Giant dog breeds are loved and valued for their remarkable physical and behavioral traits. They are usually loyal to their owners and have a protective nature. Many of them need only moderate excerise despite their large size.
Typically, they are not well-suited for apartment living and require lots of space to exercise and roam around. When we think of giant dogs, breeds like the Great Dane and the Newfoundland usually come to mind. There are some rare giant dog breeds that you may have never heard about.
However, being lesser known does not mean they lack something in their personalities. Rare dog breeds in the world may outshine some very famous dog breeds in many ways. They may have become less popular due to many reasons, such as geographical isolation, obsolescence of their original working roles, and shifting popularity.
Have a look at these 7 rare giant dog breeds with remarkable traits.
Rare Giant Dog Breeds with Remarkable Traits
1. Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a giant and powerful dog breed, loved for its astounding presence. Having a muscular build and wrinkly face, it is a rare dog breed in America. Decrease in demand or vulnerability to various diseases may be the reason why they are lesser known today.
Neapolitan Mastiffs can suffer from various big dog diseases like hip and elbow dysplasia, eye abnormalities, and heart diseases. These giant dogs are incredibly loyal and bond closely with their family.
Their natural wariness towards strangers and strong protective instincts make them excellent guard dogs. Like many other large dogs, Neapolitan Mastiffs do not require extensive exercise for physical and mental stimulation. They benefit from daily walks and are happy to nap in the sun.
Neapolitan Mastiffs thrive on positive reinforcement-based training methods. The folds of their skin and copious amount of drool mean pet parents need to pay attention to their grooming needs.
2. Scottish Deerhound
Scottish Deerhound, also known as the ‘Royal dog of Scotland,’ is an ancient dog breed. This giant coursing dog is one of the tallest dog breeds in the world. Scottish Deerhounds were bred for deer hunting, a practice which is now banned in many parts of the world.
That is why they have now become a rare dog breed. Scottish Deerhounds are courageous yet easygoing fellows who connect deeply with their family members. They are very sensitive and do not like being left alone.
Like other large-breed dogs, Scottish Deerhounds do not require extensive exercise for physical and mental stimulation. According to PetMD, they are more laid back and calm than many other breeds, but still require regular exercise to stay healthy and content.
Due to their sharp hunting instincts, Scottish Deerhounds have a strong drive to chase. Therefore, they should only be allowed to run in a fenced area.
3. Tibetan Mastiff
Another ancient dog breed, the Tibetan Mastiff, is known for its strong-willed and independent nature. This gentle giant shows unparalleled loyalty and devotion to their owners. Tibetan Mastiffs are very protective of their people and form strong bonds with them.
Tibetan Mastiffs have a territorial nature and make formidable guardians. These big, fluffy dogs are relatively rare, having a watchful and aloof temperament. They are usually calm during the daytime and tend to be more active at night.
Tibetan Mastiffs need moderate daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation. According to the American Kennel Club, these dogs prefer doing work-related tasks, such as patrolling their territory, rather than structured play, such as a game of fetch.
Tibetan Mastiffs are highly intelligent dogs and learn quickly. However, their size and strength make them better suited for experienced dog owners.
4. Bloodhound
Hailing from Belgium, Bloodhound is an old and rare dog breed, primarily bred for hunting. Bloodhounds can be easily recognized by their droopy face and deep howl. Having the strongest nose in the canine kingdom, Bloodhounds were originally bred as scent hounds.
This large breed has a docile and gentle nature, and they tend to be patient around well-mannered kids. Bloodhounds are friendly and affectionate with their humans and love to chill out and cuddle when they are not working.
Bloodhounds tend to have a stubborn streak, so training them is not a piece of cake. They benefit from mentally stimulating activities to keep them occupied and out of trouble. Bloodhounds need at least 1.5 to 2 hours of exercise every day.
Exercise can include several walks and activities like scent games. Bloodhounds can suffer from certain health issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, ear and eye infections, and sensitive skin.
5. Leonberger
Just like Tibetan Mastiffs, Leonbergers also sport a lion-like mane. This giant dog has a muscular build that matches its working background. The Leonberger is a rare dog breed due to its near extinction twice in history. The number has slowly grown, and there are some 3,000 Leos in the world today, as per VetMD.
Since the breed was revived from very few individuals, the gene pool is shallow, which can lead to several hereditary issues. Leonbergers are affectionate dogs, often happy just snuggling with their family. These intelligent and easy-to-train dogs like having a job to do.
Leos are playful and loving towards the people they know. They were bred to be independent, so they are better suited for experienced handlers. Leonbergers do well with consistent and repetitive training. These laid-back dogs thrive on human interaction.
Leos don’t do well when left alone for extended periods. Their thick double coat requires a lot of grooming to stay in top-notch condition.
6. Estrela Mountain Dog
An active purebred guard dog from Portugal, the Estrela Mountain dog hails from Portugal. Estrela Mountain dogs are large, compact, and powerful. They are affectionate towards children and their family, but are suspicious of strangers.
Estrela Mountain Dog is a rare dog breed as it is geographically isolated in the Serra da Estrela mountains. These canines make intelligent, gentle, and devoted companions, but can be a bit stubborn. Estrela Mountain dogs are quite vigilant and bark to inform their owners when they sense a potential threat.
These eager learners have a strong desire to please their owners. Having a natural instinct to protect their people and territory, Estrela Mountain dogs bond closely with their pet parents. They are a good choice for experienced owners who live in large homes with fenced yards.
7. Dogue de Bordeaux
One of the oldest and rarest dog breeds in France, the Dogue de Bordeaux or French Mastiff is a large, muscular dog that was originally bred to hunt, guard, and work on farms. Today, they have become loving companions and show dogs.
With an imposing appearance, incredible loyalty, and strong protective instincts, the Dogue de Bordeaux make excellent guard dog. According to Purina, well-trained and properly socialized pups are good with children and accept other pets if introduced to them very young.
Training should start at an early age to prevent aggressive behavior. Dogue de Bordeaux responds best to consistent, positive reinforcement-based techniques. They are intelligent and eager to please dogs, but can be stubborn at times.
Conclusion
Some rare dog breeds are loved for their remarkable physical and behavioral traits. Many of them have a muscular build and a large size. Their intimidating appearance can easily scare away potential intruders. They are incredibly loyal to their owners and form strong bonds with them.
Due to these traits, these rare giant dog breeds make wonderful companions and guard dogs. Some of them require lots of exercise to stay fit, while others do well with moderate physical activity and mental enrichment.
