Largest Dog Breeds: Huge, little, fluffy, and sleek. We adore all canines! However, size might occasionally be preferable. We have the best large breed canines that would make wonderful pets, ranging from classy Afghan Hounds to svelte Great Danes. However, the American Kennel Club advises prospective owners to think carefully before choosing a large dog breed and to take into account the necessary training for having a well-behaved pet that may one day weigh as much as an adult human.
Research a breed to find out how much mental and physical stimulation they require as puppies because many large and enormous breeds need a strong leader to help mould their behaviour. If you don’t keep up with your dog’s need for activity, bored dogs—especially big dogs—can turn destructive and get themselves into trouble rapidly.
In actuality, not every breed is suitable for every household or for new dog owners. To further understand the kind of commitment you’re making to a huge or gigantic breed dog, speak to breed owners and breeders. Make sure a particular breed is a good fit for your household for the benefit of both you and the dog. We have advice for finding the ideal name, as well as entertaining dog subscription boxes and durable dog toys to spoil your pet after you’ve done your research and decided on the huge dog breed that’s best for you.
Largest Dog Breeds: To Be Kept As Pet
Airedale Terriers
Super-smart and courageous canines, Airedale Terriers are fiercely devoted to their families. They can be stubborn, like the majority of terriers, but they’re also patient with children. The AKC advises brushing your dog once a week to maintain their coarse coat.
Height: 23 inches tall
Weight: Between 50 and 70 pounds
Lifespan: to 14 years
Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers are loyal and intelligent canine breeds that consistently rank among the most well-liked. They’re excellent candidates for active owners in particular because they need daily exercise and like playing, and because extroverts are noted for being extra kind to children and other dogs.
Height: 21.5 to 24 inches tall
Weight: Between 55 and 75 pounds
Lifespan: to 12 years
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are charming, active, and as sharp as a tack. They were developed as herding dogs in Germany and are now among the most well-liked dog breeds here.
Height: 22 to 26 inches tall
Weight: Between 50 and 90 pounds
Expected lifespan: 7 to 10 years
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is the second most popular dog breed in the United States because they are as devoted and affectionate as they come. They have three different colour options for their coat: black, chocolate, and tan. Because they require a lot of exercise, they are perfect for people who enjoy being active outside.
Height: 21.5 to 24.5 inches tall
Weight: Between 55 and 80 pounds
Lifespan: 10 to 13 years
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs
The “Swissies,” sometimes known as Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, are amiable but also make great watchdogs. They were originally raised in the Swiss Alps and are strong and active, making them excellent trekking and camping companions.
Height: 23.7 to 28.5 inches tall
Weight range: 85 to 140 lbs.
Lifespan: 8 to 11 years.
Otterhound
Lively Otterhounds are highly loving and enjoy the water. They can be rather vocal, thus not all houses may be right for them, potential pet parents should be aware.
Height: 24 to 27 inches tall
Weight: Between 80 and 115 pounds
Lifespan: 10- to 13-year
Afghan Hound
Beautiful Afghan Hounds require a seasoned pet parent because they have a strong sense of self. However, they make devoted and entertaining companions for people who have the time and patience to give them lots of exercise and to groom their silky coats. Among large breeds, they have one of the longest life spans.
Height: 25 to 27 inches tall
Weight: fifty to sixty pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 18 years
American English Coonhounds
American English Coonhounds may have a kind demeanour and a charming face, but their true nature is one of an athlete who requires a lot of activity and training to make a wonderful house pet.
Height: 23 to 26 inches tall
Weight: 45 to 65 lbs.
Expected lifespan: 11 to 12 years
Alaskan Malamutes
Although Alaskan Malamutes like winning over their owners, they need to be trained from a young age in order to form the kind of positive habits that would make them happy companions.
Height: 23 to 25 inches tall
Weight: 75 to 85 lbs
Lifespan: 10 to 14 years
Borzoi
A gorgeous, graceful, and loyal breed, the borzoi needs continuous training. These dogs enjoy a good chase, so you’ll need a fenced-in yard to stop them from chasing a passing cat or squirrel.
Height: 26 to 28 inches tall
Weight: between 60 and 105 pounds
Lifespan: 10to 14 years
American Bulldog
American Bulldogs are athletic dogs with loving expressions and devoted personalities who like challenging labour and much more challenging play! This breed has a lot of energy, therefore to harness it in a useful way, it needs strict training and early socialisation.
Height: 20 to 25 inches tall
Weight range: 60 to 100 lbs.
Lifespan: 10 to 12-years
Australian Cattle Dog
The intelligent, powerful herding breed known as the Australian Cattle Dog requires training and exercise to stay out of mischief. These energetic dogs are not particularly friendly with strangers, therefore timid pet parents should not apply. They may still outsmart you occasionally, so it’s important to provide confident leadership and direction.
