The American Kennel Club recognizes over 200 dog breeds. Some are small in size while others are large. Large dog breeds possess unique physical and behavioral traits. Their size and strength provide a sense of security and protection.
Sometimes, these dog breeds are misunderstood due to their intimidating appearance. Some of these pooches are overlooked. But regardless of their size and popularity, these canines are incredibly affectionate to their owners and form strong bonds with them.
Giant dog breeds need regular exercise and mental stimulation every day to stay happy and healthy. They also need proper training and socialization to turn into well-mannered pets. However, they have hearts of gold.
Have a look at these 7 unique and overlooked giant dog breeds for enthusiasts.
Unique and Overlooked Giant Dog Breeds for Enthusiasts
1. Neapolitan Mastiff
Neapolitan Mastiffs are giant and powerful dogs with an astounding appearance. This ancient dog breed can easily intimidate intruders. Neapolitan Mastiffs are wrinkly dogs who form very strong bonds with their family.
Relatively rare, these giant couch potatoes are content with naps in the sun and need their pet parents to take them on long walks. Neapolitan Mastiffs do not respond well to harsh training and thrive in a rewarding environment.
Neapolitan Mastiffs appear to be serious and watchful, but are highly affectionate, goofy, and silly with their humans. They can be very clumsy and seem to be unaware of their size and power, explains Purina.
Although they have a gentle nature, Neos are better suited for experienced owners who know how to handle a giant dog breed. They do well in homes with big yards.
2. Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are bold and fearless, having an imposing presence. Despite their large size, they have a docile nature. These gentle giants are incredibly loyal to their owners, but may not be very welcoming towards strangers.
Due to their strong protective instincts and territorial nature, Caucasian Shepherds make excellent guard dogs. Originally bred to guard livestock from large and small predators, it is a relatively rare dog breed, but not impossible to find in North America.
Also known as the Caucasian Ovcharka or Caucasian Sheepdog, these canines are intelligent and have an independent streak. Caucasian Shepherds are active outdoors but tend to be fairly quiet at home. They do best in households with large yards.
Caucasian Shepherds thrive in families who like daily walks, explains the American Kennel Club. These low-energy dogs have good endurance for walking and hiking.
3. Dogue de Bordeaux
This strong and muscular dog breed is known for its imposing size and physique. Despite their formidable appearance, Dogues have an affable and even-tempered nature. They act as true ‘gentle giants’ around their family.
Dogues de Bordeaux are loyal and devoted to their families and are naturally protective of them. Due to these traits, they make excellent guard dogs. To avoid overprotective behavior, you need to socialize your Dogue from an early age.
Proper training is also a must to prevent aggressive behavior. Dogues are sensitive and do not respond well to harsh training. They are intelligent, but have a stubborn streak, due to which they demand a firm handler.
Also known as French Mastiffs, Dogues de Bordeaux are moderately energetic for their size and need regular exercise to stay fit.
Do You Know? Dogue de Bordeaux made a charming appearance in a 1989 movie “Turner and Hooch,” starring Tom Hanks.
4. Scottish Deerhound
Having a rich history as a coursing dog, the Scottish Deerhound is the royal dog of Scotland. It was originally bred as a hunting dog and therefore has a courageous personality. Scottish Deerhound is one of the tallest dog breeds in the world.
These sensitive pooches are incredibly loyal to their owners and form strong bonds with them. It enables them to detect changes in their owners’ moods and emotions. Scotties have a strong desire to chase, so they should only be allowed to run in a fenced area.
These big dogs tend to be gentle around their loved ones, but need plenty of socialization to behave well with strangers. Scottish Deerhounds have a calm demeanor, and they tend to be more laid-back than many other breeds, explains PetMD.
Scottish Deerhounds are smart dogs who can learn new cues easily. But they also have an independent streak. Positive reinforcement-based training works best for them.
5. Irish Wolfhound
Another tallest dog breeds, the Irish Wolfhound, was originally bred as a big-game hunter. These dignified and eye-catching companions have a medium-length, wiry coat and a lanky yet muscular build. Irish Wolfhounds are true gentle giants.
Their personality is a unique blend of imposing stature and calm nature. Irish Wolfhounds have a friendly temperament despite being a large dog breed. They are highly affectionate to their owners and have an easygoing personality.
These quiet dogs form strong bonds with their owners and do not like being left alone for too long. Otherwise, they can suffer from separation anxiety. Irish Wolfhounds need plenty of space to exercise their large bodies.
At least an hour of physical activity is required every day to stay fit. They have minimal grooming needs and are well-suited for individuals suffering from allergies.
6. Spanish Mastiff
The Spanish Mastiff is a working dog breed from Spain, having a short and thick coat available in a variety of colors. These pooches were initially bred as guard dogs, and their enormous size acts as the first line of defense against potential dangers.
This unique canine is known for its confident, fearless, and steady demeanor. It tends to be highly protective of its people and its territory. Early obedience training and socialization are required to turn these giants into well-behaved pets.
Spanish Mastiffs exhibit a docile and calm nature around their loved ones, including children. They are not known to be anxious or fearful, but become alert when they sense a threat nearby. Plan to give your Spanish Mastiff an hour of exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation.
7. Estrela Mountain Dog
The Estrela Mountain Dog is an alert and brave large dog breed. Originally bred as livestock guardians, Estrela Mountain Dogs are known for their love for children and family. They are exceptionally affectionate and docile to their humans, but do not like strangers.
Estrela Mountain Dogs form deep bonds with their family and flock. Their high intelligence means they can be trained easily, but their large size and strength demand a firm and patient handler. Estrela Mountain Dogs are relatively calm, but can be quite playful with kids.
They need lots of space and freedom to roam and exercise, so they are not well-suited for apartment living. Activities like chasing a ball or teaching new tricks are a good way to channel their energy. Estrela Mountain Dogs excel in canine sports like agility, obedience, and rally.
Conclusion
Some unique dog breeds are valued by dog lovers due to their massive size and remarkable personalities. Large dog breeds usually have an imposing presence and muscular bodies, which can intimidate people.
However, they are real softies at heart. Incredibly loyal to their owners, these pooches have a protective nature and territorial instincts. They need regular exercise and proper training to turn into well-behaved pets.
