Giant Dog Breeds
25 giant breeds to explore.
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Working · Giant
Originating from the Anatolia region of Turkey, this ancient guardian breed was developed to protect livestock from predators like wolves and bears. They are exceptionally large, powerful dogs that possess a calm but highly alert nature. While deeply loyal to their family, their independent spirit and size make them best suited for experienced owners with large, fenced properties.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Working · Giant
Originally bred as farm dogs in the Swiss Alps, Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their striking tricolor coats and gentle, 'heart of gold' personalities. They are versatile working dogs that excel at carting and drafting, but their favorite job is being a devoted and patient family companion.
Black Russian Terrier
Working · Giant
Developed in the late 1940s as a versatile military dog for the Soviet Union, the Black Russian Terrier is a powerful and intelligent giant. They are deeply devoted to their families and possess a natural protective instinct, making them excellent guardians who are surprisingly calm indoors.
Boerboel
Working · Giant
The Boerboel is a massive and powerful mastiff-type breed from South Africa, originally bred to protect homesteads from large predators. They are deeply loyal and protective of their families, possessing a calm yet watchful demeanor that makes them exceptional guardians. While intimidating in size, they are known for being remarkably gentle and affectionate with their own children.
Bullmastiff
Working · Giant
A massive and powerful guardian breed developed in England to assist gamekeepers in capturing poachers. Despite their imposing size, they are affectionate 'gentle giants' at home who are deeply loyal to their families. They combine the speed of the Bulldog with the size of the Mastiff to create the ultimate silent protector.
Cane Corso
Working · Giant
The Cane Corso is a powerful Italian mastiff originally bred to hunt big game and guard property. Known for its imposing presence and deep loyalty, this breed forms an intense bond with its family and serves as a vigilant protector. While intimidating in appearance, they are remarkably sensitive and intelligent companions when properly trained and socialized.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Working · Giant
A massive and powerful guardian breed from the Caucasus Mountains, originally bred to protect livestock from predators like wolves and bears. They are deeply loyal to their families but possess a fierce protective instinct that requires experienced handling and firm leadership.
Dogue de Bordeaux
Working · Giant
A powerful and ancient French mastiff, the Dogue de Bordeaux is famous for its massive head and soulful expression. Despite their intimidating size, they are remarkably gentle, loyal, and deeply devoted to their families, often acting as quiet guardians. Their popularity soared after appearing in the film 'Turner & Hooch,' showcasing their affectionate yet droopy-jowled charm.
Estrela Mountain Dog
Working · Giant
The Estrela Mountain Dog is a large, powerful livestock guardian from the mountains of Portugal, known for its distinctive double dewclaws and thick, protective coat. Deeply loyal to their families, these dogs are courageous and independent, making them excellent guardians but requiring firm, consistent training. They are one of the oldest breeds in the Iberian Peninsula, traditionally used to protect flocks from wolves and other predators.
Giant Schnauzer
Working · Giant
The Giant Schnauzer is a powerful, imposing dog with a thick wiry coat and a commanding presence. Originally bred as a cattle-driving dog in the Bavarian Alps, they have evolved into versatile workers often used in police and military roles due to their intelligence and loyalty. They are devoted companions that require plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy.
Great Dane
Working · Giant
Known as the 'Apollo of Dogs,' the Great Dane is a majestic giant that combines power with a remarkably gentle spirit. Despite their imposing size, they are affectionate 'couch potatoes' who thrive on human companionship and make devoted family protectors.
Great Pyrenees
Working · Giant
The Great Pyrenees is a majestic guardian breed originally developed to protect livestock from predators in the Pyrenees Mountains. Known for their Zen-like calm and immense strength, they are steadfast companions that balance a gentle nature at home with a serious, independent protective instinct. Their thick, weather-resistant white coat and imposing presence make them one of the most recognizable giant breeds.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Working · Giant
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large, powerful worker developed in Switzerland as a multi-purpose farm dog for pulling carts and herding cattle. They are faithful companions with a striking tri-colored coat and a sturdy, dependable nature. Despite their size, they are gentle giants who form deep bonds with their families and thrive on having a job to do.
