9 Awesome XL Dog Breeds that will Melt Your Heart

Have you ever heard the motto, “the bigger the better?” We think the same goes for dogs, too. Many large dog breeds are known for their affectionate and loyal nature. They have personalities as big as their size.

Some large dog breeds are incredibly active and agile, while others have calm and laid-back personalities. Whether you are looking for a hiking partner or a cuddly buddy to accompany you while watching Netflix, these massive dogs make excellent pets.

However, some large dogs need more space to roam, exercise, and stretch their legs. They might not be well-suited for apartment dwellers. Instead, they thrive in suburban or country homes with yards. Regular exercise and proper training help them channel their energy in a positive way.

Here are the top 9 awesome XL dog breeds with even bigger hearts.

Awesome XL Dog Breeds

1. Newfoundland

Breed Profile

• Height: 26 to 28 inches

• Weight: 100 to 150 pounds

• Life Expectancy: 9 to 10 years

Newfoundland is a large dog breed with a calm and gentle disposition. The males stand approximately 28 inches at the shoulder, whereas female Newfies can reach a height of 26 inches. These affectionate and hardworking fellows have a natural love for water.

Their webbed feet allow them to swim in water, and the thick double coat provides insulation. Newfie is a big boned, grizzly bear-looking retrieving breed hailing from Canada. The American Kennel Club describes them as devoted, patient, and sweet dogs.

Newfoundland is a low-energy dog that does not require extensive exercise for physical and mental stimulation. Newfies make good companions for long walks or hikes.

2. Kuvasz

Breed Profile

• Height: 26 to 30 inches

• Weight: 70 to 115 pounds

• Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

The Kuvasz is a big, fluffy dog breed hailing from Hungary. It is a giant dog with a thick double coat, strong build, and solid white fur. These loyal and even-tempered dogs were originally bred as livestock guardians but are now known as loyal companions.

Due to their large size, Kuvasz are well-suited for homes with yards instead of apartments. While the females stand up to 28 inches tall, Kuvasz males can reach 30 inches in height. Kuvasz are intelligent, determined, and courageous dogs known for their strong protective instincts.

It is an active working dog that requires daily activity for its physical and mental well-being. According to Purina, they need two hours of exercise every day. They love spending time with their owners. So you can use exercise as a way to bond with your dog!

3. Irish Wolfhound

Breed Profile

• Height: Over 30 inches

• Weight: 105 to 120 pounds

• Life Expectancy: 6 to 8 years

Irish Wolfhounds are one of the tallest canines that can stand up to 32 inches tall. Despite having an imposing stature, they are gentle, loving, and loyal. Originally bred as hunting dogs, Irish Wolfhounds are friendly and intelligent pups with a natural desire to please.

Irish Wolfhounds add an element of comfort and warmth to any household. They thrive in loving and sensitive families and require constant human companionship. They do not do well with a busy owner and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long.

Do You Know? Irish Wolfhounds are so big that a six months old puppy can weigh up to 100 pounds.

These moderate energy dogs need one to two hours of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy.

4. Cane Corso

Breed Profile

• Height: 24 to 26 inches

• Weight: 88 to 110 pounds

• Life Expectancy: 9 to 12 years

Cane Corso is a Latin word meaning “bodyguard dog.” It is another large dog breed that can scare away intruders with its muscular body, loud barks, and observant nature. Weighing around 100 pounds, Cane Corsos make excellent guard dogs.

Cane Corsos are confident and assertive dogs known for their loyalty, devotion, and protective instincts. They are generally aloof towards strangers but tend to form strong bonds with their families. These dogs must be well socialized and trained using positive reinforcement from an early age.

These quiet dogs are well-suited for pet parents with an active lifestyle. They need a good amount of exercise to maintain their muscular build.

5. Bernese Mountain Dog

Breed Profile

• Height: 23 to 27.5 inches

• Weight: 70 to 115 pounds

• Life Expectancy: 7 to 10 years

Weighing up to 115 pounds and standing up to 27.5 inches tall, Bernese Mountain dogs have a tricolored coat. They are hardworking, affectionate, and loyal fellows who make wonderful watchdogs. Berners have strong protective instincts, and they warm up with strangers through proper training.

As working dogs, Berners are highly energetic and need at least one hour of daily exercise divided into two or more sessions. They love kids and often play with them; however, they walk away if the play becomes too rambunctious.

Berners crave a lot of attention and may bark excessively. In the absence of daily exercise, they may exhibit destructive behaviors like chewing or digging.

6. Great Dane

Breed Profile

• Height: 28 to 32 inches

• Weight: 110 to 175 pounds

• Life Expectancy: 7 to 10 years

Great Danes are popular for their large size and calm demeanor. According to PetMD, these gentle giants can stand up to 32 inches tall and weigh up to 175 pounds. Affectionately called “the Apollo of dogs, these patient and good-natured canines get along well with kids.

These devoted companions are highly intelligent and easy to train. They can learn new commands in around 35 to 40 repetitions, which is quite impressive, considering their large size. Their imposing stature itself is enough to deter potential threats, but they are not aggressive.

Do You Know? The largest dog, named Zeus, was a Great Dane, having a height of 41 inches.

Great Danes are moderately playful and require ample space to play and exercise. They typically need long walks at least two times a day to stay fit and happy.

7. Leonberger

Breed Profile

• Height: 25.5 to 31.5 inches

• Weight: 90 to 170 pounds

• Life Expectancy: 7 years

Leonberger or Leo is a giant dog with a thick coat, a hardworking spirit, and a gentle nature. Hailing from Germany, Leos can stand up to 31.5 inches tall and weigh up to 170 pounds. These friendly and affectionate pups make excellent family pets.

Leos are the happiest when they are surrounded by the people they love. They are great with children and other pets, including dogs. They are playful but not unwilling to learn. Therefore, obedience training can take some time if you are dealing with a Leo.

They are well-suited for owners who can provide them a good deal of affection, space, exercise, and grooming.

8. Tibetan Mastiff

Breed Profile

• Height: Over 24 inches

• Weight: 70 to 150 pounds

• Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

One of the largest dog breeds on Earth, Tibetan Mastiffs are the dogs with a heart of gold. They are very protective of their owners but are laid back at home. Male Tibetan Mastiffs stand 26 inches at the shoulder and weigh more than 100 pounds.

Their thick double coat provides them with insulation against cold and forms a lion-like mane around their head. Tibetan Mastiffs are territorial dogs that are a bit wary of strangers. They have a strong sense of independence and are capable of making decisions on their own.

Well-trained Tibetan Mastiffs are known to be patient around children and other pets. However, they are not suitable for first-time owners.

9. Neapolitan Mastiff

Breed Profile

• Height: 24 to 31 inches

• Weight: 110 to 150 pounds

• Life Expectancy: 7 to 9 years

Neapolitan Mastiff is a giant working dog breed from Italy. Their short fur, muscular build, and floppy jowls make them easy to spot. Neos stand 31 inches and weigh up to 150 pounds.

They are the true gentle giants, very protective of their families.

They are smart dogs with immense love for their families. They like spending time with their owners and giving them slobbery kisses. Neos are a bit wary of strangers and make excellent guard dogs.

Conclusion

Large dogs usually look quite intimidating due to their massive size and make excellent watchdogs. However, they are quite gentle and affectionate, having a calm demeanor. If you are planning to adopt a large dog, one of the breeds mentioned in this article may be the right fit for you!