10 Giant Dog Breeds

Giant dog breeds make ideal family dogs, despite the fact that their size may overwhelm some people.  Learn about some of our favourite large dog breeds.

Not everyone is a fan of little teacup puppies; although some people may find their tiny paws adorable, others may prefer a larger dog.  Although giant dog breeds can be frightening and naturally need more room and care than a Shih Tzu or Chihuahua, their size makes them the ideal cuddling partners and, with proper socialisation, they can become wonderful family members.

A big dog breed can be the ideal choice for you if you have space on your sofa and in your house.  Our top ten large dog breeds are listed below.

 

1. English Mastiff

The English Mastiff is one of the largest dog breeds now in existence, standing between 27 and 35 inches tall and weighing between 200 and 230 pounds.  Originating from ancient war dogs, this breed is well-known for its terrifying origins. Today, it warms couches worldwide and becomes a devoted family member.  Because of its exceptional intellect, this huge dog breed is also utilised for military, police, and security jobs when they aren't cuddling with their beloved people.

 

2. Irish Wolfhound

The Irish Wolfhound has strong ancestry, just as the English Mastiff. This enormous dog breed's name comes from its usage in wolf hunting, which involved dragging warriors off of horses and chariots during battle.

Though they may grow up to 32 inches tall and are naturally muscular, Irish Wolfhounds are really giant softies in heart. This large dog breed, with its shaggy coat and soft eyes, gets along well with kids and other dogs, but because they have a lot of energy, you'll need to make sure they receive lots of exercise!

 

3. Saint Bernard

Did you know that the 'Saint' Bernard was really raised by a Swiss monastery? Many people wonder why he was given this moniker, and it's typically assumed that it has to do with his heavenly demeanour.  Their size, often ranging from 28 to 30 inches, made them ideal for guarding the holy territory.  They quickly proved to be excellent search and rescue dogs in the Swiss Alps, though, and stranded tourists were delighted to see them because of their kind eyes and pleasant faces.  Because of their kind and affectionate nature, they are currently one of the most popular large dog breeds and are still utilised in search and rescue missions throughout the globe.

 

4. Newfoundland

If you've heard of this enormous dog breed, it's most likely because they like swimming! The Newfoundland is well-known for being a great lifeguard and being very good at water sports. They even have webbed feet to help them stay ahead of the competition. They are extremely clever canines that typically stand between 27 and 29 inches tall. Their lifeguard heritage is so strong that they have been known to attempt to "save" their family members if they are swimming. Because of their large size and fluffy appearance, Newfoundlands are perfect for cuddling and have very affectionate dispositions.

 

5. Dogue de Bordeaux

This large dog breed, often known as a French Mastiff, is typically between 24 and 26 inches tall and has an oddly wrinkled look.  The Dogue de Bordeaux, said to be a descendant of the ancient livestock guardian breed Molossus, has served a variety of purposes over the years.  This enormous dog breed has seen it all, from moving cattle to hunting great wildlife on French estates in the 12th century to becoming a formidable combat dog.

Were you aware?  Do a lot of study about the breed if you're thinking about obtaining a Dogue de Bordeaux because of their increased risk of dermatitis because of their numerous skin folds.

 

6. Leonberger

The Leonberger is a large, cute, fluffy dog that is a cross between a Pyrenean Mountain Dog, a Newfoundland, and a Saint Bernard.  This large, intelligent, and powerful dog breed, which is typically approximately 30 inches in length, is mostly employed for tracking and herding.  Because they may become destructive if not trained for obedience, they are best suited to more experienced owners who understand training.  Although the Leonberger is a great family dog when properly taught and socialised, extremely small children may not always be a good fit for them due to their sensitivity.

 

7. Anatolian Shepherd

The Anatolian Shepherd is a historic Turkish breed that has been around since 2000 B.C., according to the American Kennel Club! This enormous dog breed was first developed to guard flocks and property, and in fact, it is still employed for that function in its native Turkey. With an average lifetime of 13 to 15 years, the Anatolian Shepherd, who stands at around 32 inches tall, has a lengthy life span in comparison to other large dog breeds.

Were you aware? Since 1994, Namibia has employed the Anatolian Shepherd to safeguard cheetahs. Before environmentalists introduced Anatolian Shepherds to stand watch, local cattle ranchers killed cheetahs to preserve their herd, but this drastically decreased the number of cheetah deaths.

 

8. Neapolitan Mastiff

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a large, intelligent, and peaceful dog breed that was first developed in Southern Italy to protect households.  Their thick, loose skin gives them an odd look and serves as protection in the event of an assault.  These large lapdogs, who typically stand 31 inches height at the shoulder, are ideally suited for family life since they love being around people.  However, because of their large, drooping jowls, they are prone to slobbering, so you'll need to be ready to endure a lot of drool!

 

9. Great Dane

The Great Dane is one of the tallest dogs, which is not surprising given that it was created as a mix between the English Mastiff and the Irish Wolfhound.
 German aristocrats produced this enormous dog breed, which stands between 30 and 34 inches tall, to hunt boars and defend their properties. Great Danes are well-known for their kind and energetic personalities in today's society, and they make wonderful family companions.

Did you know? The tallest dog ever was a Great Dane called Zeus and he was a whopping 44 inches tall!

 

10. Caucasian Shepherd

The Eastern European canine breed known as the Caucasian Shepherd was created for the purpose of guarding and guiding cattle.  With a shoulder length of almost thirty inches, this enormous dog breed was excellent at defending herds and flocks from predators in the mountainous Caucasus.  Due to their obstinate disposition, they are best suited for seasoned owners. They can also be quite protective of their house and detest other dogs or strangers in the area.  Nonetheless, the Caucasian Shepherd may become a lovable and amiable family pet with the right training and socialisation.

That concludes our ranking of the top ten large dog breeds!  Are you interested in learning more about the many kinds of dogs?  Check out our post on 11 British and English dog breeds.