Imagine a dog with the heart of an athlete and the body of a gentle giant — that’s what you get with active giant dog breeds. These towering tail-waggers might look like they were built for naps and slow strolls, but don’t be fooled.
Behind their massive frames are boundless energy, playful spirits, and a love for movement that would put a fitness coach to shame!
Whether they’re galloping through open fields, joining you on hikes, or racing you to the kitchen for snacks, these large breeds were born to move. They’re loyal, intelligent, and endlessly affectionate — but they need space, activity, and a human who can keep up with their enthusiastic pace.
If you’ve got the room and the lifestyle for a giant best friend who thrives on staying active, this is your dream dog list. We’ll unleash the most energetic giant breeds that are always up for an adventure — and never short on love.
Active Giant Dog Breeds
1. Anatolian Shepherd
Height: 27–32 inches
Weight: 90–150 pounds of pure don’t-mess-with-me muscle
Straight out of the Turkish countryside, the Anatolian Shepherd is like a seasoned cowboy in canine form—stoic, strong, and not about to put up with nonsense. Originally bred to guard livestock from wolves, bears, and whatever else dared cross the pasture, this dog is built for work and endurance.
Their energy level is medium-high – not hyper, but alert, always on patrol, and always five steps ahead of the UPS guy.
Anatolians aren’t the type to fetch a ball—they’ll guard it, assess your motives, and then decide if you deserve it. Naturally cautious around strangers, they develop strong attachments to their families, making them outstanding protectors.
As per VCA, Anatolians typically experience a period of increased hair fall during certain times of the year.
However, their independent nature means they can be stubborn and require consistent training and early socialization. While not ideal for apartment living, they thrive in spacious environments where they can patrol and stay active.
Pro Tip: These dogs need space. Apartment living? Only if your apartment is in the middle of a 200-acre ranch.
2. Black Russian Terrier
Height: 27–30 inches
Weight: 80–130 pounds of shadowy strength
Nicknamed the “Black Pearl of Russia,” the Black Russian Terrier is what happens when you ask Mother Russia to design a dog that can do everything—guard, protect, think, work, and look like a mystery novel villain with a teddy bear heart.
Despite its name, it’s not a true terrier but rather a mix of several breeds, including the Giant Schnauzer, Rottweiler, Airedale Terrier, and others. This giant breed dog is known for its imposing appearance, with a thick, black, weather-resistant coat and a strong, muscular build.
Their energy levels are high – they love to work, train, hike, play, and then do it all again after a quick power nap.
Don’t let the shaggy beard and brooding stare fool you—these dogs are surprisingly goofy and affectionate with their people. It’s like having a secret agent who also really loves belly rubs.
Fun Fact: This breed was literally engineered by the Soviet military post-WWII—so yeah, they were born to work and win.
3. Great Pyrenees
Height: 28–31 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 85–110 pounds of glorified cloud
If you’ve ever wanted a polar bear who doubles as a bodyguard, the Great Pyrenees is your dream dog. Towering, majestic, and wrapped in the fluffiest white coat you’ve ever seen, this gentle giant was bred to guard sheep on snowy mountaintops… and will now guard your houseplants with the same intensity.
Extremely loyal and reserved indoors, but needs regular outdoor activity to stay sane (and prevent sudden couch mountaineering missions).
Though they may look like sleepy snow sculptures, the Pyrenees is surprisingly athletic when needed. They’ll patrol your backyard like it’s the Alps and can move fast when a squirrel dares to trespass.
According to PetMD, Great Pyrenees have a calm and gentle temperament, which can make them a good fit for families with children who know how to properly interact with dogs.
However, due to their large size—often weighing around 100 pounds—they may be better suited to homes without very young or small kids, who could unintentionally be knocked over or injured during play.
Pro Tip: Invest in a lint roller the size of a garden rake.
4. Tosa Inu
Height: 24–32 inches
Weight: 100–200+ pounds of polite power
Say hello to the Tosa Inu – Japan’s massive, muscular warrior. Originally bred for traditional Japanese dog fighting (under strict, ceremonial rules!), the Tosa is calm, noble, and radiates “don’t mess with me” energy—until you pull out a treat, and then it’s “will sit for snacks.”
