10 Dog Breeds Similar to Dogue De Bordeaux

The Dogue De Bordeaux, also called the French Mastiff, is a legendary breed famous for its huge size, broad head, and kind nature. Regardless of its frightening looks, this historic breed is a calm and loving partner, also known as a gentle giant. They’re best at guarding their home and love cuddling on the couch. These dogs serve as great protectors and family friends.

If you’re attracted by the Dogue’s muscular build, protective instincts, and deep loyalty, then there’s good news for you that many mastiff breeds share these similar qualities. If you’re an experienced dog owner who knows the importance of training, early socialization, and daily exercise.

In this article, we’ll take you through the 10 dog breeds similar to Dogue De Bordeaux. Every breed has its own amazing history, family-friendly nature, and great personality.

Dog Breeds Similar to Dogue De Bordeaux for Big Dog Lovers

These powerful partners have the same soulful eyes, courageous souls, and devoted nature, having roots in fighting areas, royal courts, and wild farmlands.

1. Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff is considered a close cousin of the French Mastiff or Dogue De Bordeaux. They both come under mastiff dog breeds, which are generally bred for guarding and recognized for their muscular body, protective nature, and calm demeanor.

According to Purina, Bulmastiffs are a little easier to handle in some homes because they’re generally less drooly and a little more nimble.

Regardless of their powerful look, these canines were originally bred to follow and pin invaders without biting, showing their inherently sensitive attitude. They’re a great choice for families who want a brave and laid-back guardian, as they’re not incredibly active and like short walks.

Bullmastiff vs Dogue De Bordeaux – Breed Comparison

2. Cane Corso

The Cane Corso is a mixture of intelligence, power, and discipline, and it’s considered the Italian Mastiff. Different from the Dogue, the Cane Corso enjoys mental stimulation, training, and balanced tasks.

This breed was initially developed for hunting large game and protecting homes in Italy. These features make it an ideal guard dog with excellent protective instincts.

Both of these dogs are considered among the mastiff breeds and have the same muscular build and loyal traits. As per PDSA, Cane Corso is overly energetic, active, and obedient.

They can adjust with an experienced owner who knows about consistent training and firm leadership. If they’re properly guided, they turn out to be excellent family dogs and devoted companions.

Cane Corso vs Dogue De Bordeaux – Breed Comparison

3. Neapolitan Mastiff

The Neapolitan Mastiff is called the Italian war mastiff, has an immense size, wrinkled skin, and is an inspiring breed. This breed of mastiff dog is broad, drooping, and extremely dedicated.

They have many similar qualities like Dogue De Bordeaux, i.e, their defensive instincts, gentle temperament, and they serve as a wonderful family member for people who have experience with tolerating large dog breeds.

Its intimidating appearance makes it stand out because of its hanging jowls, loose skin, and clumsy walk. Don’t worry about their bulky looks; they bond deeply with their family and enjoy a calm, relaxed environment.

Both of these breeds are loyal and great guardians. They tend to be a bit distant from strangers as they need early socialization and training.

Neapolitan Mastiff vs Dogue De Bordeaux – Breed Comparison

4. English Mastiff

The English Mastiff is one of the calmest pups with a heart of gold, and among the largest dog breeds in the world. It has a huge size, relaxed personality, and gentle nature, and is also called a “gentle giant” as it’s extremely affectionate and loves to be in a stable home environment.

Just like the Dogue de Bordeaux, the English mastiff is very loyal, protective, and makes a great companion.

This breed is actually considered the heaviest dog ever recorded; Zorba, an English Mastiff, weighed an extreme 343 pounds. But they’re known for their kind nature and non-aggressive traits despite their frightening appearance.

This breed is very lazy and prefers to lounge around the house, and both of these breeds need a dedicated and experienced owner.

English Mastiff vs Dogue De Bordeaux – Breed Comparison

5. Boerboel

The Boerboel is one of the mastiff breeds, very powerful and confident, which was developed in South Africa to protect livestock and homesteads from wild attackers.

They have a muscular build, great intelligence level, and strong protective instincts; they’re passionately loyal to their families and are great guard dogs. They’re an extremely fearless and affectionate dog breed, just like the Dogue de Bordeaux.

