Ready to meet some of the biggest, most majestic dogs on the planet? These gentle giants are not just large in size—they come with heart-stopping personalities and impressive characteristics that make them unforgettable companions.
But let’s be clear: owning a giant breed isn’t for the faint of heart. From their towering frames to their unique needs, these dogs require special care and attention. Whether you’re seeking a loyal protector or a lovable lap dog (yes, they can fit), there’s a breed for every family.
In this guide, we explore the 28 largest dog breeds, breaking down their traits, care requirements, and what you need to know before you welcome one into your home.
Get ready to fall in love with these awe-inspiring canines—because when it comes to giant breeds, size really does matter!
English Mastiff
The English Mastiff is known for its massive size, often weighing over 200 pounds. Despite its intimidating appearance, this breed is gentle and affectionate. Mastiffs are excellent family dogs, known for their loyalty and protective nature.
However, they require space to move around and are not suited for small apartments. Regular exercise and a balanced diet are crucial to maintain their health.
Potential owners should be prepared for drooling and shedding. Early socialization is key to ensure these giants are well-mannered. They thrive in homes where they are considered part of the family.
Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are gentle giants, renowned for their rescue work in the Swiss Alps. They are friendly, patient, and great with children, making them ideal family pets.
Despite their size, they are not overly active but enjoy regular walks and playtime. Saint Bernards require consistent grooming due to their dense coats.
They are prone to certain health issues, so regular veterinary check-ups are essential. Their drooling can be excessive, so potential owners should be prepared for some mess. These dogs thrive in loving environments where they can be part of the family.
Great Dane
Great Danes are known for their towering height, often standing over 30 inches at the shoulder. Despite their size, they are gentle and affectionate.
These dogs are great companions for families, including those with children. They require daily exercise to maintain their health and are happiest when they have room to roam.
Great Danes need a comfortable place to rest due to their size, and beds should be large enough to accommodate them. While they are relatively easy to groom, regular attention to their nails and ears is necessary. They thrive on companionship and attention.
Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are known for their excellent swimming abilities, often referred to as “gentle giants of the sea.” They are devoted, gentle, and great with children.
These dogs require regular grooming due to their thick, double coats. They need ample space to move and are best suited for homes with yards.
Newfoundlands enjoy being part of family activities and are known for their calm demeanor. Regular exercise is essential to prevent obesity. Potential owners should be aware of their drooling and the need for socialization to prevent shyness. They are loyal and loving companions.
Leonberger
Leonbergers are known for their regal appearance and gentle temperament. They are friendly, social, and excellent with families.
This breed requires regular grooming to manage their thick, lion-like coats. They enjoy outdoor activities and need regular exercise to stay healthy.
Leonbergers are intelligent and respond well to training, making them great companions for active families. Early socialization is important to ensure they are well-adjusted.
They thrive in environments where they can be part of the family and engage in various activities. These dogs are loyal and protective, making them wonderful guardians.
Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds are one of the tallest dog breeds, known for their gentle and calm nature. They are excellent family companions and are particularly good with children.
These dogs require a lot of space to move and are best suited for homes with large yards. Regular exercise is essential to maintain their health and prevent boredom.
Despite their size, they are not overly active indoors and enjoy relaxing with their families. Irish Wolfhounds need regular grooming to maintain their coats and prevent matting. They are loyal, friendly, and thrive in loving environments.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their striking tricolor coats and friendly nature. They are excellent family pets, known for their loyalty and affection.
These dogs enjoy outdoor activities and need regular exercise to stay healthy. They thrive in cooler climates due to their thick coats.
Regular grooming is essential to manage shedding and maintain their beautiful fur. Bernese Mountain Dogs are intelligent and respond well to training.
They are social animals and enjoy being part of family activities. Potential owners should be prepared for their size and need for companionship.
Tibetan Mastiff
Tibetan Mastiffs are known for their impressive size and protective nature. Originally bred as guardians, they are loyal and territorial.
These dogs require experienced owners who can provide firm but loving leadership. They need regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
Tibetan Mastiffs have thick coats that require regular grooming to prevent matting. They thrive in environments with plenty of space and are not suited for small apartments. Early socialization is crucial to ensure they are well-adjusted.
These dogs are independent and may not always seek attention, but they are deeply loyal to their families.
Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux is known for its muscular build and distinctive wrinkled face. Despite their sturdy appearance, they are affectionate and gentle with their families.
