Giant dogs don’t just stand out because of their size — they impress with their sharp minds and big hearts, too. Behind those massive paws and majestic frames lies a surprising amount of intelligence and intuition.
Studies have shown that larger dogs tend to perform better in memory and self-control tests compared to smaller breeds, suggesting that big dogs may literally think on a grander scale!
These gentle giants were bred to work alongside humans — guarding property, pulling loads, or watching over livestock — and many still carry that same determination and drive today. With proper training and socialization, they can be calm, affectionate, and incredibly loyal companions.
If you’re drawn to large dog breeds that combine impressive strength with remarkable intelligence, you’re about to meet some of the world’s most extraordinary canine companions.
Key Takeaways
Discover nine of the largest and most intelligent giant dog breeds that prove brains and brawn can go hand in hand — from ancient guardians to modern-day family protectors.
Learn how these gentle giants balance their powerful instincts with calm, loving personalities that make them perfect companions for devoted dog lovers.
Find out what makes each breed unique — their working heritage, loyalty, trainability, and the kind of care and lifestyle they truly thrive in.
Get inspired to welcome a big-hearted, big-brained companion into your life and see why these majestic breeds are so much more than just their size.
Largest Giant Dog Breeds Known For Their Intelligence
1. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is a true symbol of strength and intelligence. Originally bred in Ireland for hunting wolves and large game, this powerful dog was once a companion to warriors, even used in battles to pull men from horses and chariots. Despite such a fierce past, the breed is now known for its calm, thoughtful nature and deep loyalty to its family.
Big, Bright, and Gentle
Beneath their towering height and rough coat lies a gentle and intelligent heart. Irish Wolfhounds are quick learners with a sensitive side — they respond best to positive reinforcement and kind training.
Their affectionate temperament makes them wonderful companions for families, especially those with children and other pets.
Key Traits:
Highly intelligent and quick to understand routines
Sensitive, loyal, and deeply affectionate
Needs regular exercise and mental stimulation
Prone to certain health issues like hip dysplasia and GDV
Known for their majestic, dignified presence
A Majestic Mind and Heart
The Irish Wolfhound combines size, strength, and smarts in a way few breeds can. They think before they act, read human emotions well, and form strong emotional bonds. With proper care and gentle guidance, they make loyal, intelligent companions who fill any home with quiet grace and love.
2. Great Dane
The Great Dane was created by crossing the English Mastiff and the Irish Wolfhound. Originally bred in Germany, these dogs were used by nobles to hunt large game like boars and to guard estates.
PetMD mentions that despite the name, the breed has no real link to Denmark — the “Dane” part remains a mystery. Over time, their role shifted from hunters to trusted family companions.
Calm, Loyal, and Clever
Known as one of the most recognizable giant breeds, the Great Dane combines strength with intelligence. They are alert guardians yet gentle and patient with those they love.
These dogs are friendly, outgoing, and loyal, making them wonderful additions to active families. Their calm and affectionate nature often surprises people who expect a dog of their size to be intimidating.
Key Traits:
Intelligent, loyal, and easy-going
Bred as both hunters and protectors
Gentle and friendly with family members
Needs regular exercise and space to move comfortably
Makes devoted guard dogs as well
A Truly Great Companion
The Great Dane’s impressive stature and kind heart have earned it a reputation as a “gentle giant.” They thrive on human companionship and respond well to positive, consistent training. With their mix of elegance, intelligence, and devotion, Great Danes stand tall — not just in size, but in spirit.
3. Anatolian Shepherd
The Anatolian Shepherd is one of the world’s oldest working breeds, with roots tracing back to around 2000 B.C. in Turkey. Originally bred to guard livestock and property, this powerful dog was valued for its courage and independence.
Even today, Anatolian Shepherds are still used in their homeland to protect flocks across vast, rugged terrain.
Strong, Smart, and Loyal
This breed is known for its intelligence, deep loyalty, and sweet temperament. Anatolian Shepherds are protective by nature and prefer to intimidate predators rather than attack.