The energy level of this large dog breed is moderate, but it needs structured activity and mental engagement to avoid turning into a couch philosopher with attitude.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), this breed tends to be naturally vigilant around other dogs and may show aggressive behavior toward those it perceives as threats or intruders in its territory.
Despite their past, modern Tosa Inus are often stoic, patient companions, but they still have the muscle and drive of an action hero. A good walk, hike, or play session? Essential.
Fun Fact: The Tosa is banned or restricted in some countries due to its history, not because it’s aggressive, but because it’s just that intense.
5. Shiloh Shepherd
Height: 26–32 inches
Weight: 80–160 pounds of thoughtful fluff
The Shiloh Shepherd is like the German Shepherd’s laid-back cousin who just wants to climb a mountain, read your emotions, and look fabulous while doing it. They were bred for size, gentleness, and intelligence—basically, a therapy dog with the physique of a linebacker.
Their energy levels are high! These dogs thrive on adventure, games, and long walks—preferably all three, before breakfast.
Shiloh Shepherds are brilliant, loyal, and great for families, especially ones who love the outdoors and don’t mind a little (okay, a lot of) fur on their hiking gear.
Fun Fact: They’re like furry detectives—highly trainable, eager to work, and suspicious of that one weird lamp in the hallway.
6. Irish Deerhound
Height: Up to 32 inches at the shoulder
Weight: Around 75–110 pounds of lean muscle
Think Greyhound, but on giant steroids—that’s the Irish Deerhound for you. Originally bred to chase deer across the rugged Irish moors, this breed blends graceful speed with a towering frame.
Imagine a 6-foot-tall athlete who pours milk on their cereal… then sprints off to chase it down!
Don’t let the height fool you—Irish Deerhounds can reach speeds of 35+ mph, making them the Olympic sprinters of the dog world.
These gentle giants crave open space: a fenced yard or wide park is their playground. A daily hard run (or at least a long gallop) is crucial; otherwise, they’ll invent their own cardio by zooming off in the most inconvenient direction (like your unsuspecting neighbor’s garden).
Pro tip: Keep an eye on the dinner table—Irish Deerhounds are expert snack thieves when boredom hits. A bored giant is a mischievous giant!
7. Bullmastiff
Height: 24–27 inches at the shoulder
Weight: A hearty 100–130 pounds of pure power
Meet the Bullmastiff, the breed that looks like it’s been carved from a slab of granite—and then given an unexpected dose of puppy-like goofiness, especially when it comes to food.
Originally trained to guard estates (and tussle with poachers), these pups combine serious strength with a surprisingly playful heart.
Bullmastiffs aren’t sprinters—they’re marathon manipulators. They’ll happily accompany you on long hikes, patrol your property, or follow you on neighborhood walks with unwavering stamina.
While not as lightning-fast as the Deerhound, Bullmastiffs love a vigorous game of tug or a romp at the dog park. Plus, they make excellent “foot warmers” on chilly evenings if you can coax them off your favorite chair.
Purina says that Bullmastiffs are typically wary of unfamiliar people and tend to only accept strangers who are introduced by someone they trust. Others are often met with a level of suspicion that can come across as notably unfriendly.
Fun grooming fact: That short coat is a breeze—rub them down with a damp cloth, and they’re ready for duty (or a cuddle session).
Conclusion
When considering alert, active giant dog breeds, it’s essential to remember that these big dogs are not only majestic in size but also come with a huge responsibility. They need enough space, consistent early training, early socialization, and other supplies to thrive. While their size can be intimidating, many of these giant dogs are affectionate, easy to train on a leash, and make good family pets and excellent watchdogs.
Although they didn’t make the main list, other giant breeds such as the Bernese Mountain Dog, Saint Bernard, Neapolitan Mastiff—known for its guarding instincts—and rescue dogs like the Great Dane, the tallest breed with hearts just as large, are also standout giant dog breeds. Historically bred to hunt wild boars or serve on farms, these breeds may have a strong prey drive, but with structure and love, they’re just as capable of becoming giants.
These powerful dogs were often bred to protect livestock, serve as therapy dogs, or endure cold weather. Their temperament is usually calm yet extremely protective, and with the right environment and training, they can be the perfect dog for the right dog owners. Whether you prefer small dogs or giants, choosing an alert and active breed is extremely important for harmony at home, and with the right care, these giants prove that big can be beautiful.
