Imagine a dog so big it can rest its head on your dining table without trying—yet gentle enough to tiptoe around a toddler. Welcome to the world of giant breeds, where everything from their paws to their personalities comes in XL.
These massive canines may appear intimidating at first glance, but underneath those towering frames are some of the softest, most loving companions you’ll ever meet.
Giant dogs are typically defined by their height and weight, often surpassing 100 pounds. These are the kind of dogs that fill up your couch, your heart, and maybe even your bed if you’re not careful.
Despite their size, many of these breeds are known as “gentle giants” due to their calm demeanor and strong bond with their humans.
Sure, they’ll need more food and more space—but what they give in return is loyalty, protection, and lots of slobbery kisses. These dogs are perfect for families, especially those with a fenced yard and a love for cuddles that come in bulk. So, if you believe bigger is better, a big dog breed might just be your next oversized best friend.
Giant Dog Breeds
1. Anatolian Shepherd
Height: 29–32 inches
Weight: Up to 150 pounds
The Anatolian Shepherd dog is like the bouncer at a club—tough, no-nonsense, and quick to keep out intruders. Bred to protect livestock in the harsh terrain of Turkey, these large dogs were never meant to play fetch or do tricks—they’re all about business, and their business is security.
Though they may look intimidating, Anatolians are deeply loyal and surprisingly affectionate toward their people—just don’t expect them to climb into your lap.
These dogs are independent thinkers; they assess situations and make decisions without looking to their human for constant direction. Great for protecting a large property, not so great for apartment living or first-time dog owners.
When they bark, it’s not for attention—it’s a serious alert. And believe us, they mean it. This giant breed takes their job seriously, and if they decide something’s a threat, it’s already being handled.
Top Features
✔️ Massive and mighty—can guard your flock or your front porch
✔️ Independent and smart—thinks on their own terms
✔️ Devoted to their family, but not clingy
✔️ Bark comes with meaning—it’s always about protection
Fun Fact: Beneath all that muscle and guarding instinct, Anatolian Shepherds are known to be gentle with children and smaller animals once they know they’re “part of the pack.”
2. Scottish Deerhound
Height: 30–32 inches
Weight: 75–110 pounds
The Scottish Deerhound is like the Ferrari of the largest dog breeds—sleek, powerful, and built for speed.
Originally bred to hunt deer across the Scottish Highlands, this large dog breed combines the elegance of nobility with the athleticism of a track star. They’ve got long legs, a deep chest, and the kind of grace that makes you stop and stare.
But don’t let their regal appearance fool you—Deerhounds are total sweethearts. They’re gentle, affectionate, and almost comically devoted to their families. Sure, they’ll chase a squirrel at lightning speed, but back at home, they’ll be lying across your feet like an oversized throw rug.
These dogs do best in homes where they’re not left alone for too long. They’re known to be a little clingy, in the sweetest way, and prefer being with their people. And while they may look like warriors, they’re too friendly to be guard dogs.
Top Features
✔️ Lightning-fast runners with an elegant gait
✔️ Loving and loyal—superb family dogs
✔️ Friendly toward other dogs and even cats
✔️ Gentle and sensitive—great with kids and calm households
Fun Fact: Though they look like royal athletes, Scottish Deerhounds are also world-class nappers—don’t be surprised if your graceful hunter becomes a couch potato.
3. Great Pyrenees
Height: 25–32 inches
Weight: 85–115 pounds
The Great Pyrenees is a loyal dog that embodies both beauty and bravery. Known for their impressive size and fluffy white coats, these large dogs were originally bred to work alongside shepherds in the mountains of France, guarding livestock from predators like wolves and bears. But don’t let this majestic breed fool you—these dogs are all business when it comes to protection.
With their patience and independence, the Great Pyrenees is the ultimate guardian. They’ve been trained for centuries to act on their own when protecting herds, and this breed has no problem facing off with any threats. When danger arises, they’re fearless and will go to great lengths to defend their family and territory.
Despite their serious guardian role, they also have a gentle side, especially with their family. While they’re independent, they’re still affectionate and enjoy the company of their loved ones.
However, don’t expect them to constantly be up in your face—they’re more the type to sit nearby, always alert and watching, ready to step in if needed.
Top Features:
✔️ Protective instinct—nothing gets past them when it comes to guarding their home
✔️ Calm and patient—these dogs aren’t in a hurry to do anything, except protect their pack
✔️ Independent nature—comfortable working alone, but still loyal to family
✔️ Gentle with loved ones—they may be guardians, but they’ve got a soft spot for their people
Fun Fact: The Pyrenees has been known to sleep in a way that’s both protective and adorable—they’ll sleep with their paws outstretched and face pointed toward the entrance, always alert, even in their sleep.
