The Dogue de Bordeaux is vigilant and courageous, loving and devoted, but he’s not an easy dog to own and should not be the choice of a first-time dog owner. He is strong and stubborn and requires strong leadership, firm and fair training, and early, extensive socialization. This is not a breed that can be chained up in the backyard. The Bordeaux loves his people and always wants to be with them, so expect to share your couch and bed with him. With young children, the Bordeaux is loving and protective, and his laid-back nature means that he’s unlikely to send a toddler flying. That said, no dog of any size should ever be left unsupervised with children.