Do you ever feel like time just flies when you’re truly happy, especially when you’re around your furry best friend?
Well, it’s not just in your head! Science tells us that when we’re joyful, our brains release more dopamine, which can make our internal clock slow down, giving us the feeling that time is racing by.
And honestly, these incredible dog breeds are living proof of that. They remind us how precious every wag, cuddle, and playful moment can be; how the best memories seem to pass in the blink of an eye.
But don’t sigh just yet! These gentle giants aren’t here to make you nostalgic; they’re here to fill your life with laughter, love, and energy. With their huge hearts (and even bigger paws), they’ll make sure your home never feels empty again.
So, let’s dive in and meet some of the most majestic large dog breeds that will not only take up space on your couch but also in your heart.
Large Dog Breeds with Short Lifespans but Impressive Stature
1. Great Dane
The “Apollo of Dogs” is massively imposing, powerful, elegant, and harmonious with an undoubted nobility and greatness but the funny part is that these pups, although great, are not truly Danes (a native of Denmark or a puppy with Danish descent). They are actually German, like all the great German breeds.
Born with the most beautiful “Harlequin” patchwork patterns and a gentle yet sweet nature. These Deutsch Dogge are also earnest in courage and spirit. They are sincere and intense in just the right way and places, and are famous protectors and guardians of the realm.
The AKC states originally bred for hunting ferocious wild boars, now these alert, mindful, and watchful pooches spend time with their loved ones in their luxuriously expansive homes. Great Danes are a complete joy to live beside.
But if you are keen about adopting these friendly and dependable dogs, you should also be prepared for the most soul-crushing heartbreak. Because this “heartbreak breed” will give you the best moments to cherish, yet leave you early in this worldly domain alone due to their short life expectancy.
Moreover, those prospective pet parents who are keen about bringing these pups home should also know that a breed so mighty should not be taken so lightly on any front, from care, training, and grooming. Raising the Dane is a huge commitment that only those who can honor this vow should tread this path.
2. Irish Wolfhound
With a motto being “Gentle when stroked and fierce when provoked,” these pups of antiquity have also acquired the patina of myths and legends.
Not to mention, if you like your friends and foes to be able to look directly in your eyes, then these pooches can certainly fulfill your wish by standing on their hind legs like a human. Courageous, calm yet dignified, these native Irishers are among the tallest dogs on the planet and also put forth a tall order along with some big shoes to fill.
An Irish wolfhound is an agreeable, unique, and graceful pup who was originally bred to be a big game hunting dog, but now the IW lives in a cozy mansion where all its needs are met with attentive care, love, and kindness.
Omlet notes that these descendants of the indigenous large breeds of Britain and the Middle Eastern coursing hounds existed even before the Romans gained a toehold in the British Isles, and were initially used for quarrying the now extinct, ferocious, massive beast known as the Irish elk, which stood at 6 feet tall at the shoulder. But then specialized in wolf hunting in the 15th century because these predators were overrunning the Irish countryside.
These amiable yet immensely muscular hounds are too calm and serene to be fierce guardians, but also too magnificent in the matter of speed, which once upon a time, made them capable of dispatching a wolf in a single combat.
3. Newfoundland
Massively striking and famously sweet, if there was a pup who could win for being the calmest, sweetest, cuddliest teddy bear, it would be a Newfoundland or Newfie, for short. This powerful working dog, built with heavy bones and dignified in bearing, is a soft and soulful pooch with a massive size and a massive affinity for kids of all ages.
These guys are trusting, trainable, excellent swimmers who were once a part of the dramatic water rescue teams in Canada, who assisted fishermen in their daunting task of hauling fishnets and saving men overboard. Some people even say that what the Saint Bernard is to the Swiss Alps, the Newfoundland is to the icy waters of the North Atlantic.
Purina US mentions that equipped with webbed feet and strong enough to save a grown man from drowning, the Newfoundlands are not just adept water rescue dogs. But they are also a beloved breed to mankind due to their versatility and generosity. Did you know history is rife with the legends of Newfies setting an unattainable bar of dedication to humans?
In 1802, Lewis and Clark began their historic 8000-mile trek across the American continent, but just imagine who accompanied them throughout their perilous expedition. It was a Newfoundland named Seaman who became useful amidst this challenging trail as a hunter and guard dog, and once even chased away a rogue buffalo that charged towards the camp.
4. Neapolitan Mastiff
Long been protectors and used as the first dogs of war, these ancient Roman estate guard dogs now live in modern homes as honorary members of the family and protectors of your couch. But do you know? These heavily wrinkled and saggy-skinned pooches once fought lions, elephants in the Roman Venationes, and men in battle.
According to USNMC, the Neapolitan mastiff is also known as the “Big dog of the little man,” who was recognized as the unquestionable treasure of Italy after the Second World War, with roots tracing back to giant war dogs of Egypt, Persia, Mesopotamia, and Asia.
