Giant Dog Breeds

Dogs can come in a bunch of different sizes, and a few breeds can be as big as humans, or even bigger! Giant dogs require an experienced and responsible owner, and they can be costly to care for, however they are extremely rewarding to keep as pets. That being said, here’s a list of the top giant dog breeds, and what you’ll want to know about each of them.

Dogue De Bordeaux

The Dogue De Bordeaux, also known as the French Mastiff, is a huge dog with a flat, wrinkly face. They were bred to do all sorts of physically challenging work, like pulling carts. They also make wonderful guard dogs, and can protect anything from livestock to your whole family!

This large dog breed is known to be stubborn and even dominant if not properly trained and socialized. It’s important to begin training very early on in this breed’s life. With a firm hand, however, the Dogue De Bordeaux becomes an obedient and fiercely protective family member.

Landseer

The Landseer is one of the giant longhaired dog breeds. They are mostly white with black spotting on their body, as well as a mostly black head. They are known to be gentle and protective pets. This breed is not for beginners, however, as their independence and somewhat territorial nature can make them difficult to train.

Landseers can be difficult and even possessive at times. If they are properly socialized as a puppy, however, they can fit right in with just about any family! This large dog breed needs lots of space to run around in, and frequent exercise is a must.

Irish Wolfhound

Irish Wolfhounds are known for being the tallest dog breed in the entire world! These lean, almost skinny-looking dogs are actually very compact and muscular. They were built for speed! Irish Wolfhounds need large amounts of space for running, and they also require a great deal of exercise.

If their exercise needs are met, they are incredibly calm and elegant dogs. Their dignified nature truly sets them apart from other dog breeds. This is also a historic breed with a rich history, and they have been featured in countless poems and mythologies.

Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees is a giant white fluffy dog that was bred for incredibly hard work. It was their job to defend flocks of sheep from vicious predators such as wolves, and they originated in the cold, snowy mountains. Their dense coat is designed to keep them warm in even the most brutal of conditions.

While the Great Pyrenees is a fierce defender in the face of danger, they are actually very calm and gentle when with their family. They are revered for their gentle nature and steadfast dependability.

Neapolitan Mastiff

The Neapolitan Mastiff is instantly recognizable, with its wrinkly body and long, hanging jowls. This breed was created in Southern Italy and was traditionally used as a guard dog. They still make fierce and loyal guardians in the home.

While they require a decent amount of exercise, like any large dog breed, they are actually quite low in energy. This is not a particularly playful breed, but they are fiercely affectionate and protective. This breed does have a tendency to drool, but most owners agree that the mess is well worth this dog’s loving personality.

Leonberger

One of the most beloved giant hairy dog breeds is the Leonberger. This German breed is a descendant of Newfoundlands, Great Pyrenees, and Saint Bernards. This breed looks like a lion with its black and golden coat and thick, shaggy fur. Their dense coat means they are well suited to cold weather, but intolerant of heat.

These gentle giants make especially good family pets, as they are patient, gentle, and protective. This is an especially athletic breed, however, that requires lots of exercise as well as a large amount of space to run around in.

St. Bernard

The St. Bernard has a rich origin story. They were originally developed as a rescue dog in the Alps, where they would retrieve travelers who had gotten lost in the Great Saint Bernard Pass in the 1600s. This ancient breed has a strong desire to help and protect others, making them wonderful family pets.

This is a playful and energetic breed with high exercise needs. It’s important to establish dominance early on in this dog’s life as because of its enormous size the breed can quickly become trouble if not properly trained. If socialized well, however, St. Bernards are the ultimate gentle giants.

Black Russian Terrier

The Black Russian Terrier is one of the giant black dog breeds. While large, their soft, fluffy fur makes them look a lot like a teddy bear! This coat isn’t just for looks, though. It’s perfect for keeping this breed warm in even the coldest of temperatures. Despite its huge size, the Black Russian Terrier is surprisingly agile.

That’s because it was created to work as a military dog, prison guard, and police dog by the Soviet army in the 1950s. This is a very social dog breed that loves being close to its owners most of the time. While not clingy, they require plenty of time and attention, or else they might start to feel left out.

Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog’s protective but gentle nature makes it one of the best giant dog breeds for families. While their massive size makes them formidable against enemies, they are extremely loving and gentle towards their family members. They are especially good with children and will protect them at all costs.

While the breed standard states this dog to be gentle and obedient, like any large dog breed, proper socialization is a must. This is a hardy and patient breed that can withstand all sorts of play from children. However, while their thick coat makes them well-suited to cold weather, they are not tolerant of heat.

English Mastiff

The English Mastiff is one of the giant short-haired dog breeds. Their coat is typically fawn in color with a black mask and ears although they may also have an apricot or brindle coat as well. They have a distinctively flat and wrinkly face. As puppies, they do need a lot of socialization as they can otherwise become wary and aggressive towards strangers.

English Mastiffs are very devoted family members that need plenty of attention and love. They love to cuddle up with their owners, and can easily become couch potatoes. So it’s important to stay motivated and take your English Mastiff out for daily exercise!

Great Dane

This giant German dog breed is a direct descendant of devoted hunting dogs from the Middle Ages. They have a keen expression and ears which are traditionally cropped to be upright and pointy. While they are very gentle and affectionate towards their owners, they make fierce guardians.

Great Danes love to make their family members happy, and make gentle and devoted dogs for children. They are revered for their elegant appearance and nature, and are sometimes referred to as the “Apollo of Dogs.” If you choose to bring a Great Dane into your home, you’ll always be well protected!

Scottish Deerhound

The Scottish Deerhound was specifically developed to hunt red deer. They are large dogs with shaggy coats and a charming expression. This breed was built for speed, and as such, they require lots of exercise and wide, open space. They have an elegant appearance as well as a dignified temperament.

They are known for being incredibly friendly dogs. It’s imperative that this energetic breed receives plenty of exercise, or else they can become bored and destructive. They also get along well with companions, so it’s not uncommon for owners to get two of these dogs to ensure maximum happiness.

Newfoundland

The Newfoundland is an ancient breed that originated on the Canadian island of Newfoundland. We don’t know exactly how this breed came to be, but some believe that they’re descended from the giant dogs of Vikings! The Newfoundland may look menacing, but it is actually one of the gentle giant dog breeds.

They are incredibly affectionate and protective of their family members, and they are especially wonderful with children. Newfoundlands are also unusual because they adore water. Their thick, oily coat is water-resistant, and they even have webbed feet that make them perfectly suited to swimming!

Tibetan Mastiff

This powerful breed from Tibet was developed to have a thick, dense coat that protects them from the brutal cold of their homeland. This is a wary dog breed that is aloof around strangers.

They are fiercely protective of their home and develop a deep bond with family members. The looks and sheer size of the Tibetan Mastiff make it one of the most physically imposing dog breeds on the planet. This is an independent canine that requires a lot of socialization.

Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff is one of the best giant dog breeds for home protection. While they are loving and gentle with their family members, they won’t hesitate to throw themselves into danger at the prospect of an intruder. So it’s no surprise that they are considered to be one of the most courageous of all dogs. Like other Mastiff breeds, the Bullmastiff requires socialization at an early age to prevent aggression.

This is not a good option for first-time dog owners or those who don’t want to deal with drool. If you think you have what it takes to care for a Bullmastiff, however, then you’ll sleep well knowing you’re well protected!

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