From turning heads on the street to guarding hearts at home, giant dog breeds leave a lasting impression wherever they go. When it comes to having excellent adventure buddies and protectors, giant dog breeds are the preferred choice of many pet parents.
Commonly called “gentle giants,” these oversized breeds show that great size often comes with even greater sweetness. Though they may be imposing in stature, these remarkable tallest breeds are known for their tender hearts, relaxed nature, and deep devotion.
One notable fact about giant breeds is that they tend to age faster than smaller dogs. Their life span is just 6 to 10 years, which is approximately half of the small breeds.
In this article, we have discussed some of the rarest and most impressive giant dog breeds, their personalities, and the traits that set them apart.
Discover rare and impressive giant dog breeds to admire
1. Tibetan Mastiff
Tibetan Mastiffs have a strong territorial nature and were originally bred to protect livestock and monasteries in the Himalayas. Today, these majestic dogs still carry their strong protective instincts while also thriving as loyal family companions.
Once working dogs for herders, they are now considered a rare luxury breed—and hold the title of the world’s most expensive dog, as stated by CNBC.
Huge Size
They are unforgettable breeds with physical features resembling those of a lion and being heavier than a female black bear. With their lion-like mane, they look like a powerful breed. They are mostly kept as guardian dogs.
Pros and Cons
They are fiercely loyal and protective guardians, yet sociable with their families. Known for their independent and sometimes stubborn nature, they are also low-energy dogs who enjoy calm surroundings. One downside is their heavy drooling, which often comes with their huge build.
2. Spanish Mastiff
The Spanish Mastiff, one of the biggest dog breeds, is a reliable guard dog that was bred to guard livestock from predators like wolves and bears.
Calm Nature
It is an excellent family protector and remains calm most of the time, becoming alert mainly around strangers. Like many livestock guardian breeds, it has an independent nature and prefers observing its surroundings over engaging in active play. Somewhat aloof yet easy to care for, it fits well into a relaxed household.
Loyalty
Male Spanish Mastiffs often form stronger bonds with their families than females. While it tends to snore loudly and drool heavily, those who can look past these traits will be rewarded with a deeply loyal and devoted companion.
3. Akbash
The Akbash is a rare giant dog from Turkey, originally bred to protect livestock in open pastures. With their impressive size and commanding presence, these dogs naturally serve as devoted protectors, yet they can also become gentle and loyal family companions when given the right training and environment.
Exceptional Intelligence
Keep in mind that Akbash dogs were specifically bred to be alert and protective. They often worked independently, guarding flocks without direct human supervision and making their own decisions in the field.
These dogs are highly intelligent and fiercely independent. Early training and consistent socialization are crucial for helping these large dogs grow into well-balanced and confident family pets.
Barking Tendency
Because of these strong guarding instincts, they may bark frequently to warn of anything unusual. Hills Pet points out that their tendency to dig can also stem from practical behavior, such as creating a comfortable spot to stay warm in winter or cool in summer while on duty.
4. Boerboel
The Boerboel, often called the South African Mastiff, is a powerful and loyal dog breed originating from South Africa. Traditionally kept as a family guardian, this mastiff-type breed descends from crossbred mastiffs and bulldogs dating back to colonial times, giving it a rich history of protection and strength.
Distinct characteristics
At first glance, the Boerboel may resemble other mastiff breeds such as the Bullmastiff or Tosa Inu. However, its development in South Africa gave it distinctive traits that set it apart from other dogs.
This tall dog breed is well-muscled, with a broad and balanced body that emphasizes both depth and width rather than sharply defined musculature. Its broad build makes the Boerboel look strong, but it can cause joint problems, a common concern among large breeds. As Giant dogs are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia and bloat.
Highly Intelligent
The Boerboel is highly intelligent and discerning. Unlike many protective dogs, it evaluates threats before alerting or acting independently. Unlike many protective dogs that bark at every unfamiliar sound or movement, Boerboels carefully assess the situation.
