26 Largest Dog Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

Some people prefer small lap dogs, while others look for large and giant breeds that will take up half a room. Whether you are looking for a working dog, a guardian dog, or a companion that will get along with the whole family, there are large breeds to meet those needs. We have listed 26 large dog breeds to help you find the one that is best for your home.

The 26 Largest Dog Breeds of 2024

1. Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound is an ancient, elegant breed. They have existed for thousands of years. Although their long and luscious coat requires quite a bit of maintenance, the breed is described as being hypoallergenic because they secrete less of the protein that is known to cause an allergic reaction in sufferers. The breed makes a good family pet and is known for being comical and fun, as well as loyal and loving.

2. Akita

Originating from Japan, the Akita has a broad head and is heavy boned. They have a distinct curled tail and are considered quiet dogs. They are not considered good family pets because they can be wary of strangers and other animals. That said, they make excellent guard dogs whose first instinct is to protect those they love. If you can train and socialize this instinct out of them, then the Akita could be for you.

3. Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute is a Husky-type dog. They are hard-working, strong dogs, with an incredible work ethic and a willingness to work all day long. The Malamute is a pack animal, and if you take one into your family, you must ensure that you become the pack leader. They are playful and they will require a great deal of work and exercise to help burn off all that energy. You will also need to keep this breed mentally active.

4. American Bulldog

The American Bulldog is a large dog. They are stocky and muscular and were originally bred to chase down cattle. They are intelligent and loving, but this is a breed that benefits from a great deal of physical and mental exercise to wear them out and keep them entertained. They do need an experienced handler and are not the best choice for first-time owners.

5. Anatolian Shepherd

The Anatolian Shepherd is a large working dog. They were used as a flock guardian, which means that they were bred to be strong and tough, but they also had to be independent and happy to be alone because they were left with the flock overnight. They are smart, adaptable, responsive, and trainable if you are experienced with this type of breed.

6. Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois is strong, will run and work hours on end, and has found use as a service dog, police dog, and rescue dog. The breed is incredibly loyal and will forge a familial bond with their human handler, but if you are unable to provide the level of physical and mental exercise that the breed requires, you can end up with a large and strong dog that develops behavioral issues. Ensure that you have the time and experience to deal with a Malinois.

7. Belgian Sheepdog

The Belgian Sheepdog is incredibly intelligent and versatile, and the breed can turn their attention to almost any task. They will work all day, taking on difficult tasks, and they crave human attention at the end of the day, making them the perfect working companion dog. The breed offers and instills a strong sense of loyalty.

8. Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large breed and is known for being a calm animal. They tend to be placid and laidback, but they enjoy time outdoors, and they can run and work for hours on end. Also known as the Berner, this is one giant breed that knows their size and the inherent dangers that they bring. They tend to find a whole new level of gentle calmness when around children, especially smaller ones.

9. Black Russian Terrier

The Black Russian Terrier is a large and strong dog. They were originally bred for guarding and protecting, and they retain many of the properties that would have been required for this practice. They can form a close bond with their humans, but they are standoffish around strangers. It can take a long time before they get to know guests and new people. They might be big dogs, but they are agile for their size.

10. Bloodhound

The Bloodhound is a scent hound and is still used for sniffing and retrieving to this day. They are powerful pack animals, they tend to drool, and they are strong animals that require an equally strong leash. Training can be a challenge in itself.

11. Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff is a giant breed of dog. They were bred as guard dogs for estates of the 19^th century and were created by crossing English Mastiffs and Old English Bulldogs. This muscular dog tends to be reliable and can be trained, but you will have to start training at a young age to ensure that they are well-behaved and mild-mannered animals.

12. Cane Corso

The Cane Corso is a formidable dog that looks and can be aggressive. They should be kept by experienced handlers, who will also need large and secure yards to ensure that their Corso remains on their own land. This Italian breed is a working dog and is never happier or more content than when they have been given a worthy task to handle.

13. Caucasian Shepherd Dog

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a giant breed that can weigh nearly 200 pounds and be more than 30 inches tall. They were bred to protect the land from trespassers and are fearless when perceiving any kind of a threat. The breed is also soft and loving around family, but it requires an experienced handler to properly care for a formidable guarding dog of this nature.

