Despite their ginormous size, the best giant dog breeds are really just teddy bears at heart. There’s nothing quite like having one of these colossal canines jump into your lap for some heavy-duty snuggle time!
So make some extra room on the couch and let’s take a look at the best giant dog breeds so you can decide – is bigger really better?
The best giant dog breeds are the English Mastiff, Great Dane, Caucasian Shepherd Dog, Saint Bernard, Irish Wolfhound, Leonberger, Neapolitan Mastiff, Newfoundland, Anatolian Shepherd Dog, and the Black Russian Terrier.
For many pet parents, affectionate large dog breeds make the perfect furry family members. They seem to have their own special way of making us feel safe and sound.
But what about giant dog breeds?
The massive size alone of these colossal canines will send would-be intruders heading for the hills. Now that will make you feel protected!
But one factor that devoted dog lovers struggle with is that these loving and patient giant dogs have a shorter lifespan than all other dogs.
Research and studies seem to confirm this belief, although scientists are not entirely sure why this occurs.
Regardless of all the scientific rigmarole and rambling about the life expectancy of our beloved giant pups, predicting the lifespan of any dog is tricky.
In this post, you are going to learn all about giant dog breeds, the best giant dog breeds for families, and a few of the best large indoor dogs.
After learning about these giant dog breeds, you will be one step closer to bringing home your very own jumbo snuggle buddy.
So, if teeny-weeny pups are a little, well, too teeny-weeny, then this post is for you!
This post is all about the best giant dog breeds that are amazing protectors and the cuddliest of companions!
1. English Mastiff – World’s Biggest Dog
Looking for one of the biggest dog breeds in the world to keep you safe and warm at night? Then look no further than the mammoth English Mastiff.
These humongous hounds take the cake when it comes to giant dog breed mass. They have a shoulder height of 28-33 inches tall and weigh between 150-250 pounds.
In fact, according to the Guinness World Records, an English Mastiff named Aicama Zorba holds first place as the World’s Heaviest Dog. Aicama weighed in at an astounding 343 pounds as an adult!
English Mastiffs have a life expectancy of 10-12 years. Kush, a female Mastiff in Australia, actually lived to be over 15 years old. That’s a huge accomplishment for giant dog breeds!
These colossal canines from England date back as early as the 6th century B.C. Julias Ceasar even wrote about these pups in his journals.
The massive Mastiff is a powerful muscle dog, but also a sweet gentle creature. You shouldn’t expect an all-out attack from these sensitive souls.
They rarely bark and prefer to hold would-be intruders at bay by trapping them in a corner. But they will fiercely protect their family if they sense danger.
Are English Mastiffs Good Family Pets?
You bet! These colossal creatures are loaded with affection, kindness, and compassion. They have a peaceful soul, a calm demeanor, and a loving heart.
Mastiffs are patient with children and form very close bonds with their families. They desperately crave human contact.
These giant dogs won’t mind apartment living as long as they are getting a little exercise. A gentle walk for about an hour a day should do the trick. This routine will help keep him happy and healthy and release bottled-up mental and physical energy.
You may notice some odd noises coming from this gentle giant. From drooling and wheezing to snoring and the occasional air biscuit, these jumbo babes will certainly test your OCD mentality.
But if you’re looking for a big old softie that is happy to snooze right beside you all day long, then the massive English Mastiff could be your furry soulmate!
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2. Great Dane – World’s Tallest Dog
Are you looking for a gentle giant to call your own? According to the Guinness World Records, a Great Dane named Zeus is the tallest dog in the world. Zeus reached a height of 44″ (just shy of four feet) as an adult!
These affectionate dog breeds are mellow but massive. They weigh between 110 and 200 pounds and stand 28-34 inches tall. These handsome hounds have a life expectancy of 7-10 years.
Great Danes originated from Germany and are a cross between the English Mastiff and the Irish Wolfhound.
Known for their kind and gentle nature, these giant dogs love life on the couch with their favorite family. Their calm temperament, sweet souls, and gentle nature make them one of the best giant dog breeds for families.
Don’t be surprised if this ginormous babe forgets his size and climbs right up in your lap for movie night!
These people-oriented pups are non-aggressive unless they are provoked or feel like their family is in danger.
If your heart is set on a humungous hound with beautiful blue eyes and a heart as big as he is, then the Great Dane may be the perfect furry fellow for you!
3. Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are among the largest and most powerful dogs. This beautiful beast of a dog will certainly turn heads at the local dog park.
These courageous and spirited pups weigh between 100 and 200 pounds and stand 25-30 inches tall. They have a life expectancy of 10-13 years.
Created to protect people and livestock from bears and wolves, these giant dog breeds will go to great lengths to protect their families.
Are Caucasian Shepherds aggressive? These protective pups stay in a constant state of alertness and won’t hesitate to jump into action if they feel that their home, family, or territory is under attack.
They have a highly protective and dominant nature and sometimes view non-family members as a threat. This behavior could turn into aggression.
But with proper training and socialization at an early age by an experienced owner, this courageous canine can be a dedicated and loving member of your family.
