Top 10 Large Breed Dogs

Kate Barrington
by Kate Barrington
Don’t let their size fool you – large breed dogs also come with large hearts to offer you colossal love!

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes – some people prefer a tiny lap dog, while others like to super-size their pooch. Okay, so bigger dogs may make a bigger mess (especially when it comes to pooping and scooping), but it also means there is more of them to love. We’ve put together our Top 10 large breed dogs – just try not to fall in love with these gentle giants.

Great Dane: The Great Dane is a large breed of German origins that weighs up to 120 lbs. and stands as tall as 30 inches. This breed was originally bed as a hunting dog but they are widely known for their gentle temperament and friendly nature. These dogs do well with other dogs and they are not aggressive toward other household pets. (Photo credit: E Hoffmann/Bigstock.com)

Mastiff: The Mastiff is one of the most ancient breeds, having descended from the Molosser in Asia over 5,000 years ago. This giant breed stands a minimum of 30 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs anywhere from 130 to 220 lbs. The Mastiff has a grand carriage but a gentle and dignified temperament. These dogs are protective of their families and they are much more sensitive than they look. (Photo credit: prometeus/Bigstock.com)

Neapolitan Mastiff: The Neapolitan Mastiff is a strong, sturdy breed that does extremely well as a guard dog. Despite its massive size and protective tendencies, this breed thinks it’s a lap dog. These dogs love to spend time with family but they can be a little strong-willed, so training is a must. This breed stands 26 to 31 inches tall and tips the scale at 150 to 200 lbs. Will answer to the name “Tiny.” (Photo credit: mkoudis/Bigstock.com)

Bullmastiff: The Bullmastiff stands about 25 to 27 inches tall and weighs between 110 and 130 lbs. This breed is confident and fearless, a natural guardian, but they are also calm and intelligent. Originally used to scare off poachers in 19th century England, the Bullmastiff breed now fills his time being an assistance animal, a police dog and a loyal family companion. (Photo credit: Reddogs/Bigstock.com)

Saint Bernard: This dog originated as a hospice breed so they are known for their friendly, welcoming natures. These dogs stand between 28 and 30 inches tall and weigh up to 180 pounds, but they are gentle and kind with family – especially children. Saint Bernards need plenty of early socialization and training due to their large size. (Photo credit: swisshippo/Bigstock.com)

Newfoundland: This is one big dog, eh! Originating from the Canadian province of Newfoundland, this furry breed is known for its loyalty and intelligence and for being incredibly sweet-natured. The Newfoundland stands about 28 inches tall and weighs between 130 and 150 pounds. These dogs always aim to please and they are wonderful with children. (Photo credit: CaptureLight/Bigstock.com)

Cane Corso: The Cane Corso is an intelligent breed that has strong protective instincts. This breed stands about 25 to 27 inches tall and weighs between 90 and 120 pounds. The Cane Corso is confident and affectionate with family but you need to take charge… or else he will. Proper socialization and positive-reinforcement training will go a long way with this breed. (Photo credit: ots-photo/Bigstock.com)

Dogue de Bordeaux: Also known as the French Mastiff, the Dogue de Bordeaux is a loyal companion and a strong guardian. These dogs stand about 24 to 27 inches tall and weigh at least 110 lbs. This breed is devoted and affectionate with family but he can be strong-willed and stubborn at times. Don’t let his size overwhelm you – take control of training early and keep at it well into adulthood. (Photo credit: ots-photo/Bigstock.com)

Irish Wolfhound: The Irish Wolfhound is the definition of a gentle giant. This breed stands about 32 inches tall and weighs at least 120 pounds, but he is friendly with family and has a strong desire for companionship. The Irish Wolfhound is calm and dignified and he tends to be sensitive, so positive reinforcement training methods are preferred. (Photo credit: Bigandt_Photography/Bigstock.com)

Tibetan Mastiff: This breed is gentle and loving with family but also makes a great guard dog. The Tibetan Mastiff stands about 26 inches tall and weighs between 100 and 160 lbs. If you have your heart set on a Tibetan Mastiff, be forewarned… it’s going to cost you. The most expensive dog ever sold – a Tibetan mastiff puppy – was purchased by a Chinese property developer for $2 million. (Photo credit: Laures/Bigstock.com)

Kate Barrington
Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

More by Kate Barrington

Next