There’s something awe-inspiring about giant dogs. Their sheer size, combined with their raw strength, makes them look like living legends. Walk into a room with a Great Dane or stand beside a towering Mastiff, and you instantly feel their presence.
But these colossal canines aren’t just about size—they carry strength, courage, and surprisingly gentle hearts. For centuries, giant breeds have served as protectors, guardians, and companions. They’ve stood by humans in castles, farms, and battlefields, offering unmatched protection and loyalty.
Despite their intimidating frames, many of them are calm and affectionate, earning the nickname “gentle giants.” These big dog breeds represent the best of both worlds: immense power and unwavering devotion.
We’ll take a closer look at the strongest giant dog breeds, their fascinating histories, and what makes them so special. If you’ve ever dreamed of having a loyal protector that doubles as a gentle companion, these massive yet loving dogs may just steal your heart.
Did You Know? The Kangal, a giant Turkish breed, has the strongest measured bite force of any dog at 743 PSI—strong enough to take down predators that threaten livestock. Giant breeds combine sheer size with power, making them both impressive and protective.
Strongest Giant Dog Breeds
1. Mastiff
The English Mastiff is the poster child for giant, gentle strength.
One of the largest dog breeds in the world, Mastiffs are famous for their massive size, muscular build, and calm, affectionate temperament.
Their roots trace back to ancient Molossian war dogs in Greece, though historians still debate the details of their lineage. What’s clear is that these dogs were built for power—and companionship.
Despite their intimidating size, Mastiffs are surprisingly homebodies. They thrive on the presence of their family and would rather lounge indoors than roam outside all day. With enough love, they’ll happily turn into a living footstool—or even attempt to curl up in your lap, if you let them.
✅ Gentle, affectionate, and loyal to family members.
✅ Needs exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved.
✅ Perfect mix of guardian instincts and couch-friendly companionship.
Of course, adequate exercise is still important. Without it—or without mental stimulation—Mastiffs can become bored and destructive, which is never a good look on a giant dog.
Give them the right balance of activity and family time, and you’ll have a loyal, gentle giant who’s both protective and loving.
Bottom line: The English Mastiff is a powerhouse wrapped in a gentle heart. Don’t let the size fool you—they’re as much a family-loving lapdog as they are a giant protector.
2. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is the ultimate gentle giant—big in size and even bigger at heart. Originally bred to rescue travelers in the snowy Alps, these rescue dogs combine strength, endurance, and a patient, loving temperament, making them perfect for families, especially those with older children.
Male Saint Bernards can grow to truly impressive proportions, but don’t let their size intimidate you—their gentle nature and patience make them ideal companions for the home.
They’re considered one of the world’s strongest dog breeds, yet they’d rather offer cuddles and protection than flex their power.
✅ Legendary strength paired with a gentle, loving demeanor.
✅ Requires moderate physical activity and mental stimulation.
✅ Exceptionally good with children when properly socialized.
These laid-back giants don’t need excessive exercise, though daily playtime and light activity help keep them happy and healthy. They’re also famously kind with children, but like any large breed, proper training is essential—for both the dog and the kids—to ensure everyone interacts safely and respectfully.
Bottom line: The Saint Bernard is a powerful protector with a heart of gold—a true family companion that balances muscle, loyalty, and unconditional love.
3. Great Dane
The Great Dane is the epitome of a gentle giant—towering in size yet famous for their sweet, calm temperament. Originally bred as hunting dogs, these majestic pups have transitioned into beloved family pets thanks to their loyalty, affection, and graceful presence.
With a muscular build and elegant stature, Great Danes stand out among the world’s strongest dog breeds. Their combination of size and gentleness is unmatched, making them both intimidatingly impressive and heart-meltingly lovable.
Height-wise, Great Danes typically range between 28 and 32 inches tall, though the record-holder, Zeus, reached an astonishing 41 inches tall (over 7 feet on his hind legs!). They’re also substantial in weight, usually 110 to 175 pounds, so they definitely need space to move comfortably.
✅ Sweet, calm, and affectionate—perfect for families.
✅ Needs space to move and play; a yard is ideal.
✅ Unique blend of strength and gentleness.
PetMD noted that while Great Danes can adapt to apartment living with a dedicated owner, a home with a fenced-in yard is ideal for them to play, stretch, and fully enjoy their giant frame. For pet parents seeking a combination of strength, presence, and a heart full of love, the Great Dane is a perfect match.
Bottom line: Great Danes prove that big dogs can have the biggest hearts, making them unforgettable companions for anyone ready to welcome a giant into their home.
4. Kangal
The Kangal is a true powerhouse—a Turkish breed celebrated for its enormous size, strength, and protective instincts.
Known as a national treasure of Turkey, Kangals have been bred for centuries to guard livestock against predators like wolves, bears, and even leopards. Their sheer physical strength and courage put them among the largest and strongest dog breeds in the world.