If you’re looking to bond with a larger-than-life fluffball that’s a natural-born guardian, then this giant dog breed may be the loyal pup that you’ve been looking for!
Visit the Caucasian Shepherd Club of America for more information on these best giant dog breeds.
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4. Saint Bernard – Gentle Giant Dog Breeds
The sweet Saint Bernard is one of the most popular giant dog breeds for families. They weigh between 120 and 180 pounds and stand 26-35 inches tall. These massive but mellow pups have a life expectancy of 8-10 years.
Saint Bernards originated in Switzerland and are still used today in many search and rescue missions.
Is a Saint Bernard a good family dog? Absolutely! These easy-going and kind-hearted canines are accepting of almost everyone. They are one of the best large indoor dogs.
Saint Bernards crave human companionship and need to live in the home with their families. These giant dog breeds do not like to be left alone. In fact, they can become deeply depressed and suffer from separation anxiety without their families.
These giant dogs are non-aggressive but will bark when needed, especially if they think someone is a threat to their family.
You won’t find a jogging buddy in these giant softies. They wilt in hot climates and may suffer from heat exhaustion during hot weather.
Although this faithful furry fellow prefers to lounge around on the couch all day, Saint Bernards require about one or two brisk walks daily to stay in tip-top shape.
But if you’re looking for a humongous cuddle buddy that will give you hours of fun in the snow, then the snuggly Saint Bernard may be your new best friend!
5. Irish Wolfhound – Best Giant Dog Breeds For Families
One of the oldest dogs in existence, the Irish Wolfhound weighs between 100 and 180 pounds and stands 32-35 inches tall. This giant dog breed has a life expectancy of only 6-10 years.
Like the Great Dane, the Irish Wolfhound is one of the tallest dog breeds in the world.
Also known as the Irish Greyhound, this whisker-faced pup has a big heart, a sweet disposition, and a gentle soul. They are one of the best giant dog breeds for families.
This huge furry fellow from Ireland is loyal to a fault and loves his humans unconditionally. They think everyone is a friend so don’t expect this peaceful pooch to be a watchdog. But the sheer size of this pup would scare off any potential criminal.
Irish Wolfhounds are more active than most giant dog breeds. They do best in large yards and require about two hours per day of exercise and playtime.
They love being petted by their humans, chasing anything that moves, and exercising with their family.
The more affection you can give this handsome hound, the more he will thrive. He is patient and loving with children and friendly with other pets around the house.
Even though Irish Greyhounds are goofy and easy-going, they can be a bit stubborn. They will eventually get around to obeying your commands, but at their own pace.
If you’re an active pet parent looking for a furry pal that’s the size of a small pony, then the Irish Greyhound could be your new exercise buddy!
Visit the Irish Wolfhound Club of America for more information on this awesome and adventurous pup.
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6. Leonberger – Rare Large Dog Breeds
The Leonberger is a large working dog from Germany. They weigh around 170 pounds and stand 31.5 inches tall. These rare large dog breeds have a life expectancy of only 7 years.
Lovingly called Leos by their proud pet parents, these giant dogs are intelligent, friendly, and kind. They thrive on being part of the family and are patient and gentle with kiddos and other animals in the home.
They are even happy to co-exist with your friendly felines.
Leos bond very closely with their families and seem to have a sixth sense when it comes to the emotions of their humans. This compassionate trait makes these giant softies top-notch therapy and service pets as well as great emotional support dogs.
Although Leonbergers can be discriminating against strangers, they are rarely aggressive. But their deep, rough bark is enough ammunition to scare off any unwanted guest.
Like many of the best giant dog breeds, Leos are sensitive souls and do not respond well to harsh training methods.
This kind-hearted creature does not like being left alone and can suffer from separation anxiety when he is not near his family.
In fact, leaving this one-of-a-kind canine companion alone for too long will result in some of the most heart-wrenching howlings that you’ve ever heard.
What two dog breeds make a Leonberger? There were actually three large dog breeds that were brought together in the mid-1800s to create this precious pup. The Newfoundland, the longhaired Saint Bernard, and the Great Pyrenees all came together to produce this rare dog breed.
If you’re shopping for one of the best giant dog breeds for families that is just as content hiking and swimming as he is lounging on the couch, then this is the pooch for you!
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7. Neapolitan Mastiff
The first things that you will notice in these giant dog breeds are their supersized bodies, their loose skin, and their deep facial wrinkles. Not to mention those massive drooping jaws.
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a powerhouse whose astonishing appearance can be a little intimidating when you first meet him.
But don’t let that fool you. These calm dog breeds are obedient, sweet, and even-tempered but also watchful and protective. They are believed to go back as far as 700 B.C.
Weighing between 110 and 150 pounds and standing 24-31 inches tall, these massive Mastiffs are extremely vigilant when it comes to protecting those that they love. But they generally won’t go on the attack unless there is a real threat.
Is a Neapolitan Mastiff a good family dog? You bet! These huge creatures were bred to guard families for centuries. They are extremely loyal and devoted to their humans and have a loving, gentle, and calm demeanor towards children.
But like other giant dog breeds for families, supervision is always required. Even though these gentle giants are tender and peaceful, their sheer size can make accidents possible.