5. Leonberger
The Leonberger is one of the biggest dog breeds and was bred in Germany as a versatile working dog and a great companion. It is a solid watchdog and was first developed as a companion dog for European royalty.
Patient Nature
The Leonberger is one of the oldest giant breeds, known for its gentle temperament and athletic stature. Despite their giant size, Leonbergers have a calm and gentle nature, making them excellent family companions. The Leonberger is one of the best choices for pet parents to choose.
Protective Tendencies
These adaptable dogs have a natural instinct to protect and help people, making them excellent family pets and service companions. According to PetMD, Leonbergers have an easygoing temperament and are both intelligent and trainable.
They enjoy having a task or purpose, but they’re just as happy relaxing at home. Above all, they thrive on affection and love, being closely connected to their family.
6. Black Russian Terrier
The Black Russian Terrier is a large, powerful, and highly intelligent breed, known for its loyalty and dominant personality. The Black Russian Terrier was developed by the Soviet government as a guardian dog during World War II.
Training Requirements
With regular grooming, this giant breed makes excellent, dependable companions—but they are not ideal for first-time dog owners without proper socialization and training. Early and consistent socialization helps them grow into confident dogs who are comfortable with new people, animals, and environments.
Reserved Nature
Black Russian Terriers may seem reserved around strangers, but they are deeply loyal and form strong bonds with their families. It is a calm, confident, and self-assured big breed that is highly trainable and able to work in a variety of climates.
7. Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Caucasian Shepherds, also known as Caucasian Ovcharkas, originate from Eastern Europe. They were originally bred in the Caucasus Mountains of Georgia to guard livestock and protect property from predators.
Territorial Guardians
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a rare, large dog breed known for its protective nature and loyalty to family. It was originally bred to protect livestock and guard estates. Highly territorial, they will defend their family fearlessly—even against bears or wolves.
Training Challenges
Intelligent, alert, protective, and calm, they can be challenging to train due to their independent nature, making them unsuitable for first-time owners. Without proper guidance, their natural wariness of strangers and other animals can sometimes lead to aggression.
8. Dogue de Bordeaux
The Mastiff, also known as the Old English Mastiff, is one of the largest dog breeds in the world, known for its low energy levels and loyalty. One of the ancient breeds, the Dogue de Bordeaux, is a suitable choice for many pet parents because of its loving and caring nature.
Loving Nature
When it comes to personality, this breed has so much to love. Despite their massive size and imposing appearance, these dogs are true softies at heart.
French Mastiffs are rarely aggressive and are often gentler than many other Mastiff breeds. They thrive on family time and are always eager to bring joy to the family members. That said, they do have a stubborn side, which can be challenging for first-time or inexperienced owners.
Structured Training
These dogs do best with a clear structure and a calm, confident handler. Even so, their loving and easygoing nature makes them a wonderful fit for many dog lovers—provided you’re prepared to keep up with their needs… and their drool!
9. Pyrenean Mastiff
The Pyrenean Mastiff is a rare giant breed that was originally developed to guard livestock in the Spanish Pyrenees Mountains. Calm, social, and deeply loyal, they still carry the strong work ethic and steady temperament shaped by their mountain heritage.
Loyal Working Dogs
Affectionate, alert, and adaptable, the Pyrenean Mastiff can be a wonderful and easygoing choice for families. While they appreciate space to roam, they’re happiest when they’re close to their favorite people.
Special Needs
Despite their thick double coat, Pyrenean Mastiffs are fairly easy to groom and usually need brushing only every couple of weeks. While they’re happy to join their owners on hikes or walks, they’re generally calm dogs and require less exercise than many high-energy breeds.
Conclusion
Giant dog breeds are truly remarkable, blending immense size with gentle hearts and strong loyalty. From skilled guardians to loving family companions, these rare breeds stand out for their devotion, intelligence, and protective instincts.
They are unforgettable additions to the right homes with early socialization, daily exercise, and proper care. Regular care is a basic instinct for big dogs to stay healthy, as sometimes they have a thick double coat too.
