Dogue de Bordeaux — questions to ask before paying a deposit
A responsible breeder will have these readily available. Deflection is a red flag.
Hip, elbow and shoulder dysplasiacan shorten life or cause chronic pain
Malformation of the hip, elbow and/or shoulder joints leading to pain and early arthritis. This breed's own CHIC requirement is unusual in also requiring a shoulder evaluation, not just hips and elbows.
Ask to see: OFA hip, elbow and shoulder evaluation, on both parents
Dogue de Bordeaux Health Foundation of America (https://ddbordeauxhealth.webs.com/health-screens) · OFA / CHIC Programs (https://ofa.org/chic-programs/)
Dilated cardiomyopathy and subaortic stenosiscan shorten life or cause chronic pain
Two unrelated heart conditions — a weakened, enlarged heart muscle, and a narrowed outflow from the heart — are both described by the breed's own health foundation as leading causes of death in the breed. Neither has a genetic test.
Ask to see: No genetic test for either condition. An echocardiogram by a board-certified veterinary cardiologist is the only reliable way to check, on both parents.
UFAW Genetic Welfare Problems of Companion Animals (https://www.ufaw.org.uk/dogs/dogue-de-bordeaux-dilated-cardiomyopathy) · Dogue de Bordeaux Rescue — Health Information Sheet (https://ddbrescue.org/dogue-de-bordeaux-health-information-sheet/)
Brachycephalic airway limitationcan shorten life or cause chronic pain
The standard's overly short muzzle and pinched nostrils restrict airflow; the FCI's own judging guidance for this breed specifically flags forced breathing with the mouth constantly open — more pronounced wording than it uses for some other short-muzzled breeds.
Ask to see: No test; a vet check of breathing at rest and after mild exercise, especially in heat, is the only way to assess it.
FCI Breed Specific Instructions (Nordic Kennel Union) (https://www.fci.be/nomenclature/docs/JUG-BSI-en.pdf)
Loose eyelids (ectropion/entropion)
The standard's amount of facial skin predisposes some dogs to eyelids that roll outward or inward, which can let in dust and hair or, if inverted, rub the cornea.
Ask to see: No test; ask whether a vet has checked both parents' eyelids.
FCI Breed Specific Instructions (Nordic Kennel Union) (https://www.fci.be/nomenclature/docs/JUG-BSI-en.pdf)
Canine multifocal retinopathy (CMR1)
An inherited eye condition causing raised lesions on the retina, usually visible from puppyhood. It changes the appearance of the retina but does not typically affect sight.
Ask to see: CMR1 DNA test (VMD2/BEST1 gene mutation), on both parents
UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory — CMR1 (https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/test/cmr1) · Dogue de Bordeaux Health Foundation of America (https://ddbordeauxhealth.webs.com/health-screens)