Have you ever imagined sharing your life with a dog so large it almost seems like a gentle giant from a fairy tale?
While many people know Great Danes or Saint Bernards, there are rare giant dog breeds less known but great pets that bring unmatched loyalty, affection, and personality to the families lucky enough to have them.
These dogs aren’t just big dogs with imposing appearances—they are great companions with hearts as massive as their paws.
Interestingly, research shows that factors such as breed, owner, and social environment significantly affect the lifespan and quality of life of giant dogs. Proper care, including a balanced diet, exercise, and regular veterinary check-ups, can help these majestic dogs live longer, healthier, and happier lives.
In this guide, we’ll introduce seven of these rare dog breeds that are both giant and gentle, perfect for families who understand the joys and responsibilities of owning such extraordinary pets.
Rare Giant Dog Breeds: Lesser-Known but Great Pets
Here we go, one by one.
1. Neapolitan Mastiff
Ever wondered what it feels like to live with a dog that looks like it could be a gentle little dinosaur?
Meet the Neapolitan Mastiff, a giant dog with a heart as big as its paws!
The Neapolitan Mastiff is one of the most rare dog breeds in the world, originally bred in Italy to guard estates and families. PDSA notes that with massive bones, loose skin, and a commanding presence, it might seem intimidating at first.
But don’t let appearances fool you—these dogs are gentle giants, known for their calm, loyal, and protective nature. They thrive in homes where they receive love, attention, and consistent training from an early age.
Caring for a Neapolitan Mastiff requires understanding their unique needs. Their thick double coat needs regular grooming, and their large dog size means they eat more food than smaller breeds. They benefit from early training and socialization to ensure they behave well around children and strangers.
Despite being a massive working dog, they are affectionate with family members and can be excellent companions for the right household.
Fun Fact:
Did you know the Neapolitan Mastiff’s wrinkles are not just for show? Those folds were originally believed to help protect their face in fights while guarding estates.
2. Scottish Deerhound
Have you ever dreamed of having a dog that could run like the wind but still curl up beside you like a gentle friend?
Meet the Scottish Deerhound, a giant dog with elegance and heart in equal measure.
The Scottish Deerhound is a rare dog breed that has captured hearts for centuries. This large hunting breed, originating in Scotland, was bred to hunt deer and other large game. This breed combines power, speed, and grace.
Known for its tall, lean build and shaggy coat, the Deerhound is a true gentle giant. Despite its size, it is calm indoors and affectionate with family, making it one of the more approachable giant breeds for homes that have space for its exercise needs.
Caring for a Scottish Deerhound requires attention to both its physical and emotional needs. This large dog loves long walks and open spaces to stretch its legs, but it also thrives on companionship and interaction with humans.
While independent by nature, with early training and socialization, Deerhounds can coexist peacefully with children, other dogs, and even strangers. Their calm and loyal personality makes them excellent companions for families who appreciate a dog that is both powerful and gentle.
Fun Fact:
Did you know the American Kennel Club (AKC) says that the Scottish Deerhound is sometimes called the “Royal Dog of Scotland”? Nobles prized them for hunting deer, and they were considered a symbol of status and elegance.
3. Tibetan Mastiff
Ever wondered what it would be like to have a dog that could guard a mountain fortress yet still be your snuggly home companion?
Meet the Tibetan Mastiff, a giant dog with a lion-like presence and a surprisingly gentle heart.
GreenCross Vets says that the Tibetan Mastiff is a rare, large dog breed originally bred in the Himalayan mountains to protect livestock and property from predators. Known for its double coat and impressive size, this breed is truly one of the most majestic giant breeds in the world.
Despite their intimidating appearance, Tibetan Mastiffs are loyal and protective, forming strong bonds with family members and showing a remarkable gentle nature when properly socialized.
Owning a Tibetan Mastiff requires understanding their independent and protective instincts. This big dog benefits from early training and ample space to roam. They are intelligent, courageous, and make excellent companions for families who respect their space and provide consistent care.
While they may seem aloof with strangers, their loyalty and affectionate demeanor toward loved ones make them true gentle giants.
Fun Fact:
Did you know the Tibetan Mastiff was once considered a sacred dog in Tibet? Monks often kept them near monasteries to guard against predators and intruders.
4. Bloodhound
Ever met a dog with a nose so powerful it could probably sniff out a lost sock from a mile away?
That’s the Bloodhound, a giant dog with a talent for tracking and a heart full of loyalty.
The Bloodhound is a rare breed famous for its incredible sense of smell, historically bred to track game and assist humans in locating lost people. With its long, droopy ears and wrinkled skin, this dog may look comical at first glance, but it is a serious working dog with impressive stamina.