These dogs require regular exercise to maintain their health but are not overly active. They enjoy lounging around the house and are known for their loyalty.
Dogues de Bordeaux have short coats that are easy to groom, but they do drool quite a bit. Early training and socialization are essential to ensure they are well-behaved. They thrive in homes where they receive plenty of love and attention.
Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are powerful dogs, originally bred for sledding. They are known for their strength, endurance, and friendly nature.
These dogs thrive in cold climates and require regular exercise to channel their energy. Malamutes are social animals and enjoy being part of a pack.
They have thick double coats that need regular grooming to manage shedding. Malamutes are independent and intelligent, requiring consistent training from an early age. They are loyal companions and do well in active families.
Potential owners should be prepared for their size and exercise needs.
Anatolian Shepherd
Anatolian Shepherds are known for their protective instincts and independent nature. They were originally bred to guard livestock and are naturally wary of strangers.
These dogs require experienced owners who can provide proper training and socialization. Regular exercise is essential to keep them healthy and happy.
Anatolian Shepherds have short coats that require minimal grooming, but they do shed seasonally. They thrive in environments where they have space to roam and a job to do. These dogs are loyal and devoted to their families, making them excellent guardians and companions.
Boerboel
Boerboels are strong, confident dogs known for their protective nature. Originally bred as farm dogs, they are loyal and devoted to their families.
These dogs require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. They thrive in environments where they have space to roam and a job to do.
Boerboels have short coats that are easy to groom, but they do shed. Early training and socialization are crucial to ensure they are well-behaved and comfortable around strangers. They are excellent guardians and loyal companions, making them great family pets.
Cane Corso
Cane Corsos are known for their intelligence and protective instincts. They are loyal and devoted to their families, making them excellent guardians.
These dogs require regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them engaged and happy. They are strong and athletic, thriving in active households.
Cane Corsos have short coats that are easy to groom, but they do shed. Early training and socialization are essential to ensure they are well-mannered and comfortable around strangers. They are intelligent and respond well to consistent training, making them great companions for experienced dog owners.
Komondor
Komondors are known for their distinctive corded coats, resembling large mops. They are protective, independent, and loyal to their families.
These dogs require regular grooming to maintain their cords and prevent matting. They thrive in environments where they have space to roam and a job to do.
Komondors were originally bred to guard livestock and are naturally wary of strangers. Early socialization and training are essential to ensure they are well-adjusted and comfortable in various situations. They are excellent guardians and companions, making them suitable for experienced dog owners.
Black Russian Terrier
Black Russian Terriers are known for their strength and protective nature. They are loyal and devoted to their families, making them excellent guardians.
These dogs require regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them engaged and happy. They thrive in environments where they have space to move and a job to do.
Black Russian Terriers have dense coats that require regular grooming to prevent matting. Early training and socialization are essential to ensure they are well-mannered and comfortable around strangers. They are intelligent and respond well to consistent training, making them great companions for experienced dog owners.
Kuvasz
Kuvaszok are known for their protective instincts and independent nature. Originally bred to guard livestock, they are loyal and devoted to their families.
These dogs require regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them engaged and happy. They thrive in environments where they have space to roam and a job to do.
Kuvaszok have white coats that require regular grooming to maintain their appearance. Early training and socialization are essential to ensure they are well-mannered and comfortable around strangers. They are excellent guardians and companions, making them suitable for experienced dog owners.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are known for their strength and versatility. They are loyal, gentle, and excellent family companions.
These dogs require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. They thrive in environments where they have space to move and a job to do.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs have short coats that are easy to groom, but they do shed seasonally. Early training and socialization are essential to ensure they are well-mannered and comfortable around strangers. They are intelligent and respond well to consistent training, making them great companions for active families.
Neapolitan Mastiff
Neapolitan Mastiffs are known for their massive size and distinctive wrinkled appearance. They are loyal, protective, and excellent family companions.
These dogs require regular exercise to maintain their health but are not overly active. They enjoy lounging around the house and are known for their affectionate nature.
Neapolitan Mastiffs have short coats that are easy to groom, but they do drool quite a bit. Early training and socialization are essential to ensure they are well-behaved. They thrive in homes where they receive plenty of love and attention, making them great companions for experienced owners.
Tosa Inu
Tosa Inus are known for their impressive size and powerful build. Originally bred for dog fighting in Japan, they are reserved and protective.
