What Are the Best Big Dog Breeds? 20 Large Dog Breeds Explained

Have you ever locked eyes with a Great Dane at the park and felt instantly drawn in? There’s something magnetic about big dog breeds. They’re bold, loyal, and full of personality. Whether you want a gentle giant to cuddle on the couch or a confident protector to guard your home, there’s a large dog breed out there that fits your life perfectly.

This guide covers a big dog breeds list of 20 popular and underrated breeds, a large dog breeds chart for quick comparison, and everything you need to choose the right dog for your lifestyle. Let’s dive in.

1. What Makes a Dog Breed “Big”?

Not all big dogs are the same. In the dog world, size is usually split into two categories.

Large breeds typically weigh between 50 and 100 pounds and stand 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder. Think Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds.

Giant breeds go beyond 100 pounds and can reach 30+ inches tall. Great Danes, Mastiffs, and Newfoundlands fall into this group.

Why does this matter? Because size directly affects how much you’ll spend on food, how much space your dog needs, what health issues to expect, and how much training effort is required. A 150-pound dog that jumps on guests is a very different problem than a 15-pound dog doing the same thing.

Now, here’s something that surprises most new owners: size does not equal energy level. A 130-pound Mastiff is far lazier than a 70-pound Boxer. Always look at temperament and energy, not just weight.

2. Big Dog Breeds List — 20 Breeds Covered

Family-Friendly Giants

These breeds are patient, gentle, and thrive in busy households with kids and other pets.

1. Golden Retriever

(55–75 lbs) Goldens are the gold standard of family dogs. They’re affectionate, easy to train, and endlessly patient with children. They do shed heavily, so keep a lint roller handy. They need 60–90 minutes of exercise daily.

2. Labrador Retriever

(55–80 lbs) Labs are playful, food-motivated, and friendly with everyone. They’re one of the most popular large dog breeds in the world for good reason. Without enough exercise, though, they’ll chew your furniture and invent their own chaos. They need vigorous daily activity.

3. Bernese Mountain Dog

(70–115 lbs) Berners look like giant teddy bears and behave like them too. They’re calm indoors, great with kids, and deeply loyal. The downside is their shorter lifespan — typically 7 to 10 years — and heavy shedding year-round.

4. Newfoundland

(100–150 lbs) Newfies are nicknamed “nanny dogs” for their gentle, protective nature with children. They’re calm, patient, and love water. Drool and grooming are real commitments, but their sweet temperament makes it worth it.

5. Boxer

(55–70 lbs) Boxers are goofballs. They’re bouncy, playful, and affectionate with kids, though their enthusiasm can accidentally knock over small children. They stay puppy-like well into adulthood, which is charming or exhausting depending on your energy level.

6. Standard Poodle

(40–70 lbs) Don’t let the haircut fool you — Standard Poodles are athletic, intelligent, and one of the best big dog breeds for allergy sufferers thanks to their low-shedding coat. They need both physical exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy.

Calm & Low-Energy Large Breeds

If you prefer a more relaxed companion who won’t bounce off the walls, these breeds are ideal.

7. Great Dane

(110–175 lbs) Great Danes are the ultimate proof that big doesn’t mean hyper. They’re low-energy, gentle, and surprisingly well-suited to apartment living with daily walks. Their main requirement is soft bedding to protect their joints — and enough couch space, which they will absolutely claim.

8. Mastiff

(120–230 lbs) Mastiffs are among the largest dogs on earth, yet they spend most of their day napping. They’re calm, loyal, and naturally protective without being aggressive. Early socialization is key. Expect heavy drool and a dog that will lean on you like a warm, 200-pound blanket.

9. Saint Bernard

(120–180 lbs) Saint Bernards are gentle, affectionate, and devoted to their families. They don’t need marathon exercise sessions — a moderate daily walk keeps them content. Weekly brushing and drool management are non-negotiable.

10. Irish Wolfhound

(105–120 lbs) The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest dog breed in the world, yet one of the most peaceful. They’re dignified, quiet indoors, and excellent with children. Their lifespan is short — just 6 to 8 years — which is an emotional reality prospective owners should consider seriously.

11. Leonberger

(90–170 lbs) Leonbergers look like lions but act like big, fluffy best friends. They’re adaptable, calm indoors, and love being involved in family life. Their thick coat needs brushing 2–3 times a week to prevent matting.

Protective & Working Big Dog Breeds

These breeds are confident, intelligent, and naturally protective. They thrive with experienced owners who can provide structure and consistent training.

