Understanding the Biggest Dog Breeds: A Complete Guide to Giant Companions

Why Biggest Dog Breeds Deserve Your Attention

Large dog breeds command attention for good reason. Unlike their smaller counterparts, these giants were originally bred for serious work—pulling sleds, guarding livestock, protecting families, and assisting in rescue operations. The American Kennel Club categorizes most of them within the working group, where they’re celebrated for their “imposing stature, strength, and intelligence.”

But here’s the thing: owning one of the biggest dog breeds isn’t just about having an impressive pet. It’s a lifestyle choice that demands preparation, commitment, and realistic expectations.

What You Need to Know Before Bringing Home a Giant Breed

According to pet experts, prospective owners should understand these key challenges:

Growth and Development: Large dogs mature slower than their smaller cousins. Both their mental and physical development take longer, which means you need to be extra careful with joint health early on to prevent injuries.

Space Requirements: These animals need big everything—spacious beds, large toys, oversized food bowls, and plenty of room to move around freely. Apartment living isn’t ideal for most giant breeds.

Financial Commitment: The bigger the dog, the bigger the bills. Food costs more, toys are pricier, and veterinary expenses climb significantly due to their size. Pet insurance premiums also reflect their proportions.

Training and Behavior: Proper training is non-negotiable. Behaviors you might overlook in a small dog—jumping, leash pulling—become genuinely dangerous with a 200-pound companion. Early socialization and consistent training are essential.

Charlotte Reed, a pet care expert and host of The Pet Buzz radio show, emphasizes: “Large breed dogs maintain the drive and working instincts they were bred for. This makes them unsuitable for all dog lovers.”

Meet the 20 Biggest Dog Breeds (And Why Each One Stands Out)

The Undisputed Giants

Mastiff - The ultimate gentle giant, standing up to 30 inches tall and weighing as much as 230 pounds. Their wrinkled faces and muscular frames make them both impressive and oddly endearing. Despite their intimidating size, they’re docile, obedient, and fiercely loyal to their families.

Great Dane - Often called the “Apollo of dogs,” these elegant German giants reach up to 32 inches at the shoulder and nearly 200 pounds. When they stand on hind legs, they tower over most humans. Their affectionate nature makes them surprisingly wonderful family companions.

Saint Bernard - The legendary Swiss Alps rescue specialist. These gentle giants feature distinctive droopy jowls, massive heads, and an exceptional sense of direction. Their rescue credentials, incredible strength, and patient temperament make them excellent family members.

Irish Wolfhound - Among the tallest dog breeds, with an athletic yet slender build. Their shaggy coats, friendly disposition, and naturally calm nature have made them beloved for centuries. They’re known for remarkable loyalty and a surprisingly gentle demeanor.

The Protective Guardians

Boerboel - South African in origin, this robust breed emerged from crossbreeding various large guard dogs. Descended from Dutch and German settlers’ companions, boerboels were historically used for big game hunting and home protection. Today, they remain devoted family guardians.

Tosa Inu - The Japanese mastiff carries a complex fighting dog heritage from Shikoku island. Created by crossing native Shikoku Inu with western breeds like mastiffs and Great Danes, they’re treated in Japan with the same reverence as sumo wrestlers. Though initially reserved with strangers, they show deep affection toward family.

Anatolian Shepherd - Originating from Turkey, this powerful breed has protected livestock for centuries. Their sturdy build, thick protective coat, and exceptional intelligence make them outstanding guardians. While serious-natured, they can be surprisingly gentle with family members.

Rottweiler - The German classic features a sleek black coat with tan markings and a muscular build. Known for loyalty and protective instincts, they’re highly intelligent and trainable. Despite their tough appearance, they’re gentle and loving with family when properly socialized.

Tibetan Mastiff - These striking mountain dogs from Tibet wear thick, fluffy coats designed for extreme cold. Their deep bark and protective nature make them excellent guard dogs. They’re typically loving with family but aloof with strangers—a hallmark of their independent nature.

Cane Corso - This Italian mastiff combines a muscular, athletic build with short coat and confident temperament. Highly intelligent and eager to please, they excel as guard dogs. They’re protective of family while remaining gentle and affectionate with loved ones.

The Working Specialists

Leonberger - A German beauty with powerful build and thick double coat. Males reach up to 170 pounds and carry themselves with remarkable elegance. Known for calm patience and exceptional intelligence, they excel in obedience training, therapy work, and water rescue.

Newfoundland - The gentle Canadian giant features a thick, water-resistant coat and webbed feet that make them excellent swimmers. They’re strong enough to rescue people from water but patient enough to be wonderful with children. Yes, they drool—a lot.

Great Pyrenees - These French mountain guardians wear distinctively thick white coats. Calm and watchful, they’re naturally loyal and protective while remaining gentle with children and other pets. They require regular exercise and consistent grooming.

Bernese Mountain Dog - Swiss Alps natives with sturdy, powerful builds and striking tricolored coats. Their gentle patience makes them ideal family pets who bond deeply with everyone in the household. They thrive in cooler climates with regular outdoor activity.

Scottish Deerhound - Graceful and slender despite their size, these Scottish hunters have shaggy coats in various colors. Historically used for deer hunting, they need considerable space and regular exercise. Their mild-mannered, friendly nature suits active families.

The Unique Personalities

Neapolitan Mastiff - This Italian powerhouse features massive size and distinctive wrinkled skin. Calm and protective, they form deep family bonds and prefer a relaxed, easygoing lifestyle. Their low energy means they’re content lounging around the house.

Bullmastiff - Originally bred to guard English estates, this powerful breed combines strength with calm temperament. Intelligent and gentle with loved ones, they need regular exercise and socialization to thrive. With proper training, they become devoted companions.

Akita - This loyal Japanese breed boasts a thick double coat and powerful build. Known for independence and strong protective instincts, they make excellent guard dogs. While reserved with strangers, they’re devoted and affectionate with their families.

Black Russian Terrier - A Russian creation with thick, dense black or dark gray coat. Though they look intimidating, they’re intelligent, trainable, and gentle with family. They require consistent guidance, socialization, and mental stimulation.

Dogue de Bordeaux - The French mastiff combines muscular strength with loose, wrinkled skin and broad head. They’re known for calm, gentle natures and deep devotion to family. Despite their intimidating appearance, they’re typically good-natured and patient, especially with children.

When Do Giants Stop Growing?

Most large breed dogs reach their adult height between 12 to 18 months. However, giant breeds like Great Danes, mastiffs, and Newfoundlands may continue gaining height until age 2 or beyond. What’s important to note: even after height plateaus, large and giant breeds continue filling out and developing for years.

The Laziest Big Dogs (And Other Common Questions)

Experts debate which giant breed is laziest. The Great Dane tops many lists—they genuinely love lounging and won’t be running marathons. The Bullmastiff comes in a close second, with naturally low energy and a preference for relaxation.

Regarding shedding, while all dogs shed, some do it moderately. Cane Corsos and Dobermans are known as moderate shedders among larger breeds, making them slightly better for those sensitive to fur.

On paw size: genetics remain the primary determining factor for adult size. While puppies’ large paws can indicate future size, this method is far from perfect, especially with mixed breeds or rescue dogs.

The Reality of Giant Dog Ownership

The biggest dog breeds aren’t for everyone, but for prepared families, they offer incomparable rewards. They require careful joint development during growth phases, proper nutrition, regular veterinary care, and generous living spaces.

These loyal, loving companions transform into devoted family members when given appropriate care and training. The commitment is substantial, but so are the returns—measured in years of unwavering loyalty and gentle giant affection.