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01of 10Great Dane
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
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02of 10Mastiff
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
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03of 10Leonberger
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
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04of 10Bullmastiff
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
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05of 10Newfoundland
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
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06of 10Saint Bernard
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
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07of 10Dogue de Bordeaux
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
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08of 10Great Pyrenees
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
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09of 10Irish Wolfhound
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
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10of 10Neapolitan Mastiff
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.