There’s something unforgettable about sharing your life with a giant dog. Their impressive size may catch your attention first, but it’s their gentle nature, unwavering loyalty, and larger-than-life personalities that truly win people over.
If you have the space and the time to care for one, these gentle giants can become loving companions that fill your home with affection, fun, and unforgettable moments.
While many people immediately think of the same few well-known large dogs, there are plenty of overlooked giant breeds that deserve just as much attention.
Of course, bringing home a giant dog is a big commitment. They need more room to stretch out, larger portions at mealtime, and consistent training from an early age. But for the right owner, the rewards are just as big.
If you’re looking beyond the usual favorites, these amazing giant dog breeds might be the perfect addition to your family.
Key Takeaways
Discover rare giant dog breeds with big hearts, unique histories, and lovable personalities.
Meet gentle giants like Leonbergers, Scottish Deerhounds, and Broholmers that make amazing companions.
Explore loyal guardians like Pyrenean Mastiffs and Black Russian Terriers with impressive skills.
Learn what it takes to welcome a giant dog, from training and grooming to daily care needs.
Amazing Overlooked Giant Dog Breeds to Consider
1. Leonberger
Often called the “gentle lions,” Leonbergers were originally developed in Germany. These majestic dogs combine an impressive appearance with a soft, affectionate personality. They are deeply devoted to their families, love being included in daily life, and often forget just how big they are when it’s time to cuddle.
Why They Stand Out
Gentle, affectionate, and deeply loyal to their families
Naturally protective but calm and thoughtful rather than aggressive
Intelligent, playful, and sensitive to their owners’ emotions
Excellent with children, other dogs, and other pets when properly socialized
Strong swimmers with a natural love for water and a history of water rescue and cart pulling
Leonbergers thrive on routine, positive training, and regular socialization from an early age. They learn best through short, rewarding training sessions, though they can be stubborn and playful during adolescence as they begin testing boundaries.
Their thick double coat sheds heavily and needs frequent brushing, but it should never be shaved, as it helps regulate body temperature, as Omlet notes.
While they enjoy outdoor adventures, they don’t need excessive exercise. A daily walk and quality time with their family are usually enough to keep these gentle giants happy. Their lifespan is shorter than many smaller breeds, which is common among giant dogs.
2. Scottish Deerhound
Graceful, noble, and often overlooked, Scottish Deerhounds are gentle giants with a fascinating history. Originally bred to hunt deer across the Scottish Highlands, these athletic sighthounds are now treasured as calm and affectionate family companions.
Despite their impressive size and elegant appearance, they are happiest relaxing beside their favorite people and are often described as true couch potatoes once they reach adulthood.
Why They Stand Out
Gentle, loyal, and affectionate with their families
Calm and easygoing, especially as adults
Athletic dogs that enjoy daily exercise but also love long naps
Intelligent yet independent, responding best to patient, positive training
Low-maintenance wiry coat that needs weekly brushing and occasional baths
Scottish Deerhounds thrive with daily exercise, regular socialization, and owners who understand their independent nature. They form close bonds with their families but may be reserved around strangers at first.
Their strong prey drive means they should be supervised around smaller pets and kept on a leash or in a securely fenced area outdoors.
Puppies can be energetic and mischievous, but they usually mature into gentle, quiet companions that are easy to live with and happiest simply being close to the people they love.
3. Broholmer
Rare outside Denmark, Broholmers are gentle giants with a calm demeanor and a long history as loyal guardians. Originally used to protect estates, herd cattle, and hunt large game, they are now cherished as affectionate family companions.
Their powerful build may look intimidating, but beneath it is a friendly dog that loves spending time with its people and is happiest when included in family life.
Why They Stand Out
Calm, confident, and well-balanced temperament
Loyal, affectionate, and deeply devoted to their families
Naturally protective without being aggressive
Patient with children and generally friendly with other pets when well socialized
Intelligent, agile, and happy to join family activities like hiking, camping, and long walks
Broholmers need moderate daily exercise along with mental stimulation to stay happy. They are naturally watchful and may be reserved around strangers, but early socialization helps them become well-mannered companions.
These dogs need plenty of living space and are better suited to homes with yards than small apartments. Despite their impressive size, they have a gentle heart, enjoy cuddling, and love being close to their families whenever possible.
4. Pyrenean Mastiff
Pyrenean Mastiffs combine an impressive size with an incredibly affectionate nature. Originally bred in the Spanish Pyrenees to protect livestock from wolves and bears, these calm and noble dogs are now treasured as loyal family companions.
