Have you ever wondered which rare giant dog breeds that are hard to find still exist in the world today?
These impressive dogs are not only massive in size but also unique in history and personality. A breed is considered “giant” when it often weighs over 100 pounds, and a rare breed is one that you won’t often spot walking through the neighborhood or playing at the park.
Many of the largest dog breeds were originally bred to guard flocks, hunt game, or protect families.
While some of the more popular dog breeds are easier to recognize, there are still many rare dog breeds that remain hidden gems among enthusiasts.
In this article, we’ll explore seven remarkable yet uncommon dogs—from ancient guardians of livestock to noble hunting companions. Though hard to track down, these gentle giants can make loyal, affectionate, and unforgettable furry friends for the right family.
Rare Giant Dog Breeds That Are Hard To Find
1. Boerboel
Ever wondered what it feels like to have a gentle giant who could protect your home better than a high-tech alarm system? Meet the Boerboel!
The Boerboel is one of the rare giant dog breeds that are hard to find, initially bred in South Africa to guard farms and protect families from predators like wild boar. These working dogs are not just powerful—they are incredibly loyal, intelligent, and loving fellows for the right family.
With their strong build, big bones, and calm personality, Boerboels can be both fierce protectors and friendly companions. Boerboels are known for being soft, meaning they are caring with kids and cautious with strangers.
Proper training is important, as these dogs are strong, courageous, and can be stubborn if not guided correctly. Despite their intimidating appearance, they enjoy being part of the family, walking together, playing, and simply enjoying life with their humans.
A Boerboel’s bite force is so strong that it was once considered a natural deterrent for wild predators, yet many of them love cuddles and belly rubs just as much!
2. Scottish Deerhound
Ever seen a dog that looks like it’s straight out of a medieval painting? That’s the Scottish Deerhound!
The Scottish Deerhound is one of the rare breeds with a noble history, once bred in Scotland to hunt wild boar and deer, showcasing impressive agility and tracking skills. These tall, lean, and muscular dogs are admired for their speed and grace.
Unlike many giant breeds, Deerhounds are gentle and calm, making them excellent companions for families who want a laid-back yet active furry companion. Their long, wiry coat not only gives them a regal look but also protects them from harsh weather while running in open fields.
Scottish Deerhounds are known for being intelligent, patient, and friendly with other breeds and children. They enjoy long walks and mild exercise, often excelling in athletic activities.
According to PetMD, while they have a strong hunting instinct, Deerhounds are usually gentle at home, showing the perfect balance between courage and calmness.
Fun Fact
Scottish Deerhounds can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, making them one of the fastest athletic dogs in the world!
3. Tibetan Mastiff
Imagine a dog so big and fluffy it looks like a living cloud—but don’t be fooled, it’s a fierce protector too!
The Tibetan Mastiff is one of the many lesser-known breeds, developed in the Himalayas to guard livestock and monasteries. These dogs are known for their impressive size, thick coat, and strong, muscular build.
Despite their intimidating appearance, Tibetan Mastiffs are highly intelligent and can be an amazing companion for families who understand their independent nature. Their large size and protective instincts make them excellent guard dogs, but they also enjoy spending quiet time with loved ones.
Tibetan Mastiffs are often calm at home but alert and courageous when protecting their family or property.
They are known for being loyal, brave, and somewhat stubborn, so early training and socialization are important. While they are less common in most countries, enthusiasts treasure them for their unique combination of beauty, strength, and gentle personality.
Fun Fact:
According to WebMD, Tibetan Mastiffs have a life expectancy of 10–12 years, which is quite long for such a large breed, making them loyal companions for many years.
4. Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Want a dog that could give even a bear second thoughts? Meet the Caucasian Shepherd Dog!
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is one of the rare dog breeds that are hard to find, initially bred in the Caucasus Mountains to guard livestock against predators like wolves and bears.
These mountain dogs are massive, with thick fur and a strong, muscular frame. Caucasian Shepherds have thick tails and large paws, helping them maintain balance in rough mountain terrain.