Irish Wolfhound
Hound · Giant
Known as the 'Gentle Giant' of the dog world, the Irish Wolfhound is the tallest of all AKC breeds. Historically bred to hunt wolves and elk, these sight-hounds are now cherished as calm, dignified companions that form exceptionally deep bonds with their families.
Komondor
Working · Giant
The Komondor is a powerful Hungarian livestock guardian known for its iconic corded white coat and calm confidence. Bred to protect flocks from predators, this breed is deeply loyal to family, naturally suspicious of strangers, and highly territorial. With early socialization and consistent handling, a Komondor becomes a devoted, courageous companion and watchdog.
Kuvasz
Working · Giant
The Kuvasz is a majestic Hungarian livestock guardian known for its striking white coat and imposing presence. Historically serving as a protector of kings and sheep alike, this breed is deeply loyal to its family but possesses a strong, independent streak that requires experienced handling.
Leonberger
Working · Giant
The Leonberger is a giant, affectionate working breed known for its calm confidence and family-friendly nature. Developed in 19th-century Germany, it was bred to resemble a lion and became popular among European nobility. Despite their impressive size, Leos are famously gentle companions who thrive when included in daily family life.
Mastiff
Working · Giant
The Mastiff is a massive, powerful dog whose lineage dates back to ancient civilizations, serving as a noble protector and loyal companion. Despite their imposing size, they are known as 'gentle giants' with a calm, affectionate nature toward their family. They require early socialization and consistent training but are happiest when relaxing at home with their people.
Neapolitan Mastiff
Working · Giant
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a massive Italian guardian known for deep wrinkles, heavy bone, and a watchful, devoted nature. Descended from ancient Roman mastiff-type war and estate dogs, the breed was developed to deter intruders through sheer presence and courage. With family they are affectionate and steady, but they need early socialization, consistent training, and experienced handling.
Newfoundland
Working · Giant
The Newfoundland is a giant, powerful working dog known for its sweet disposition and exceptional swimming ability. Originally used by fishermen, these 'nanny dogs' are famous for their life-saving instincts and deep devotion to their families.
Pyrenean Mastiff
Working · Giant
The Pyrenean Mastiff is a noble giant from Spain, originally bred to protect livestock from predators like wolves and bears. They are famous for being 'gentle giants'—extremely affectionate with their families and remarkably patient with children. While they are calm and quiet indoors, they remain vigilant guardians who are wary of threats but friendly to guests once properly introduced.
Saint Bernard
Working · Giant
Originally bred for rescue at the Great St Bernard Pass hospice, the Saint Bernard is a legendary 'gentle giant' known for its massive size and calm, affectionate nature. They are deeply loyal to their families and possess a patient temperament that makes them excellent companions, provided you have enough space for them.
Scottish Deerhound
Hound · Giant
The Scottish Deerhound is a large sighthound once bred to hunt red deer in the Scottish Highlands. Known as the 'Royal Dog of Scotland,' they combine a majestic, rugged appearance with a deeply gentle and polite personality. They are quiet and laid-back indoors but require significant space to stretch their long legs outside.
Spanish Mastiff
Working · Giant
The Spanish Mastiff is a massive livestock guardian developed in rural Spain to protect flocks from wolves and other predators. Despite their imposing size, they are typically calm, loyal, and deeply devoted to their family, with a naturally watchful nature around strangers. Their combination of ancient working heritage, quiet confidence, and gentle demeanor at home makes them a distinctive giant breed.
Tibetan Mastiff
Working · Giant
The Tibetan Mastiff is an ancient guardian breed developed in the Himalayan region to protect livestock and homes from predators. Calm and affectionate with family but naturally aloof with strangers, this powerful dog is known for its strong territorial instincts and dignified presence. Its lion-like mane, deep bark, and independent mind make it one of the most distinctive guardian breeds in the world.