They’re not overly drooly, unlike other dogs, and are independent at work. Even though both breeds are excellent family dogs but as per WebMD, Boerboel needs more space, structure, and a highly experienced and trusted owner to maintain balanced behavior.

Boerboel vs Dogue De Bordeaux – Breed Comparison

6. Presa Canario

The Presa Canario is a mastiff-type fighting dog that was originally bred in the Canary Islands to take care of the livestock and avoid threats on farms.

It has the same loyalty level as Dogue and protective instincts, but has a bit more observant nature, which makes it best for experienced dog owners to help them understand how to enhance its power through training and structure.

It’s particularly unique because of its threatening appearance and calm, focused attentiveness. They’re silent observers and react only when it’s necessary, because when it does, it’s with full strength and bravery. Both of these breeds are recognized as “gentle giants” when trained properly.

Presa Canario vs Dogue De Bordeaux – Breed Comparison

7. Dogo Argentino

Britannica mentions that this breed was first bred for big-game hunting in Argentina for pumas and wild boars. But keeping its hunting side behind, it’s a very loyal friend, plus a great family dog if it’s raised with enough affection and attention.

Dogo Argentino and Dogue are both very passionate and gentle, create strong ties with children, and are eager to please.

What makes them different from other dogs is their athletic build and high endurance. As the Dogue is a heavier and slow-moving dog, the Dogo is leaner and enjoys regular exercise and mental encouragement.

They both are protective and enjoy family life, but the Dogo demands more activity and is best for outdoor active families.

Dogo Argentino vs Dogue De Bordeaux – Breed Comparison

8. Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is one of the toughest and strongest dog breeds, just like ancient Roman cattle-driving dogs. They tend to form strong emotional bonds with families instantly, just like Dogue, they’re muscular and have very protective instincts.

Even though their appearance looks a bit tough but if they’re very well-raised, then they turn out to be the most affectionate, calm, and excellent with kids.

Rottweiler is a bit more active, alert, and thrives on mental challenges than the Dogue. Whereas both breeds need to have experienced owners who know how to handle their overprotectiveness, as they demand more mental stimulation.

Rottweiler vs Dogue De Bordeaux – Breed Comparison

9. American Bulldog

The American Bulldog is a rugged, athletic dog with a muscular build and strong working roots. Originally bred for farm work, this mastiff breed is known for its courage, loyalty, and deep attachment to family.

Much like the Dogue, the American Bulldog is a natural guardian and watchful but affectionate, also thrives best in homes that provide consistent training and space to roam.

The American Bulldog is special because of its high level of flexibility and energy. American Bulldogs are playful and can be surprisingly energetic for their size, whereas Dogues enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle. The American Bulldog usually needs more exercise and strict leadership to avoid stubbornness.

American Bulldog vs Dogue De Bordeaux – Breed Comparison

10. Tosa Inu

A rare and well-respected breed in Japan, the Tosa Inu, often called the Japanese Mastiff, was originally bred for dog fighting but is now prized for its quiet confidence, controlled strength, and loyal commitment.

The Tosa is frequently more cautious and shows remarkable calmness under pressure, even if it shares the Dogue’s serious attitude and guardian instincts.

The Tosa Inu is special because of its ability to be totally silent in battle, which is a result of its strict breeding background. In direct opposition to guard dogs that are more talkative or expressive, this breed is recognized for its reserved temperament and infrequent barking.

Despite their need for expert dog owners, early socialization, both the Tosa and the Dogue grow up to be kind, devoted family members.

Tosa Inu vs Dogue De Bordeaux – Breed Comparison

Conclusion

The Dogue is not just a simple dog, but its powerful symbol of loyalty, quiet courage, and heartwarming friendship. Even many dog breeds come close to its traits, offering a mixture of strength and guarding qualities, but they can never replace the true charm of it.

These dog breeds that are similar to Dogue are not suitable for everyone, because they need confident ownership, early socialization, and creative training. The people who are ready to give love, space, and structure to these gentle giants, then they return this favor with extreme affection and powerful protection.

So even if you’re attracted towards the ancient breed Neapolitan Mastiff or the energetic soul of the American Bulldog, this is a sure thing that all these mastiff dog breeds provide you with loyal companionship for all types of homes throughout your life.