However, Chewy says shockingly, this loving and chill pup with a laid-back personality has been modified and developed by influential grand figures like Alexander the Great, who played an instrumental part in creating the modern Neapolitan Mastiff breed.
He created the Molossus, the forefather of the Neapolitan Mastiff, by crossing the great Macedonian and Epirian war dogs with the short-haired “Indian” dogs. For a wide, short, muzzled dog with a heavy dewlap who was used to fight tigers, elephants, lions, and men in battle.
Did you know? These superior defenders of person and property were deliberately developed to be alarmingly ugly so they can deter intruders by their mere presence alone.
5. Leonberger
Originating in the town of Leonberg in Southern Germany, this breed was developed by crossing the best dogs of the canine kingdom, aka the Newfoundland, longhaired St. Bernards, and the Great Pyrenees, to create a majestic and strong dog with a calm temperament and lion-like appearance.
This dog is a true gentle giant, an obedient and fearless companion for all situations. But keep in mind that this harmonious and balanced blend thrives in spaces where it is given ample space and freedom.
PetMD notes that originally bred to be a draft and guard dog, the Leonberger is a dynamic pooch who is neither overly aggressive nor territorial. But a friendly, gentle, and playful pooch who is well-suited for rescue work and avalanche dog training, water work and retrieving and tracking, and obedience training.
These huge, powerful dogs that are the brainchild of Heinrich Essig move with a remarkably easy and elastic gait, are intelligent and exhibit sound judgement, and will require a lot of brushing, room for romping, and unlimited love.
6. Bernese Mountain Dog
If you are one of those adventure enthusiasts who pack up your hiking gear and strap up boots the moment you hear the mountains are calling, then this popular dog breed is the right partner for you, and if you are wondering why, then this tri-colored pup stands literally head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to comparing mountain dogs.
Born among the four Swiss mountain dogs like the Appenzeller Mountain dog, Greater Swiss Mountain dog, and Entlebucher Mountain dog, the Bernese Mountain dog, which is also lovingly called Berner or Bernie, is the only one with silky fur.
A descendant of the mastiffs that the Romans brought to Europe 2,000 years ago. The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the best dog breeds to consider. If you are looking for a big-hearted and big-bodied pooch with added features of extreme loyalty, affection, and enough patience to thrive in a home filled with children.
Orvis notes that these all-around workers and Swiss farm dogs make solid, caring family members for younger and older children and also thrive in cold weather due to their dense coat. Hence are perfect for the upcoming chilly season too.
7. Borzoi
Impressively beautiful, aristocratic, and cherished for his calm and agreeable temperament. A borzoi is a full-blown princely package of strength, grace, and glamour. Just imagine a tall and elegant pup covered in a dapper silk coat who swoops in to save the day with remarkable swiftness and is tough enough to pursue and pin ferocious lupine quarry in a quiet, cat-like way.
Worthy enough for some heavy swooning indeed, this Russian legend is famous from the times of the Romanovs, is quite ancient, and set in its own ways. Hence, you will need patience and a bit of persuasion along with some hardcore tactics, a good sense of humor, and consistency to get this affectionate and dignified royal on your side of the time.
A word of advice to help you, a fenced-in running space, and a bit of panache can prove helpful in this endeavor. Britannica mentions speedy and agile, this cross between an Arabian greyhound and a thick-coated collie-like Russian sheepdog breed has not only been loved by the Tsars of Russia.
But famously, personalities like Marilyn Monroe and Picasso were also diehard fans of Borzoi, who have not only helped the Russian aristocracy with the sport of hunting but have also been featured on the front page of Vogue and other fashion magazines.
Conclusion
Big furry balls of affection and giant fluffy mops of fur, these dogs prove that bigger is necessarily better when it comes to bringing home your canine companion. Not to mention these pooches are way more obedient and less excitable than their smaller counterparts are notoriously known for being gentle and make great snuggle partners, fluffy weighted blankets, live-in security guards, and classically endearing pets.
The only con these pooches have is their endless list of various health problems and really limited short lifespans. These giant breeds are prone to bone cancer, orthopedic issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, and heart diseases like dilated cardiomyopathy. Hence, regular veterinary care, daily play, and walks are necessary to keep these short-lived pooches with an average life expectancy of no longer than 10 years in their healthy weight and happy.
However, if you are looking for a family pet, all these pups make fantastic family dogs, and there are more options of substantially wonderful companions with a slightly longer lifespan compared to these giant breeds like the German shepherds, Doberman pinschers, Golden retrievers, and Afghan hounds. But breeds like the Dogue de Bordeaux or French mastiff have an average lifespan of 5-8 years due to their brachycephalic airway syndrome and need more care and regular vet visits than smaller dogs like the Boston terriers.