12. German Shepherd

(50–90 lbs) German Shepherds are loyal, intensely smart, and versatile. They’re used as police dogs, service dogs, and search-and-rescue dogs for good reason. They need 90–120 minutes of exercise and mental stimulation daily. Without a job to do, they become anxious and destructive. Best for experienced owners.

13. Rottweiler

(80–135 lbs) Rottweilers get a bad reputation they don’t always deserve. When properly trained and socialized, they’re calm, obedient, and devoted companions. They need firm, consistent leadership and an owner who understands their protective instincts. Not ideal for first-time dog owners.

14. Doberman Pinscher

(60–100 lbs) Dobermans are sleek, athletic, and intensely loyal. They bond deeply with their family and are naturally alert without being aggressive when raised right. Their short coat means minimal grooming — one of the lower-maintenance large dog breeds in that regard.

15. Cane Corso

(85–110 lbs) The Cane Corso is a powerful Italian mastiff-type breed with a confident, assertive personality. They’re deeply loyal to their family but aloof with strangers. This breed requires experienced handling, early socialization, and consistent boundaries from day one.

16. Boerboel

(150–200 lbs) The Boerboel is a South African farm dog bred to protect livestock and homesteads. They’re dominant, confident, and highly protective. This is not a breed for first-time owners. In the right hands, they’re calm and devoted. In the wrong hands, they can be challenging to manage.

Unique & Underrated Large Breeds

These breeds are often overlooked but deserve a spot on any serious big dog breeds list.

17. Alaskan Malamute

(75–100 lbs) Malamutes are built for endurance and look stunning with their thick, wolf-like coats. They’re friendly and affectionate but fiercely independent. They need a lot of exercise and don’t do well alone for long periods. If you’re an active outdoor person, a Malamute might be your perfect match.

18. Anatolian Shepherd

(80–150 lbs) The Anatolian Shepherd is a natural guardian, calm indoors when properly socialized, and deeply loyal to its family. They do best in homes with clear routines and firm boundaries. Not commonly seen, but an excellent choice for experienced owners who want a devoted protector.

19. Dogue de Bordeaux

(110–140 lbs) Also known as the French Mastiff, the Dogue de Bordeaux is wrinkly, stocky, and surprisingly gentle with family. They’re low-energy but need early socialization. Their lifespan is short — about 5 to 8 years — and they drool abundantly. But for the right owner, they’re unforgettable companions.

20. Giant Schnauzer

(55–85 lbs) Giant Schnauzers are bold, intelligent, and high-energy working dogs. They’re loyal and protective, with a wiry coat that sheds minimally. They need a lot of mental and physical stimulation and do best with experienced owners who can match their intensity.

3. Large Dog Breeds Chart — Quick Comparison

Use this large dog breeds chart to compare all 20 breeds at a glance before making your decision.

Breed	Weight (lbs)	Energy	Shedding	Kid-Friendly	Trainability	Lifespan
Golden Retriever	55–75	High	Heavy	✅ Excellent	Easy	10–12 yrs
Labrador Retriever	55–80	High	Heavy	✅ Excellent	Easy	10–12 yrs
Bernese Mountain Dog	70–115	Moderate	Heavy	✅ Excellent	Easy	7–10 yrs
Newfoundland	100–150	Low–Moderate	Heavy	✅ Excellent	Moderate	9–10 yrs
Boxer	55–70	High	Low	✅ Great	Moderate	10–12 yrs
Standard Poodle	40–70	High	Minimal	✅ Excellent	Easy	12–15 yrs
Great Dane	110–175	Low	Low	✅ Great	Moderate	7–10 yrs
Mastiff	120–230	Low	Moderate	✅ Good	Moderate	6–10 yrs
Saint Bernard	120–180	Low	Heavy	✅ Great	Moderate	8–10 yrs
Irish Wolfhound	105–120	Low–Moderate	Moderate	✅ Great	Moderate	6–8 yrs
Leonberger	90–170	Moderate	Heavy	✅ Great	Moderate	8–9 yrs
German Shepherd	50–90	High	Heavy	✅ Good	Easy	9–13 yrs
Rottweiler	80–135	Moderate	Moderate	⚠️ With training	Moderate	8–10 yrs
Doberman Pinscher	60–100	High	Minimal	⚠️ With training	Easy	10–13 yrs
Cane Corso	85–110	Moderate	Low	⚠️ With training	Experienced	9–12 yrs
Boerboel	150–200	Moderate	Low	⚠️ Experienced only	Experienced	9–11 yrs
Alaskan Malamute	75–100	Very High	Heavy	✅ Good	Challenging	10–14 yrs
Anatolian Shepherd	80–150	Moderate	Moderate	⚠️ With training	Experienced	11–13 yrs
Dogue de Bordeaux	110–140	Low	Low	✅ Good	Moderate	5–8 yrs
Giant Schnauzer	55–85	Very High	Minimal	⚠️ With training	Experienced	12–15 yrs

4. How to Choose the Right Big Dog Breed for Your Life

Looking at the big dog breeds list above, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Here’s how to narrow it down.

