Everyone talks about trending breeds like Huskies and Golden Retrievers, but some true giants quietly steal the show. We’re talking about unique large dog breeds that often get overlooked, yet have so much to offer.
Sure, smaller dogs are adorable, but nothing fills a home quite like a gentle giant. These majestic companions aren’t just big in size; they bring personality, loyalty, and presence. They make devoted watchdogs, loving guardians, and unforgettable family members. Their exercise, grooming, and temperament needs are different, but that’s all part of their charm.
While large breed dogs may have shorter life spans than their smaller cousins, proper care ensures they live full, happy lives. Here are 9 of the rarest giant dog breeds you’re unlikely to see in your neighborhood, unique, striking, and guaranteed to make heads turn with every walk.
Unique and Rare Giant Dog Breeds: Meet Them Now
1. Tibetan Mastiff
It’s quite evident why Tibten Mastiff is on top of the list. The Tibetan Mastiff is a giant dog breed that stands almost equal to a man’s height. This giant breed is famous for its thick, fluffy coat, which makes it look even larger.
TMs were originally bred in Tibet and then served as guard dogs in the Himalayas. They are loyal, calm, and love being around their owners. Like many other guardians, TM is wary of strangers. These gentle giants are muscular, but lack endurance, so don’t expect them to accompany you in running.
Tibetan Mastiff is one of the oldest and quite rare dog breeds, so not everyone can have this unique pup. Apart from this, the New York Post reported that they are pretty expensive as TMs were sold for nearly $5.7 million recently, which is equal to getting a Rolls-Royce.
That being said, this giant breed has a soft undercoat and coarse upper coat, so they require daily brushing. They do not shed much but blow their coat once every year, so get ready for fur all over the couches.
2. Dogue de Bordeaux
You may know the Duge de Bordeaux as the Bodeaux Mastiff, French mastiff, or a dog from your favourite film, Turner & Hooch. This giant dog breed has short legs, a big head, and wrinkles on the face that look like a bulldog.
DDBD is a gentle, calm, and courageous dog that was bred to guard, herd, and hunt the large animals in France. So they were intentionally bred to be ugly to keep the predators and intruders away.
Dogue de Bordeaux are extremely loyal and loving companions at home and tough in the field. If you are a Netflix & chill person and also get ready for hiking in another second, then DDBD is for you.
They are muscular to accompany you, but also love lying on the couch after spending their energy on scratches and cuddles. That being said, this rare breed has a short coat, which is relatively low maintenance and requires weekly brushing to remove dead hairs.
3. Leonberger
Leonberger, as their name shows, was bred in Leonberg, Germany. They are gentle, calm, loyal, and supper afectionate dog with lion-like manes.
Leonberger is one of the tallest dog breeds, with a height of 31 inches. They have served in a search and rescue mission in World War II, and also have the potential to become the best therapy dogs.
With that being said, they are quite easy to train with an eager-to-please nature. Leo is such a sweet pup that does not ask for much but love and attention. But unfortunately, we are about to lose them as there are only 30,000 Leonbergers throughout the world, as per Vet Med. So yeah, they are quite rare.
These big dogs have a double coat that sheds a lot, especially during spring and fall. So they do require daily brushing to prevent matting and grooming sessions every 4 to 6 weeks.
4. Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhound is one of the tallest breed in the canine world according to the AKC. They are often called Irish dogs, big dogs of Ireland, and Greyhounds of Ireland.
This is a friendly and calm dog breed that demands nothing but affection from their favourites. IWs are muscular and used to hunt Irish wolves. And this is the reason that they have a strong prey drive, so make sure to train them at an early age.
That being said, there are an estimated 17,000 Irish Wolfhounds, which makes them one of the rare giant dogs. This large dog breed does not drool but sheds moderately throughout the year. They have a wiry coat that requires minimal grooming, but you can hand-strip loose hairs every 6 months.
5. Kangal
Kangal Shepherd is also known as the Turkish Kangal dog, as they are found in the Sivas-Kangal region of Turkey. They are hard to import from Turkey because the government considers them a national treasure. And this is the reason that they are rare in the US and quite expensive too.
Kangals are big dogs with muscular, sturdy body and the strongest bite force of 743 PSI. Honestly, they can remove the flesh and even break the bones of a person.
That being said, they worked as a livetsock guardian, and these characteristics make them best for families. Kangal is loyal to its owners but aloof toward strangers.
This dog is only for experienced pet parents and requires training at an early age. They have a short coat that requires weekly brushing to remove loose hairs.
6. Pyrenean Mastiff
Pyrenean Mastiff is one of the biggest dog breeds with a maximum height of 31 inches. They are calm, loyal, super friendly, and affectionate pups. These gentle giants used to guard livestock from bears and other predators.
Many pet parent say their Pyrenean Mastiff is lazy, but they get super active when they think you are in trouble. However, they do not bark much and are relatively calmer than other giant breeds.
That being said, Pyrenean Mastiffs are famous for their thick, fluffy double coat that moderately sheds and blows twice a year. But they have a self-cleaning coat, so bathing them after 3 months is enough. Plus, they are among the rarest dog breeds, with only 4,000 to 6,000 throughout the world.
7. Spanish Mastiff
Spanish Mastiffs have a kind, calm, and protective nature. This big dog was bred in Spain as a livestock guardian and used to protect 100 sheep at once. They are known for loose skin folds around the neck, a big head, and a muscular body.
Spanish Mastiffs have a very low-pitched but deep bark sound that is enough to keep the intruders away. They are wary of strangers to protect their owners.
Spanish Mastiffs have a short coat that moderately sheds throughout the year and heavily during shedding seasons. Plus, they are quite rare outside Spain.
8. Black Russian Terrier
This big dog does not need any introductions as their name reveals their black color and Russian origin. They are perfect guard dogs with a calm temperament. But just like many other protective dogs, they suspect strangers in the first meeting.
BTS is also rare outside Russia. That being said, Black Russian Terriers do not shed and have a wiry coat, so they require regular brushing to prevent matting.
Black Russian Terrier loves spending time with family, but make sure to train them well if you have kids at home. Plus, pet them only if you have enough space and time to take them for long walks.
9. Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Caucasian Shepherd Dog is also known as the Russian Bear Dog and the Caucasian Mountain Dog. They were bred to protect livestock, and that’s why they make the perfect guardians.
Caucasians are strong, muscular, and independent pups, so they like to be the only pet at home. They may look like a small fluffy pup, but expect them to grow from 23 to 30 inches tall.
They are quite calm but not patient enough with kids. Caucasian is rare in North America and Western Europe. Plus, they are only for experienced pet parents and shed a lot throughout the year.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned dog breeds are some of the rarest and tallest dogs that we often overlook. Every dog has different grooming, brushing, and exercise needs. They are perfect guardians for families, but not everyone suits first-time owners.
So, read the details to understand their personality and then opt for the one that you can train and take care of.
