28 Giant Dog Breeds with Expert Advice on Care and Training

Discover the world of large dog breeds with our detailed guide. From size to temperament, learn what makes these dogs unique and get expert tips on how to care for them. Whether you’re considering adopting a giant furry friend or just curious, this guide has it all.

Great Dane

Great Danes are known for their massive size and gentle nature. These dogs can weigh up to 200 pounds and stand over 30 inches tall at the shoulder. Despite their size, they are often referred to as gentle giants, being friendly and affectionate. Great Danes require a lot of space and regular exercise. They also need a balanced diet to support their large frames. Owners should be prepared for their short lifespan, typically around 7-10 years. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to address health issues common in large breeds.

Saint Bernard

Saint Bernards are gentle giants, famous for their roles in mountain rescues. They can weigh between 140-180 pounds and have a calm and friendly demeanor. Their thick coats make them well-suited for cold climates, but they need regular grooming. Although they are generally good with children, training is crucial due to their size. They have a lifespan of 8-10 years, and potential owners should be aware of health issues like hip dysplasia and heart problems.

Mastiff

Mastiffs are among the heaviest dog breeds, often weighing over 200 pounds. Their imposing size is matched by their loyal and protective nature. Mastiffs are excellent family pets but require firm training and socialization to ensure they are well-behaved. Despite their size, they are not overly active and enjoy lounging with their families. Regular health check-ups are important as they are prone to joint issues. Their lifespan is around 6-10 years.

Newfoundland

Newfoundlands are known for their incredible swimming ability and gentle nature. Weighing between 100-150 pounds, they are great companions, especially for families with children. Their thick, water-resistant coats require regular grooming. Newfoundlands are friendly, patient, and protective, making them excellent family dogs. They thrive in environments where they can swim or play outdoors. Owners should be aware of potential health issues like heart conditions and hip dysplasia. Their lifespan ranges from 8 to 10 years.

Irish Wolfhound

Irish Wolfhounds are one of the tallest dog breeds, often standing over 32 inches at the shoulder. Despite their size, they are gentle and friendly. These dogs are known for their hunting history but are now cherished family pets. They require plenty of space and regular exercise to maintain their health. Socialization and training from a young age are crucial. Owners should be aware of their short lifespan, typically 6-8 years, and potential health issues like heart disease.

Leonberger

Leonbergers are large, gentle giants weighing between 110-170 pounds. They are known for their friendly and calm demeanor, making them great family pets. Their thick, water-resistant coats require regular grooming to prevent matting. Leonbergers enjoy outdoor activities and are excellent swimmers. Training and socialization are important to manage their size and strength. Owners should monitor their health for issues like hip dysplasia and heart problems. Their lifespan is around 8-9 years.

Tibetan Mastiff

Tibetan Mastiffs are known for their protective nature and impressive size, weighing between 80-150 pounds. Originally bred to guard livestock, they are independent and strong-willed. These dogs require an experienced owner who can provide firm training and socialization. Their thick double coats need regular grooming, especially during shedding seasons. Tibetan Mastiffs are best suited for homes with large yards. Potential health concerns include hip dysplasia and thyroid issues. Their lifespan is typically 10-12 years.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs are friendly and affectionate, making them great family pets. They weigh between 70-115 pounds and have a distinctive tri-colored coat. These dogs thrive in cold weather and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking. Regular grooming is required to maintain their thick coats. Training and socialization are important to manage their size and energy levels. Owners should be aware of potential health issues such as hip dysplasia and cancer. Their lifespan ranges from 7 to 10 years.

Great Pyrenees

Great Pyrenees are known for their guardian instincts and calm demeanor. They weigh between 85-160 pounds and have thick, weather-resistant coats. These dogs are independent and strong-willed, requiring patient training and early socialization. They are excellent with children and other animals, making them ideal family pets. Regular grooming is needed to manage their coats. Owners should be aware of potential health issues like joint problems. Their lifespan is around 10-12 years.

