When it comes to large dog breeds, there’s truly a gentle giant for everyone. The largest dog breeds range from 70 pounds to over 200 pounds, with heights ranging from 22 inches to over 32 inches at the shoulder.
These adorable dogs come with unique personalities, care requirements, and health considerations that potential owners should understand before bringing home a big, four-legged family member.
In this article, we will discuss all 20 largest dogs from their size, weight, and temperament.
Top 10 Best Large Dog Breeds
Large dog breeds are known for their size and gentle nature. They are wonderful companions for the right owners, bringing a unique blend of strength and affection to a home.
Here is a table with 10 of the best large dog breeds, considering factors like temperament, health, and grooming needs.
| No. | Breed Name | Height | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English Mastiff | 31+ inches | 120-230 pounds |
| 2 | Saint Bernard | 26-30 inches | 120-180 pounds |
| 3 | Great Dane | 28-31 inches | 110-175 pounds |
| 4 | Newfoundland | 26-28 inches | 100-150 pounds |
| 5 | Leonberger | 25.5-31.5 inches | 90-170 pounds |
| 6 | Irish Wolfhound | 30+ inches | 105-120 pounds |
| 7 | Anatolian Shepherd | 27-31 inches | 80-150 pounds |
| 8 | Great Pyrenees | 25-31 inches | 85+ pounds |
| 9 | Tibetan Mastiff | 24-29 inches | 70-115 pounds |
| 10 | Bernese Mountain Dog | 23-27.5 inches | 70-150 pounds |
Now, let’s explore all 20 of these magnificent giant dog breeds in detail, including their temperaments, care needs, and who they might be best suited for as companions.
1. English Mastiff
The English Mastiff holds the record for the heaviest dog ever recorded, weighing in at an astounding 343 pounds. These gentle giants are known for their calm and dignified nature. Despite their imposing size, Mastiffs are docile and affectionate with family.
They need minimal exercise but need early training to manage their strength. Health concerns include hip dysplasia, bloat, and heart issues, with a lifespan of 6-10 years.
Who Is The Dog Suitable For? Patient owners with spacious homes.
2. Saint Bernard
Originally bred as search and rescue dogs in the Swiss Alps, Saint Bernards are known for their gentle, patient temperament and impressive strength. Their thick double coat requires regular grooming, especially during shedding seasons.
These lovable giants are excellent with children but need supervision due to their size. They’re prone to hip dysplasia, heart conditions, and bloat, with a relatively short lifespan of 8-10 years.
Who Is The Dog Suitable For? Active families in cooler climates.
3. Great Dane
Often called “Apollo of Dogs,” Great Danes combine a regal appearance with a friendly disposition. Despite their size, they’re known as “Gentle Giants” who form strong bonds with their families.
These dogs need moderate exercise and consistent training from puppyhood. Great Danes are prone to bloat, heart disease, and hip dysplasia, with one of the shortest lifespans among large breeds at 6-8 years.
Who Is The Dog Suitable For? Families with adequate indoor space.
4. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are massive, powerful working dogs with webbed feet and water-resistant coats that make them exceptional swimmers. Known for their sweet temperament and patience, “Newfies” excel as family companions and have historically served as water rescue dogs.
They need regular grooming and moderate exercise. Health concerns include hip dysplasia, heart problems, and a tendency toward drooling.
Who Is The Dog Suitable For? Active families near water sources.
5. Leonberger
The majestic Leonberger combines power, elegance, and a lion-like mane around the male’s neck. These versatile working dogs excel at various tasks while maintaining a gentle, playful temperament with family.
They need regular exercise and extensive grooming for their thick double coat. Leonbergers are intelligent and trainable but require early socialization and consistent training to manage their size.
Who Is The Dog Suitable For? Experienced owners with active lifestyles.
6. Irish Wolfhound
The tallest of all dog breeds, Irish Wolfhounds, combines impressive height with a gentle, dignified temperament. Originally bred to hunt wolves, today they’re known as calm, loyal companions who get along well with families.