Related: 13 Best Large Breed Puppy Foods – Reviews & Top Picks

14. Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pinscher used to have something of a reputation for being aggressive, but this was only indicative of the job that they were bred for: guard dog. The breed is intelligent and noble, and while they still make superb protection dogs, being utilized by armed forces and police forces around the world for this very purpose, they can make good family pets as long as they are trained and socialized from a young age.

15. Dogue de Bordeaux

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a French Mastiff breed. They are loyal and protective, and their loving nature means that they can also make good house and family pets. They are incredibly strong, however, and while they may spend a great deal of time in low gear, if they ever charge or pull, they can be more than a handful to deal with.

16. German Shepherd Dog

The German Shepherd is a large breed that has found utility as a guard dog and protection dog and has been used by police and armed forces in various countries. The breed nearly died off after the Second World War and underwent a name change to Alsatian. They have since regained their popularity and their original moniker.

• See also:Giant German Shepherd

17. German Pointer

The German Shorthaired Pointer, to give them their full and proper title, is a gundog. The breed loves exercise, enjoys chasing, and will thrive with positive training. The Pointer bonds closely with their family, which makes them the perfect companion. They will perform admirably out in the field and in the river, before settling down to an evening in front of the fire with their handler.

18. Great Dane

When we think of large breeds, we often think of the Great Dane first. They can weigh as much as 200 pounds and measure more than 30 inches tall. Despite their size, they are sweet and loving with their family. They are especially good with children, often proving more patient than many adult humans. They make friends easily but they are a formidable breed.

19. Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees is a working dog that was bred to protect flocks from predators. They are used to living on snowy mountains, so they are hardy animals. While they might not be used as utility guardian dogs as often today, they will take on the mantle when they join your family and will aim to protect you and the rest of their humans from any harm.

20. Greyhound

The Greyhound makes this list by virtue of their height or possibly even the length of their nose. They are slight creatures, built for short bursts of incredible speed. These are among the fastest animals on four legs, reaching speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. They are aerodynamic, which you will experience if they catch sight of a cat, because the breed still retains their hunting instinct.

21. Irish Setter

The Irish Setter is a bird dog with a beautiful red coat. The breed makes a good family dog and companion, and they will play for hours, chasing a tennis ball or other toy. They are good with children, especially because they have boundless energy when playing games, and they also enjoy love and affection from adults.

22. Mastiff

The Mastiff has the potential to weigh well over 200 pounds, which is a great deal of dog for anybody to handle, regardless of their experience level. This dog is courageous and strong, although they usually tend toward the lazy and docile end of the spectrum for most of the day. However, the breed can be protective over family members, so training and socialization are considered integral to owning one of this breed.

23. Old English Sheepdog

The Old English Sheepdog is a shaggy sheepdog, but don’t let their peekaboo hairstyle fool you. This breed is alert and knows what is going on most of the time. They are friendly, enjoy exploring, and loves getting out for a good run and a walk. They are good with children and can make excellent playmates.

24. Saint Bernard

The Saint Bernard is a well-recognized giant breed of dog, known as much for their slobbering as their loving and loyal nature. The breed is hardy and built to survive the freezing and difficult conditions of the Swiss Alps. The breed is caring, loving, watchful, and sweet around young children.

25. Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan Mastiff is a giant Mastiff breed and is a guardian dog with few equals. They are mellow and calm when at home, and they are loving and devoted to their family. However, they can be wary and a little territorial with strangers.

26. Weimaraner

The Weimaraner is a gun dog that was bred to deal with deer and even bears. They make good companions, but they do have a high energy level, and they retain a hunting instinct to this day. The Weimaraner will need early socialization and training, especially to prevent regular barking.

Final Thoughts on Big Dog Breeds

This list of dogs includes formidable giants, as well as gentle giants that love nothing more than curling up at home with their humans. As with any dog breed, you should always do your research to ensure that the breed you are considering is suitable for your circumstances, your home, and your family.

See Also:

• 10 Most Popular Large Dog Breeds (with Pictures)
• 8 Different Types of Mastiff (With Pictures)

Featured Image Credit: ertuzio, Pixabay