There’s big… and then there’s a giant big dog.
The dogs that do not enter a room. They arrive. The dogs that make your couch look smaller, your car feel congested, and your heart somehow… feel fuller!! These are the incredible giant dog breeds. Impressive. Emotional. Unforgettable.
But, they are not for the faint of heart.
These are not impulse adoption dogs. They are a lifestyle choice. A long-term promise. We can safely say these incredible giant dog breeds are a sizeable commitment. In every sense of the word.
Today, we are talking about seven such BIG dogs and what makes them special, challenging, and absolutely worth it for the right dog owners.
Fun Fact!
Did you know?
Many giant breeds were originally bred as working dogs to guard livestock, estates or even armies. Their size was not accidental. It was purpose built for protection, endurance and loyalty. That’s why so many of them read human emotions incredibly well and form deep bonds with their families.
Incredible Giant Dog Breeds: A Sizeable Commitment
1. Mastiff
Powerful. Calm. Deeply devoted.
The Mastiff is a giant dog breed with a gentle disposition. Their intimidating appearance can stop strangers in their tracks, but behind that massive head is an unbelievably affectionate nature.
The Mastiff dog breeds form incredibly strong attachments to their families and prefer being close to their people rather than wandering off alone.
Originally bred as guard dogs, the Mastiffs are protective without being aggressive. They prefer to observe first, react second.
This giant dog breed needs ample living space, proper training, and early socialization to become a well-behaved dog. They are gentle giants with family pets and act like oversized nanny dogs around children. Patiently tolerating noise and activity. Yep. However, as per PetMD, they can knock down small children because of their size, so BEWARE!!
Early training and boundaries are important. Health issues like hip dysplasia and joint strain are common. So, controlled exercise and daily walks matter.
With good enough living space and calm owners, the Mastiff becomes a loyal companion and one of the most dependable family pets.
2. Great Dane
Tall. Elegant. Emotionally soft.
Great Danes are famous for their height. But what surprises most people is their gentle nature. These tall and skinny dogs are known to be gentle giants with feelings, and that is accurate!
These giant dogs are famous for their towering presence, yet their emotional sensitivity is what truly defines them.
They lean on you, follow you, crave closeness, and respond deeply to tone and mood. Despite their size, they believe they are lap dogs. As per the American Kennel Club, they are people-pleasers who make friends easily.
Great Danes thrive on human interaction and struggle if left alone for long periods. They want to be involved in daily routines and feel most secure when near their people.
Great Danes need consistent training, positive reinforcement, and gentle owners to manage their strength. They bond deeply with their humans and make great family pets when properly socialized and given emotional reassurance.
Health issues such as hip dysplasia and a shorter life expectancy are realities prospective owners must accept.
Still, their affectionate nature and even-tempered personality make them one of the best giant dog breeds suitable for tall-dog lovers.
3. Tibetan Mastiff
Independent. Majestic. Incredibly loyal dogs.
The Tibetan Mastiff is not your average dog. This ancient dog breed was bred to guard villages in remote mountain regions of the Himalayas. And that independence still runs deep. They are famous for their strong sense of territory and unwavering loyalty to those they consider family.
They think for themselves, and they expect respect. They won’t rush to strangers and won’t seek approval. These dogs assess.
And that’s why, as PDSA notes, they have become intelligent dogs who respond well to positive training. And, they form deep bonds with the family, but that affection is shown on their own terms.
This giant breed thrives with dedicated training, early socialization, and experienced dog owners. Their protective instincts are strong, which makes them excellent guard dogs. But they are not ideal for homes with many other pets or other dogs.
They need ample living space and mental stimulation to avoid boredom.
While incredibly loyal, they are not overly affectionate. This is a breed for people who admire quiet power and ancient breed characteristics.
4. Irish Wolfhound
Graceful, calm, and sensitive dog.
The Irish Wolfhound is one of the tallest giant dog breeds in the world, yet one of the gentlest. Historically bred to hunt wolves, they are famous for their calm and loving presence and their ability to remain composed in most environments.
They move slowly, think deeply, and love completely. These dogs usually form strong emotional attachments and are deeply affected by the moods of their owners.
Irish Wolfhounds have a gentle nature and are fantastic family dogs with proper training and a protective nature. They need moderate exercise, like brisk walks and plenty of soft places to rest their massive bodies.
Health considerations and shorter life expectancy are realities here, too. Still, as loyal companions, they bring a quiet emotional depth that few other breeds can match.
5. Anatolian Shepherd
Serious, protective, and purpose-driven.
The Anatolian Shepherd is a giant dog made for responsibility. Originally bred to guard livestock, they are independent thinkers with a strong protective nature and a natural instinct to assess their surroundings completely.
They don’t look for approval. They look for threats. And the confidence of these Shepherd dogs comes from instinct rather than training alone.
This breed needs patient training and firm leadership. They are not ideal for apartment living or inexperienced owners, because, well… they are giant dogs.
Properly socialized, they can co-exist with other animals but prefer structure and clear expectations. Their confidence, strength, and protective nature are excellent for families seeking security, but only when proper training is the #1 priority.
6. Cane Corso
Athletic. Focused. Intensely bonded.
The Cane Corso is a powerful, large-breed dog with a commanding presence. Descended from ancient Roman war dogs, they are intelligent, alert, and deeply attached to their people. They are known for their ability to switch between a calm family companion and a serious protector when needed.
This is a dog that wants a job. Mental engagement is just as important as physical activity for this breed. ‘Affectionate but somewhat serious’ is how Britannica defines them.
Obedience training, early socialization, and positive reinforcement are non-negotiable. Cane Corso thrives with human attention and routines that give them a sense of purpose.
They can be great pets for active lifestyle families, but need confidence, leadership, and time. When trained nicely, they become loyal guard dogs with unmatched devotion.
7. Alaskan Malamute
Strong. Social. Widely expressive.
The Alaskan Malamute is a giant dog made for endurance. With webbed feet and thick coats, they were designed to pull heavy loads across frozen terrain. Their strength is matched by their playful and social personality.
They are one of the large dog breeds; powerful, emotionally expressive, and famous for their vocal nature and love of interaction.
FYI: Malamutes and Huskies look the same, but they are different dogs.
Malamutes need regular exercise, mental stimulation, and plenty of space to stay healthy. They do well with other dogs but need early socialization to manage their strength and energy.
Their grooming needs are high due to heavy shedding in the summer months. But their friendly nature and pack-oriented mindset make them wonderful family pets for active homes more than most other puppies.
Conclusion
Living with giant dogs is not easy.
They eat more food. Take up more space. Come with more health problems. And yes… they will absolutely take over your couch.
But they also offer something rare.
These incredible giant dog breeds bring loyalty, emotional intelligence, and a presence that changes how a home feels.
Other breeds in this giant dog category are: Bernese Mountain dog from the Swiss Alps, German Shepherd, French Mastiff, Saint Bernard, Neapolitan Mastiff, and just a tiny bit small dogs like Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever.
Picking from these giant dog breeds is truly a sizeable commitment. But, for the right families, it is one of the most meaningful decisions they will ever make.
