Giant Dog Breeds
Giant dog breeds — typically over about 100 lb (45 kg) — are an experience all of their own. Many are famously calm and affectionate, but their sheer size brings real practical considerations: shorter average lifespans, higher food and veterinary costs, the need for sturdy equipment, and the simple physics of sharing a sofa. If you are drawn to giant breeds, the profiles below cover what to realistically expect from each. They are not for every household, but for the right one they can be extraordinary companions.
45 breeds in this category
giant Great Dane
From Germany
Gentle, dependable, watchful, affectionate
giant English Mastiff
From England
Dignified, loyal, protective, gentle
giant Irish Wolfhound
From Ireland
Gentle, patient, courageous, dignified
giant Great Pyrenees
From France
Patient, protective, mellow, strong-willed
giant Newfoundland
From Canada
Sweet, patient, devoted, calm
giant Saint Bernard
From Switzerland
Gentle, friendly, watchful, composed
giant Bullmastiff
From England
Loyal, alert, fearless, reserved
giant Neapolitan Mastiff
From Italy
Protective, steady, dignified, watchful
giant Kuvasz
From Hungary
Protective, loyal, independent, intelligent
giant Leonberger
From Germany
Gentle, friendly, confident, patient
giant Central Asian Shepherd Dog
From Central Asia
Independent, protective, calm, bold
giant Komondor
From Hungary
Protective, loyal, independent, calm
giant Akbash Dog
From Turkey
Protective, patient, independent, watchful
giant American Mastiff
From United States
Steady, loyal, gentle, watchful
giant Armenian Gampr
From Armenia
Protective, calm, independent, loyal
giant Black Russian Terrier
From Russia
Confident, calm, loyal, courageous
giant Boerboel
From South Africa
Protective, confident, stable, loyal
giant Broholmer
From Denmark
Calm, protective, gentle, loyal
giant Bukovina Sheepdog
From Romania
Protective, calm, resilient, devoted
giant Bully Kutta
From Pakistan
Dominant, protective, confident, loyal
giant Caucasian Ovtcharka
From Caucasus
Protective, confident, independent, strong-willed
giant Caucasian Shepherd Dog
From Caucasus
Protective, confident, independent, steady
giant Central Asian Ovtcharka
From Central Asia
Calm, dominant, loyal, watchful
giant Cao de Gado Transmontano
From Portugal
Steady, protective, calm, independent
giant Cão de Gado Transmontano
From Portugal
Steady, protective, calm, independent
giant Danish Broholmer
From Denmark
Calm, loyal, watchful, friendly
giant Dogue de Bordeaux
From France
Loyal, brave, affectionate, dignified
giant Fila Brasileiro
From Brazil
Protective, loyal, determined, wary
giant French Mastiff
From France
Loyal, brave, affectionate, dignified
giant Georgian Mountain Dog
From Georgia
Vigilant, balanced, self-confident, reserved
giant Karakachan
From Bulgaria
Self-confident, courageous, intelligent, balanced
giant Dosa Inu
From South Korea
Gentle, loyal, calm, attached
giant Landseer
From Germany
Gentle, loyal, calm, patient
giant Leonberg
From Germany
Calm, friendly, confident, patient
giant Middle Asian Ovtcharka
From Central Asia
Calm, dominant, loyal, watchful
giant Moscow Watchdog
From Russia
Obedient, self-confident, even-tempered, intelligent
giant Old English Mastiff
From England
Docile, courageous, loyal, dignified
giant Owczarek Podhalanski
From Poland
Protective, composed, loyal, independent
giant Polish Tatra Sheepdog
From Poland
Protective, composed, loyal, independent
giant Pyrenean Mastiff
From Spain
Protective, gentle, calm, loyal
giant Pyrenean Mountain Dog
From France
Gentle, vigilant, patient, independent
giant Rafeiro do Alentejo
From Portugal
Protective, calm, independent, loyal
giant Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog
From Romania
Protective, calm, devoted, independent
giant Spanish Mastiff
From Spain
Intelligent, kind, noble, affectionate
giant Tosa
From Japan
Quiet, courageous, loyal, reserved
How we choose breeds for this list
Breeds categorised as "giant" in the dataset.
Frequently asked questions
Do giant dogs live shorter lives? +
On average, larger and giant breeds tend to have shorter lifespans than smaller ones. Specific ranges vary by breed and are listed on each breed profile.
Are giant breeds dangerous? +
Size is not the same as danger. Well-bred, well-socialised, and well-trained giant breeds are often gentle and patient. That said, their strength means training and handling matter more, not less.