These dogs require experienced owners who can provide firm but loving leadership. They need regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
Tosa Inus have short coats that are easy to groom, but they do shed. Early training and socialization are essential to ensure they are well-mannered and comfortable around strangers. They are loyal and devoted to their families, making them excellent guardians and companions. Suitable for experienced dog owners.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers are powerful and loyal dogs, known for their protective instincts and confident demeanor. They are naturally calm but vigilant, making them excellent guard dogs for families.
Training and socialization from an early age are vital to ensure they grow into well-behaved adults. Their natural guarding instincts can be harnessed positively with the right guidance, creating a well-rounded and affectionate family member.
These dogs need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. Their short coats require minimal grooming, but regular health check-ups are necessary due to their predisposition to certain health issues.
Akbash
Akbash dogs are known for their protective instincts and independent nature. Originally bred to guard livestock, they are loyal and devoted to their families.
These dogs require regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them engaged and happy. They thrive in environments where they have space to roam and a job to do.
Akbash dogs have white coats that require regular grooming to maintain their appearance. Early training and socialization are essential to ensure they are well-mannered and comfortable around strangers. They are excellent guardians and companions, making them suitable for experienced dog owners.
Kangal
Kangals are known for their protective instincts and impressive size. Originally bred to guard livestock, they are strong and loyal companions.
These dogs require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. They thrive in environments where they have space to roam and a job to do.
Kangals have short coats that require minimal grooming, but they do shed seasonally. Early training and socialization are essential to ensure they are well-mannered and comfortable around strangers. They are excellent guardians and companions, making them suitable for experienced dog owners.
Estrela Mountain Dog
Estrela Mountain Dogs are known for their strength and protective nature. Originally bred to guard livestock in Portugal, they are loyal and devoted companions.
These dogs require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. They thrive in environments where they have space to roam and a job to do.
Estrela Mountain Dogs have thick coats that require regular grooming to prevent matting. Early training and socialization are essential to ensure they are well-mannered and comfortable around strangers. They are excellent guardians and companions, making them suitable for experienced dog owners.
Tornjak
Tornjaks are known for their protective instincts and calm nature. Originally bred to guard livestock, they are loyal and devoted to their families.
These dogs require regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them engaged and happy. They thrive in environments where they have space to roam and a job to do.
Tornjaks have thick coats that require regular grooming to maintain their appearance. Early training and socialization are essential to ensure they are well-mannered and comfortable around strangers. They are excellent guardians and companions, making them suitable for experienced dog owners.
Pyrenean Mastiff
Pyrenean Mastiffs are known for their gentle and protective nature. Originally bred to guard livestock, they are loyal and devoted to their families.
These dogs require regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them engaged and happy. They thrive in environments where they have space to roam and a job to do.
Pyrenean Mastiffs have thick coats that require regular grooming to prevent matting. Early training and socialization are essential to ensure they are well-mannered and comfortable around strangers. They are excellent guardians and companions, making them suitable for experienced dog owners.
Spanish Mastiff
Spanish Mastiffs are known for their impressive size and protective nature. Originally bred to guard livestock, they are loyal and devoted companions.
These dogs require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. They thrive in environments where they have space to roam and a job to do.
Spanish Mastiffs have thick coats that require regular grooming to prevent matting. Early training and socialization are essential to ensure they are well-mannered and comfortable around strangers. They are excellent guardians and companions, making them suitable for experienced dog owners.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are known for their impressive size and protective instincts. Originally bred to guard livestock, they are loyal and devoted companions.
These dogs require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. They thrive in environments where they have space to roam and a job to do.
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have thick coats that require regular grooming to prevent matting. Early training and socialization are essential to ensure they are well-mannered and comfortable around strangers. They are excellent guardians and companions, making them suitable for experienced dog owners.
Irish Setter
The Irish Setter is known for its striking red coat and friendly disposition. These dogs are not only beautiful but also energetic and playful, making them excellent companions for active families.
Irish Setters require regular exercise due to their high energy levels, so a large yard or frequent outdoor activities are ideal. Their trainability and desire to please make them a joy to have around, but they do need patient and consistent training.
Grooming is essential to maintain their luscious coats, requiring regular brushing and attention. Their sociable nature means they thrive on human interaction, making them unsuitable for homes where they would be left alone for long periods.