Large Dog Breeds
Large dog breeds typically range from around 55 lb (25 kg) up to 100 lb (45 kg) adult weight. Living with a large dog means thinking carefully about space, transport, vet costs, food bills, and the physical strength required to manage them on lead. That said, many large breeds are calm, family-oriented, and remarkably gentle. The breeds below all fall in the large bucket; their individual profiles give the realistic picture of what life with each is actually like.
198 breeds in this category
large Labrador Retriever
From Canada
Outgoing, eager, biddable, gentle
large Golden Retriever
From Scotland
Affectionate, trustworthy, eager, sociable
large German Shepherd Dog
From Germany
Confident, loyal, alert, hardworking
large Poodle (Standard)
From France
Bright, eager, athletic, people-focused
large Rottweiler
From Germany
Confident, watchful, even-tempered, courageous
large Boxer
From Germany
Playful, loyal, alert, spirited
large Doberman Pinscher
From Germany
Alert, fearless, intelligent, energetic
large Bernese Mountain Dog
From Switzerland
Good-natured, calm, hardworking, loyal
large Cane Corso
From Italy
Protective, confident, reserved with strangers, loyal
large American Bulldog
From United States
Confident, brave, loyal, determined
large English Setter
From England
Gentle, friendly, biddable, lively
large Irish Setter
From Ireland
Enthusiastic, affectionate, energetic, eager
large Scottish Deerhound
From Scotland
Courteous, gentle, easygoing, athletic
large Greyhound
From England
Mild, polite, sensitive, athletic
large Afghan Hound
From Afghanistan
Dignified, independent, aloof, sensitive
large Borzoi (Russian Wolfhound)
From Russia
Calm, independent, gentle, sensitive
large Alaskan Malamute
From United States
Steady, affectionate, strong-willed, dignified
large Rough Collie
From Scotland
Responsive, devoted, gentle, alert
large Smooth Collie
From Scotland
Smart, affectionate, attentive, agile
large Belgian Malinois
From Belgium
Focused, driven, confident, alert
large Belgian Tervuren
From Belgium
Energetic, intelligent, protective, devoted
large Belgian Sheepdog
From Belgium
Watchful, intelligent, loyal, energetic
large Akita
From Japan
Dignified, loyal, strong-willed, reserved
large Dogo Argentino
From Argentina
Courageous, loyal, athletic, determined
large Rhodesian Ridgeback
From Zimbabwe
Even-tempered, athletic, loyal, independent
large Weimaraner
From Germany
Energetic, fearless, headstrong, devoted
large Pointer
From England
Even-tempered, hardworking, affectionate, responsive
large Gordon Setter
From Scotland
Loyal, serious, affectionate, dignified
large Bloodhound
From Belgium
Gentle, persistent, affectionate, independent
large English Foxhound
From England
Genial, active, determined, pack-oriented
large American Foxhound
From United States
Sweet, independent, active, good-natured
large Anatolian Shepherd Dog
From Turkey
Reserved, loyal, independent, steady
large Kangal Dog
From Turkey
Calm, protective, independent, watchful
large Tibetan Mastiff
From Tibet
Independent, loyal, watchful, composed
large Chesapeake Bay Retriever
From United States
Courageous, loyal, tireless, sensible
large Flat-Coated Retriever
From England
Cheerful, outgoing, birdy, eager
large Curly-Coated Retriever
From England
Smart, confident, reserved, hardworking
large Spinone Italiano
From Italy
Patient, docile, resilient, affectionate
large Irish Water Spaniel
From Ireland
Smart, spirited, humorous, confident
large German Longhaired Pointer
From Germany
Calm, cooperative, affectionate, driven
large Bracco Italiano
From Italy
Affectionate, docile, diligent, sensitive
large Bergamasco
From Italy
Calm, patient, independent, loyal
large Old English Sheepdog
From England
Comical, adaptable, protective, gentle
large Bouvier des Flandres
From Belgium
Steady, loyal, fearless, confident
large Catahoula Leopard Dog
From United States
Serious, independent, loyal, intense
large Bluetick Coonhound
From United States
Friendly, determined, vocal, devoted
large Redbone Coonhound
From United States
Even-tempered, eager, affectionate, driven
large Treeing Walker Coonhound
From United States
