While bigger dogs can make us stop and gasp with their intimidating appearances and size, many large dog breeds tend to be surprisingly gentle and incredibly loyal pets. The pet parents of big dogs know that these gentle giants might need a bit more space than small dogs, but you’ll also have an unlimited place in their hearts.
Owning a bigger doggo can come with some unexpected responsibilities; providing them with a big yard where they can stretch their legs and making sure they’re getting enough exercise. Yet, many such dogs make wonderful walk partners, love to cuddle with you on the couch, and some even provide you with watchful company.
Not all giant breeds are built the same way when it comes to temperament, exercise needs, and energy levels; like all doggos, they also have different levels of these traits. Getting to know your dog’s individual needs and those specific to its breed should always be step one in being a pet owner.
If you’re ready to adopt a big dog and want to consider a slightly uncommon breed, this article will run you through 10 such amazing options.
Hidden Giant Dog Breeds With Unmatched Loyalty and Charm
1. Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Very huggable and magical in appearance, this fluffy giant dog is an independent and alert doggo with a protective nature, as per PetMD. A Caucasian Shepherd Dog might not be the best fit for first-time pet owners, but it can prove to be a loyal companion if you know how to handle it.
First things first, a Caucasian Shepherd dog needs ample space, preferably a big yard to house it, where it can roam around and exercise. As an independent livestock guardian breed, this pup might need proper obedience and socialization training at an early age.
Caucasian Shepherds can be overprotective and territorial, and might not open up to strangers easily (but this makes them wonderful guard dogs). They are all about being the only baby in the home; these doggos might not do so well with a home with other pets and little children who might try to roughhouse them.
Their thick double coat needs regular grooming, including bathing and brushing at least once or twice a week.
2. Spanish Mastiff
If you want a big doggo with an affectionate nature, the Spanish Mastiff is one of the best choices for you. Hailing from Spain, this charming dog is also quite smart and makes a fantastic family dog. This large-headed dog has marvelous protective instincts and has been used as a guard dog due to its ability to stay fearless when facing a threat.
This incredibly affectionate pup has a large head that gives it a distinct look, loads of droopy skin, and a medium-length coat that can stay healthy and clean with some weekly upkeep. The AKC calls its bark “raucous, low-pitched, and deep,” which can be heard from even a large distance.
This doggo’s history can be traced back to the Middle Ages, around more than 2000 years ago, when they worked as livestock herders. Now, Spanish Mastiffs aren’t commonly found outside Spain (where they became popular around the 10th century due to the popularization of farming).
3. Estrela Mountain Dog
The Estrela Mountain Dog is a beady-eyed, Portuguese Mastiff-type doggo, originally bred to work in the rough mountain regions. This “Cão de Serra da Estrela” is a brave dog that has protected livestock and worked alongside families tirelessly.
The Estrela Mountain Dog is one of the gentle giants that thrive as family pets and can get along with all family members, even children. This large breed has a goat-like coat that sheds minimally but still needs some regular combing and occasional bathing to stay clean.
These pups have a gentle nature and a tendency to bond closely with their human family members; they hate being separated from their owners. Despite their gentle spirit, Estrelas are large dogs that need enough space to roam around to stay healthy and content; they might not be the best fit for cramped living spaces.
4. Pyrenean Mastiff
The Pyrenean Mastiff is one of the ancient dog breeds, hailing from the northeastern regions of Spain. One of the best giant dogs, the Pyrenean Mastiff, is known for its affectionate temperament and calm demeanor. This dog’s hardy nature and eagerness to please come from its history as a working dog that has protected livestock from predators for ages.
Pyrenean Mastiffs come with a rare combination of affection, the ability to be playful with their humans, and sharp protective instincts. These dogs aren’t just wonderful and loyal companions for both kids and adults alike, but also stay alert and watchful. They are not heavy on the barking side but will alert you to anything unusual if needed.
As working dogs, they need a decent amount of daily exercise and are better suited for experienced owners with an active lifestyle. Activities like daily walks outdoors, playing fetch, and nose work will keep this pup happy and in good health.
5. Scottish Deerhound
Originally bred to chase wild deer, the Scottish Deerhound is one of the tallest dog breeds, also named as the “Royal Dog of Scotland”, as per the AKC. This shaggy-looking doggo has a gentle disposition and an elegant nature that make it a wonderful companion for its owners.
Scottish Deerhound is a highly energetic breed and deeply loyal to its owners. As a trainable doggo, it can perform amazingly in dog sports like obedience, agility, and tracking, etc. This deer hunting dog might try to chase smaller animals, so keeping it in a fence and on a leash when taking it out for a walk is recommended, as per Purina.
