Think big… really big. Now imagine a dog that doesn’t just fill your doorway but also fills your life with unwavering devotion.
While most people instantly picture familiar, popular dogs, there’s a whole world of rare giant dogs quietly existing beyond the spotlight—dogs that are powerful, gentle, extremely loyal, and surprisingly affectionate.
Despite their massive size, many giant dogs are known for being calm indoors, emotionally intuitive, and incredibly bonded to their families. They’re the kind of dogs that will quietly sit beside you for hours, place themselves between you and perceived danger, and stay devoted for life.
But they’re not for everyone. Their size brings real responsibilities—from early training and socialization to managing health concerns like joint stress and bloat, a condition giant dogs are statistically more prone to due to their deep chests.
So if you’re curious about the giants of the dog world—the ones few people know about but never stop loving deeply—you’re in the right place. Let’s explore the ten most loyal dog breeds and uncover what makes them so extraordinary.
Key Takeaways
Meet giants like the Leonberger and Fila Brasileiro—big dogs with even bigger hearts.
Explore ancient breeds like the Irish Wolfhound and Estrela Mountain Dog.
See why Bloodhounds and Tibetan Mastiffs are loyalty legends.
Learn what it takes to care for these rare, gentle giants.
Top Rare Giant Dog Breeds With Unmatched Loyalty Traits
1. Neapolitan Mastiff
Few dogs make an impression quite like this ancient giant. With a massive frame, deeply wrinkled skin, and a serious expression, this breed was designed to look intimidating—and it works.
Originating in ancient Rome, these dogs were used as war dogs, guard dogs, and protectors of homes and land. Their appearance alone was often enough to scare off intruders, which is exactly what they were bred for.
Despite their fearsome look, they are calm, gentle, and fiercely loyal to their family. They are famously lazy and love long naps, often stretching out in sunny spots around the house.
Daily walks are still important to keep them healthy. Their short coat is easy to maintain, but their loose, wrinkled skin needs regular cleaning, especially around the face, to prevent infections and irritation.
Why does their loyalty stand out?
Naturally protective and alert around strangers
Extremely devoted to their family members
Gentle and affectionate with familiar children
Forms strong emotional bonds and dislikes being left alone
Consistent training and early socialization are essential due to their guarding instincts and powerful build. When raised properly, these rare giants become excellent family dogs who take their role as family protectors very seriously.
2. Scottish Deerhound
Graceful, ancient, and quietly devoted, this rare giant is often described as a larger, scruffier version of a Greyhound. Known as the “Royal Dog of Scotland,” as per the American Kennel Club, this breed dates back hundreds of years and was once favored by Scottish nobility.
Bred to hunt large deer across the rugged Highlands, it was admired for speed, stamina, and elegance. Today, it remains rare and is best known as a gentle giant with a noble presence.
At home, this dog is calm, easygoing, and incredibly relaxed. Long naps are a daily habit, so a big, comfortable sofa is a must. That said, they still need regular activity to stay healthy.
About an hour of daily exercise is ideal, including time to run freely in a secure area. Their sight-hound instincts remain strong, and they are capable of impressive bursts of speed when given space.
Why does their loyalty stand out?
Gentle and affectionate with family members
Patient and tolerant, especially with children
Forms deep emotional bonds at home
Enjoys both quiet indoor time and outdoor adventures
They are loving companions who thrive in spacious homes where they can stretch out and relax. While generally calm, they can be reserved around strangers or unfamiliar animals if not well socialized.
With the right environment, this rare giant offers a beautiful mix of dignity, affection, and loyal companionship.
3. Tibetan Mastiff
Powerful, ancient, and unmistakably majestic, the Tibetan Mastiff looks more like a lion than a typical dog. Originating in Tibet, this breed has a history that stretches back thousands of years, with written records dating as far as 1100 BCE.
Bred to guard homes, families, and livestock in the harsh Himalayan climate, this dog was shaped by extreme conditions to become a fearless and watchful protector. Its thick double coat makes it look even larger and allows it to thrive in cold, snowy environments.
At home, this giant is calm and surprisingly mellow, but always alert. Deeply loyal to its family, it forms strong bonds and takes its guarding role seriously. While affectionate with loved ones, it tends to be aloof and territorial with strangers.
Socialization can improve tolerance, but this is not a social butterfly—it prefers familiar spaces and routines. Its dense coat requires daily brushing to manage shedding, though interestingly, the coat is known to self-clean and lacks the strong “doggy” smell common in large breeds.
Why does their loyalty stand out?
Fiercely protective of family and territory
Deeply bonded and devoted to its people
Naturally watchful and intimidating without aggression
Intelligent and independent with strong instincts
This breed is strong-willed and does best with experienced owners who understand guardian dogs. It thrives in spacious properties rather than crowded neighborhoods. For the right home, this rare giant offers unmatched loyalty and ancient guardian instincts.