Anatolian Shepherd

Anatolian Shepherds are known for their protective nature and independence. Weighing between 90-150 pounds, they have a strong guarding instinct. These dogs require firm training and early socialization to manage their independent streak. They are well-suited for homes with large yards and are excellent livestock guardians. Regular exercise is essential to keep them healthy. Owners should be aware of potential health issues like hip dysplasia. Their lifespan ranges from 11 to 13 years.

Dogue de Bordeaux

Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the French Mastiff, is a powerful breed weighing between 99-110 pounds. They are known for their loyalty and protective nature. These dogs require early training and socialization to manage their strength. Despite their imposing appearance, they are affectionate and good with families. Regular exercise and a balanced diet are important for their health. Owners should be aware of potential issues like heart problems and hip dysplasia. Their lifespan is typically 5-8 years.

Komondor

Komondors are known for their unique corded coats and guarding instincts. Weighing between 80-100 pounds, they are excellent livestock protectors. These dogs require experienced owners who can provide firm training and socialization. Their coats need regular maintenance to prevent matting. Komondors are best suited for rural environments where they can roam freely. Owners should be aware of potential health issues like hip dysplasia. Their lifespan is around 10-12 years.

Boerboel

Boerboels are powerful and protective dogs weighing between 110-200 pounds. Originally bred for guarding farms, they are loyal and confident. These dogs require experienced owners who can provide firm training and socialization. Boerboels thrive in homes with large yards and need regular exercise. They are generally good with families but can be wary of strangers. Owners should be aware of potential health issues like hip dysplasia. Their lifespan is around 9-11 years.

Kuvasz

Kuvasz dogs are known for their protective nature and independence. Weighing between 70-115 pounds, they have a strong guarding instinct. These dogs require firm training and early socialization to manage their independent streak. Kuvasz are well-suited for homes with large yards and are excellent livestock guardians. Regular exercise is essential to keep them healthy. Owners should be aware of potential health issues like hip dysplasia. Their lifespan ranges from 10 to 12 years.

Caucasian Shepherd

Caucasian Shepherds are known for their protective nature and impressive size, weighing between 99-170 pounds. Originally bred to guard livestock, they are independent and strong-willed. These dogs require an experienced owner who can provide firm training and socialization. Their thick double coats need regular grooming, especially during shedding seasons. Caucasian Shepherds are best suited for homes with large yards. Potential health concerns include hip dysplasia and heart issues. Their lifespan is typically 10-12 years.

Bullmastiff

Bullmastiffs are powerful and protective dogs weighing between 100-130 pounds. They are known for their loyalty and calm demeanor. These dogs require early training and socialization to manage their strength. Despite their imposing appearance, they are affectionate and good with families. Regular exercise and a balanced diet are important for their health. Owners should be aware of potential issues like heart problems and hip dysplasia. Their lifespan is typically 8-10 years.

Giant Schnauzer

Giant Schnauzers are energetic and intelligent dogs weighing between 55-85 pounds. They are known for their loyalty and protective nature. These dogs require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Training and socialization are essential to manage their energy levels. Giant Schnauzers are excellent family pets but can be wary of strangers. Regular grooming is needed to maintain their coats. Owners should be aware of potential health issues like hip dysplasia. Their lifespan is around 12-15 years.

Neapolitan Mastiff

Neapolitan Mastiffs are known for their wrinkled skin and protective nature. Weighing between 110-150 pounds, they are powerful and loyal. These dogs require experienced owners who can provide firm training and socialization. Neapolitan Mastiffs are best suited for homes with large yards. Regular health check-ups are important as they are prone to joint issues. Their lifespan is typically 7-9 years.

Landseer

Landseers are gentle and friendly dogs, closely related to Newfoundlands. Weighing between 100-150 pounds, they are excellent swimmers and love water. These dogs require regular exercise and enjoy outdoor activities. Their thick, water-resistant coats need regular grooming to prevent matting. Landseers are great family pets, known for their patience and protective nature. Owners should be aware of potential health issues like hip dysplasia. Their lifespan ranges from 8 to 10 years.

