10 Giant Dog Breeds That Make Great Pets

Large black and white Newfoundland dog with head slightly turned
The Spruce / Kristie Lee

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.

  • 01of 10
    Great Dane

    Harlequin Great Dane near a lake
    Beanstock Images / Getty Images

    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

  • 02of 10
    Mastiff

    English mastiff lying on floor
    Cappi Thompson / Getty Images

    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

  • 03of 10
    Leonberger

    Leonberger dog with tongue hanging out
    Marla Rutherford / Getty Images

    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

  • 04of 10
    Bullmastiff

    bullmastiff lying on side
    Corey Hochachka / Getty Images

    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

  • 05of 10
    Newfoundland

    Boy hugging black Newfoundland outdoors
    Ariel Skelley / Getty Images

    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

  • 06of 10
    Saint Bernard

    Saint Bernard lying in grass
    Purple Collar Pet Photography / Getty Images

    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

  • 07of 10
    Dogue de Bordeaux

    dogue de bordeaux walking on a beach
    Tara Gregg / Getty Images

    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

  • 08of 10
    Great Pyrenees

    Great Pyrenees lying in grass
    Kathryn Schauer / Getty Images

    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

  • 09of 10
    Irish Wolfhound

    Irish Wolfhound outside
    Anke Sauerwein / Getty Images

    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

  • 10of 10
    Neapolitan Mastiff

    Neapolitan mastiff outside
    Tim Dawson / Flickr / CC By 2.0

    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.