If you like large dogs, you are sure to find your happiness among our selection of the 10 most majestic and impressive large dog breeds. Despite their impressive size, most of these dogs have a gentle and affectionate character.
Keep in mind that these dog breeds are not listed in any particular order.
1. The Newfoundland, a gentle dog breed
The Newfoundland is popular for its large size and its gentleness. As this breed is particularly affectionate, it is the ideal companion for families with children. The Newfoundland is also rather easy to train. This breed is kind towards its owner and other people in general.
Males can weigh up to 65 kg (143 lbs) and measure 71 cm (30 in) at the withers. Females weigh on average 55 kg (121 lbs) and measure 66 cm (26 in). It has a thick coat, long hair, and webbed feet. Thanks to its webbed feet, the Newfoundland is an excellent swimmer, making it an excellent canine for water rescues.
2. The Great Dane, an elegant dog breed
Originating from Germany, the Great Dane is a giant dog with an even bigger heart. This very elegant dog was originally a hunting dog in the Middle Ages.
The Great Dane measures on average between 70 cm and 110 cm (27 in and 43 in) at the withers and weighs 50 kg to 70 kg (110 lbs and 154 lbs). While this dog breed’s size can be quite intimidating, it is very kind and loyal. For this reason, it is an excellent watchdog. Because this dog is particularly affectionate, it is an excellent pet for families with children. Great Danes love small children and know how to watch over them with care.
This dog breed is playful, dynamic, intelligent, and calm. It is sometimes called the “Apollo of dogs” thanks to its splendor and elegance.
3. The St. Bernard, a patient dog breed
This large dog breed originates from the Swiss Alps. It is a well-beloved dog breed, known for its loving personality, elegance, and extraordinary kindness. Despite its size and strength, the St. Bernard wouldn’t hurt a fly. This dog breed is often entrusted with rescue missions in the mountains. Male St. Bernards can weigh up to 100 kg as adults (220 lbs) and measure between 70 cm and 90 cm (27 in and 35 in) at the withers. The females typically weigh around 60 kg (132 lbs) on average and measure between 65 cm and 80 cm (25 in and 31 in).
If well-trained, the St. Bernard is the ideal companion. Its extraordinary patience and intelligence only adds its charming personality. This dog is also very friendly and will have no trouble adapting to different lifestyles. It is an excellent guardian, dedicated to watching over its owner and family members. This breed would do anything to protect and save the people its close to.
4. The Neapolitan Mastiff, a protective dog breed
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a very large and muscular dog. It requires training by an experienced dog trainer to help it channel its excess energy. Training for this breed should begin at a young age.
The Neapolitan Mastiff is gentle and affectionate by nature. With this in mind, when it feels threatened, it can be very aggressive. This breed is perfect if you are looking for a good watchdog. It needs a lot of space to exercise and have fun. They are loyal, intelligent, and protective. Males typically weigh around 70 kg (154 lbs) and measure on average 75 cm (30 in) at the withers. Female Neapolitan Mastiffs can reach 50 kg (110 lbs) and 60 cm (24 in).
5. The English Mastiff, an affectionate dog breed
The English Mastiff has an impressive large and muscular body, making it an excellent watchdog. Nevertheless, this dog breed is extremely affectionate and eager to cuddle. They have a very endearing personality.
This dog is loyal, gentle, and protective towards children and the elderly. At the same time, the English Mastiff is wary of strangers and is rather reserved. Male English Mastiffs measure approximately 85 cm (33 in) at the withers and weigh around 100 kg (220 lbs). Females, on the other hand, usually measure around 70 cm to 80 cm (27 in to 32 in) and weigh around 70 kg (154 lbs).
6. The Leonberger, a gentle dog breed
If you are looking for a large dog with a gentle temperament, the Leonberger is a great choice. Additionally, it is a great dog breed for water and mountain rescues. With its calm temperament, the Leonberger is also perfect for families with children. They are friendly towards them and their instinct is to protect them.
The Leonberger has a hard time dealing with solitude. It is a very patient and intelligent dog breed that needs daily play sessions to use up its excess energy. This breed hates to be tied up, hence the need for a fenced garden. On average, a male Leonberger measures 80 cm (31 in) at the withers and weighs 80 kg (176 lbs). A female Leonberger measures between 60 cm and 75 cm (23 in and 30 in) and weighs about 60 kg (132 lbs).
7. The Borzoi, a calm dog breed
The Borzoi or the Russian Hunting Sighthound is a Russian dog breed, popular for its elegance and independent nature. This breed is calm, affectionate, and particularly gentle.
The Borzoi is an excellent guardian because it likes to protect its territory and its owners. This breed is rather light for its large size since it usually weighs no more than 45 kg (99 lbs) for a male and 35 kg (77 lbs) for a female. Male Borzoi dogs measure approximately 85 cm (33 in) and the female between 65 cm and 80 cm (25 in and 32 in). Because of its speed, the Borzoi has long been used to hunt wolves, hares and foxes.
8. The Anatolian Shepherd, a vigorous dog breed
This large dog breed is ideal for guarding flocks. Its proud appearance and impressive size make this dog a very popular breed throughout the world. The Anatolian Shepherd is very vigorous and muscular. Additionally, the breed is exceptionally courageous, intelligent, and independent. It has a strong resistance to extreme weather conditions such as high heat or extreme cold periods. The Anatolian Shepherd is very affectionate and loyal to its owners, despite its independent character. They are very endearing and pleasant dogs. This dog can reach a height of 70 cm to 80 cm (27 in to 31 in) at the withers and can weigh up to 65 kg (143 lbs) on average.
9. The Pyrenean Mountain Dog, a majestic dog breed
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is majestic and very elegant, especially because of its large size. It is a dog that is very pleasant to live, although it is known to have a rather strong character. It typically measures between 65 cm and 80 cm (25 in and 32 in) and weighs between 45 kg and 80 kg (99 lbs and 176 lbs). The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is very loyal and is particularly protective of its family members. Because of this, this dog breed is a great family dog.
10. The Irish Wolfhound, a courageous dog breed
Muscular, but elegant, the Irish Wolfhound is still relatively light, measuring between 71 cm and 86 cm (27 in and 34 in) at the withers and weighing between 40 kg and 55 kg (88 lbs and 121 lbs). This large dog breed is affectionate, intelligent and very calm. The Irish Wolfhound is also very gentle and kind with children. Moreover, this breed is known to show great loyalty to its owners. In the past, this large, elegant dog was used to hunt wolves and bears because of its courage and great speed.
