When most people think of big dogs, their minds immediately go to the usual suspects.
You know… Great Danes, Saint Bernard, maybe even German Shepherds or Bernese Mountain dogs. And sure, those breeds are absolutely incredible.
But, the dog world is massive.
And most of the amazing giant dog breeds are hidden gems that pet parents have never even heard f.
We are talking about dogs so rare, so stunning and so impressively loyal that they deserve way more attention than they get. These gentle giants are not just big. They are special.
And today, we are shining a spotlight on seven of them.
So, BUCKLE UP!! Because you are about to meet some seriously cool dogs.
Amazing Giant Dog Breeds: A Hidden Gem List
1. Caucasian Shepherd Dog
The Caucasian Shepherd dog is one of those dog breeds that will make you do a double-take. This giant dog breed was originally bred in the Caucasian mountains to protect sheep from predators like wolves and bears. Yes, bears!!
So, yeah.. these dogs don’t mess around when it comes to guarding.
As per American Kennel Club (AKC), these dogs are confident, fearless and devoted guardians. They have a thick double coat that keeps them warm in harsh climates and their appearance alone makes strangers think twice about approaching your property.
Despite their intimidating size and protective nature, they can be incredibly affectionate with their loved ones. These large dogs are gentle, sweet with children they know and really calm indoors.
However, they are not for first time pet parents. These dogs need experienced owners who understand how to handle a giant dog with strong guarding instincts. They also need space. Lots of it.
Apartment living in not ideal. Big yard is PERFECT!!
Life expectancy is around 10-12 years and with proper training, they become some of the most loyal companions you could ever ask for.
2. Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the French Mastiff, is one of those giant dog breeds that looks tough but has a heart of pure gold. These dogs are massive with a short coat, a stocky build and those soulful eyes that just melt you.
They were originally bred in France for guarding estates and hunting large game and their strength is… well, legendary.
Don’t let that intimidate you. These dogs are incredibly loyal and gentle for their family.
Dogue de Bordeaux are affectionate, even tempered and laid-back dogs, as noted by PDSA. They love lounging around the house, being close to their humans and soaking up all the attention they can get.
Basically, they are giant teddy bears who happen to weigh over 100 pounds.
They are excellent family pets when raised with children and they are famous for a patient and gentle nature. They are not overly energetic so, daily exercise like a couple of walks is enough for them.
But, they can be stubborn dogs, keep that in mind. Training needs consistent, patience and a confident owner. And because of their size, early training is super important.
Their life expectancy is around 5-8 years, which is on the shorter side for dogs. But the time you get with them is worth it.
Also, FAIR WARNING! They drool. A lot.
3. Scottish Deerhound
The Scottish Deerhound is one of the rarest dog breeds on this list, and honestly, that is a crime!
These dogs are stunning!
With their wiry coat, long legs and graceful appearance, they look like they came out of a painting.
They were bred in Scotland for hunting small game like deer which explains their incredible speed and stamina and athletic build. But despite having a long history as hunting dogs, they are one of the most gentle, smart and affectionate giant dog breeds you will ever meet.
This Hound dog breed is calm and quiet, not aggressive at all, nor overly protective. They are just sweet and easygoing companions who love being around their people.
Famous for their gentle disposition, they are playful when they want to be, but most of the time, they are perfectly happy just chilling on the couch with you.
They do need regular exercise, like long walks or a chance to run in safely enclosed spaces… because they still have that hunting instinct. Their life expectancy is around 8-11 years and they are generally healthy dogs overall.
As long as they have space to stretch out, they are good!! They are also great with kids and other pets.
4. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is literally one of the tallest dog breeds in the world. These dogs can stand over 32 inches tall at the shoulder, and when they are up on their hind legs, forget about it.
You are looking at a dog that is taller than most humans!
But, despite all that towering size, they are known to be the gentle giants. They are incredibly friendly, affectionate and calm for such a big dog.