They are calm but always alert, watching over their family or territory with quiet confidence. Because they were bred to think for themselves, they can be independent and sometimes reserved with strangers.
Key Traits:
The ancient Turkish breed is known for its guarding instincts
Intelligent, loyal, and highly protective
Responds best to patient, confident training
Needs early socialization to prevent over-guarding
Devoted to family, including children and other pets
A True Working Companion
The Anatolian Shepherd is both powerful and perceptive — a dog that thinks before acting. With early training and strong leadership, they become deeply devoted companions.
Their mix of intelligence, courage, and calm strength makes them one of the most respected guardian breeds in the world.
4. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog, often called the “Berner,” comes from the farms and pastures of Switzerland.
Originally bred as a drover, draft dog, and guardian, this sturdy worker helped move cattle, pull carts, and watch over property. Today, Berners are known less for farm work and more for their loyal companionship and easygoing nature.
Gentle, Smart, and Family-Oriented
Bernese Mountain Dogs are affectionate and sensitive, making them wonderful family pets. Their calm and confident temperament, along with their naturally friendly expressions, give them a softer presence than many other large breeds. They enjoy spending time outdoors and love being part of family activities, from hikes to playtime in the yard.
Key Traits:
Intelligent and eager to please
Affectionate, gentle, and loyal with all family members
Responds well to positive, reward-based training
A thick double coat needs regular brushing
Enjoys outdoor adventures and moderate exercise
A Beloved Gentle Giant
With their striking tri-colored coats and kind personalities, Bernese Mountain Dogs are true gentle giants. They thrive on human connection and do best when included in daily life. Calm, hardworking, and endlessly loving, the Berner is both a dependable worker and a devoted companion.
5. Black Russian Terrier
The Black Russian Terrier is one of the newer dog breeds, created after World War II in Russia. Developed by the Soviet government, this breed was designed to be a strong and intelligent working dog capable of performing police and military duties.
With its thick double coat and sturdy build, the Black Russian Terrier was made to handle harsh climates and demanding tasks.
Smart, Loyal, and Fearless
These dogs are known for their sharp minds and natural guarding instincts. They are protective and devoted to their families, but can be cautious with strangers.
While their name might suggest a smaller dog, these terriers are large, confident, and courageous. They are gentle with children and affectionate once they learn that guests aren’t a threat.
Key Traits:
Bred for military and police work in Russia
Intelligent, alert, and highly trainable
Loyal pets that are deeply protective of family
Needs consistent leadership and early socialization
Requires regular grooming and moderate exercise
Brains, Strength, and Heart
The Black Russian Terrier combines intelligence with impressive power. They think independently and thrive when given structure and purpose. With firm, patient training and proper care, this breed becomes a loyal, steady companion — a true guardian with both brains and heart.
6. Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is a powerful and confident working dog from Italy. Descended from ancient Roman guardian dogs, this breed was once used to protect homes, farms, and livestock. Known for their fearless and noble temperament, Cane Corsos remain devoted protectors and loyal companions today.
Smart, Loyal, and Athletic
These dogs are intelligent and quick to learn, always eager to please their owners. Their strong sense of loyalty makes them wonderful family dogs when trained and socialized early.
Despite their imposing appearance, Cane Corsos are affectionate and gentle with those they trust. They thrive on activity and need both mental and physical challenges to stay happy.
Key Traits:
Descended from ancient Roman guardian dogs
Intelligent, alert, and confident
Deeply loyal and protective of family
Needs consistent training and early socialization
Best suited for experienced dog owners
A True Italian Guardian
While not ideal for first-time owners, the Cane Corso is unmatched in devotion and courage. With proper guidance and enrichment, they become calm, reliable, and affectionate companions. Their intelligence and loyalty make them one of the most respected guardian breeds in the world.
7. Great Pyrenees
Named after the Pyrenees Mountains in southwestern Europe, the Great Pyrenees was bred to guard livestock and protect flocks from predators.
This majestic dog worked alongside shepherds, combining strength, patience, and courage. Even today, they remain loyal protectors, known for their calm and dependable nature.