Lovingly called Neos, these lazy lapdogs are born with beautiful blue eyes that darken in time.
Although relaxing in the shade is their preferred spot, make sure this enormous pooch is getting about an hour a day of exercise to avoid canine obesity.
If a quiet, humongous couch potato is your idea of a perfect housemate, then the easy-going Neapolitan Mastiff could be your new bestie!
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8. Newfoundland – Best Giant Dog Breeds
Meet the beautiful Newfoundland, lovingly called Newfies by their loving pet parents. These intelligent and powerful pups weigh between 99 and 150 pounds and stand 25-29 inches tall. They have a life expectancy of 9-10 years.
This giant dog breed originated from the Canadian island of Newfoundland.
The American Kennel Club considers the sweet temperament of this peaceful pooch as “the single most important characteristic of the breed”.
Newfies have a gentle disposition but a strong protective instinct. Although non-threatening, they will protect their families and home out of loyalty and love.
Their webbed feet and waterproof coats make them ideal water companions and excellent swimmers. In fact, to this day they are still extensively involved in water rescues.
These affectionate large dog breeds have the reputation of being a “nanny dog” because of their extreme devotion and kindness towards children.
Newfoundlands are compassionate, attentive, and genuinely care about their humans. It’s hard not to fall in love with this big, beautiful plush pooch!
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9. Anatolian Shepherd Dog
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a working dog from Turkey. They weigh between 80 and 150 pounds and stand 27-29 inches tall. They have an unusually high life expectancy for giant dog breeds at 11-15 years.
There is evidence that these powerful pups date back as far as 2,000 B.C.
Although these energetic muscle dogs are loving and loyal to their humans, they prefer to be patrolling the family grounds instead of rubbing elbows at your party or snuggling up next to you on the couch.
They are independent creatures that are here to do a job – to protect and serve. If you are their family, then you are their flock and they will go to the ends of the earth to protect you.
These athletic giant dogs are incredibly fast for their size. In fact, you can clock this speedy pooch at around 30 mph. They won’t do well in small yards or as apartment dwellers.
Anatolian Shepherd Dogs make good family pets as long as they are socialized and trained early on. Without proper socialization, they can become aggressive.
If you are looking for a loyal protector that will work tirelessly to keep you and yours safe, then the brave Anatolian Shepherd Dog is right up your alley!
10. Black Russian Terrier – Best Large Indoor Dogs
The Black Russian Terrier is one of the most beautiful dog breeds around. They were once used as military dogs for the Soviet Army and referred to as the “Black Pearl of Russia”.
Also known as BRT and Chromyi Terriers, these giant dog breeds have an all black coat and are immensely powerful pups.
Chromyi Terriers weigh between 90 and 140 pounds and stand 26-30 inches tall. They have a life expectancy of 10-13 years.
Are Black Russian Terriers good pets? Absolutely! These husky hounds are at home wherever you are. They are extremely loyal and must be near their humans to thrive.
BRTs form an extremely close bond with their families and are kind and gentle with children. These protectors are guard dogs at heart and will waste no time defending their family if they think there is a threat.
Black Russian Terriers are not aggressive but do find strangers a little annoying. They are highly dedicated to their humans and prefer their family over and above everyone else.
A perfect day for this humongous hound is an active morning in the yard and then a relaxing evening on the couch with you!
The beautiful black pups are very adaptable and can thrive in smaller or larger spaces. They love to exercise but their requirements are very simple. About 30 minutes a day will do the trick for these peaceful pups to stay healthy.
How much does a Black Russian Terrier cost? Since these colossal canines are rare dog breeds and relatively new, expect to pay anywhere from $1,800-$2,500 for these pups.
Are you looking for a gigantic handsome hound that wants to be included in everything you do? Then consider the Black Russian Terrier for your new cozy companion!
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Keep in mind that any dog, regardless of the breed, can deviate from its normal breed standards. While the characteristics mentioned in this post may frequently represent these best giant dog breeds, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. And although the breeds we’ve discussed in this post are loving and caring pups, children should never be left alone with dogs in order to prevent unfortunate accidents.
Summing It All Up – Best Giant Dog Breeds
We love giant dog breeds. These massive, caring creatures make the best plush snuggle buddies on the planet. Some pet parents will swear that cuddling up with these powerful and protective pups is the only way to go.
In general, the best giant dog breeds for families are not aggressive or intentionally hurtful. But due to the sheer size of these colossal canines, they can be clumsy and could accidentally knock down or hurt a small child.
They could even unintentionally bring down an adult just by playing with them.
That’s why socializing and training at an early age are so important for these sensitive and kind-hearted souls.
Proper socialization and training will help them understand the difference between something that is new and something that is threatening. It will also help to ensure polite and kind behavior as an adult.
Keep your ginormous bestie healthy and happy by making sure they are getting proper nutrition, great preventative care, and plenty of exercise. This will lay the foundation for many happy years with your huge huggable hound!
This post was all about the best giant dog breeds to help you choose your new cozy colossal companion!
Do you have a giant dog breed that you love? Let us know in the comments!
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