for ten minutes, and nothing would subdue or distract the dog until finally; someone thought to press a lit cigarette into the dog’s nose. Animal Control had received eight previous complaints about the dog. The insurance settlement was the largest dog bite compensation ever awarded in the state (1.12 million dollars).
• In Oklahoma in June of 2013, a 5-year-old boy had a temper tantrum in his home with his mother and 150-pound French Mastiff present. Immediately after the tantrum, the dog fatally attacked the boy. The mother was unsuccessful in separating the dog from her son, and he succumbed to his injuries a few minutes later after the attack ended.
• In Patterson, NJ, in 2014, two young boys were walking down the sidewalk past a house with a French Mastiff that supposedly even its owner was afraid of. The snarling dog jumped over the fence and chased after the boys. Despite the fact that the 13-year-old boys ran in opposite directions, the dog caught up to both of them. One boy only got bit on the hand, but the other’s body was found several hours later in a nearby creek bed, fatally wounded.
• In Dayton, OK, in 2014, a 57-year-old woman lived next door to a set of vicious mastiffs that she had reported to the authorities several times to no avail. On the morning of February 7, her body was found, mauled to death, on the sidewalk in front of their homes. When police arrived on the scene, the dogs charged at them and were subsequently shot and killed.
• In Hot Springs, AK, in 2013, a 75-year-old woman was doing her usual morning walk around the neighborhood when a Dogue de Bordeaux appeared out of nowhere and attacked her—she did not survive. The dog was staying with a petsitter at the time and had managed to escape the house undetected. The petsitter heard the commotion and ran outside to witness the attack. In trying to prevent the woman’s death, the petsitter also got bit.
• In Killeen, TX, in 2014, three minors were walking down the street. A Dogue de Bordeaux who lived in one of the houses they walked past ran out the garage door and attacked the 8-year-old girl in the group. The people nearby at the time were able to separate the dog from its victim, but then the dog went after the toddler in the trio, drug him away, and killed him in the process. The girl victim was hospitalized for her injuries.

Common injuries sustained in a French Mastiff attack include:

• Disfigurement/scarring to the face, neck, and arms (sometimes legs as well)
• Crushed bones
• Infection at the puncture sites
• Loss of sight/eyes
• Amputations/loss of limb/dismemberment
• Eye loss/ear loss
• Head trauma/concussion
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder/Anxiety/Depression
• Tendon damage
• Soft tissue damage
• Nerve damage

Children Often the Victims of Dogue de Bordeaux Bites

Dog bites on children often lead to the most severe injuries and life-altering consequences. The data shows the average victim of a Dogue de Bordeaux attack is a 5-to-9-year-old boy. Young boys are often the victim of attacks because they’re energetic and unpredictable, which elevates the dog’s sense of fear and protective instincts. 

It could be that a child wanders into the wrong yard or plays close to the animal at a park near their home. A second with the dog owner not paying attention can allow Dogue de Bordeaux to strike and inflict devastating injuries. 

What Should I Do If Attacked by a Dogue De Bordeaux?

• See a Doctor the Same Day

Even if you believe the dog bite to be relatively minor, you should book a medical evaluation. The data shows that 25% of dog bites lead to an infection. See a doctor to clean the wound and check for potential injuries. 

• Identify Both Dog and Owner

Try to get the contact information for the dog owner by speaking with others who were with you during the attack. You should also report the dog bite to the public health authorities, who will make a record and confirm the dog’s rabies status. 

• Build Your Dog Attack Case 

While suing the owner of the dog might be far from your thoughts as you try to recover from the attack, take time to build your case while the evidence is fresh. Start this process by detailing your recollection of the attack in a journal and explain how the attack has impacted your life and the lives of those around you. 

You can coordinate the evidence collection with a local dog bite lawyer like David Cowhey, who can offer a free case review to begin piecing together your potential legal strategy. You may even receive settlement offers from the dog owner’s insurance company. Working with a skilled dog bite lawyer as soon as possible ensures you can assess the offer and determine its merit based on New Jersey dog bite law precedence. 

Put 40 Years of New Jersey Dog Bite Law Experience Behind Your Case

While the Dogue de Bordeaux is a calm and affectionate breed, their size, power, and fierce loyalty can lead to tragic attacks with life-changing consequences. Call NJ Dog Bite Lawyer David Cowhey for legal support if you or someone you love suffers dog bite injuries. He is the lawyer with the most six-figure settlements across the state. David Cowhey will work diligently and tirelessly to ensure you receive comprehensive legal support and access to first-class medical care.

Call 866-259-4377 for a free legal consultation or contact us via our contact form.