When people think of giant breeds, certain dog names come to mind. But, beyond those popular canines lies another world of rare and uncommon dogs whose sheer sizes complement their history and purpose together.
These breeds shine after grinding in demanding work for centuries, along with selective breeding, and today they are worthy enough to bring protection, endurance, and strength all in one package. From remote mountain dogs protecting estates to breeds working in farms, these four-legged companions were never meant to rank among the ordinary ones.
Owning one of them requires more than appreciation for their build; it demands knowledge, space, and commitment for their instincts that honed after many generations.
For those who are willing to learn about them, these extraordinary dogs offer loyalty, protection, and companionship on a scale as impressive as their physical presence.
Fun Fact: The Great Dane is one of the tallest dog breeds on this planet, with a weight of more than 150 pounds, 28 to 32 inches in height, and a life expectancy of 7 to 10 years.
Uncommon Giant Dog Breeds: Meet These Magnificent Pets
1. Scottish Deerhound
The rare yet large dog breed, the Scottish Deerhound, is often known as the Royal Dog of Scotland. According to PetMD, these dogs were originally bred to be working dogs, particularly for nobility to hunt deer across the Highlands of their native land.
Despite having an intimidating presence, Scottish Deerhounds are celebrated as gentle giants. Overall, they carry an easygoing nature, and if their necessities are fulfilled regularly, they make good family dogs. They are strong-willed dogs with sheer size, which is why training should start at an early age.
This giant breed comes in various color coats, but the most preferred color is blue-gray. They demand at least an hour of mental and physical stimulation, and weekly brushing of their coats to maintain their happy and healthy years of lives. A tired Scottish deerhound is a calm and friendly dog at home.
2. Neapolitan Mastiff
Romans wanted a guard dog breed, so they bred the Neapolitan Mastiff to be ugly on purpose to look imposing, so that their physical attributes serve as the first line of defense against threats. This Italian dog‘s history dates back to at least 700 B.C, according to the AKC.
Their physical attributes are comprised of wrinkly skin, drooping lips, and a big head, and along with a protective nature, this giant breed still makes an excellent family dog for guardianship. Neapolitan Mastiffs are affectionate and loyal dogs towards their loved ones, but stay aloof with strangers.
Due to large stature and risk towards many health issues, such as heart problems and hip dysplasia, the life expectancy of these dogs ranges between 7 and 9 years only. To avoid skin infections, their body hygiene should be monitored closely via regular baths.
3. Boerboel
Boerboel is an ancient breed, and it was believed that its ancestors had spread almost across the globe linking to the 7th century. Modern Boerboel is an African mastiff where it originally bred by farmers as a protective largest dog breed against big predators like lions.
Blessed with a vigilant and watchful nature, Boerboels make great family dogs who are capable of protecting small family members of their pack, including cats and children. Since this giant dog breed has immense power and protective instincts, proper training and socialization are important for puppies.
Regardless of their gentle and low-maintenance personalities, the Boerboel is considered a well-suited breed to experienced owners only. They tend to have major health issues that affect their life expectancy. These intelligent dogs thrive in different fun activities like agility and obedience training.
4. Tibetan Mastiff
With a weight of more than 100 pounds and a height of 24 inches, the Tibetan Mastiff is known as one of the largest dog breeds worldwide. They have a thick double coat that comes in many colors and also insulates them during guarding on cold nights.
Their ancient origins revealed that they had been serving mankind for many centuries by protecting their livestock against wolves and snow leopards. Tibetan Mastiffs are mellow and calm dogs with their humans, but show territorial instincts towards strangers.
Tibetan Mastiffs are mostly active at night. Their profuse coats need regular grooming in shedding seasons, and moderate energy levels require an hour of regular exercise, according to Orvis. They are smart yet independent dogs who need a good amount of training as pups with reward-based methods.
5. Leonberger
Bred by a German inhabitant, the Leonberger is a loyal, affectionate, and powerful giant dog breed. These dogs were bred to look like lions and have a mane just like them, and used for herding, watching over, and rescue work as well. They thrive in homes with big spaces and quiet environments.
Leonbergers are perfect companions in experienced family settings and get along well with children and other dogs if properly socialized and trained at a young age. Unfortunately, being one of the largest dog breeds, they have very short life expectancy than an average dog, which is only 7 years.
They are pretty calm dogs with laid back temperament and do not like to be left alone for a long time. Leonbergers are highly trainable dogs and respond well to consistent and gentle training sessions. Their water-resistant coats demand regular brushing during shedding seasons.
6. Irish Wolfhound
A unique blend of gentle temperament and enthusiastic personality, Irish Wolfhounds were primarily bred to hunt big game like wolves. Today, these giant dogs with a docile nature make great family members if you have enough space for them.
These big dogs do not shed much, so if allergy sufferers have an affinity for such large dogs, they can adopt them without any hesitation. However, their need for an ample amount of exercise along with big fenced-in yards makes them relatively a high-maintenance breed.
With a height of more than 30 inches and an eagerness to please demeanor, Irish Wolfhounds are often used in search and rescue work. These sighthounds have a strong prey drive, which is why they are not appreciated in multi-pet households with small animals with swift movements.
7. Caucasian Shepherd Dog
As the name suggests, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog used to be one of the best livestock guardians, and these traits (sharp senses of protection, speed, and strength) are still intact in this modern era. However, their use as a prison dog is also recorded in the areas between Georgia and Russia.
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are affectionate, but when it comes to respecting them, these dogs are only suited to families with older children. Due to their sheer size, it is better to opt for those who have prior experience of handling dogs and enough indoor and outdoor space.
The natural independence and alertness make Caucasian Shepherds excellent watchdogs for families living on farms and ranches. Since they are unknown to patience, obedience training starting at puppyhood is crucial to groom them into well-behaved adults.
Conclusion
These gentle giant dogs are living proof that behind towering frames and commanding presence often lies a calm, loyal, and deeply loving companion – showing their silly sides often to the ones they love the most.
For those willing to invest time, patience, and affection, these extraordinary dogs offer a companionship that feels larger than life.
