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There’s just something so special about parenting a large breed dog. They fill our hearts as they do our homes.
If you’re considering getting a big dog, it’s important to know the breed you want before adopting one into your family.
For the large breed lovers, we have listed the top 10 huge dog breeds to help you find the one that suits you most.
Top 10 Huge Dog Breeds
1. Alaskan Malamute
Weight: 100 – 130 pounds (males), 75 – 90 pounds (females)
Height:23 – 25 inches (males), 21 – 24 inches (females)
The Malemiut people bred the hard-working Alaskan Malamute to help pull heavy sleds across the icy landscapes in Alaska.
The Alaskan Malamute is a strongly built dog, with a broad head, erect ears, and a plumelike tail carried over its back.
These strong canines are readily recognizable by their super thick and fluffy fur which can form a cool pattern and markings on their head.
Mals can be a bit stubborn when it comes to training, but they’re also intelligent, loyal, and loving, which makes them good students for consistent classes.
For this reason, Mals are best when given something to do and subjected to regular exercise to keep them from developing unwanted habits.
Alaskan Malamutes were originally bred to move in packs, a trait that has transcended generations. If you decide to adopt one, offer proper guidance as the pack leader.
2. Saint Bernard
Weight: 140 – 180 pounds (males), 120 – 140 pounds (females)
Height: 28 – 30 inches (males), 26 – 38 inches (females)
The Saint Bernards are famous for rescuing over 2,000 people during 300 years of service as rescue dogs at the hospice founded by St. Bernard of Aosta in Pennine Alps.
These large dogs are tough, having been bred to survive the icy conditions and harsh weather in the Swiss Alps.
In addition to being caring and loving, the St. Bernard dogs are watchful and playful around young children despite having an imposing appearance.
3. Tibetan Mastiff
Weight: 90 – 150 pounds (males), 70 – 120 pounds (females)
Height: 26 – 29 inches (males), 24 – 27 inches (females)
Tibetan Mastiffs are big, powerful dogs that can easily be confused for the King of the Jungle, thanks to their neck fur which resembles a lion’s mane.
Tibetan Mastiffs were trained as guard dogs thousands of years ago, protecting vast areas of land in the isolated regions of the Himalayas.
Modern-day Tibetan Mastiffs are reserved with strangers and very protective, but they are super kind to their immediate families.
If you’re thinking about getting another dog to join your Tibetan Mastiff, it’s usually a good idea to choose one of the opposite sex. Tibetans can get a bit irritable with other dogs of the same sex.
4. Great Dane
Weight: 120 – 200 pounds (males), 100 – 130 pounds (females)
Height: 30 – 34 inches (males), 28 – 32 inches (females)
Great Danes were originally bred in Germany to hunt boars, making them swift, alert, courageous, and strong.
These dogs are recognizable by their massive square-jawed heads and a body line that adds an appealing touch to their physique.
Despite their huge size, Great Danes are very patient with children and affectionate toward their human family.
They require regular physical stimulation and a home with generous space to move throughout the day.
5. Newfoundland Dogs
Weight: 130 – 150 pounds (males), 100 – 120 pounds (females)
Height: 28 – 30 inches (males), 26 – 28 inches (females)
The large, heavy-coated Newfoundland dogs are believed to come from a cross between native North American Dogs and Great Pyrenees breeds.
These huge canines are widely known for their heroic actions of rescuing people from the sea, thanks to their historical roles working with fishermen in Canada.
Despite their imposing size, Newfoundland dogs are gentle, affectionate, and kind to children, making them a favorable choice for many households.
6. Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Weight: 110 – 170 pounds (males), 100 – 155 pounds (females)
Height: 25.5 – 33.5 inches (males), 23.5 – 29.5 inches (females)
The Caucasian Shepherd Dogs, sometimes called the Caucasian Ovcharka, were originally bred to protect livestock from predators in the harsh Caucasus Mountains.