Height: 17 to 20 inches tall
Weight: 35 and 50 pounds
Lifespan: 10 to 16 years
Doberman Pinschers
Doberman Pinschers are incredibly devoted and loyal pets because they are swift, courageous, and protective canines.
Height: 24 to 28 inches tall
Weight range: 60 to 100 lbs.
Lifespan: 10 to 12-years
Boxer
Boxers make wonderful companions for busy families since they are lovable and nice with children. Boxers enjoy being goofy, and like the athletes after whom they were called, they benefit from regular exercise. From a young age, they should be exposed to and socialised with humans of all ages as well as other canines in order to help them become the best versions of themselves.
Height: 21.5 to 35 inches tall
Weight: Between 50 and 75 pounds
Lifespan: 10- to 12-years
Bloodhound
Naturally, Bloodhounds require lengthy walks to maintain their happiness because they have extremely sensitive noses. The amiable and kind breed enjoys interacting with people, especially other dogs and kids.
Height: 23 to 25 inches tall
Weight: 80 and 110 pounds
Lifespan: 8 to 11 years
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Despite being calm, devoted, and protective, Anatolian Shepherds are not the breed for novice dog owners or pet parents. To manage their domineering personality, they require extensive training and a powerful leader.
Height: 27 to 29 inches tall
Weight: 80 and 150 pounds
Expected lifespan: 11 to 13 years
Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds, the tallest of the breeds, are kind, affectionate, and superb companions. However, because to their size, they may not be the ideal pet for all families, so make sure your home has enough room to accommodate a large hound.
Height: 30 to 32 inches tall
Weight range: 105 to 120 lbs.
Lifespan: 6 to 8 years.
Bouvier des Français
The Bouvier des Flandres is a talented herding breed that needs a knowledgeable pet owner who can invest a lot of time in training and giving them a task to complete. Although trainable, this watchdog requires some mental stimulation and direction to flourish.
Height: 23.5 to 27.5 inches tall
Weight range: 70 to 110 lbs.
Lifespan: 10- to 12-year
Border Collies
Border Collies, who are frequently listed as one of the smartest dog breeds, enjoy staying busy, but they also enjoy cuddling after a long day. These puppies obviously require a pet parent who will encourage them to keep active.
Height: 18 to 22 inches tall
Weight: Between 40 and 55 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Italian Bracco
One of the first pointing breeds is the Bracco Italiano, often known as the Italian Pointing Dog. These dogs can be trained and, when necessary, can be gentle, but they are best suited for hunting jobs.
Height: 21 to 27 inches tall
Weight: 55 to 90 lbs.
Lifespan: 10 to 14 years
Briard
Although Briards are affectionate, they are active working dogs who require a task to complete due to their herding history. They are lovely pets in the appropriate household, but they are not the best breed for new dog owners.
Height: 22 to 27 inches tall
Weight range: 55 to 100 lbs.
Lifespan: 12-years
Berger Picards
Berger Picards are incredibly adorable and have ears that are four to five inches tall, but they need early socialisation and training because to their independent temperament. These shaggy dogs are perfect for active families since they need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation.
Height: 21.5 to 25.5 inches tall
Weight: Between 50 and 70 pounds
Lifespan: 12- to 13-year life expectancy
American Foxhound
American Foxhounds get along with everyone, including children, pets, and cats. That being said, they require a tonne of exercise and supervision to prevent them from acting destructively. This breed is definitely not for first-time pet parents; in fact, your neighbours may not like their loud baying.
Height: 21 to 25 inches tall
Weight: Sixty to seventy pounds
Expected lifespan: 11 to 13 years
Kuvasz
Beautiful breed that is constantly in need of work is the Kuvasz. These dogs are best kept as a part of a family with an experienced pet parent in charge due to their extraordinary quickness (both physically and emotionally).
Height: 26 to 30 inches tall
Weight range: 70 to 115 lbs.
Expected lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Gordon Setter
Gordon Setters are affectionate with family and are hunting dogs with soulful eyes and an athletic demeanour. Their stunning coats are perfect for the rough climate in the Scottish Highlands, where they were born.
Height: 23 to 27 inches tall
Weight range: 45 to 80 lbs.
Lifespan: 12- to 13-year life expectancy
Scottish Deerhounds
Scottish Deerhounds are among the tallest of these breeds and were developed in Scotland to hunt large red deer. They are kind and affectionate creatures, but you’ll need a lot of room to house them.
Height: 28 to 32 inches tall
Weight range: 75 to 110 lbs.
