No other dog breed fills our home like a big dog. They are full of personality, accompany you everywhere, and even have big hearts.
No offence to small dog breeds, but large dogs have a unique presence. They make you feel like they are here.
But for some people, the list of giant dog breeds ends with the Golden Retriever and German Shepherd. They overlook many extraordinarily big dogs that have a lot to offer. Some of them are gentle giants, while others are loving companions.
So we decided to find out all those rare breeds that have something unique. Here are the top seven giant dogs with their temperament, personality, and grooming needs. Read this guide to know what you have been missing lately.
Magnificent, Overlooked Giant Dog Breeds to Discover
1. Leonberger
Leanberger is one of the rare breeds, with only 30,000 dogs throughout the world. Essig bred the Leonberger in Germany with the intention of producing a royal dog.
They are affectionately known as Leo and have a playful nature. Leo is famous for its lush triangular ears and black face mask among pet parents. That being said, they are protective, loyal, and such gentle giants.
They are sitting on the couch, but in a blink, they will be playing and showing you little tricks. Leo loves being around kids, and its protective nature makes it a perfect family dog. So if you are looking for a calm, big dog, then the Leonberger is the one.
These big doggies like to have a job, so make sure to engage them with puzzles, other pets, and swimming at home. Large dog breeds are prone to gaining weight, so take them out for exercise or long walks every day.
Leo have thick double coat that sheds a lot and requires daily brushing. They are generally sweet-tempered but just require a little upkeep.
2. Neapolitan Mastiff
Neapolitan Mastiff is also known as the “dog of the little man.” It is one of the gentle and watchful dog breeds that were bred to be an ugly dog to scare intruders.
These droopy dogs served as protective in wars and also as estate guards in Italy. They have tough looks, but they are one of the calmest and gentle big dogs. These wrinkly body dogs love being around their owners and are wary of strangers.
Neapolitan Mastiff is rare in the United States and only a few in Italy. They are not another large dog, but the one who acted the role of Hagrid’s dog (Fang) in your favourite Harry Potter Films as per PetMD.
These dogs shed a lot in spring and fall, but not much in routine. They require medium to high exercise to maintain their body weight and for mental stimulation. Neapolitan Mastiffs require daily cleaning under the skin folds to prevent skin infection, so don’t complain later on.
3. Scottish Deerhound
Scottish Deerhound is a polite and athletic dog breed with long legs and a wiry coat. These big dogs are gentle with their owners and kids. Scottish Deerhound is active but also loves to be a couch potato, depending on their mood.
An expert who has owned S. Deerhounds for almost 50 years said, and PetMD shared, “They seem to only have two speeds: sound asleep on the couch or streaking around the property!”
They are big and can be destructive if ignored and left at home. They require exercise for mental stimulation. Scottish Deerhound does not ask for much, but a few long walks and a safe place to run. These eager-to-please doggies are extremely loyal companions.
They are ot for everyone because of their hunting history. They chase moving objects and require early socialization and training. So pet them only ifyou are ready for commitment.
4. Tibetan Mastiff
You would have been expecting this massive dog breed, and it’s here. Tibetan Mastiff is a gentle, loving, but aloof large breed dog that is famous for its fluffy coat.
Honestly, it’s difficult to descirbe tibetam withou using muscular, strong, intimitading and huge terms. They have lion like mane and strong jaws. Many people go like “how”, “when”, or “is this real” when they see a Tibetan Mastiff.
This is one of the oldest dog breeds that is rare throughout the world. And this is the reason that it is expensive among all big dogs. You might be surprised, but a Tibetan Mastiff is sold for $5.3 million in China.
This big dog breed is known as “tied dog” as per the American Kennel Club (AKC). Don’t be scared by their size becuase its all fur. However, this giant dog does not shed but blows its undercoat to prepare for summer.
Tibetan Mastiffs love kids and their owner, but not strangers. This is the best giant dog breed for people who love furry but strong dogs.
5. Estrela Mountain Dog
Estrela Mountain Dog is a brave and great companion with a hooked tail and a black face mask. This giant breed has a guarding history in the Estrela Mountains of Portugal. And that’s what makes them a perfect family pet.
A dog owner shared with AKC about this big breed that “There is nothing compared to the love of an Estrela.” They are also known as a shepherd dog, and they are nice to small children.
Exercise is a MUST for Estrela for mental and physical stimulation. This rare breed has a short and long coat that sheds a bit but does not require much grooming.
Proper socialization at an early age can prevent the risk of destructive behaviour in these big pups. They bark a lot, even when your neighbour passes by for a walk, so you have to introduce people to them.
6. Pyrenean Mastiff
Pyrenean mastiff is famous for its calm and loyal traits among pet parents. They are courageous, gentle, and loving companions who don’t disturb at all.
They may look sad clown due to droopy face and downward brows, but they are chill in reality. The Pyrenean Mastiff enjoys taking place on your couch and heart also.
Unfortunately, this lovely pup is about to become extinct, with only 4,000 to 6,000 available throughout the world. They have been a pefect hunters and guardian in the past, and that’s why they are a bit protective when it comes to you.
They do not have high prey drive whihc is actually good for a home with kids. Pyrenean requires less exerise coampred to other big dogs.
7. Broholmer
Broholmer is a beautiful dog breed with a golden heart. This dog breed originated in Denmark have worked as a hunting and guard dog. They are the rarest dog breed in the US that was about to become extinct after World War II.
A Broholmer owner said that it’s “sweet as pie” and loves being around you. This big pup gives kisses to anyone they met and they drool a bit. Honestly, they are the kindest protective dogs one can own to guard their property and home.
These big breeds require daily exercise for 1 to 2 hours. They are super easy to train with positive reinforcement and some love. Broholmer has a short coat that is a blessing in disguise for those wth allergies.
Conclusion
We chase trends today and choose what hundreds of people already have. These overlooked giant dog breeds, being rare, have a unique charm. They are gentle, love kids, and guard your property. The baove mentioned big dogs are all perfect the way they are.
Some of them shed a lot while others don’t. A few are aloof, but others are sweet-tempered. So read the guide to find a giant breed that suits your space and needs.