They need moderate exercise but shouldn’t overexert while growing. Their rough coat requires regular brushing, and their short lifespan of 6-8 years is a significant consideration.
Who Is The Dog Suitable For? Owners with space and patience.
7. Anatolian Shepherd
Imposing and protective, Anatolian Shepherds were developed to guard livestock in harsh Turkish conditions. They’re independent, territorial, and extremely loyal to their families.
These dogs need minimal grooming but need early, consistent training to manage their protective instincts. Anatolians are not suitable for novice owners and need secure fencing due to their tendency to patrol and protect.
Who Is The Dog Suitable For? Experienced owners with rural property.
8. Great Pyrenees
With their striking white coats and calm demeanor, Great Pyrenees are impressive guardian dogs originally bred to protect sheep from predators. They’re patient with children but independent and sometimes stubborn and need consistent training.
Their thick double coat needs regular brushing, especially during seasonal shedding. These dogs are territorial and need secure fencing to prevent wandering.
Who Is The Dog Suitable For? Patient families with secured yards.
9. Bernese Mountain Dog
Recognizable by their tricolor coat, Bernese Mountain Dogs combine impressive strength with a good-natured temperament. Originally farm dogs from Switzerland, they excel at drafting and carting while being gentle with children.
“Berners” need moderate exercise and regular grooming for their thick coat. They’re sadly prone to several health issues and have a lifespan of 7-9 years.
Who Is The Dog Suitable For? Active families in cooler climates.
10. Tibetan Mastiff
The imposing Tibetan Mastiff sports a massive mane and powerful build that can reach up to 150 pounds. Originally guardian dogs for Tibetan monasteries, they remain territorial, independent, and reserved with strangers.
Their thick double coat requires extensive seasonal grooming when they “blow” their undercoat. These dogs need experienced owners who understand their protective nature and independence.
Who Is The Dog Suitable For? Experienced owners with secure property.
11. Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff combines strength and agility, originally bred to track and hold poachers on English estates. These powerful dogs are loyal guardians who form strong bonds with family while remaining naturally wary of strangers.
They require moderate exercise and minimal grooming thanks to their short coat. Early training is important to manage their protective instincts and considerable strength.
Who Is The Dog Suitable For? Confident owners need protection dogs.
12. Neapolitan Mastiff
With their distinctive wrinkled appearance and massive build, Neapolitan Mastiffs are unmistakable guardians. These ancient dogs are protective, loyal, and loving toward family while remaining naturally suspicious of strangers.
They need minimal exercise but substantial grooming attention to their skin folds to prevent infections. “Neos” need early socialization and training to manage their protective nature.
Who Is The Dog Suitable For? Experienced owners are comfortable with drool.
13. Cane Corso
The athletic Cane Corso combines power and agility with an imposing appearance. These Italian Mastiffs are intelligent, trainable working dogs who form strong bonds with family while remaining protective. They need regular exercise and minimal grooming for their short coat.
Early socialization and consistent training are important to manage their protective instincts and considerable strength.
Who Is The Dog Suitable For? Active owners seeking trainable guardians.
14. Dogue de Bordeaux
Recognizable from the film “Turner & Hooch,” the Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff) combines power with a distinctive wrinkled face. These loyal guardians are gentle with family but naturally suspicious of strangers.
They require moderate exercise and attention to their facial wrinkles to prevent skin issues. Their short lifespan of 5-8 years and tendency toward heavy drooling are important considerations.
Who Is The Dog Suitable For? Patient owners were tolerant of drool.
15. Scottish Deerhound
Resembling a larger, more substantial Greyhound, Scottish Deerhounds combine impressive speed with gentle dignity. Originally bred to hunt deer, they maintain a strong prey drive while being gentle and sensitive with family.
These dogs need space to run safely and regular brushing for their wiry coat. Their short lifespan of 8-10 years and quiet, sensitive nature are important considerations.
Who Is The Dog Suitable For? Active owners with fenced space.
16. Black Russian Terrier
Despite the “terrier” name, Black Russian Terriers are large working dogs developed for military and police work. These intelligent dogs are loyal protectors with a strong work ethic and deep family bonds.
