Some dog lovers live by the motto “the bigger, the better,” and fortunately, some massive breeds make wonderful companions for them.
Giant breeds come with plenty of positive traits. They may look a bit intimidating because of their size, but many are softies at heart. These big dogs make loyal companions and are very protective of their pack, and many of them make capable guard dogs.
When we think of large dogs, popular breeds like Great Danes and Mastiffs usually come to mind. However, some rare and lesser-known giants deserve the spotlight, too. They may be unfamiliar to many people, but they can make amazing family pets.
Here are nine overlooked giant dog breeds, a hidden gem list.
Top Overlooked Giant Dog Breeds: A Hidden Gem List
1. Pyrenean Mastiff
Pyrenean Mastiffs are rare giant dogs from Spain. They were originally bred as livestock guardians in the Pyrenees Mountains. Having a loyal, laid-back, and social personality, these canines thrive on having a job to do.
Despite their large size, Pyrenean Mastiffs are gentle and affectionate dogs. They make excellent pets for families with kids. These lazy pooches tend to be calm and require low-impact exercise to stay fit. Leisurely walks and hikes are a great way to burn off excess energy.
According to PetMD, Pyrenean Mastiffs have an independent streak. However, they love to please their humans and are always up for learning new tricks.
Pyrenean Mastiffs are aware of their size and can distinguish between a friend and a foe. They will alert their owners when strangers or animals come around. Their thick double coats require weekly brushing to look good.
2. Bucovina Shepherd Dog
Bucovina Shepherd Dogs are working dogs with a proud and imposing presence. Their large size and booming bark act as a major deterrent against potential threats. Being natural watchdogs, they are naturally suspicious of strangers.
Indigenous to northeastern Romania, these pooches are also named ‘Dulau’ or ‘Capau.’ They are considered a rare dog breed outside their native region. Bucovina Shepherd Dogs were originally bred to protect flocks of sheep and goats from predators like bears, wolves, and lynx.
These energetic dogs require at least an hour of vigorous exercise every day for physical and mental enrichment. Bucovina Shepherd Dogs make ideal companions for jogs, or hikes. These gentle giants are surprisingly playful and love being a part of family activities.
Bucovina Shepherd Dogs are impressively good guard dogs. Their stubborn nature makes them unsuitable for first-time dog owners.
3. Spanish Mastiff
Spanish Mastiffs are large dogs, characterized by their imposing stature and friendly nature. These intelligent, affectionate, and kind dogs possess powerful bodies. In the past, they used their physical prowess to protect sheep from wolves and other predators.
Originally bred as livestock guardians, Spanish Mastiffs are considered a rare breed in the United States. However, they are the national breed of their native region, Spain. In Spain, they are frequently employed as police and military dogs.
Their low-pitched, deep, and sonorous bark can be easily heard from a long distance, according to the American Kennel Club. Spanish Mastiffs are relatively calm dogs. But they still need regular exercise to promote physical and mental health.
Exercise can be offered in the form of indoor activities like fetching a ball or learning new tricks. You can also take them outside for swimming or hiking adventures.
4. Broholmer
Broholmers are large Mastiff-type dogs with a massive head and majestic appearance. Despite having strongly built and well-muscled bodies, they have a heart of gold. Easygoing and friendly, Broholmers truly fit the definition of gentle giants.
These loving, watchful, and friendly dogs originated in Denmark and make loving, friendly companions. Broholmers went almost extinct after World War II. Although a revival program was launched in 1982, the breed still remains rare outside its native region.
In the past, they were often nicknamed the ‘butcher’s dogs’ as they were often seen lying at the doorsteps of butcher shops. Thanks to their strong protective instincts, Broholmers make effective guardians and watchdogs.
Regular exercise is a must for physical and mental enrichment. Exercise needs can be met through activities like swimming, hiking, and retrieving balls. You can also engage them in canine sports like obedience and rally to burn excess energy.
5. Cão de Gado Transmontano
The Transmontano Mastiffs are the largest Portuguese dog breed and also one of the largest dog breeds in the Iberian Peninsula. These imposing canines were primarily bred as livestock guardians and are capable of working on rocky and woody terrains in the mountains.
Cão de Gado Transmontano are quite rare outside their region of origin, where 95% of the dogs still actively work as guardians. These giant dogs are docile, yet reserved. They never get aggressive, but are always alert and ready to protect their territory.
These calm and devoted canines tend to conserve their energy and watch. Since Transmontano Mastiffs were bred to make independent decisions, they may not be very easy to train.
However, early training and socialization are a must. Like all other dogs, they also respond well to positive reinforcement-based training methods.
Fun Fact: Transmontano Mastiffs are frequently employed by the Portuguese government in the Iberian wolf attack prevention programme. They are being actively placed as flock guardians in Montesinho Natural Park.
6. Caucasian Shepherd
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs, or Caucasian Ovcharkas, are large dogs that were initially developed as livestock guardians in the Caucasus region. These bold, fearless, and kind dogs used to protect flocks from predators like wolves and coyotes.
Caucasian Shepherds have retained their protective instincts to this day. In modern days, they make loving companions and reliable watchdogs. Caucasian Shepherds are naturally wary of strangers but deeply devoted to their humans.
They still remain a rare dog breed in North America, but are not impossible to find. Their large size makes them unsuitable for apartment life. Caucasian Shepherds are better suited for homes with large yards where they can easily roam and exercise.
7. Polish Tatra Sheepdog
Originally bred for herding, Polish Tatra Sheepdogs can be easily recognized by their snow-white coats, heavy bone, and muscular bodies. Having unmatched power and stamina, they make alert, intelligent, and natural protectors.
These dogs became almost extinct after World War II. The breed was revived under a preservation campaign, but is still considered rare outside its native region.
Polish Tatra Sheepdogs are active dogs who require an ample amount of exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation. Play and brain games can be a great way to enrich their minds and bodies. These gigantic dogs are known for their guarding instincts.
They have a keen sense of awareness, but are too gentle for their size. Polish Tatra Sheepdogs are calm towards their people and tend to be non-aggressive.
8. Central Asian Shepherd
Central Asian Shepherd Dogs, often known as Alabai, are powerful and large dogs. They are incredibly loyal to their humans, but are reserved towards strangers. These loving and courageous canines are used for protecting livestock, their people, and possessions.
Central Asian Shepherds are considered a rare dog breed in the United States. These hardworking dogs do not make clingy companions, but they don’t like to stay alone either. Alabai are known for their stamina, according to Purina.
They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay fit. You can take them for long walks or let them roam freely in a fenced yard. Central Asian Shepherds have a thick double coat which protects the breed from harsh climate conditions.
9. Rafeiro do Alentejo
Rafeiro do Alentejos are large dogs originating from Portugal. These Portuguese dogs are not commonly found, especially outside their native region. With proper training and early socialization, Rafeiro do Alentejos make wonderful family dogs.
Despite their large size, these dogs are known for their good manners. They are not very high-energy dogs and can get enough exercise by playing in a fenced yard and indoor activities like hide-and-seek. Rafeiro do Alentejos also enjoy hiking and retrieving balls.
Canine sports like agility, obedience, and rally can also be good ways to exercise their minds and bodies. Their short double coats require regular brushing to look good. These wonderful dogs are still rare outside Portugal.
Conclusion
While some giant dog breeds are quite popular, others are hidden gems. They do not lack anything in their personalities, but may be lesser known in certain parts of the world for several reasons. For instance, their number may have decreased during war, but were revived later.
These giant breeds often have an imposing appearance, but are softies at heart. They need regular exercise and mental enrichment to behave well. As with all breeds, proper training and early socialization are also a must.
