Joint Support for Dogues de Bordeaux: Caring for a Gentle Giant

Beau does not walk into a room, he arrives. All 55 kilograms of Dogue de Bordeaux, wrinkled brow first, tail swinging, a little string of dribble swaying behind him, and every bit of that big, loving frame landing on just four joints. He thinks the sofa is his. He is, for the record, correct.

Why Dogues de Bordeaux Carry So Much Joint Stress

The Dogue de Bordeaux is one of the heaviest, most powerfully built dogs there is, with dense bone, a deep chest and a body that puts on size quickly. Puppies can grow startlingly fast, which means young joints are carrying serious weight long before the rest of the dog has finished growing up. Hip and elbow problems are well recognised in the breed, which is why joint care is worth thinking about early, not once a dog starts to slow down. Big dogs do not get a lot of say in the matter, so it is up to us to give those joints a helping hand.

It is the same story across plenty of big breeds. Saint Bernards, Rottweilers, Great Danes, Bullmastiffs and Neapolitan Mastiffs all ask a lot of their joints simply by being the size they are. With the Dogue it just tends to start young and last a lifetime.

Everyday Habits That Help a Heavy Dog Keep Moving

A few simple things go a long way. Keep your Dogue lean, because every extra kilo is extra load on joints that already carry plenty. Choose steady lead walks on softer ground when you can, and go easy on repeated hard landings, like leaping out of the boot of the car, jumping off the sofa or skidding across a slippery kitchen floor. A ramp and a couple of rugs are gentler than they sound.

That short muzzle matters too. Dogues overheat more easily than longer nosed breeds, so keep exercise to the cooler parts of the day and let them set the pace. A relaxed, regular amble beats one big weekend blow out.

What to Look for in a Joint Supplement for a Dogue de Bordeaux

For a dog this size, look for glucosamine and chondroitin at a clearly stated amount, not hidden in a vague blend, plus something like MSM or green lipped mussel for broader joint support. Check that the dosing is by weight and actually reflects a big dog. A chew they actually love, like bacon, helps too, because the best routine is the one you can keep up every single day. And if you have a puppy, remember that giant breed puppies are still growing, so it is worth following a proper puppy dosing guide, like the one in our piece on starting your puppy on joint supplements, rather than jumping straight to the adult amount. Finally, ask where it is made and whether anyone independent has tested it.

This one is close to home for us. Our co-founder, Vips has spent 35+ years rescuing large and bull breed dogs, and Roxy, her French Mastiff (a Dogue de Bordeaux, through and through), came to her from a puppy mill with only hours to live, just three years old and with a long list of health issues. Vips nursed her with natural, non chemical care, and they had 3.5 beautiful years together. SolaPup exists because of Roxy, and the Dogue de Bordeaux will always be the breed we think of first. We are also proud to sponsor the Dogue de Bordeaux Society of America National Specialty 2026.

Where SolaPup Fits In

The SolaPup Hip & Joint Chews are made with big, active dogs in mind: glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, turmeric, Boswellia, green lipped mussel, hemp seed oil, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, nine actives in a bacon flavoured, chicken free chew. They are made in an FDA registered facility that is also GMP, NASC and SQF certified, with every batch third party lab tested, so you know exactly what your dog is getting, and why. Green lipped mussel is shellfish, so they are not suitable for dogs with a shellfish allergy.

As always, check in with your vet before starting any new supplement, particularly for a growing giant breed puppy or a dog with an existing health condition. They know your dog's individual history best.

If you want to help your Dogue's joints keep up with all that enthusiasm, here's what we use at SolaPup.