Dogue de Bordeaux Puppy Checklist

Before Puppy Comes Home

What do you need before bringing home a Dogue de Bordeaux puppy?

Last updated October 8, 2026

The Dogue de Bordeaux puppy you bring home at 8 weeks will grow into a 110+ pound adult within 18 months. Set up for the adult dog, not the puppy. More importantly, establish fold-cleaning as a daily habit from the very first day — a puppy that accepts facial fold cleaning makes an adult dog that can be groomed safely.

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Supplies Checklist

• XXL wire crate with a divider panel
• Large, heavy stainless steel food and water bowls (tip-proof)
• Adjustable collar and 6-foot leash
  One option: Joytale Double-Handle Leash (6 ft) on Amazon. A 6-foot nylon leash with a padded second handle near the clip for close control, plus reflective stitching for dark walks. The 1-inch webbing suits medium and large dogs; it can feel heavy on a young puppy.
• ID tag engraved with your phone number
  One option: GoTags Personalized Stainless Steel ID Tag on Amazon. An engraved stainless steel ID tag; you pick the shape and the lines of text at checkout. Put a phone number that's actually answered on it, and update the engraving if you move.
• Giant-breed puppy food (confirm with breeder — DDBs need controlled-calorie large-breed puppy formula)
  One option: Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy, Chicken & Rice (34 lb) on Amazon. Purina Pro Plan's large-breed puppy formula, with chicken as the first ingredient and growth-rate nutrition for breeds that finish over 50 pounds. Check that the bag's AAFCO statement covers growth including large-size dogs, and ask your vet about portions and when to move to adult food.
• Soft facial wipes or cotton pads for daily fold cleaning
• Drool cloths — buy a dozen
• Cornstarch or pet fold powder for drying moist folds
• Rubber curry brush for weekly coat brushing
  One option: Augwind Rubber Grooming Gloves & Bath Brush Set on Amazon. Silicone grooming gloves and rubber bath brushes that lift shed hair and work shampoo into a short coat, plus two finger toothbrushes.
• Enzymatic cleaner for accidents
  One option: Nature's Miracle Dog Stain & Odor Remover (32 oz) on Amazon. An enzymatic stain and odor cleaner that keeps breaking down urine and other organic messes after you apply it. Spot-test on carpet or upholstery first.
• Durable chew toys (Kongs, large Nylabones)
• Baby gates to keep puppy off stairs (joint protection during growth)
  One option: Regalo Easy Step Walk-Through Gate (29-38.5 in) on Amazon. A 29 to 38.5 inch pressure-mounted gate with a walk-through door, so you can block a doorway or the bottom of the stairs without drilling. Pressure-mounted gates belong in doorways or at the bottom of stairs, never at the top of a staircase.

Home Preparation

• Decide which furniture and rooms are off-limits and set up baby gates or closed doors consistently from day one
• Secure electrical cords, toxic plants, medications, and cleaning products
• Identify a cool, shaded area in the yard — the DDB overheats easily and needs a retreat from sun and heat
• Locate the nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary clinic and save the number

Vet Setup

• Find a vet with giant-breed and brachycephalic breed experience
• Schedule first wellness exam within 48–72 hours of bringing the puppy home
• Ask about large-breed puppy nutrition, joint-protection protocols, and timing of spay/neuter
• Ask your vet about prophylactic gastropexy to prevent bloat — many recommend it at the time of spay/neuter for this breed
• Enroll in pet insurance immediately — before any conditions can be documented as pre-existing

First Week Setup

What should the first week with a Dogue de Bordeaux puppy look like?

The first week is about establishing the routines that will protect this breed's health and temperament for its entire life. Priority one is fold care. Priority two is socialization. Priority three is crate training and housebreaking.

Day 1–2: Arrival and Settling In

• Introduce the crate immediately with meals inside and a worn t-shirt for comfort
• Begin daily fold cleaning on day one — use a soft wipe, gently open each fold, wipe, and dry; reward with a treat
• Establish the house-training schedule: outside after every meal, every nap, and every 2 hours
• Keep the environment calm — limit visitors for the first 48 hours

Day 3–7: Building Habits

• Begin short leash walks in the neighborhood
• Invite 2–3 calm adults over with treats for positive stranger introductions
• Handle the puppy's feet, ears, and mouth daily for grooming tolerance
• Complete first vet wellness exam
• Begin researching local puppy obedience classes for enrollment

Socialization Priorities (Weeks 8–16)

• Adults of varied appearances, genders, and ages
• Children — calm, supervised interactions
• Urban sounds: traffic, construction, crowds
• Being left alone for increasing periods (prevents separation anxiety)
• Car travel — essential for vet visits; make early trips positive
• Other dogs in controlled, positive settings

Training

Early Training Is a Safety Requirement

A 110-pound Dogue de Bordeaux that has not been trained is genuinely difficult and potentially dangerous to manage. The breed is trainable and responds well to positive reinforcement, but training must begin from puppyhood and be maintained consistently.

Essential Commands

• Sit and stay: Foundations for managing a large dog around guests, doors, and children.
• Come: Reliable recall is a safety critical skill. Work on it daily in multiple environments.
• Off: Teach this from puppyhood if you don't want a 110-pound adult climbing on people and furniture.
• Leave it: Prevents resource guarding and unwanted pickups.
• Loose-leash walking: Begin immediately. Use a front-clip harness as a management tool. A DDB that pulls is an adult that cannot be walked safely.

Joint Protection During Training

• Avoid activities that put significant stress on developing joints: no jumping, no running on hard surfaces, no stair climbing until at least 12 months
• Keep training sessions short (5–10 minutes) and mentally stimulating rather than physically demanding
• Swimming is an excellent exercise option — low-impact and most DDBs take to it naturally

Key Habits to Establish in Puppyhood

• Daily fold cleaning accepted calmly
• Accepting handling of feet, ears, mouth, and body from all family members
• Crate as a positive, safe space
• Calm greetings — no jumping on people
• Eating calmly without food guarding