Giant dog breeds can be both impressive and affectionate companions, but living with them comes with unique challenges.
From their need for space and exercise to health considerations tied to their size, these dogs require careful planning and responsible care. Experts often stress the importance of proper training, balanced diets, and regular veterinary checkups to keep large breeds healthy and happy.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on information from online sources, including expert guidance. Every dog is different, and care needs may vary.
1. English Mastiff
Holding the record for the heaviest dog ever recorded, English Mastiffs can weigh up to 230 pounds. Despite their intimidating size, they’re known for their mellow, laid-back attitude around the house.
These dogs need moderate exercise but require early training due to their stubborn streak. Their short coat is easy to maintain with weekly brushing.
Mastiffs are prone to joint problems, so keep them at a healthy weight and avoid letting puppies run on hard surfaces until fully grown.
2. Great Dane
Standing up to 34 inches at the shoulder, Great Danes often turn heads with their elegant, regal appearance. Some can reach seven feet tall when standing on hind legs.
Despite their imposing size, they’re known as ‘gentle giants’ who form strong bonds with their families. Great Danes need consistent but gentle training from an early age.
Their short coat requires minimal grooming, but they do need space to stretch their long legs and a diet formulated for large breeds to support proper growth.
3. Saint Bernard
Famed for their alpine rescue work, Saint Bernards carry an impressive 140-180 pound frame with dignity. Their sweet expression and patient nature make them wonderful family companions despite their enormous size.
The thick double coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting, especially during seasonal shedding periods. These dogs thrive in cooler climates and can overheat quickly in warm weather.
Saint Bernards mature slowly, remaining puppyish until about two years old. Their joints need protection during growth, so limit jumping and stair climbing for puppies.
4. Newfoundland
With webbed feet and a water-resistant coat, Newfoundlands are born swimmers who have saved countless lives at sea. Their massive 100-150 pound bodies move with surprising grace through water.
Affectionately called ‘Newfies,’ these dogs have a sweet temperament that makes them excellent with children. Their thick double coat requires brushing several times weekly to prevent tangles and reduce shedding.
Newfoundlands drool considerably, so keeping towels handy is a must for owners. They need moderate exercise and particularly enjoy swimming sessions when weather permits.
5. Irish Wolfhound
Once used to hunt wolves, Irish Wolfhounds are the tallest of all dog breeds, standing up to 35 inches at the shoulder. Their wiry coat gives them a distinctive, rugged appearance that belies their sensitive nature.
These historic sighthounds need daily exercise but are surprisingly calm indoors. Many owners are surprised to discover they make terrible guard dogs because of their friendly disposition toward strangers.
Irish Wolfhounds have shorter lifespans than smaller breeds, typically 6-8 years. Regular heart checkups are essential as cardiac issues are common in the breed.
6. Anatolian Shepherd
Developed in Turkey to guard flocks, Anatolian Shepherds are independent thinkers with protective instincts. Their powerful 120-150 pound bodies can outrun predators and stand their ground when necessary.
Unlike many large breeds, Anatolians have high endurance and can work in hot climates thanks to their short double coat. They’re naturally suspicious of strangers and need careful socialization from puppyhood.
These dogs aren’t recommended for first-time owners as they make their own decisions about threats. They thrive with experienced handlers who understand their guardian nature and provide clear, consistent leadership.
7. Tibetan Mastiff
With their massive lion-like mane and imposing presence, Tibetan Mastiffs have guarded monasteries and nomadic camps for thousands of years. Their thick double coat once protected them from the harsh Himalayan winters.
These independent dogs are known for nighttime barking, their traditional working hours. They’re typically reserved with strangers but devoted to their families.
Tibetan Mastiffs blow their undercoat once yearly in a dramatic shedding event. They require minimal exercise but need secure fencing as they’re natural wanderers with strong territorial instincts.
8. Bernese Mountain Dog
Sporting a striking tricolour coat, Bernese Mountain Dogs were bred to pull carts and herd cattle in the Swiss Alps. Their sturdy 80-115 pound frame combines strength with agility.
Berners form deep bonds with their families and are particularly patient with children. Their thick coat requires regular brushing to manage shedding and prevent mats, especially behind the ears and in leg featherings.
Sadly, they have one of the shortest lifespans among large breeds, averaging 6-8 years. Cancer is prevalent in the breed, making regular veterinary checkups crucial for early detection of health issues.
9. Cane Corso
Descended from Roman war dogs, the muscular Cane Corso combines athleticism with power in its 100-pound frame. Unlike some large breeds, these dogs remain athletic and agile throughout their lives.
Their short coat comes in various colors and requires minimal grooming, but they do shed seasonally. Corsos are naturally protective and territorial, making early socialization and training absolutely essential.
These intelligent dogs need both physical exercise and mental challenges. Without proper outlets for their energy, they may become destructive or develop problem behaviors.
10. Dogue De Bordeaux
Featuring one of the largest heads in the canine world proportional to body size, the Dogue de Bordeaux is unmistakable with its serious expression and distinctive wrinkles. These powerfully built dogs typically weigh 100-140 pounds.
Famous for their role in the movie “Turner & Hooch,” these dogs are actually sensitive souls despite their intimidating appearance. Their short coat is low-maintenance, but the facial wrinkles need regular cleaning to prevent skin infections.
Bordeaux dogs are notorious for snoring and drooling. They have moderate exercise needs and prefer cooler weather due to their brachycephalic (short-nosed) structure.
11. Caucasian Shepherd
Originally bred to protect flocks from bears and wolves in the Caucasus Mountains, these massive dogs can weigh up to 200 pounds. Their thick, weather-resistant coat comes in various colors and patterns.
Caucasian Shepherds are fiercely loyal to family but naturally wary of strangers. They’re not suitable for novice owners as their protective instincts require careful management and extensive socialization from puppyhood.
Their dense double coat needs regular brushing, with more frequent grooming during seasonal shedding. These dogs need secure fencing as they’re territorial by nature and will patrol their property boundaries.
12. Boerboel
Developed in South Africa to guard homesteads against predators including lions, Boerboels combine impressive strength with surprising agility. Their muscular bodies typically weigh 150-200 pounds, with a distinctive blocky head and confident stance.
Despite their intimidating appearance, well-bred Boerboels are known for their calm, discerning nature and devotion to children in their family. Their short coat needs minimal grooming but sheds year-round.
These intelligent dogs require consistent training from an experienced handler. They respond well to positive reinforcement methods but will test boundaries if leadership is inconsistent.
13. Komondor
Known for its striking appearance, the Komondor is a breed that turns heads wherever it goes. This Hungarian livestock guardian dog has a corded coat that provides protection against harsh weather and predators.
While their look might suggest a carefree nature, Komondors are serious guardians with a deep sense of responsibility. They require diligent training and plenty of space to roam and fulfill their guarding instincts.
Quirky Fact: The Komondor’s coat serves as camouflage among sheep, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the flock it protects.
