Most dogs stick to your side like Velcro, while some dogs will give you a glance, a tail wag, and then go mind their business. If you are drawn to large dog breeds but don’t want a pup that is constantly glued to you, good news.
These most independent large dog breeds can chill alone for a while, entertain themselves, and do not fall apart when you are not in the room.
The large dogs are not cold or distant. They are just self-sufficient. They were originally bred for jobs that needed an independent streak. So they still have that vibe. We have compiled some of the most independent huge dogs that do just fine on their own. Let’s meet them.
7 Most Independent Giant Dog Breeds
1. Akita

The Akita is a walking mountain of quiet confidence. This ancient breed was originally bred in Japan for guarding royalty and hunting wild boar.
According to PetMD, these big dogs were born to be independent, and that’s why they need regular training and proper socialization from an early age to be good boys.

Key Traits:
Incredibly self-reliant and alert
Not overly affectionate or needy
Think for themselves and prefer space
They don’t bark much, don’t beg for attention, and don’t care for clinginess. Akitas love their people, but they show it in their reserved way. For experienced dog owners who appreciate dignity and strength, Akitas are some of the best large dogs out there.
Just be warned!! These big dogs are not always fans of other dogs.
2. Irish Wolfhound

Their size might intimidate you, but Irish Wolfhound, though it may be among the biggest dog breeds (definitely the tallest breeds on AKC‘s list), but their personality is as calm as a Sunday morning. And yes, they are definitely on the independent side.

Key Traits:
Quiet and composed. Even a bit aloof.
Not so big on constant interaction
Comfortable doing their own thing
These gentle giants were originally bred to hunt wolves and guard homes. Yep, they were the hunting dogs. But nowadays, they are just some good family dogs. But their hunting background means thinking and acting solo is in their DNA.
These big dogs don’t mind hanging out with you. But they also don’t mind hanging out without you. If you want a large dog with chill and minimal drama energy, the Irish Wolfhound delivers.
3. Great Pyrenees

Here’s a dog that was built to roam rugged mountains, protecting livestock solo, being an excellent guardian, and making independent decisions on the fly. That’s the Great Pyrenees, and it shows. According to the AKC, they are immensely powerful dogs with a “zen-like calm”.

Key Traits:
Strong-willed and confident
Calm indoors and alert, and watchful
Naturally protective without being clingy
These mountain dogs tend to be beautiful, fluffy, and incredibly independent. They don’t need much from you other than regular exercise, a fenced yard, but a large yard, and the freedom to do their job, which mostly involves watching everything and judging quietly.
They love their families, are great family pets, but they don’t act like it is a full-time job to prove it.
4. Great Dane
Yes, the Great Dane. Despite being one of the biggest dogs on the planet (90cm in height), these large dogs can be surprisingly low-maintenance and surprisingly okay with alone time.
Great Danes can also be some of the oldest, as per the Great Dane Club. They must have been around since before 3000 BC in ancient Egypt. They will go on daily walks with you, but they also love to be curled up by the fire, immersed in their thoughts.
Key Traits:
Calm demeanor, even in tight spaces (although they are suitable for big properties)
Happy with a comfy couch and a view
Confident without being pushy or demanding
They are known for being affectionate but not in an overbearing way. They are just cool, calm, and well, enormous. They will follow your rhythm if that’s hanging out nearby or snoozing in another room.
So if you are an apartment dweller with enough room and enough exercise potential for a big dog that respects boundaries, the Great Dane might be it. The Great Dane is a big dog who is also well-suited for a family dog.
5. Tibetan Mastiff
If independence were a dog, it might just be a Tibetan Mastiff, a rare breed today. These working large dogs were bred to guard entire villages in the Himalayas with zero humans around. So yeah! They are those mountain dogs that have got the whole “I got this” attitude nailed down.
Key Traits:
Incredibly independent and stubborn
Not easily trained, and that’s the point.
Keeps watch but does not beg for attention
These dogs tend to do best in homes with experienced owners who understand their strong will. They don’t respond well to the same traits and training techniques as Golden Retrievers or Bernese Mountain dogs from the Swiss Alps.
These mountain dogs need structure, patience, and mutual respect, as noted by PDSA.
But give them that, and you have got one of the most impressive and self-sufficient large breeds around. One of the good companions. But be mindful of health problems such as Hip Dysplasia.
6. Alaskan Malamute
Beautiful? Yes. Independent? Very. The Alaskan Malamute is a strong, determined dog and was bred for serious solo work, like hauling sleds across snow for miles on end. These dogs are highly intelligent and strong-willed, which might lead to stubbornness. Naturally. But good training matters. Always!!
Key Traits:
Bred to work alone or with minimal direction
Strong, smart, and confident working dogs
Does not need constant praise or validation
These puppies do best with exercise and clear leadership. Otherwise, they will do whatever they feel like. They are the happiest when they are following a routine.
These working dogs love tasks, freedom, and their own space, sometimes more than they love being pet. Still, they bond strongly with their people because of the great companions that they are. Just in their own, strong, independent way.
7. Bullmastiff
That giant head and droopy face might fool you. But a Bullmastiff is no pushover. These dogs are calm, reserved, and were bred to guard estates by thinking for their own. And that mindset still runs deep.
Key Traits:
Quiet, steady, and even tempered
Does not need to be constantly entertained
Protective but not overly reactive or anxious
Bullmastiffs are the strong and silent type. They won’t jump so much with joy when you get home, but they will quietly take their place at your side (or across the hallway), content to just exist near you. They are not very clingy family dogs, but they are incredibly loyal. Also, these large dogs will love your small children.
Unlike other breeds like French Mastiffs or English Mastiffs, Bullmastiffs strike a unique balance between protector and peaceful observer.
Conclusion
So, not all dogs want to be the center of attention 24/7. Some come with a confident and big solo spirit, energy, and even bigger hearts. They think for themselves, entertain themselves, and are cool when you are out running errands or working late.
You can also explore some other options: rescue dogs like German Shepherds, Saint Bernards, Black Russian Terriers, Anatolian Shepherds, Giant Schnauzers, Dogue de Bordeaux, etc. All great pets and friendly dogs. But be mindful of their early training, grooming, and health issues like heart disease.
They need some love, but they don’t demand it around the clock. And hey, a little independence in a dog is a beautiful thing.