Active, confident, intelligent, sociable
large Black and Tan Coonhound
From United States
Easygoing, brave, sociable, determined
large American English Coonhound
From United States
Sociable, athletic, persistent, good-natured
large Bull Terrier
From England
Playful, courageous, stubborn, affectionate
large Saluki
From Middle East
Reserved, gentle, independent, fast
large Azawakh
From West Africa
Reserved, loyal, vigilant, elegant
large Sloughi
From North Africa
Reserved, noble, gentle, athletic
large Abruzzenhund
From Italy
Steady, protective, independent, loyal
large Akita (American)
From United States
Loyal, dignified, strong-willed, alert
large Akita Inu (Japanese)
From Japan
Reserved, courageous, loyal, aloof with strangers
large Akitas
From Japan
Loyal, bold, alert, independent
large Alano Espanol
From Spain
Courageous, stable, determined, tolerant
large Alano Español
From Spain
Courageous, stable, determined, tolerant
large American Alsatian
From United States
Calm, devoted, mellow, intelligent
large American Black and Tan Coonhound
From United States
Outgoing, determined, mellow, sociable
large American Blue Gascon Hound
From United States
Steady, determined, amicable, focused
large North American Indian Dog
From United States
Attentive, loyal, sensitive, adaptable
large American White Shepherd
From United States
Intelligent, devoted, alert, sensitive
large Argentine Dogo
From Argentina
Brave, loyal, determined, steady
large Ariege Pointing Dog
From France
Eager, responsive, calm, friendly
large Beauceron
From France
Confident, loyal, watchful, willing
large Belgian Laekenois
From Belgium
Watchful, intelligent, devoted, wary of strangers
large Belgian Shepherd Groenendael
From Belgium
Energetic, alert, sensitive, loyal
large Belgian Shepherd Malinois
From Belgium
Driven, intelligent, confident, responsive
large Belgian Shepherd Tervuren
From Belgium
Alert, loyal, sensitive, energetic
large Berger Blanc Suisse
From Switzerland
Gentle, intelligent, loyal, sensitive
large Berger Picard
From France
Lively, observant, loyal, humorous
large Billy
From France
Calm, determined, friendly, resilient
large Bluetick Coonhound
From United States
Determined, mellow, intelligent, friendly
large Banjara Hound
From India
Aloof, athletic, loyal, resilient
large Belgian Shepherd Laekenois
From Belgium
Watchful, intelligent, devoted, wary of strangers
large Bergamasco Sheepdog
From Italy
Calm, patient, intelligent, devoted
large Berger des Picard
From France
Lively, observant, loyal, humorous
large Bosnian-Herzegovinian Sheepdog (Tornjak)
From Bosnia
Loyal, steady, protective, dignified
large Bouvier des Flandres
From Belgium
Confident, loyal, courageous, steady
large Braque Francais Gascogne
From France
Gentle, cooperative, composed, affectionate
large Briard
From France
Loyal, fearless, obedient, affectionate
large Canadian Eskimo Dog
From Canada
Hardy, loyal, alert, driven
large Canadian Inuit Dog
From Canada
Strong, resilient, loyal, energetic
large Canary Dog
From Canary Islands
Confident, calm, watchful, devoted
large Cane Corso Italiano
From Italy
Loyal, intelligent, protective, athletic
large Mudhol Hound
From India
Reserved, devoted, alert, athletic
large Carpathian Sheepdog
From Romania
Protective, calm, steadfast, territorial
large Chart Polski
From Poland
Reserved, loyal, courageous, independent
large Chinook
From United States
Gentle, willing, calm, athletic
large Hortaya Borzaya
From Russia
Calm, neutral-friendly, independent, enduring
large Cimarron Uruguayo
From Uruguay
Brave, loyal, confident, determined
large Cao da Serra da Estrela
From Portugal
Protective, calm, devoted, independent
large Cao de Castro Laboreiro
From Portugal
Brave, aloof, loyal, vigilant
large Collie
From Scotland
Devoted, intelligent, gentle, vigilant
large Collie (Rough and Smooth)
From Scotland
Loyal, responsive, gentle, alert
large Czechoslovakian Vlcak
From Czech Republic
Alert, courageous, intelligent, intense
large Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
From Czech Republic
Loyal, fearless, independent, energetic
large Cão da Serra da Estrela
From Portugal
