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.

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

1. Great Dane

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.

2. Mastiff

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.

3. Leonberger

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.

4. Bullmastiff

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.

5. Newfoundland

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.

6. Saint Bernard

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.

7. Dogue de Bordeaux

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.

8. Great Pyrenees

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.

9. Irish Wolfhound

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.

10. Neapolitan Mastiff

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.

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.