4. Bloodhound
Instantly recognizable by their droopy face, long ears, and soulful eyes, the Bloodhound is famous for having the best nose in the canine world.
Originally developed in Britain centuries ago and linked to the hounds of the St. Hubert monastery in Belgium, this breed earned the nickname “sleuth hound,” as mentioned by Britannica.
It can track people over miles of rough terrain and will not give up once it finds a scent. Despite their serious look, these dogs are affectionate, placid, and deeply loyal companions at home.
At home, they are gentle, patient, and great with children, as long as little hands are respectful of their ears. They thrive on human company and do best in family environments.
However, their powerful nose can lead them into trouble. A fenced yard and leash walks are essential, as recall is not their strength. Mental stimulation and scent-based activities help keep them happy and out of mischief. They are active dogs who enjoy long walks where they can sniff freely.
Why does their loyalty stand out?
Extremely devoted and affectionate with family
Gentle and tolerant with children
Thrives on companionship and bonding
Tireless and determined when given a task
They are easygoing but stubborn, slow to mature, and known for drooling generously. Grooming needs are minimal, though attention is needed for skin folds and eyes.
Health concerns like bloat can occur, so care and routine matter. Rare today and even considered endangered, this giant offers unwavering loyalty, endless cuddles, and a heart as big as its legendary nose.
5. Leonberger
Regal, powerful, and warm-hearted, this rare giant looks like a lion and loves like a family companion. Originating in Germany, the breed was officially registered in the mid-1800s, though similar dogs were documented centuries earlier.
Once used as farm dogs, cart pullers, and watchdogs, they nearly went extinct in the 20th century, as mentioned by PetMD. Today, they remain rare but admired for their strength, elegance, and calm confidence.
Despite their size, these dogs are gentle, intuitive, and deeply affectionate. They enjoy having a job to focus on, but are just as happy cuddling with their family and occupying most of the couch. They are patient with children, friendly with other pets, and known for their submissive and kind nature at home.
Their outgoing and obedient personality makes them a good choice for first-time owners who have enough space and time to commit. Their luxurious coat needs regular brushing, and they thrive best in homes with large, fenced yards.
Why does their loyalty stand out?
Deeply family-oriented and people-loving
Gentle, patient, and trustworthy with children
Intelligent and eager to please
Loyal companions who prefer being close to their humans
They are confident without being aggressive and playful without being overwhelming. Health concerns like joint and heart issues require responsible care. With a lifespan of around seven years, this rare giant makes every moment count, offering devotion, grace, and a truly big heart in a truly big body.
6. Black Russian Terrier
Don’t let the word terrier fool you—this rare giant is anything but small. Developed in Russia after World War II, this powerful working dog was bred specifically for the Russian Army.
Created by crossing several large, tough breeds, it was designed to guard, patrol, and work independently in extreme climates. With its heavy build, all-black coat, and confident presence, this dog was meant to look imposing—and it succeeds.
With family, this giant is deeply devoted, affectionate, and surprisingly gentle. It does especially well with children and enjoys being involved in daily family life. Around strangers, however, it tends to be reserved and watchful.
That natural suspicion comes from its guarded background. With proper socialization, it can learn to accept new people, but it will always be more loyal to its inner circle than eager to make friends.
Why does their loyalty stand out?
Extremely protective and family-focused
Courageous and confident without being reckless
Intelligent and eager to work or train
Gentle and patient with children
This breed is energetic and smart, so training should be consistent and mentally stimulating. Though calm at home, it needs regular activity to stay balanced.
Rare and relatively modern compared to other giants, this dog offers unwavering loyalty, strong protective instincts, and a serious commitment to protecting the people it loves.
7. Dogue de Bordeaux
Ancient, powerful, and deeply devoted, this rare giant is one of the oldest dog breeds to come out of France—older than the country itself. Also known as the French Mastiff, this breed was historically used to guard estates, protect farms, hunt large game, and watch over vineyards.
Its massive head, wrinkled face, and serious expression once made it an intimidating sight, but behind that tough exterior is a sensitive and affectionate companion.
At home, this dog is calm, loving, and happiest when close to its family. It enjoys long naps, cozy snuggles, and stretching out on a large dog bed. While affectionate and playful, it does have an independent and stubborn streak.
Training requires patience, consistency, and confidence from the start. Slobber is part of daily life with this breed, and regular cleaning of facial wrinkles is essential to prevent skin infections.
Why does their loyalty stand out?