Despite their intimidating presence, they are calm and controlled when trained properly, showing that strength doesn’t mean recklessness.
✅ Loyal, intelligent, and protective when properly trained.
✅ Calm and controlled demeanor despite intimidating presence.
✅ Ranked among the world’s strongest dog breeds.
Beyond raw power, Kangals are intelligent, loyal, and fiercely protective. Their combination of fighting ability and guarding instincts makes them ideal for farm or ranch life, where livestock protection is a serious responsibility.
Bottom line: The Kangal is a living fortress with a heart as disciplined as its strength—perfect for those who need a serious guardian without compromising intelligence or loyalty.
5. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is the ultimate gentle giant of the water, combining powerful strength with a calm, loving temperament.
Originally bred as working dogs for fishermen, these massive pups were tasked with pulling nets, hauling gear, and even rescuing people from the water—truly a breed built for both brawn and heart.
With their large, muscular build and affectionate personality, Newfoundlands are excellent companions for families with small children. They’re loyal, dependable, and gentle, always ready to lend a paw or a protective presence to their loved ones.
✅ Skilled in rescue work and heavy-duty tasks.
✅ Gentle and patient—perfect for families and children.
✅ Loyal, dependable, and affectionate with loved ones.
Their combination of strength, intelligence, and calm demeanor earns them a well-deserved spot among the world’s strongest dog breeds.
Bottom line: The Newfoundland proves that strength and gentleness can coexist, making them a perfect giant companion both at home and in water-based adventures.
6. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound isn’t just one of the tallest dog breeds—it’s a living legend. This ancient breed dates back to at least 391 C.E., when seven puppies were gifted to Quintus Aurelius Symmachus in Rome.
Originally, these dogs were bred to hunt large game like wolves, deer, boar, and even the long-extinct Irish elk. Despite their fearsome beginnings, today’s Irish Wolfhounds are models of patience and gentleness.
These giants may be massive, but they are remarkably gentle and friendly. They get along effortlessly with people, other dogs, and even cats, showing nearly unlimited patience with children.
Irish Wolfhounds are generally quiet and calm, so you won’t have to worry about them turning your living room into a whirlwind—though their clumsiness as puppies can lead to a few accidents!
✅ Patient, calm, and good with children, dogs, and cats.
✅ Loyal and brave, with intelligence that makes training rewarding.
✅ Gentle giants whose size alone can deter intruders.
Loyalty is their hallmark. While not the most aggressive watchdogs, their sheer size is enough to deter strangers. Coupled with their bravery, intelligence, and eagerness to please, they make affectionate, dependable family companions.
Bottom line: The Irish Wolfhound is a towering companion with a heart to match, blending history, strength, and a peaceful temperament into one unforgettable giant dog.
7. Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is a powerhouse with roots tracing back to ancient Rome, where it was bred for hunting large game and assisting warriors in battle.
Its very name comes from Latin, meaning “bodyguard dog” or “guard dog of the courtyard”, perfectly reflecting its natural role as a protector, as per Britannica.
Cane Corso is a true contender among the world’s strongest dog breeds. With unmatched strength and resilience, it will defend its family and territory without hesitation. However, this protective instinct means it is wary of strangers and not always friendly toward other dogs or animals.
✅ Strength, courage, and loyalty make it a formidable protector.
✅ Naturally protective; wary of strangers and unfamiliar animals.
✅ Affectionate with family, serious and disciplined in demeanor.
While the Cane Corso is affectionate with its family, it carries a serious demeanor. This breed thrives with proper training, making it an excellent watchdog or protection dog.
Though fairly independent and moderately easy to train, early socialization and consistent guidance are key to ensuring a well-behaved guardian.
Bottom line: The Cane Corso is the ultimate guardian, blending raw power, intelligence, and loyalty into a family protector that commands respect while loving those it trusts.
Conclusion
From the Bernese Mountain Dog to the Anatolian Shepherd dog, Neapolitan Mastiff, Black Russian Terrier, Great Pyrenees, Dogue de Bordeaux, and Scottish Deerhound, these working dogs are celebrated by dog lovers for their strength, loyalty, and protective instincts. Many were bred to protect livestock or assist on farms, while breeds like the French Mastiff earned the title “royal dog,” hence the name, for their majestic, lion-like mane and imposing presence.
These athletic breeds thrive with an active lifestyle, early training, and proper socialization alongside other dogs. Their long history includes heroic deeds—from pulling carts in the Swiss Alps to rescuing those who fell overboard. While their size and power can surprise the unprepared, regular grooming and care help keep these gentle giants healthy and strong. Strongest giant dog breeds are a perfect blend of strength, loyalty, and history, making them incredible companions for those ready to match their energy and devotion.
