10 Giant Dog Breeds That Make Great Pets

While some people prefer small dogs, others feel there's nothing better than massive dogs. Giant canines come packed with plenty of pluses. They're big softies with sweet, gentle temperaments that think they're lap loungers. They're loyal and protective of their family pack. And they're smart and usually easy to train.

There are several factors to consider before adopting a large dog breed. Larger dogs require more of everything, from food to larger-scale supplies to higher veterinary care costs. Also, a bigger dog needs a larger living space to move around comfortably.

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Here are 10 of the best giant dog breeds if you're ready for a massive companion.

Tip

If you're getting a giant dog for a young family, one pill that is hard to swallow (especially for young children) is that massive dogs typically have shorter lifespans than all other dogs. Many only live about six to 10 years, while the average dog lifespan is around 12 to 15 years.

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Watch Now: 12 Giant Dog Breeds and What Makes Them Special

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Great Dane

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One might say this majestic creature more closely resembles a small horse than a dog. Great Danes stand out in a crowd. Appearance, or in this case, size, isn't what makes it an excellent companion; it is this breed's temperament. These dogs are generally gentle, playful, friendly, and incredibly loyal. Because of their size, they appear to be goofballs, but it's their larger limbs and plop-anywhere attitude that makes them fun to be around.

Breed Overview

Group: Working (AKC)
Height: 28 to 32 inches
Weight: 110 to 175 pounds
Coat and Color: Short hair in brindle, fawn, blue, black, harlequin (white with black patches), or mantle (black and white)
Life Expectancy: 6 to 8 years
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Mastiff

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Mastiffs are all brawn on the outside, but they're softhearted, easygoing companions on the inside. Keep a rag handy to clean up the slobber that drools from their massive heads. Their muscular bodies can knock over people and objects in tight spaces; keep that in mind if you're living in an apartment or smaller home. These giant dogs need ample living space and obedience training wherever they go.

Breed Overview

Group: Working (AKC)
Height: 28 inches and up
Weight: 120 to 230 pounds
Coat and Color: Short coat; colors include apricot, brindle, and fawn with a black mask
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
03 of 10

Leonberger

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The Leonberger is a massive working dog that typically has a kind, gentle disposition. This breed is known to bond closely with its family, and it seems to have great intuition when it comes to human emotions. Leonbergers make excellent family pets and superb therapy dogs.

Breed Overview

Group: Working (AKC)
Height: 26 to 32 inches
Weight: 90 to 170 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Double coat with feathering; colors include red, brown, and sand with a black mask
Life Expectancy: 7 to 10 years
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Bullmastiff

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In the mid-19th century, breeders crossed the mastiff and bulldog to get a powerful dog that could stop poachers. Today's bullmastiff remains a capable guard dog and a treasured companion. Despite its somewhat intimidating appearance, this is a gentle giant that forms a solid bond with its family.

Breed Overview

Group: Working (AKC)
Height: 24 to 27 inches
Weight: 100 to 130 pounds
Coat and Color: Short coat; colors include fawn, red, and brindle with a black mask
Life Expectancy: 8 to 10 years

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Newfoundland

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Newfoundlands are loving companions and outstanding workers. With their webbed feet and waterproof coats, they evolved into ideal water dogs, aiding fishing folk and saving people from drowning. It's in their nature to assist and protect—especially children—and always with a gentle spirit.

Breed Overview

Group: Working (AKC)
Height: 26 to 28 inches
Weight: 100 to 150 pounds
Coat and Color: Flat double coat; colors include black, brown, gray, and back and white
Life Expectancy: 9 to 10 years
06 of 10

Saint Bernard

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Commonly used in search-and-rescue and as service animals, Saint Bernards are giant dogs with even bigger hearts. They tend to be gentle, loving family companions, often getting along well with children. Some Saint Bernards don't always realize how big they are, so training is a must for keeping them under control.

Breed Overview

Group: Working
Height: 26 to 30 inches
Weight: 120 to 180 pounds
Coat and Color: Dense coat; colors include brown and white, red and white, and more
Life Expectancy: 8 to 10 years
07 of 10

Dogue de Bordeaux

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The Dogue de Bordeaux is a lovable, slobbery hunk of a dog. This massive canine with a giant head looks fierce, but it mostly all for show; it is an extremely loyal and gentle breed. It's protective of its family and is a capable guard dog. This breed originated in France and is sometimes called the French mastiff.

Breed Overview

Group: Working
Height: 23 to 27 inches
Weight: 100 pounds and up
Coat and Color: Short coat; colors include fawn, mahogany, and red with a black mask
Life Expectancy: 5 to 8
08 of 10

Great Pyrenees

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Great Pyrenees dogs are massive in power and sweet dispositions. Among the oldest dog breeds, this working dog has a long history of guarding sheep and protecting homes. It is a very active breed. This canine requires vigorous daily exercise and obedience training to end up with a well-behaved dog.

Breed Overview

Group: Working (AKC)
Height: 25 to 32 inches
Weight: 85 pounds and up
Coat and Color: Thick double coat; colors include white with gray, red, or tan markings
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

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09 of 10

Irish Wolfhound

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Historically, Irish wolfhounds were battle and hunting companions, as well as guardians of homes. In modern times, wolfhounds are primarily companion animals, though they have retained some hunting and protective instincts. They need more space and exercise than some of the other giant breeds and generally do not thrive in smaller homes.

Breed Overview

Group: Hound (AKC)
Height: 30 inches and up
Weight: 105 to 120 pounds
Coat and Color: Rough coat; colors include black, blue, brindle, cream, gray, and more
Life Expectancy: 6 to 8 years
10 of 10

Neapolitan Mastiff

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The Neapolitan mastiff is an Italian breed with ancient roots that historians can trace back to the Roman army's dogs of war. They later became guard dogs. This breed is known for its distinct wrinkles and loose skin, massive bones, and lumbering gait. It tends to be loyal and protective, though generally mellow and gentle.

Breed Overview

Group: Working (AKC)
Height: 24 to 31 inches
Weight: 110 to 150 pounds
Coat and Color: Colors include black, blue, mahogany, and tawny
Life Expectancy: 7 to 9 years

Breeds to Avoid

If massive dogs are your fancy, then it stands to reason that teacup and toy breeds are not your cup of tea. Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Yorkies have big personalities, but the canine world's smallest dogs don't top 7 pounds or get much taller than 7 inches when fully grown.

10 Best Large Dog Breeds for Families

10 Giant Dog Breeds That Make Great Pets

Tip

Watch Now: 12 Giant Dog Breeds and What Makes Them Special

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Breed Overview

Breed Overview

Breed Overview

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Breed Overview

Breed Overview

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Breeds to Avoid

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