Gentle Yet Strong-Willed
The Great Pyrenees is affectionate and devoted to its family, but can be reserved with strangers, as mentioned by Purina. Their independent streak comes from years of working alone in the mountains, making early socialization and training important.
Despite their peaceful personality, they’re quick to act if they sense danger and are incredibly protective of their loved ones.
Key Traits:
Bred to guard livestock in the Pyrenees Mountains
Intelligent, patient, and deeply loyal
Calm and gentle but strong-willed
Needs consistent training and early socialization
A thick double coat requires regular grooming
Faithful and Fearless
While they love to relax at home, the Great Pyrenees has a watchful spirit that never fades. They make excellent companions for families who appreciate their quiet confidence and protective instincts. Strong, intelligent, and endlessly loyal, this breed truly lives up to its majestic reputation.
8. Leonberger
Leonbergers, or “Leos,” hail from Germany and were named after the city of Leonberg. Originally bred as a companion for European royalty, the Leonberger later became known as a reliable farm and working dog.
According to AKC, this breed was created in the mid-1800s by combining three great working dogs — the Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, and Great Pyrenees.
Strong, Calm, and Intelligent
The Leonberger is a muscular yet gentle breed with a calm and affectionate temperament. Known for its lion-like mane and striking black mask, this dog is often called a “gentle giant.”
They are intelligent, eager to please, and enjoy having a job to do. Despite their large size, Leonbergers love being close to their families and are great with children.
Key Traits:
Bred from the Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, and the Great Pyrenees
Intelligent, affectionate, and eager to please
Calm and steady temperament; excellent family companion
Needs regular exercise and daily coat brushing
Prone to joint and heart issues; moderate lifespan
Loyal and Loving Companion
The Leonberger balances power and grace with a kind, loyal nature. They enjoy both hard work and family time, happily switching from pulling a cart to curling up on the couch. With their mix of intelligence, strength, and sweetness, Leonbergers truly live up to their royal heritage.
9. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland, affectionately called the “Newfie,” is a giant working breed known for its strength, intelligence, and gentle nature. Originally bred in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, these dogs worked alongside fishermen, pulling nets and rescuing people from icy waters.
Their thick, water-resistant coats and webbed paws make them natural swimmers and powerful water rescue dogs even today.
Gentle, Loyal, and Hardworking
Despite their impressive size and power, Newfoundlands are famous for their sweet and calm temperament. These friendly dogs are affectionate family companions who bond closely with their people.
Known for their patience, they’re especially gentle with small children. Newfies love swimming, outdoor adventures, and long naps after a day of activity.
Key Traits:
Bred in Newfoundland and Labrador as a water and rescue dog
Strong, intelligent, and eager to help
Calm, affectionate, and family-oriented
Excellent swimmers with webbed feet and water-repellent coats
Requires regular grooming and moderate daily exercise
A Loving and Noble Helper
The Newfoundland is a true symbol of loyalty and devotion. Whether working in the water or relaxing at home, they bring a sense of calm and affection to every environment. Their mix of intelligence, strength, and kindness makes them one of the most beloved and dependable giant breeds in the world.
Conclusion
Big dog breeds may look intimidating at first glance, but for true dog lovers, their calm energy and loyal hearts make them unforgettable companions. Many of these gentle giants still carry the natural instinct of their working ancestors, showing both intelligence and patience in everything they do.
Their patient nature and protective instincts make them wonderful family dogs as long as they’re taught good manners from an early age. While they may not always thrive in small spaces, these dogs need room to stretch, play, and enjoy long walks with their favorite humans.
Consistent training helps manage traits like a strong prey drive and boosts their overall trainability. With the right care, love, and early guidance, your puppy can grow into a confident, affectionate, and well-behaved companion that fills your home with both warmth and wonder.
Looking for more options? There are other dogs as well. These include the Dogue de Bordeaux, German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, Neapolitan Mastiff, Golden Retriever, Tibetan Mastiff, and French Mastiff.