4. Leonberger
Height: 25–31 inches
Weight: 90–170 pounds
The Leonberger is like the king of dogs, complete with a lion-like mane that makes it look like royalty. This breed is a combination of several other giant dog breeds, including the Newfoundland, Saint Bernard, and Great Pyrenees.
Originally developed as a companion dog for European royalty, it wasn’t until later that these majestic dogs became known as excellent working farm dogs. They’re not just pretty faces—they’re loyal, hardworking, and have a heart as big as their mane.
Whether they’re pulling carts or just chilling by your side, the Leonberger is as versatile as they come. While they may look regal, they’ve got a gentle nature and are affectionate with their families. Their sheer size and strength make them great watchdogs, but they’re as cuddly as they are protective.
However, be warned—these giant fluffballs are prone to joint problems and heart disease, so they might need a bit of extra care to keep them feeling their best. But with proper attention, the Leonberger will surely live up to their loyal reputation.
Top Features
✔️ A lion-like mane that’ll make you feel like royalty
✔️ Great working dog—don’t underestimate their versatility
✔️ Calm and affectionate, they’ll be your best friend and protector
✔️ Gentle giants—don’t let the size fool you, they’ve got hearts of gold
Fun Fact: The Leonberger’s size can make them seem intimidating, but they’re often referred to as the gentle giants of the dog world. They’ll guard your castle—and curl up on the couch to cuddle with you afterward.
5. Neapolitan Mastiff
Height: 24–31 inches
Weight: 110–150 pounds
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a giant with a history that dates back to ancient Rome. These powerful dogs were bred for protection, and their wrinkly skin and massive stature make them impossible to miss.
If you’re looking for a guard dog that can intimidate anyone, the Neapolitan Mastiff is your go-to. But don’t worry—they’re not all intimidation. Underneath that tough exterior, they’re loving and affectionate with their families.
Mastiffs are known for being deeply loving and affectionate with their families. Loyal and trusting, they form strong bonds and are devoted companions.
As per WebMD, Mastiffs are a low-energy breed that requires only moderate daily exercise. A gentle walk suits them well, but their slow pace makes them unsuitable for jogging.
Top Features
✔️ Powerful and protective—great guard dogs for your home
✔️ Affectionate with family—they might be giants, but they’re big softies at heart
✔️ A lot of drool—be ready with towels and lots of grooming sessions!
✔️ Low-key demeanor—they won’t be running around all day, but they’ll keep an eye on things
One thing to note—these dogs have a lot of extra skin and copious drool, so if you’re not a fan of cleaning up puddles of slobber, this might not be the breed for you. But if you’re up for the challenge, you’ll be rewarded with a loyal and protective companion who loves to chill with their family.
Fun Fact: The Neapolitan Mastiff’s wrinkles are so deep that they could probably hold an entire puddle of water. Seriously, stock up on towels if you’re going to have one of these drool machines in your home!
6. Newfoundland
Height: 26–28 inches
Weight: 100–150 pounds
If you’ve ever dreamed of having a dog that can perform heroic water rescues, look no further than the Newfoundland. This powerful breed is not only an excellent companion, but it’s also a natural swimmer.
With webbed feet and a water-resistant coat, Newfoundlands were originally bred to work alongside Canadian fishermen, pulling fishing nets out of icy waters and rescuing people who got caught in dangerous currents.
While they were once known for their work in the water, today the Newfoundland is equally loved for being a gentle giant and a great family dog.
They have a calm, laid-back demeanor, and they’re especially good with kids. But just because they’re gentle doesn’t mean they’re small—this dog can still intimidate with their size and strength, even if they’d rather just snuggle up on the couch.
Top Features
✔️ Natural swimmers—these dogs are made for water rescues
✔️ Gentle and friendly—great with kids and other pets
✔️ Loyal to their family—they’ll always be by your side
✔️ Big but calm—don’t expect a high-energy dog, they’re happy lounging around
Purina states that Newfoundlands are affectionate and love everyone, making them great family dogs. However, they can easily overheat in a centrally heated home and are known to drool.
Newfoundlands shed year-round, with heavier shedding during their biannual “coat blow.” While regular grooming is necessary to keep their coat healthy, extensive grooming or professional appointments aren’t usually required.
Fun Fact: Despite their size, Newfoundlands are known for their gentle demeanor—they’re sometimes referred to as “nature’s babysitters” because of how great they are with children.
7. Saint Bernard
Height: 26–30 inches
Weight: 120–180 pounds
The Saint Bernard is basically the snowplow of the dog world—massive, brave, and determined to get through whatever the Alps throw at it.
Originally bred in the Swiss Alps to locate and rescue travelers buried in avalanches, this dog has hero written all over its giant, slobbery face. And yes, they’re the ones from those old cartoons with the brandy barrel around their neck (spoiler: that part’s a myth—but don’t ruin the dream).