Beyond their tracking skills, Bloodhounds are affectionate, gentle, and devoted, making them ideal companions for families who appreciate patience and intelligence in a dog.
Owning a Bloodhound requires commitment to both mental and physical exercise. This breed needs plenty of walks and scent-based games to stay happy and healthy.
Their gentle nature makes them wonderful with children, though early training is essential to guide their strong-willed personalities. With the right care, these dogs can form deep bonds with their humans, proving that even the biggest noses belong to some of the most loving hearts.
Fun Fact:
Did you know Bloodhounds have been used by police and search-and-rescue teams for centuries? Their extraordinary scent-tracking ability is so reliable, it has even been accepted as evidence in courts.
5. Leonberger
What do you get when a dog looks like a lion but behaves like a gentle teddy bear?
Meet the Leonberger, a giant dog with a majestic appearance and an even bigger heart.
The Leonberger is a rare dog that was initially bred in Germany to work as a versatile farm dog, guarding livestock and assisting with drafts. Known for its lion-like mane, muscular build, and calm demeanor, this large breed is a perfect example of a gentle giant.
Despite its size, Leonbergers are affectionate, patient, and incredibly loyal, making them excellent companions for families who can give them space and care.
Owning a Leonberger requires dedication to grooming and exercise. Their double coat needs regular brushing to prevent matting, and their size means they consume a copious amount of food.
With early training and socialization, Leonbergers thrive around children and other pets, showing off their gentle and protective personality. These big dogs are not just imposing—they bring warmth, loyalty, and joy to any home
Fun Fact:
Did you know the Leonberger was named after the town of Leonberg, Germany, and was bred to resemble a lion as a symbol of strength and courage?
6. Black Russian Terrier
Looking for a dog that combines the power of a warrior with the heart of a loyal friend?
Meet the Black Russian Terrier, a giant dog that’s as brave as it is affectionate.
The Black Russian Terrier is a rare dog breed developed in Russia after World War II to serve as a versatile working dog, guarding military facilities and working alongside humans. With a thick, curly coat and massive bones, this big dog breed is both strong and agile.
Despite their imposing appearance, Black Russian Terriers are intelligent, stable, and display a gentle nature with family members, making them excellent companions for those who can meet their physical and mental exercise needs.
Caring for a Black Russian Terrier involves regular grooming to maintain its dense coat and consistent early training to manage its strength and protective instincts. These big dogs are loyal, courageous, and can be socialized to live peacefully with children and other pets.
When properly trained, they excel as working dogs and household companions, proving that size does not compromise affection.
Fun Fact:
Did you know the Black Russian Terrier is sometimes called the “Russian Bear Dog” because of its size, strength, and thick black coat?
7. Dogue de Bordeaux
Ever seen a dog whose face seems to carry centuries of wisdom and strength?
That’s the Dogue de Bordeaux, a giant dog with a commanding presence yet a heart full of love.
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a rare dog breed with a long history in France, bred to guard property and herd livestock. Known for its muscular build, massive bones, and characteristic wrinkled face, this large dog may look intimidating, but is incredibly loyal and affectionate with family members.
Dogues are famous for their calm demeanor, making them excellent gentle giants for homes that can accommodate their size. Owning a Dogue de Bordeaux requires attention to training, exercise, and nutrition.
These big dogs enjoy daily walks but are not overly energetic, making them ideal easygoing companions for families. With early training, they can live harmoniously with children, other pets, and even strangers.
Their strong protective instincts, combined with a loving personality, make them both reliable guardians and devoted companions.
Fun Fact:
Did you know that the Dogue de Bordeaux once served as a guard dog for French nobility? Their imposing presence and loyalty made them highly prized by estates and farms.
Conclusion
Exploring these rare giant dog breeds, lesser-known but great pets, shows that owning a giant or large dog breed isn’t just about size—it’s about love, loyalty, and companionship.
From the wrinkled yet affectionate Neapolitan Mastiff to the lion-like Leonberger, each of these big breeds brings a unique personality and charm to a home.
While they may have massive bones, require more food, or need early training, their gentle, protective, and intelligent nature makes them ideal companions for families willing to invest in their care.
These working dogs and farm dogs are not only excellent at protecting homes or livestock, but they also have even bigger hearts, showing affection toward kids, other pets, and humans alike.
With proper exercise, consistent training, and love, these gentle giants prove that big dogs can be easygoing companions, affectionate, and playful, making every moment with them a joy.
Whether you’re drawn to Neapolitan Mastiffs, Tibetan Mastiffs, or Dogue de Bordeaux, these rare dog breeds are living proof that size and kindness can coexist in perfect harmony.