These dogs are massive, strong, and always devoted to their families, although they aren’t the best for novice pet owners.
Caucasian Shepherd dogs have thick, fluffy coats that can be long or short, so they need regular brushing to stay neat.
These livestock guardian dogs are loyal to their owners and brave, but they can be a bit stubborn because of their independent streak.
7. Leonberger
Weight: 120 – 170 pounds (males), 90 – 140 pounds (females)
Height: 27 – 31 inches (males), 25.5 – 29.5 inches (females)
Leonbergers are famous for their gorgeous lion-like mane which gives them a regal appearance in their households.
These huge dogs are also strong, and they need significant interaction with people to remain calm. They make wonderful family pets but they can be wary of strangers as they get older.
Due to their energy levels, Leonbergers need daily strolls and interactive playtime. Their thick, water-resistant coats need some upkeep, so make sure to have a grooming schedule.
These canines are best suited for active families who want a companion to tag on their outdoor adventures like hiking, backpacking, swimming, and many more.
8. Bernese Mountain Dog
Weight: 80 – 115 pounds (males), 70 – 95 pounds (females)
Height: 25 – 27.5 inches (males), 23 – 26 inches (females)
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a big, gorgeous dog that originally hails from Switzerland, where they were used as farmhands.
They were brought to the U.S. in the 1920s to work in farmsteads, but the modern-day Bernese Mountain dogs are gentle giants in many homes.
Despite their huge size, Berners are outgoing with people and they make great friends with trained children too.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are usually calm and even-tempered, but they can be outdoorsy, running and working for hours without getting tired.
The beautiful tri-colored coat of white, black, and tan sheds quite a lot, so make sure to have your grooming tools ready if you intend to adopt a Berner.
9. Great Pyrenees
Weight: 100 – 110 pounds (males), 85 – 100 pounds (females)
Height: 27 – 32 inches (males), 25 – 29 inches (females)
The great Pyrenees are immensely powerful dogs with a thick, fluffy coat. They were bred to keep wolves and other predators away from the sheep on the snowy mountaintops.
Modern-day Great Pyrenees dogs are faithful to their human companions and still excel in protective duties at home.
Despite their chill attitude, Great Pyrenees dogs can quickly act up if irritated, especially by total strangers.
Great Pyrenees have a weatherproof coat that is usually pure white, or sometimes white with markings in shades of tan, badger, reddish-brown, or gray.
10. Cane Corso
Weight: 90 – 120 pounds (males), 88 – 110 pounds (females)
Height: 24 – 28 inches (males), 23.5 – 26 inches (females)
Cane Corso’s origins go way back to ancient Greek and Roman times when they served as versatile working dogs, in fact, their name means ‘Bodyguard Dog‘ in Latin.
Cane Corso, or Italian Mastiffs, are powerful and can look and act intimidating. They’re not for first-time dog owners, so they need experienced handlers. They are smart and extremely loyal to those they love.
These powerful canines also need a good amount of space to roam around, like a big, secure backyard in your home. Early socialization is recommended to keep Corsi satisfied with their environment.
Conclusion
This list of the top 10 huge dog breeds includes some dogs that are big and tough, and some gentle giants who just want to snuggle up with their people at home.
Most big dogs have high energy, so it’s always important to keep them active and watch their diet to prevent them from becoming obese.
Remember, to do your homework before bringing any dog into your family, to make sure they’re a good fit for your lifestyle, your family, and other pets.
Also Read:
20 Small Dog Breeds for Apartments
Laura is the founder of Furs'n'Paws. She is a also a pet writer and expert with more than 20 years of experience of working with dogs and cats. She developed a very strong love for animals at a young age. Her passion led her to establish a thriving pet sitting and dog walking business in Dubai. As an expert in pet training, behavior, and nutrition, Laura is committed to helping pet owners and pet lovers by offering high-quality information on a wide range of topics.
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