They are deeply devoted to their people and happiest when they have both human companionship and a purpose.
Why They Stand Out
Gentle, affectionate, and excellent with children and other pets
Brave, confident guardians without unnecessary aggression
Calm, intelligent, and naturally protective of their families
Low prey drive and strong instinct to protect both people and animals
Moderate exercise needs and a thick double coat that requires regular brushing
Pyrenean Mastiffs thrive with early socialization, consistent training, and plenty of time with their families. AKC says they are confident towards strangers and will alert their owners when something seems unusual, but they should learn to meet new people from a young age.
These gentle giants enjoy walks and outdoor adventures but are generally relaxed at home. They can become bored or develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods, so they do best with owners who can give them plenty of attention and companionship.
5. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, often called Swissies, are powerful working dogs with surprisingly gentle and affectionate personalities.
Once prized by Swiss farmers for pulling heavy carts and helping with daily farm work, they are now loyal family companions who love being close to their people. Although they have an impressive build, they are friendly, social, and always ready to join family activities.
Why They Stand Out
Loyal, affectionate, and deeply devoted to their families
Gentle with children and generally good with other pets when well socialized
Strong working heritage with excellent stamina and cart-pulling abilities
Friendly with visitors while still making reliable watchdogs
Short, easy-care coat that needs only regular brushing
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs thrive with positive training, proper socialization, and daily physical and mental activity. They can be a little stubborn, so patience and reward-based training work best. They enjoy walks, playtime, hiking, obedience training, and activities that give them a sense of purpose.
These dogs dislike being left alone for long periods and are happiest when surrounded by their families. While they may bark to alert you when someone approaches, they usually welcome guests once properly introduced.
6. Neapolitan Mastiff
Neapolitan Mastiffs are unforgettable giant dogs known for their loose wrinkles, powerful build, and unwavering loyalty. Originally used as war dogs in ancient Rome and later as estate guardians in Italy, they are now loving home companions who prefer relaxing with their families.
Despite their intimidating appearance, these gentle giants are affectionate, calm, and happiest when they can stay close to the people they love.
Why They Stand Out
Deeply loyal and devoted to their families
Excellent natural guardians who are watchful without being unnecessarily aggressive
Calm, gentle, and surprisingly affectionate at home
Low-energy adults that enjoy relaxing as much as short daily walks
Distinctive wrinkled appearance that has made them one of the most recognizable mastiff breeds
Neapolitan Mastiffs need early socialization, consistent positive training, and experienced owners who can patiently guide their independent nature. According to PetMD, they are naturally reserved around strangers but become affectionate and even goofy with the people they trust.
Daily exercise and mental stimulation help prevent weight gain, though they are generally content lounging around the house.
They can live with other pets if raised together, but their size requires supervision during play. And one thing every owner should expect—a Neapolitan Mastiff’s famous drool comes with the package.
7. Black Russian Terrier
Black Russian Terriers are powerful working dogs with a calm, confident nature and unwavering loyalty. Developed in Russia as versatile working dogs, they were bred to be intelligent, dependable, and capable of handling demanding tasks.
Despite their name, they are not true terriers. At home, they are affectionate companions who form incredibly strong bonds with their families and often want to stay by their owners’ side.
Why They Stand Out
Calm, confident, and highly intelligent working dogs
Deeply loyal and affectionate with their families
Excellent watchdogs that stay alert without excessive barking
Thrive in activities like obedience, agility, and other training challenges
Dense, low-shedding coat that needs regular grooming to prevent mats
Black Russian Terriers need daily exercise, mental stimulation, and consistent positive training to stay happy. They are naturally reserved around strangers, making early socialization essential from puppyhood.
These dogs love having a job to do and can become bored or destructive if left without enough activity. They also dislike being alone for long periods and are happiest when they can spend time with their families.
Conclusion
Giant dogs may be known for their impressive size, but the breeds on this list prove there’s so much more to them than meets the eye. From loyal guardians and hardworking companions to gentle family pets, these overlooked giants each bring something unique.
The right choice depends on your lifestyle, living space, and the time you can dedicate to training, grooming, and daily care.
If you’re ready to welcome a big dog into your life, don’t overlook these remarkable breeds. Take the time to learn about their personalities, needs, and history before making your decision.
You might just discover that your perfect companion isn’t the most famous giant breed—it’s one of these hidden gems waiting to find the right home.