Lifespan: Approximately 8 to 11 years.
Weimaraner
Weimaraners are playful, adaptable, and protective, making them good with children. They need a lot of exercise because of their muscular build in order to be happy and healthy.
Height: 23 to 27 inches tall
Weight: Between 55 and 90 pounds
Lifespan: 10- to 13-year life expectancy
Bullmastiff
Bullmastiffs, a breed that is a mix between a Bulldog and a Mastiff, are gentle guard dogs that are devoted to their families. But in order for them to make wonderful pets, as with all large breeds, they need a lot of instruction and socialisation from a young age.
Height: 24 to 27 inches tall
Weight range: 100 to 130 lbs.
Lifespan: 7 to 9 years
Curly-Coated Retrievers
Curly-Coated Retrievers are outstanding swimmers and hunting dogs. They enjoy working in the field because their tight curls repel thorns and water. It can be challenging to control bored curlies, so make sure you lead an active lifestyle and give them a job to keep them out of trouble.
Height: 23 to 27 inches tall
Weight range: 60 to 95 lbs.
Expected lifespan: 10 to 12 pounds
Bernese Mountain Dogs
Bernese Mountain Dogs get along well with other dogs, kids, and family members. They don’t mind cold weather because they were initially bred to work on farms in Switzerland.
Height: 23 to 27.5 inches tall
Weight range: 70 to 115 lbs.
Expected lifespan: 7 to 10 years
Great Dane
When standing on their hind legs, Great Danes are taller than the majority of full-grown individuals and can reach a shoulder height of 32 inches when on all fours. Therefore, even though they’re great to have around, make sure you have enough room.
Height: 28 to 32 inches tall
Weight: 110 to 175 lbs.
Expected lifespan: 7 to 10 years
French Mastiff
Mastiffs may appear intimidating—males frequently weigh more than a man at his ideal weight and measure at least 30 inches at the shoulder—but their true nature is one of kindness and obedience. Since they may even be a little shy, early socialisation is crucial.
Height: 27.5 to 30 inches tall
Weight: Between 120 and 230 pounds
Lifespan: Approximately 6 to 10 years.
Newfoundland
They originated in Canada where they were working dogs aboard fishing ships, specialising in water rescues—so they’re courageous and strong too! Newfoundlands are kind, patient, and protective, so they’re frequently called the “nanny dog.” Newfies are simple to love and simple to train.
Height: 26 to 28 inches tall
Weight range: 100 to 150 lbs.
Lifespan: Approximately 9 to 10 years.
Leonberger
The initial purpose of the Leonberger, which gets its name from the German city where it was bred, was to serve as a companion for royal family members. The fact that they are good with children and have a majestic appearance make them wonderful companions for non-royal owners as well.
Height: 25.5 to 31.5 inches tall
Weight range: 90 to 170 lbs.
Lifespan: Approximately 7 years.
Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are particularly good with youngsters because they have enormous hearts that match their size. They are happiest when they are with their family. Despite growing up to 30 inches, they don’t need much activity.
Height: 26 to 30 inches tall
Weight range: 120 to 180 lbs.
Lifespan: Approximately 8 to 10 years.
Giant Schnauzer
Giant Schnauzers have a reputation for being devoted to their family and being simple to train. Their salt and pepper or black dense coat should be brushed on a weekly basis by owners.
Height: 23.5 to 27.5 inches tall
Weight: Between 55 and 85 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Irish Setters
Irish Setters are fun-loving and simple to teach, making them ideal family dogs. Just keep in mind that they’re energetic dogs who need regular exercise.
Height: 25 to 27 inches tall
Weight: sixty to seventy pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Old English Sheep Dogs
The kind, sociable, and contented Old English Sheep Dogs enjoy spending time with their families. Just be aware that their extremely shaggy coats will require more grooming effort.
Height: 21 inches and up in height
Weight range: 60 to 100 lbs.
Lifespan: 10- to 12-year life expectancy
Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a breed of calm, dignified dog that first appeared in the Pyrenees Mountains as a guard dog for cattle. They can even be a little reticent about strangers. Due to their resistance to tangles and grime, their thick, white coat requires relatively little upkeep. They are content with light activity.
Height: 25 to 32 inches tall
Weight: Between 85 and 100 pounds
Lifespan: 10- to 12-year life expectancy
Most Expensive Dogs in the World 2023
Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are affectionate and well-mannered, therefore they require a lot of one-on-one time with their owners. Their short, lustrous coat needs little care, and they get along nicely with other animals. They respond best to experienced pet owners since they require strict but fair guidance.
Height: 23 to 27 inches tall
Weight: Between 70 and 85 pounds
Lifespan: 10 to 12-year life expectancy