Protective, calm, devoted, independent
large Cão de Castro Laboreiro
From Portugal
Brave, aloof, loyal, vigilant
large Deutsch Drahthaar
From Germany
Hardy, trainable, determined, loyal
large Doberman
From Germany
Confident, alert, loyal, energetic
large Dutch Shepherd
From Netherlands
Intelligent, loyal, watchful, athletic
large Dutch Shepherd Dog
From Netherlands
Energetic, loyal, responsive, protective
large East European Shepherd
From Russia
Confident, loyal, alert, resilient
large East Siberian Laika
From Russia
Alert, hardy, independent, devoted
large English Coonhound
From United States
Outgoing, determined, good-natured, energetic
large English Pointer
From England
Friendly, driven, even-tempered, responsive
large Eskimo Dog
From Arctic
Hardy, alert, social, energetic
large Estrela Mountain Dog
From Portugal
Protective, loyal, steady, independent
large French Tricolor Hound
From France
Sociable, persistent, calm, obedient
large French White and Black Hound
From France
Calm, obedient, sociable, determined
large French White and Orange Hound
From France
Sociable, steady, willing, enduring
large Galgo Espaol
From Spain
Calm, loyal, sensitive, swift
large Galgo Español
From Spain
Gentle, loyal, quiet, swift
large Gascon Saintongeois
From France
Steady, sociable, determined, gentle
large German Rough-Haired Pointing Dog
From Germany
Calm, reliable, determined, affectionate
large Giant Schnauzer
From Germany
Bold, intelligent, protective, driven
large Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Noir
From France
Steady, sociable, persistent, calm
large Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Orange
From France
Calm, obedient, social, determined
large Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore
From France
Sociable, persistent, even-tempered, resilient
large Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Noir
From France
Steady, sociable, persistent, calm
large Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Orange
From France
Calm, obedient, social, determined
large Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore
From France
Sociable, persistent, even-tempered, resilient
large Grand Bleu de Gascogne
From France
Calm, determined, sociable, steady
large Grand Gascon Saintongeois
From France
Steady, sociable, persistent, calm
large Grand Griffon Vendéen
From France
Brave, determined, sociable, independent
large Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
From Switzerland
Faithful, alert, gentle, confident
large Greek Sheepdog
From Greece
Independent, courageous, decisive, loyal
large Greenland Dog
From Greenland
Hardy, determined, social, energetic
large Groenendael
From Belgium
Alert, loyal, sensitive, energetic
large Grosser Münsterländer Vorstehhund
From Germany
Trainable, lively, affectionate, keen
large Grosser Münsterländer Vorstehhund (Alt)
From Germany
Trainable, lively, affectionate, keen
large Himalayan Sheepdog
From India
Loyal, resilient, protective, calm
large Hovawart
From Germany
Loyal, watchful, intelligent, confident
large Hungarian Kuvasz
From Hungary
Protective, dignified, loyal, vigilant
large Hungarian Wire-Haired Pointing Dog
From Hungary
Gentle, eager, intelligent, trainable
large Irish Red and White Setter
From Ireland
Affectionate, eager, energetic, friendly
large Italian Spinoni
From Italy
Gentle, affectionate, docile, earnest
large Jamthund (Swedish Elkhound)
From Sweden
Brave, steady, loyal, alert
large Japanese Akitainu
From Japan
Dignified, courageous, reserved, loyal
large Kerry Beagle
From Ireland
Energetic, free-spirited, determined, social
large King Shepherd
From United States
Loyal, confident, intelligent, protective
large Kunming Dog
From China
Loyal, alert, confident, intelligent
large Labrador
From Canada
Outgoing, eager, biddable, gentle
large Large Münsterländer
From Germany
Intelligent, eager, affectionate, steady
large Large Münsterländer (Alt)
From Germany
Gentle, eager, attentive, keen
large Llewellin Setter
From England
Affectionate, eager, athletic, responsive
large Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog
From United States
Independent, energetic, loyal, focused