Black Russian Terrier

Black Russian Terriers are intelligent and protective dogs weighing between 80-130 pounds. They are known for their loyalty and strong guarding instincts. These dogs require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Training and socialization are essential to manage their protective nature. Black Russian Terriers are excellent family pets but can be wary of strangers. Regular grooming is needed to maintain their thick coats. Owners should be aware of potential health issues like hip dysplasia. Their lifespan is around 10-12 years.

Spanish Mastiff

Spanish Mastiffs are known for their protective nature and impressive size, often weighing between 140-200 pounds. Originally bred to guard livestock, they are independent and strong-willed. These dogs require an experienced owner who can provide firm training and socialization. Their thick double coats need regular grooming, especially during shedding seasons. Spanish Mastiffs are best suited for homes with large yards. Potential health concerns include hip dysplasia and heart issues. Their lifespan is typically 10-12 years.

Tosa Inu

Tosa Inus, originally bred for dog fighting in Japan, are powerful and dignified dogs weighing between 100-200 pounds. They are known for their calm and reserved nature. These dogs require experienced owners who can provide firm training and socialization. Tosa Inus are best suited for homes with large yards and need regular exercise. Owners should be aware of potential health issues like joint problems. Their lifespan is around 10-12 years.

Cane Corso

Cane Corsos are powerful and protective dogs weighing between 90-120 pounds. They are known for their loyalty and calm demeanor. These dogs require early training and socialization to manage their strength. Despite their imposing appearance, they are affectionate and good with families. Regular exercise and a balanced diet are important for their health. Owners should be aware of potential issues like heart problems and hip dysplasia. Their lifespan is typically 10-12 years.

Akbash

Akbash dogs are known for their protective nature and independence. Weighing between 75-140 pounds, they have a strong guarding instinct. These dogs require firm training and early socialization to manage their independent streak. Akbash are well-suited for homes with large yards and are excellent livestock guardians. Regular exercise is essential to keep them healthy. Owners should be aware of potential health issues like hip dysplasia. Their lifespan ranges from 10 to 12 years.

Borzoi

Borzois are known for their graceful appearance and gentle nature. Weighing between 60-105 pounds, they are elegant and agile. These dogs require regular exercise and enjoy activities like running. Training and socialization are important to manage their independent nature. Borzois are gentle and affectionate, making them great family pets. Their coats require regular grooming to maintain their elegant appearance. Owners should be aware of potential health issues like heart disease. Their lifespan is around 7-10 years.

Estrela Mountain Dog

Estrela Mountain Dogs are known for their protective nature and independence. Weighing between 66-110 pounds, they have a strong guarding instinct. These dogs require firm training and early socialization to manage their independent streak. Estrela Mountain Dogs are well-suited for homes with large yards and are excellent livestock guardians. Regular exercise is essential to keep them healthy. Owners should be aware of potential health issues like hip dysplasia. Their lifespan ranges from 11 to 13 years.

Fila Brasileiro

Fila Brasileiros are known for their loyalty and protective nature. Weighing between 90-110 pounds, they are powerful and confident. These dogs require experienced owners who can provide firm training and socialization. Fila Brasileiros are best suited for homes with large yards. Regular exercise is important to maintain their health. Owners should be aware of potential health issues like hip dysplasia. Their lifespan is typically 9-11 years.

Kangal

Kangals are known for their protective nature and impressive size, often weighing between 90-145 pounds. Originally bred to guard livestock, they are independent and strong-willed. These dogs require an experienced owner who can provide firm training and socialization. Their thick double coats need regular grooming, especially during shedding seasons. Kangals are best suited for homes with large yards. Potential health concerns include hip dysplasia and heart issues. Their lifespan is typically 11-13 years.