Irish Wolfhounds were bred to hunt wolves and elk in Ireland which needed serious stamina and courage. But, today, they are more likely to be found napping on your bed or following you around the house.
They are sweet-tempered, patient and loyal dogs for their family. They are great with children, other dogs and even other animals. Basically, gentle like giant pandas.
They do need regular exercise to stay healthy. But, they are not overly energetic. They are more of a “slow and steady” kind of breed.
One thing to keep in mind: their life expectancy is around 6-8 years. Yes, they are one of the dogs with short lifespans. And because of their size, they need more space than your average dog.
5. Spanish Mastiff
The Spanish Mastiff is one of those giant dogs that most people have never even heard of. And, that is a shame! These dogs are incredibly guardians, incredibly loyal and real gentle when they are with the family.
This is a large dog, bred in Spain to protect livestock from wolves and other predators. So, their guarding instincts are strong. But unlike some protective breeds, they are not aggressive, they are just confident and watchful.
This Mastiff-type dog breed is calm, intelligent and devoted to their family. They are not the type to bark constantly or act overly dramatic. They are more of the “quietly observing everything” type, and they only step in when they feel something is actually wrong.
Breeders say these dogs are excellent family pets for the right house. They are gentle with children, patient and affectionate with the people they love.
They have a thick double coat that sheds seasonally. And, they are built to handle rough terrain and harsh weather.
These large dogs do need daily exercise, but they are not hyper. A couple of good walks and some mental exercise keep their mind sharp. And they definitely need space. They are not apartment dogs.
6. Estrela Mountain Dog
The Estrela Mountain Dog, again, is one of the rarest dog breeds and people outside of Portugal have never even heard of them.
But this breed is a hidden gem in every sense.
These dogs were bred in the Estrela Mountains of Portugal to guard flocks of sheep and protect farms from predators. They are strong and really protective of their family.
Estrela Mountain Dogs are intelligent, devoted and affectionate dogs for their loved ones. PetMD mentions they are not aggressive but they are naturally wary of strangers, which makes them excellent guardians.
They have a long thick coat (though some may have the short coat variation) and their look is elegant and powerful. They are built for endurance and they can handle tough terrain and cold weather like champs.
They are calm indoors and playful outdoors and they need regular exercise. Long walks, hikes or time to roam in a secure area. And, yes, they are not suited for apartment life or city living. They need room to roam.
Like all giant breeds, they need proper nutrition, regular vet checkups and joint care as they age.
7. Kangal
The Kangal is a giant dog breed that originates from Turkey where they have been used for centuries to protect livestock from predators like wolves, jackals and even bears. These dogs are powerful, confident and fearless when it comes to guarding.
After all, they are one of the dogs with strongest bite force.
As per Dogster, their bite force is a WHOOPING 743 PSI!!
But even with such intimidating presence, these dogs are gentle and affectionate with the family. They are not aggressive for no reason. They assess situations carefully, and they only act when they feel their family or territory is genuinely threatened.
They are famous for their loyalty, courage, gentle nature, patience, sweetness and their tendency to form strong bonds with family.
They do need daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy. They are not couch potatoes, they like having a job to do, even if that job is just “watching over the house”.
They need space, they need structure and they need an experienced owner who understands their guarding instincts.
Conclusion
Some of the best dogs in the world are the ones people have never heard of.
These amazing giant dog breeds are hidden gems, rare, loyal and incredible in every way. Be it the Kangal or Wolfhound or giants with webbed feet like Newfoundland or six toes like the Norwegian Lundehund, each of these breeds have something unique and rare.
Other giant breeds like Tibetan Mastiffs, Neapolitan Mastiffs and even the lovable Saint Bernard are also worth exploring if you are drawn to large dogs with incredible personalities.
They are big, we get that! They need space, they need exercise and they definitely need the right owner.
But if you have the room, the experience and the heart for a giant dog, these dog breeds are worth every bit of effort.
