Giant dog breeds, especially those rarely seen, have always captured the admiration of pet parents and dog enthusiasts alike. Beyond their impressive size, these uncommon dog breeds stand out for their gentle nature, intelligence, and loyal companionship
Large dogs can make wonderful family members, particularly for experienced owners who understand their unique personality traits and care needs.
Building on their remarkable stature and commanding presence, these rare breeds also have intriguing histories and specific requirements. Originally bred for guarding flocks or participating in dog sports, they often need early training, daily exercise, and consistent attention.
Their thick double coat and extraordinary size place them among the biggest dog breeds in the world, yet these gentle giants form strong bonds with family members and other pets.
With proper care and understanding, these uncommon giant dog breeds offer pet parents an exceptional family experience. Meeting their needs ensures strong bonds, happy lives, and long-lasting companionship for both owners and their canine companions.
Rare Giant Dog Breeds You Won’t Often Find
1. Leonberger
Rare Breed
The Leonberger is a rare large dog breed with a unique history and limited population. Its numbers declined significantly during World War I and II, when many kennels were destroyed, dogs were neglected, or used for food.
After the wars, the population was extremely low, creating a genetic bottleneck that limited diversity. Careful breeding efforts helped restore the breed, but Leonbergers still remain uncommon today.
With only a few dedicated breeders worldwide, they are sought after by experienced pet parents who value their majestic appearance, gentle temperament, and impressive size.
Giant Dog Breed
Known for their impressive stature, Leonbergers are true giants among dog breeds. Originating from Leonberg, Germany, they were bred to resemble the lions on the town’s coat of arms by crossing Newfoundlands, Saint Bernards, and Great Pyrenees, as per PetMD.
Today, these strong and muscular dogs serve in search-and-rescue roles or live as devoted family companions. When properly socialized and trained, they are gentle giants—calm, confident, patient, and loving with children.
Their loyalty, intelligence, and affectionate nature make them remarkable companions, combining power and gentleness in one extraordinary large breed.
2. Scottish Deerhound
Rare Breed
The Scottish Deerhound is a rare dog breed, particularly in the United States, where it is seldom found in households or breeding programs. Known as the “Royal Dog of Scotland,” one of the tallest dog breeds, the Deerhound was bred to stalk the giant wild red deer, according to the AKC.
The breed faced near extinction in the 1700s, but dedicated breeders revived it, preserving its unique bloodline. Today, Scottish Deerhounds remain uncommon, making them highly sought after by experienced dog owners who value their gentle nature, loyalty, and dignified appearance.
Their rarity adds to their allure, offering pet parents a truly special companion.
Giant Dog Breed
Scottish Deerhounds are large dog breeds with a strong, athletic build and a graceful, elegant presence.
They are affectionate, calm, and gentle with family members while maintaining a dignified and composed demeanor. These dogs thrive on companionship, require regular exercise, and respond best to consistent, positive training.
Their unique combination of size, intelligence, and gentle temperament makes them an exceptional large dog breed for those prepared to meet their care needs.
3. Black Russian Terrier
Rare Breed
The Black Russian Terrier is one of the rarest dog breeds, highly prized by experienced dog owners for its unique history and remarkable traits.
Originally bred in the former Soviet Union for military and guard work, this rare breed was developed by combining over twenty breeds, creating a dog of exceptional intelligence, courage, and loyalty.
Its limited population outside the former Soviet states makes it a true gem among rare dog breeds. Pet parents who welcome a Black Russian Terrier gain a devoted companion with a gentle nature toward family members while remaining naturally protective and cautious around strangers.
Giant Breed
BRTs are one of the biggest dogs with a strong, imposing build and a dense, coarse coat. Known as gentle giants, these dogs combine strength, agility, and intelligence, thriving with consistent training and early socialization.
While naturally aloof with strangers, they form strong bonds with family members and make excellent companions for those prepared to meet their exercise and mental stimulation needs.
This largest dog exemplifies the balance of power and affectionate temperament that makes them great companions.
4. Dogue de Bordeaux
Rare Breed
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a rare dog breed, with a limited population outside its native France. Historically valued by French nobility and working families, it is prized for its loyalty, courage, and protective instincts.