Saint Bernards are known for their calm and affectionate temperament, making them a great choice for families with young children. Their patient and gentle demeanor helps them thrive as loving family companions.
Despite their gentle nature, Saint Bernards aren’t overly excited by strangers. They’ll give a polite side-eye and keep it moving, making them decent watchdogs, though they’d rather nap through danger than sound the alarm.
Most Saint Bernards have a low prey drive and generally get along well with other animals, especially when properly socialized from an early age. While they’re not typically excessive barkers, they do tend to dig—a behavior that traces back to their history as search and rescue dogs.
Fair warning: they like to dig (blame the rescue instinct), so if your garden’s your pride and joy, you might want to Saint-proof it.
Top Features
✔️ Natural rescuers with a built-in GPS for finding people
✔️ Calm, composed, and gentle with kids (aka baby sitters in fur coats)
✔️ Great in cold weather—they basically thrive in snow
✔️ Occasional digger—your flower beds might suffer minor casualties
As per PetMD, Saint Bernards are known for their good temperament, but their large size makes them strong and potentially challenging to manage. That’s why early training and socialization are essential for raising a well-behaved Saint Bernard.
Fun Fact: A full-grown Saint Bernard can weigh as much as a small adult human. So if they decide to nap in your lap… just surrender.
8. Tibetan Mastiff
Height: 24–30 inches
Weight: 70–150 pounds
The Tibetan Mastiff is a mythic mountain beast that might’ve been carved from Himalayan stone. Originally bred to guard Tibetan monasteries, this tallest dog breed takes security VERY seriously. Think of them as your personal canine bouncer—but fluffier and much less likely to wear sunglasses at night.
While these majestic dogs are loyal and loving to their families, they don’t trust strangers easily. “Guard dog” isn’t a title—it’s their lifestyle. Tibetan Mastiffs are strong and agile, but their low stamina means they aren’t ideal jogging companions.
Independent and strong-willed, Tibetan Mastiffs are not for the faint of heart or first-time dog owners. But if you can earn their respect, you’ll have a watchdog who’s as regal as a Himalayan snow lord.
Top Features
✔️ Fiercely protective and loyal to their family
✔️ Thick, fluffy coats built for freezing temperatures
✔️ Naturally independent—don’t expect them to obey like a Lab
✔️ Low bark threshold… but when they bark, it’s like thunder
Tibetan Mastiffs tend to be laid-back indoors and often nap during the day, but they become more active at night. Generally quiet, they will bark to alert their family if something seems unusual.
Fun Fact: Tibetan Mastiffs are so legendary that one sold for $1.9 million in China—clearly, someone wanted the ultimate security system.
9. Bullmastiff
Height: 24–27 inches
Weight: 100–130 pounds
The Bullmastiff is what happens when a Bulldog and a Mastiff fall in love and decide to raise a noble protector of the night.
This breed was originally developed in the 19th century to guard English estates from poachers, earning them the nickname “gamekeeper’s night dog.” Silent, powerful, and fast, Bullmastiffs didn’t bark—they just handled business.
Today, they’re still all about protection, but with a surprisingly affectionate and biddable nature. Train them early, socialize them well, and you’ll have a loyal, well-mannered guardian who can melt into a cuddly puddle at home.
Just be aware—they’re prone to hip dysplasia and a rare heart condition called subaortic valvular stenosis, so responsible breeding is a must.
Top Features
✔️ Built-in security guard that barely makes a sound
✔️ Easy to train with early socialization
✔️ Loyal and devoted—one-person dogs in a family package
✔️ Minimal barking, maximum protection
Fun Fact: Despite their tough-guy rep, Bullmastiffs are giant softies with their humans—just don’t tell the burglars.
Conclusion
Giant dog breeds, like the Bernese Mountain Dog, Great Danes, Irish Wolfhound, and English Mastiffs, are known not only for their massive size but also for their loyal, sweet temperament and deep bond with their pet owners. These big dogs are often categorized as working dogs or livestock guardian breeds, developed over time to assist with herding, protection, and companionship.
Other notable examples of the largest dog breeds include the Black Russian Terrier, Italian Mastiff (Cane Corso), and Dogue de Bordeaux—each known for their strength, intelligence, and strong sense of duty. Despite their intimidating presence, many of these dogs get along well with smaller breeds, pups, and even small dogs, provided they are properly socialized.
These dogs thrive best when given enough exercise, mental stimulation, and regular visits to the vet to maintain a healthy life. Their size demands space and structure, and they do well in homes where their intelligent minds are engaged and they are treated as a vital part of the family. While they may be cautious with strangers, they are typically affectionate with those they trust. For any pet owner considering a giant dog breed, understanding their needs from puppyhood through adulthood is essential. Whether standing tall at the door or lying at your feet, a well-raised giant dog is a magnificent pet and lifelong companion.