They need regular exercise and significant grooming for their thick double coat. BRTs require early socialization and consistent training to manage their protective instincts.
Who Is The Dog Suitable For? Active owners seeking trainable companions.
17. Borzoi
The elegant Borzoi combines impressive height with a refined, aristocratic appearance. These Russian sighthounds are independent and quiet indoors but maintain a strong prey drive outdoors. They need secure areas for exercise and regular brushing for their silky coat. Borzois are sensitive and gentle with family but can be aloof with strangers and need patient training approaches.
Who Is The Dog Suitable For? Patient owners with secure yards.
18. Bloodhound
Famous for their extraordinary sense of smell, Bloodhounds combine tracking ability with a gentle, patient temperament. These droopy-faced dogs are independent thinkers who follow their noses but remain affectionate with family.
They need moderate exercise and attention. Bloodhounds tend toward stubbornness and are notorious for their drooling.
Who Is The Dog Suitable For? Patient owners who are tolerant of drool.
19. Dogue de Bordeaux
With their distinctive wrinkled appearance and powerful build, Dogues de Bordeaux are unmistakable guardian dogs. These French Mastiffs combine protective instincts with deep loyalty to family. They require minimal exercise but need attention to their facial wrinkles to prevent skin issues. Early socialization is essential, and potential owners should be comfortable with significant drooling.
Who Is The Dog Suitable For? Confident owners tolerant of drool.
20. Boerboel
The powerful South African Boerboel was developed to guard homesteads against predators like lions. These massive guardians are confident, intelligent, and deeply loyal to family while remaining naturally suspicious of strangers.
They require moderate exercise and minimal grooming for their short coat. Boerboels needs experienced owners who can provide consistent training and proper socialization.
Who Is The Dog Suitable For? Experienced owners with secure property.
What Is The Best Large Breed Dog To Own?
Choosing the “best” large breed dog depends on your individual lifestyle and preferences. Breeds like the Great Dane, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Newfoundland stand out for their gentle temperaments and adaptability to family life.
Great Danes are relatively low-energy indoors, Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their cheerful nature, and Newfoundlands are famously gentle with children.
Ultimately, the best large breed is one that matches your living situation, activity level, and ability to meet its specific needs in terms of exercise, grooming, training, and potential health considerations.
What Is The Friendliest Big Dog?
Newfoundlands consistently rank among the friendliest large dog breeds. Often called “nanny dogs,” they’re renowned for their sweet temperament, patience with children, and gentle nature despite their massive size.
Great Danes and Bernese Mountain Dogs also deserve mention for their typical friendliness and affection toward family members. These gentle giants often form deep bonds with their people and tend to be accepting of strangers when properly socialized, making them excellent family companions despite their imposing size.
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Conclusion: English Mastiff Is The Largest Dog Breed
Large dog breeds are diverse and fascinating, offering different personalities and traits to suit various lifestyles. The English Mastiff is recognized as one of the heaviest breeds and a contender for the largest overall. The breeds on this list showcase impressive sizes and diverse temperaments.
If choosing favorites for companionship, the English Mastiff stands out for its dignified yet gentle nature. Alongside it, the Newfoundland charms with its renowned gentleness, and the Great Dane impresses with its calm demeanor indoors.
Adopting a large breed dog is a significant undertaking, promising love and loyalty. Welcome one of these giants into your today! Explore more to find your perfect match!
FAQs
Most giant breeds have shorter lifespans of 6-10 years compared to smaller dogs due to faster growth rates and increased stress on their bodies.
It varies by breed. Some giants, like Mastiffs, need minimal exercise, while others, like Bernese Mountain Dogs, require regular activity despite their size.
Many giants are gentle with children, but supervision is always necessary due to their size and strength, potentially causing accidental injury.
Hip dysplasia, bloat (GDV), heart conditions, and joint problems are common in giant breeds, often requiring specialized veterinary care.
Expect to spend $80-150 monthly on quality food for giant breeds, with additional costs for supplements, larger medications, and bigger equipment.
