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The Dogue de Bordeaux is a good-natured giant whose journey represents a true logistical challenge but also an unforgettable experience. With a weight that can reach 65 kg, each trip must be meticulously planned in terms of space, transport and accommodation. Its calm and affectionate temperament makes it a placid companion who only asks to be near its family, even if it's in a station wagon trunk. Its extreme heat sensitivity and brachycephalic morphology impose severe constraints on the choice of destinations and travel seasons. Owners of Dogues de Bordeaux who travel with them nevertheless discover a faithful and impressive companion who commands respect and sympathy everywhere it appears.
Atouts en voyage
- Placid and composed temperament perfectly suited to quiet stays
- Natural deterrent presence offering a sense of security while traveling
- Low physical exercise needs, moderate walks suffice
- Deep attachment to its family making its constant proximity reassuring
Defis a anticiper
- Colossal size requiring a spacious vehicle and suitable accommodations
- Extreme heat sensitivity imposing strict seasonal restrictions
- Abundant and permanent drooling posing cleanliness problems in accommodation and car
Profil voyage
Se deplacer avec votre DDB
Train travel with a Dogue de Bordeaux represents a true logistical challenge due to its exceptional size. This giant must be muzzled and kept on leash, and its volume occupies the equivalent of two seats. Reserve first class or in a less frequented compartment to offer maximum space to your Dogue. Travels during off-peak periods are strongly recommended to avoid stress linked to proximity.
A minivan or converted utility vehicle constitutes the optimal choice for transporting a Dogue de Bordeaux. Arrange the rear with a thick mattress as this massive dog needs comfortable bedding for its joints during long trips. Air conditioning is absolutely essential, even in moderate weather, as this brachycephalic dog quickly overheats in a confined space. Never leave it alone in the car, even for two minutes, even with windows open: heatstroke can be lightning and fatal. Protect seats and trunk with waterproof covers as its drool leaves permanent stains.
Air travel is very strongly discouraged for the Dogue de Bordeaux. Most airlines categorically refuse brachycephalic breeds in the hold due to the fatal risk of respiratory distress. Its weight of 45 to 65 kg also exceeds the limits of many airlines. If long-distance travel is necessary, favor car with stops or professional climate-controlled pet transport.
Sante en voyage
Risques specifiques
- Potentially fatal heatstroke within minutes in this brachycephalic breed
- Gastric torsion favored by stress and travel excitement
- Joint problems aggravated by hard surfaces and accommodation stairs
Precautions
Bring a rectal thermometer and check your Dogue's temperature at the slightest suspicion of overheating, as heatstroke progresses very quickly in this breed. Divide its ration into three small meals instead of two to reduce the risk of gastric torsion. Avoid stairs and slippery surfaces that stress its heavy joints, request ground-floor accommodation.
Tolerance chaleur
The Dogue de Bordeaux is one of the most heat-vulnerable breeds due to its extremely dense woolly undercoat designed for Pyrenean winters. Above twenty degrees, it already starts panting heavily and its effort capacity considerably diminishes. Never shave its coat as it also protects from UV rays; prefer daily brushing to aerate the undercoat. In case of strong heat, abundantly wet its belly and inner thighs where the skin is thinnest.
Pharmacie de voyage
- Emergency cooling wet cloth for heat crises
- Protective joint supplement for its heavy joints
- Disposable absorbent bibs to manage drooling in accommodation
- Disinfectant gel for facial folds prone to infections
Equipement indispensable
Large size foldable orthopedic mattress
The Dogue de Bordeaux weighs up to 65 kg and its joints suffer enormously on hard floors, a thick mattress is vital to protect elbows and hips
Portable cooler with ice packs
Heat crises in Dogues are life-threatening emergencies, having cold packs allows immediate intervention while waiting for the veterinarian
XXL ventilated basket muzzle
Mandatory in public transport, the XXL basket model allows the brachycephalic Dogue to pant freely to regulate its temperature
Waterproof full trunk cover
The Dogue de Bordeaux's permanent drool literally soaks fabrics, a washable cover protects the vehicle interior
Foldable vehicle access ramp
Making a 60 kg dog jump into a trunk destroys its joints, the ramp preserves its already fragile hips and shoulders
Ou partir avec votre DDB ?
The Dogue de Bordeaux thrives in quiet countryside stays with large shaded spaces. Ground-floor rural lodges with fenced gardens in temperate regions of central France are the ideal destination for this heat-sensitive giant.
Le saviez-vous ?
The Dogue de Bordeaux became famous in the United States thanks to the film Turner and Hooch with Tom Hanks, where it plays a drooling dog that destroys an apartment, a reputation as a chaotic traveler it still carries today
It is the oldest French molosser breed, used since the Middle Ages to guard castles and merchant convoys, a heritage as a protective traveling dog dating back more than six centuries
The Dogue de Bordeaux has the most voluminous head of all dog breeds proportionally to its body, an anatomical detail that never goes unnoticed in tourist sites
Questions frequentes
Can you travel with a Dogue de Bordeaux in summer?
It is very strongly discouraged except in regions with cool climates like Brittany or medium-altitude mountain areas. The Dogue de Bordeaux can suffer a fatal heatstroke within minutes at temperatures above 25 degrees. If you must travel in summer, move exclusively at night or early morning with air conditioning at full blast. Always keep wet cloths and ice packs within reach.
What vehicle is needed to travel with a Dogue de Bordeaux?
A station wagon, SUV or converted van are the only vehicles suitable for the Dogue de Bordeaux. The trunk must measure at least 100 cm in length so it can lie down comfortably. Rear air conditioning is essential to maintain a bearable temperature in its space. Install an access ramp to protect its joints when entering and exiting the vehicle.
What accommodations accept a 60 kg dog?
Rural lodges and vacation homes with gardens are most suitable for the Dogue de Bordeaux. Many hotels refuse dogs over 30 kg or apply significant surcharges. Contact owners directly specifying your dog's weight and breed, some willingly accept calm large molossers. Request a ground floor to avoid stairs detrimental to its joints.
How long can a Dogue de Bordeaux walk on an outing?
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a dog with moderate energy that is content with two 30 to 45 minute walks per day. Never exceed one hour of continuous walking and avoid significant elevation changes that tire its joints. In hot weather, reduce outings to 15 minutes maximum. This is not a hiking dog, favor quiet walks in parks and villages.
How to manage the Dogue de Bordeaux's drool while traveling?
Drool is an unavoidable daily reality with the Dogue de Bordeaux. Bring microfiber towels in large quantities and disposable absorbent bibs for critical moments like meals and car trips. Protect all accommodation textile surfaces with waterproof covers. Keep a roll of paper towels in your walking bag as it drools more after drinking or when it's hot.
