Dogue de Bordeauxs or more popularly known as the French Mastiffs cost between $900 to $2,500 depending on where you get the puppy from. The cost may be too heavy for the pocket, but you can get him from various places that guarantee a healthy dog. Since each French Mastiff’s quality in all aspects varies, breeders will match that out with their well-assessed prices. If you are on a budget, we’ll tell you the cheaper option, later on.
As you go about this article, you’ll learn what affects the price of the Dogue de Bordeaux, the places where you can get him from, and all other things you’d need to spend on. Keep reading!
Pet Quality or Show Quality?
Both pet and show-quality French Mastiffs have one common denominator: they make great pets. The only time when their qualities matter is when owners hold certain objectives for their dogs to actualize. Pet quality French Mastiffs are healthy dogs but are disqualified to enter prestigious dog shows like that which is popularly held by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Meanwhile, show-quality dogs pass the breed standards and have no faults whatsoever.
Putting aside their “quality”, there is no huge difference when it comes to temperament, appearance, and needs. French Mastiffs, pet quality or not, make wonderful companions!
Factors Affecting the Price of a Dogue de Bordeaux Puppy
The price of a Dogue de Bordeaux is far from ridiculous. This is a rare breed and breeding is a costly business. One thing you are guaranteed of, however, is that every penny you spend is going to be worth it when you buy him from the right sources.
The following are what affects the overall price of a Dogue de Bordeaux puppy:
Demand & Location
You’re lucky if you are living in a state with cheaper costs of living. That means that breeders in the area are more likely to charge a low price for their puppies. If a lot of people in your place are going for the Dogue de Bordeaux, the price will reasonably get higher. The same applies to other cities that have higher costs of living. However, there will be a significant difference in the price since they have bigger bills to pay such as rental, electricity, and vet bills.
Age & Sex of the Puppy
As usual, Dogue de Bordeaux puppies will cost more than an adult one. This is because a puppy would need to receive his vaccine shots and get enrolled in puppy classes, to name a few. Adult dogs no longer need these things, hence the price difference.
Sex is also a factor. Female Dogues are pricier than males as they can become a great tool in starting a breeding business. Breeders, however, advertise their male pups more often to balance out the number of male and female pups being purchased.
Season
Breeders also acknowledge that seasons can give them a reason to inflate or lower their prices. People who love dogs buy their favorite breeds during warmer months so they’ll have a canine companion while they have their adventures and escapades. Wintertime is when dog buying is at its lowest. Some families, however, use dogs such as the Dogue as gifts for their children.
Quality of Health
Not all Dogue de Bordeaux puppies are equally healthy. This highly depends on who and how they were bred. The more assurance that the Dogue pup is healthy, the more expensive he’ll be compared to those who have been the result of a poor breeding program.
Breeder’s Experience & Reputation
AKC-registered breeders usually charge more when it comes to selling their Dogue de Bordeaux puppies compared to those who were just new to breeding. They already have the reputation that they breed healthy dogs and the guarantee that they run the parents to a series of health tests before mating.
Places to Buy Your Dogue de Bordeaux
To ensure that you get a wonderful and positive experience in owning a Dogue de Bordeaux, choosing the right place to get him from is vital. Know the three places where you can find your perfect Dogue and be aware of which one of them to avoid.
Reputable Breeder ($900-$2,500)
Dog lovers all over the world agree that if ever you want to buy a dog, you should contact a trusted breeder who does ethical breeding and is not driven mainly by profit. This type of breeder usually breeds pet-quality or show-quality dogs and assures that the parents are healthy before they get mated.
Shelter Homes ($300)
Rescued Dogues are just as loving, loyal, and fun. Thousands of them end up in shelter homes either because they can no longer be taken care of by their previous owners or they have become victims of abuse. You can be the next person to transform a dog’s life by letting him experience what a loving home is again! Plus, this is the cheapest option for you.
Puppy Mills ($1,000 up)
Breeding in puppy mills is far from the standard. In a Dogue de Bordeaux mill, dogs who are healthy and sickly are mixed up together in cramped cages and not everybody receives the right amount of attention. Those who “look” healthy are often sold at the same prices a trusted source would typically charge. However, since backyard breeders rarely spend for vet care, their pups eventually develop diseases that would’ve been avoided if they received proper care.
Is It Expensive to Own a Dogue de Bordeaux?
For the right owner, it is not that expensive to own a Dogue de Bordeaux at all. Just as long as all his basic needs are met, you’ll be assured that he’ll grow up happy and full of vigor. You just have to invest in a few things:
Food Requirements ($150+/month)
This is a large dog that will need a large number of food supplies. Only go for high-quality commercial dog foods or do home-prepped meals for a more complete diet and nutrition.
Medical Needs ($0-$300/month)
Visiting the vet doesn’t have to be done every month. However, make sure you save up a good amount in case he needs to be checked or receive shots and treatments.
Grooming Expenses ($0-$90)
You may either bring him to a groomer or groom him yourself using a good dog brush and other tools. Between these two options, DIY will make you save more!
List of Supplies for Your Dogue de Bordeaux
Have a glimpse of what the Dogue de Bordeaux’s basic needs are so you can have them all readied once the puppy arrives:
- Food/water bowls
- Dog collar
- Leash
- Crate
- Dog bed
- First-aid kit
- Toys
- Bath supplies
- Grooming supplies
- Poop bag and scooper
Dogue de Bordeaux’s Lifetime Expenses
In owning a Dogue de Bordeaux, know that you’re making a long-term commitment. If you’re going to spend $5,000 in his first year and $2,000 every year after, you may possibly spend at least $17,000-$19,000 throughout his lifetime in which his lifespan is 5-8 years!