A fearless canine due to its hunting background, the Scottish Deerhound is a surprisingly loving dog with a gentle temperament when it comes to its family.
6. Boerboel
The Boerboel (or South African Mastiff) is a sturdy and droopy-faced dog originally bred as a protector aimed to work on farms in South Africa. Due to its longstanding history of working with humans, the Boerboel is undoubtedly a deeply devoted pet that thrives with experienced pet owners.
As a smart dog breed, the Boerboel needs regular mental stimulation, just like it appreciates daily exercise and play time. This doggo might look like it’s an easygoing breed, but it can be quite demanding and might touch a nerve with its owner due to its independent nature. Early socialization and obedience training can make this dog turn out to be well-rounded.
When they’re at home, Boerboels look quite calm and generally easygoing, and can live well with older children. They are also decent housemates for other dogs and cats, especially if they grow up together with them.
7. Dogue De Bordeaux
Dogue De Bordeaux is another Mastiff-type breed known for its incredibly gentle and loyal nature. An ancient French breed, this pup has worked with humans as a brave and dedicated guardian dog for ages.
This muscular dog belongs to one of the uncommon breeds and was used as a hunting dog in the Middle Ages. A wonderful, massive companion for families who know how to take care of it, the Dogue De Bordeaux can still live as a great guard dog.
These pups are well-suited for families with children, unless the children are small and can accidentally get hurt when around a huge dog. These doggos aren’t the best choice if you live in a small apartment, and will enjoy outdoor adventures like daily walks outdoors.
They have a moderate energy level and need some amount of daily exercise to stay at their best health.
Some other suitable activities for these mutts are agility, swimming, short hikes, and playing fetch. These big dogs are prone to orthopedic problems and breathing difficulty (as a brachycephalic breed). Be careful not to tire them out too much, especially in hot weather.
8. Leonberger
The Leonberger is a lush and long-haired dog from Germany, with a playful and patient temperament that makes it a wonderful family pet. If you have a big family who loves to stay active with their doggo, the Leonberger is a great dog for you, as it won’t mind socializing and deeply bonding with the whole family.
A graceful, gigantic breed, the Leonberger has a waterproof coat that makes it one of the swimming-friendly doggos.
Leons make sharp-minded and loyal watchdogs that won’t miss a single unusual activity in their environment.
Leons enjoy a variety of doggo activities, including agility, tracking, herding, and obedience training. These also make very apt rescue dogs, especially for water rescue missions. These sociable dogs make fantastic companions for active and outgoing owners who love to engage in different kinds of activities with their dogs.
9. Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds are wiry-coated, huge dogs originating from Ireland, and known as one of the tallest dog breeds. Despite their intimidating stature, Irish Wolfhounds tend to be very loyal to their pet parents and make even-tempered family dogs.
Originally used to hunt large game, Irish Wolfhounds almost caused the extinction of wolves in Ireland, and in turn, almost went extinct themselves after serving their purpose. Irish Wolfhounds were preserved in the 1800s and were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1897.
As pets, Irish Wolfhounds normally have an incredibly patient personality and can get along well with humans of all age groups, even children. They’re highly trainable doggos, and with early socialization and obedience training, can adjust wonderfully in the family life.
As large dogs, these pups need a lot of space to stretch their legs in and a moderate amount of daily exercise. Be wary of these sighthounds’ prey drive, as they can feel tempted to chase small animals at times.
10. Tibetan Mastiff
An amusing combination of fluffiness, size, and strength, Tibetan Mastiffs are a breed trained centuries ago to be capable guardians of land, as per WebMD. Due to those ancient instincts to guard, Tibetan Mastiffs are still loyal to the bone and reliable protectors when it comes to their human families and territory.
Ideal companions for pet parents who live in a cold climate, Tibetan Mastiffs have a thick double coat that tends to shed during summer or spring. These pups have an overly territorial nature and can get aggressive towards dogs of the same sex; it’s better to adopt dogs of another sex if you want to have multiple pets at home.
These powerful dogs also have a mind of their own and can act stubborn at times, though they’re also surprisingly good at learning. These doggos can adapt to living with kids and prove to be good-natured playmates if they have been given training for this purpose.
Conclusion
These majestic dogs can prove to be excellent companions for individuals and families, if they’re taken care of and well understood. Always make sure to check with a vet and nutritionist about what to feed your dog and how much exercise to arrange for them.