Deeply affectionate nature and devoted to family
Naturally protective without being vicious
Gentle and playful with familiar children
Strong guarding instincts toward home and owners
They tend to be reserved around strangers and may show dog aggression if not properly socialized early. Powerful yet even-tempered, this rare giant thrives with experienced owners and makes a great family pet.
8. Irish Wolfhound
Graceful, towering, and deeply kind, this rare giant is often described as the tallest dog breed in the world. Originating in Ireland, it was once bred to hunt wolves and protect livestock, combining speed with immense strength.
After wolves disappeared and famine struck, the breed nearly vanished. Thanks to dedicated breeders, it was revived and preserved. Today, it is admired not for ferocity, but for its calm dignity and gentle heart.
Despite its impressive size, this dog is mellow, sensitive, and incredibly affectionate. It prefers being close to its people and calmly follows them from room to room. Training works best with positive reinforcement, as this breed responds poorly to harsh methods.
It enjoys moderate activity and needs space to stretch out, but it is just as happy relaxing quietly at home. Owners should be aware that this breed has a relatively short lifespan and is prone to serious health concerns, making each year especially precious.
Why does their loyalty stand out?
Exceptionally gentle and loving with family
Patient and tolerant, especially with children
Emotionally sensitive and deeply bonded to owners
Calm presence that stays close rather than guarding
Not a fierce watchdog, but an impressive deterrent by appearance alone, this rare giant is the definition of a “gentle giant.” Living with one is a big commitment, but for those who choose it, the reward is quiet devotion, steady companionship, and a bond that feels truly special.
9. Estrela Mountain Dog
Ancient, devoted, and deeply protective, this rare giant comes from the rugged Estrela Mountains of Portugal and is believed to be the oldest breed in the region.
Originally bred to guard flocks in harsh mountain terrain, this dog worked closely with shepherds, protecting livestock from predators and thieves.
Over centuries, it earned a reputation as a fearless guardian and an inseparable companion. Even today, it is valued for its loyalty and is still used in working roles, including service with Portuguese authorities.
At home, this dog is calm, affectionate, and strongly bonded to its family. It is especially known for its love of children and its gentle behavior with those it trusts. However, it often forms an especially deep bond with one favorite person, to whom it gives unmatched devotion.
While relaxed indoors, it still needs plenty of regular exercise and enjoys playtime. Its thick, wavy double coat requires consistent brushing, regular baths, and frequent nail trimming to stay healthy.
Why does their loyalty stand out?
Bonds for life with its family
Intensely devoted to one special person
Protective without unnecessary aggression
Brave, steady, and naturally watchful
Early socialization and training are essential, as this breed has a naturally dominant personality. With proper guidance, that dominance becomes confidence rather than aggression.
Distrustful of strangers but deeply loyal at home, this rare giant offers a level of devotion many owners describe as truly unforgettable.
10. Fila Brasileiro
The Fila Brasileiro is a giant, rare guard dog known for its muscular build and unique back profile—its rump is higher than its shoulders, giving it a distinct silhouette.
Originating on Brazilian farms over 400 years ago, this powerful and intelligent breed was used for guarding, cattle herding, and tracking dangerous game like jaguars.
It’s a fearless protector with an incredibly loyal heart and a reputation that earned it the saying, “Faithful as a Fila.”
This breed thrives in rural settings with plenty of space and is best suited to owners who value a devoted, steady companion over a social, city lifestyle. Filas are intensely loyal and protective, forming deep bonds with their families.
They are confident and courageous, yet gentle and docile with loved ones. However, proper socialization from an early age is critical to prevent overprotectiveness or aggression toward strangers.
Key traits that define the Fila Brasileiro
Fierce loyalty and devotion to family
Natural guarding instincts and fearless protection
Strong prey drive; can chase small animals and even children if unsupervised
Suspicious of strangers and overprotective without early socialization
The Fila Brasileiro is not for everyone, but for the right owner, it offers unmatched companionship and protection. It’s a dog of extremes—devoted and gentle with family, yet assertive and wary with outsiders—making it a truly unique giant among rare dog breeds.
Conclusion
These rare giant breeds bring something special to the table—whether it’s unmatched loyalty, gentle companionship, or powerful protection.
Their size and unique traits make them incredible family members, but they also come with specific needs like early socialization, plenty of space, and dedicated care. Understanding what makes each breed unique helps you choose the perfect giant companion that fits your lifestyle.
If you’re ready to open your heart and home to one of these majestic dogs, remember that patience, training, and love go a long way in building a strong bond.
These gentle giants may take up a lot of space, but the loyalty and warmth they offer more than fill it. Embrace the adventure of having a giant friend by your side—you won’t regret it.
Looking for more options? You can also check out other dogs, such as the Bernese Mountain Dog, German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Great Pyrenees, Saint Bernard, Anatolian Shepherd, and Great Dane.