Despite their intimidating size, they are loyal and protective furry companion who can form deep bonds with their family. Their natural guarding instincts make them excellent livestock guardians for homes or farms, but they require experienced owners who can provide firm, consistent training.
Caucasian Shepherds are known for being courageous, intelligent, and independent. While they are reserved with strangers, they are affectionate and calm with children and trusted family members.
Because of their large size and protective instincts, they are best suited for owners who understand large dogs and can offer enough space for them to roam safely.
Fun Fact:
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog can weigh over 150 pounds, making it one of the heaviest giant dog breeds in the world!
5. Kangal
Ever met a dog that can protect a herd of sheep better than a flock of humans? That’s the Kangal!
The Kangal is one of the rare dog breeds that are hard to find, developed in Turkey as a livestock guardian. Known for their enormous strength, athletic build, and calm temperament, Kangals are excellent at protecting flocks from predators like wolves and bears.
Despite their powerful appearance, these dogs are gentle and great companions with the families they trust. Their loyalty, intelligence, and protective instincts make them one of the most respected large breeds in the world.
Kangals are highly trainable, though they need consistent guidance due to their independent nature. They are calm at home but alert and courageous flock guardians. These muscular dogs also enjoy exercise like long walks and running, making them both effective guardians and loving companions.
Fun Fact
Kangals hold the record for one of the strongest bite forces among all dog breeds, making it a truly formidable protector.
6. Komondor
Ever seen a dog that looks like a walking mop? That’s the Komondor, and it’s as impressive as it seems!
The Komondor is one of the rare dog breeds that are hard to find, bred in Hungary to protect livestock from predators. Its most striking feature is its long, corded coat, which acts like natural armor, keeping it safe from bites and harsh weather.
Despite its unusual appearance, the Komondor is a loyal and intelligent furry friend, forming strong bonds with its family. This large pup is protective, alert, and highly suited to guarding homes, farms, or flocks.
Komondors are calm with their family, but they remain vigilant against strangers. They require early training and socialization to balance their natural guarding instincts with gentle behavior at home.
While they are uncommon, their uniqueness and dedication make them highly prized among rare dog breeds enthusiasts.
7. Maremma Sheepdog
Want a dog that will watch over your flock like a true knight? Meet the Maremma Sheepdog!
The Maremma Sheepdog is one of the rarest breeds, bred in Italy to protect livestock from predators such as wolves and foxes. These large dogs have a thick white double coat, which shields them from rough weather and provides natural camouflage among sheep.
Maremmas are highly intelligent, independent, and devoted companions, making them excellent guard dogs while also forming strong bonds with their family. Maremma Sheepdogs are known for being calm, loyal, and gentle with children and other animals.
Their protective instincts are strong, so they excel at guarding livestock or property. While rare outside their native Italy, enthusiasts treasure them for their courage, loyalty, and serene personality. They are ideal for owners who want a calm but reliable giant companion.
Fun Fact
Maremma Sheepdogs often bond so closely with their flock that they sometimes act as if they are part of it, blending in perfectly with the sheep they guard!
Conclusion
Imagine walking into a yard and seeing a Boerboel lazily stretching in the sun, or spotting a Tibetan Mastiff lounging like a fluffy mountain lion—these are the kinds of sights you get with rare giant pup breeds that are hard to find.
Each of these pups has its own story: some were initially bred to guard farms, others to chase deer across the hills, but they all share one thing—heart.
Sure, their size can be intimidating at first, but give them a little love and attention, and these pups turn into playful, loyal furry friends who want to be part of your family.
Whether they’re keeping watch over livestock, patrolling your backyard, or curling up next to you on a quiet evening, these uncommon pups prove that being rare doesn’t mean being unfriendly. Adopting a pup from breeders or rescue can provide a rare giant dog with a loving family and a safe home.
For anyone ready to give time, training, and plenty of love and affection, bringing one of these amazing breeds into your life is like adding a four-legged legend to your everyday story.