4.1 Consider Your Living Space

Space matters less than most people think. A Great Dane in a small apartment with two daily walks will be happier than a German Shepherd stuck in a big house with no mental stimulation. What counts is how committed you are to meeting the dog’s exercise needs.

That said, giant breeds do need room to move around comfortably indoors. Make sure your home can physically accommodate a 150-pound dog without it knocking everything over.

4.2 Match the Energy Level

This is the most important factor most people ignore. If you’re a runner or hiker, a German Shepherd, Boxer, or Alaskan Malamute will thrive by your side. If you prefer slow evenings at home, a Mastiff, Saint Bernard, or Great Dane will match your pace perfectly.

Mismatching energy levels is one of the top reasons large dogs end up in shelters. Be honest about your lifestyle before you fall in love with a breed photo.

4.3 Think About Your Experience Level

Some large breeds are forgiving and easy for first-timers — Goldens, Labradors, and Bernese Mountain Dogs top that list. Others, like Cane Corsos, Boerboels, and Giant Schnauzers, require confident, experienced handling.

Getting essential puppy training tips down early is critical for any large breed, but especially so for working and guardian breeds. A 15-pound puppy pulling on the leash is annoying. A 100-pound adolescent doing the same is dangerous.

It’s also worth understanding the difference between training approaches. Positive reinforcement training tends to work best with sensitive breeds like Bernese Mountain Dogs and Irish Wolfhounds, while proactive vs. passive training habits can make or break your results with high-drive breeds.

For grooming, the needs vary wildly across this list. A Doberman needs almost nothing; a Leonberger or Newfoundland needs serious commitment. Knowing which dog grooming styles suit your breed will save you time and money in the long run.

5. Big Dog Breeds vs. Small Dog Breeds — Which Is Right for You?

Big and small dogs offer very different experiences as pets. Neither is better — they’re just different.

Big dogs tend to be calmer indoors, more physically imposing (great for security), and often more tolerant of rough play from kids. However, they cost more to feed, have shorter lifespans on average, and require more space and physical strength to manage.

Small dogs are easier on the budget, live longer on average, and are more portable. But many small breeds are surprisingly high-energy and can be harder to train than people expect.

If you’re on the fence, check out a guide to best small dog breeds to compare your options side by side before committing.

6. Frequently Asked Questions About Big Dog Breeds

What is the biggest dog breed in the world? The Great Dane holds the record for tallest dog breed, while the Mastiff is typically the heaviest. Individual dogs from both breeds have held world records. The Great Dane “Zeus” measured over 44 inches tall, and Mastiffs regularly exceed 200 pounds.

What large dog breeds don’t shed much? Standard Poodles, Doberman Pinschers, Giant Schnauzers, and Cane Corsos are among the lowest-shedding large dog breeds. Standard Poodles are particularly good for allergy sufferers.

What big dog breeds are good for apartments? Great Danes, Mastiffs, and Standard Poodles adapt surprisingly well to apartment living, provided they get consistent daily walks. Their lower indoor energy levels make them manageable in smaller spaces.

What big dogs are good with kids? Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Newfoundlands, and Boxers are widely considered the most kid-friendly large dog breeds. They’re patient, gentle, and forgiving of the kind of chaos children create.

How long do big dog breeds live? Large breeds typically live 9–13 years, while giant breeds often live only 6–10 years. The Dogue de Bordeaux has one of the shortest lifespans at 5–8 years. Standard Poodles and Alaskan Malamutes tend to live the longest among big dog breeds at 12–15 years.

Are big dog breeds more loyal? Many of the most loyal dog breeds in the world are large breeds — German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Dobermans, and Anatolian Shepherds are legendary for their devotion. But loyalty is more about the individual dog’s bond with its owner than size alone.

Conclusion

Big dog breeds offer something smaller dogs simply can’t — a presence that fills a room, a loyalty that feels almost human, and a companionship that’s hard to put into words once you’ve experienced it.

The key is matching the right breed to your actual life, not your ideal life. Consider your space, your energy, your experience, and your budget. Use the large dog breeds chart above to narrow down your options, then spend time with a few breeds before you commit.

Whether you end up with a lazy Great Dane sprawled across your sofa or an energetic German Shepherd by your side on morning runs, one thing is certain — life with a big dog is never boring.

Which breed from the big dog breeds list above caught your eye?