large Magyar Agar
From Hungary
Calm, loyal, reserved, fast
large Mahratta Hound
From India
Reserved, brave, agile, loyal
large Majorca Shepherd Dog
From Spain
Protective, loyal, serious, independent
large Malamute
From Alaska
Friendly, strong-willed, loyal, playful
large Malinois
From Belgium
Driven, intelligent, confident, responsive
large Maremma Sheepdog
From Italy
Protective, dignified, loyal, independent
large Mucuchies
From Venezuela
Affectionate, reserved, noble, intelligent
large New Zealand Huntaway
From New Zealand
Energetic, vocal, loyal, trainable
large Chukotka Sledge Dog
From Russia
Friendly, willing, hardy, enduring
large Northern Inuit Dog
From United Kingdom
Friendly, placid, outgoing, intelligent
large Old English Sheepdog (Bobtail)
From England
Affectionate, adaptable, intelligent, boisterous
large Otterhound
From England
Friendly, boisterous, determined, independent
large Gull Dong
From Pakistan
Dominant, brave, loyal, intense
large Perdiguero de Burgos
From Spain
Gentle, biddable, steady, affectionate
large Perro Cimarron
From Uruguay
Brave, loyal, confident, determined
large Perro de Pastor Mallorquin
From Spain
Protective, loyal, serious, independent
large Perro de Presa Canario
From Canary Islands
Calm, powerful, watchful, loyal
large Podenco Ibicenco
From Spain
Gentle, agile, playful, independent
large Poitevin
From France
Sociable, determined, energetic, courteous
large Poodle
From France
Bright, eager, athletic, people-focused
large Presa Canario
From Canary Islands
Confident, calm, watchful, devoted
large Pudelpointer
From Germany
Intelligent, eager, steady, affectionate
large Rajapalayam
From India
Loyal, courageous, reserved, alert
large Rampur Hound
From India
Loyal, courageous, calm, independent
large Redbone Coonhound
From United States
Even-tempered, eager, friendly, determined
large Russian Pied Hound
From Russia
Friendly, determined, energetic, sociable
large Russian Hound
From Russia
Calm, balanced, persistent, social
large Saarlooswolfhond
From Netherlands
Alert, independent, loyal, cautious
large Sarplaninac
From Balkans
Protective, calm, independent, loyal
large Scotch Collie
From Scotland
Loyal, intelligent, sensitive, friendly
large Shiloh Shepherd
From United States
Calm, courageous, self-confident, intelligent
large Slovensky Cuvac
From Slovakia
Protective, calm, loyal, independent
large Slovensky Hrubosrsty Stavac (Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer / Rough-Haired Pointer)
From Slovakia
Steady, obedient, intelligent, gentle
large South Russian Ovtcharka (South Russian Shepherd Dog)
From Ukraine
Protective, strong-willed, aloof, loyal
large St Germain Pointing Dog
From France
Gentle, willing, calm, affectionate
large Standard Poodle
From France
Bright, eager, athletic, people-focused
large Stichelhaar
From Germany
Calm, reliable, determined, affectionate
large Taigan
From Kyrgyzstan
Independent, loyal, persistent, resilient
large Tamaskan Dog
From Finland
Friendly, intelligent, energetic, gentle
large Tasy
From Russia
Calm, loyal, sensitive, aloof
large Tibetan KyiApso
From Tibet
Protective, calm, independent, devoted
large Tornjak
From Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia
Protective, steady, loyal, patient
large Tuareg Sloughi
From North Africa
Reserved, loyal, sensitive, swift
large Utonagan
From United Kingdom
Sociable, intelligent, gentle, energetic
large Villano de las Encartaciones
From Spain
Brave, loyal, alert, determined
large Vucciriscu
From Italy
Protective, loyal, resilient, calm
large White Swiss Shepherd
From Switzerland
Lively, balanced, friendly, discreet
How we choose breeds for this list
Breeds categorised as "large" in the dataset.
Frequently asked questions
Do all large dogs need a big garden? +
A garden helps, but plenty of large breeds live happily in homes without one provided their daily exercise and enrichment needs are met. Time and effort matter more than square footage.
Are large dogs more expensive to keep? +
Generally yes — food, bedding, harnesses, vet care and pet insurance all tend to scale with size. Worth factoring into your planning before committing.