Today, only a few dedicated breeders maintain the breed, making it uncommon for most pet parents to encounter one. Its rarity appeals to experienced dog owners who understand the breed’s unique temperament and care needs.
Gentle and affectionate with family, the Dogue de Bordeaux requires early socialization, consistent training, and structured care to thrive as a loving companion.
Giant Dog Breed
With a commanding presence and broad, muscular build, the Dogue de Bordeaux stands out as a true giant among dog breeds. Despite its imposing appearance, it is calm, patient, and loyal with its family.
Proper socialization helps this breed channel its natural strength and intelligence, making it a protective and affectionate companion.
Their size and gentle nature make the Dogue de Bordeaux an exceptional choice for experienced pet parents seeking a rare and remarkable addition to their home.
5. Broholmer
Rare Breed
The Broholmer is a rare dog breed with a fascinating history. Originally developed in Denmark by crossbreeding English Mastiffs with local German dogs, the breed was intended to guard the homes of the wealthy.
However, in the 19th century, the Broholmer’s popularity began to decline, and by the 1920s, the breed was in danger of extinction. In 1974, a breed club was established in Denmark, and dedicated breeders began preserving and improving the breed.
Despite these efforts, Broholmers remain relatively uncommon, sought after by experienced dog owners who value their gentle temperament, intelligence, and loyalty.
Giant Dog Breed
The Broholmer is one of the largest dog breeds, known for its broad, muscular build and confident presence. Calm, affectionate, and protective, these dogs form strong bonds with their families while remaining wary of strangers.
Despite their imposing size, they often enjoy close interaction with humans and require a spacious home and consistent training.
With proper care, Broholmers become loyal, gentle, and devoted companions, making them an exceptional choice for families familiar with large dog breeds.
6. Neapolitan Mastiff
Rare Breed
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a rare and fascinating dog breed with a unique history. Isolated Italian farmers kept their pups largely unknown to the world until the 1940s, when journalist Piero Scanziani discovered them at a dog show in Naples.
He worked tirelessly with local breed enthusiasts to standardize the breed and create an official breed standard.
The first Neapolitan Mastiffs arrived in America in 1973, and the Neapolitan Mastiff Club of America was established the same year. Though officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2004, the breed remains uncommon and is ranked between 100th and 110th in popularity.
Its rarity, combined with a storied history and striking presence, makes it highly sought after by experienced dog owners who appreciate both its loyalty and imposing look.
Giant Dog Breed
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a true giant among dog breeds. Stocky, heavy-boned, and covered in loose folds of skin, this massive dog has an unmistakable and intimidating appearance, as per WebMD.
Originally bred as a guard dog, this Mastiff is fiercely protective but deeply affectionate with its family.
Loyal, trusting, and devoted, these gentle giants thrive in households that understand their strength, need for training, and desire for human companionship.
7. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Rare Breed
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is considered a rare breed, treasured for its history and versatility. Originally developed in Switzerland, these dogs were used by farmers as draft dogs, herders, and guardians.
Their numbers declined over time, and the breed remains uncommon outside Switzerland, making them a prized choice for experienced dog owners.
Known for their intelligence, calm demeanor, and strong work ethic, they thrive in environments where they have a purpose and receive proper care. Responsible breeders continue to preserve the breed, maintaining its unique traits and heritage.
Giant Dog Breed
As a giant dog breed, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is powerful, muscular, and commanding in appearance. Despite their size, they are an affectionate, loyal, and intelligent breed.
These big dogs enjoy regular exercise, mental stimulation, and interaction with humans, which helps them remain well-balanced and obedient.
With consistent training and socialization, they make excellent companions and reliable guardians. Their combination of strength, intelligence, and calm temperament makes them a remarkable addition for pet parents seeking a rare and majestic large dog.
Conclusion
Rare and uncommon giant breeds are more than just impressive in size—they form strong bonds with their loved ones and thrive with proper care, mental exercise, and consistent attention.
While they may require more food, regular weekly brushing, vet visits, and patient training, these gentle giants reward experienced pet parents with loyalty, affection, and companionship.
Welcoming one into your home means embracing adventure, devotion, and the joy of sharing life with excellent pets.
