There's plenty more to love with large dog breeds, and their gentle temperaments make them great for children of all ages. If you think these gentle giants are perfect for you and your family, check out our list of some of the most popular large dog breeds or browse our full dog breed descriptions to explore even more options. Find out why so many owners prefer larger dogs and all the things that make them so great!
What is Considered to Be a Large Dog Breed?
Officially, a large dog breed is any breed that typically weighs between 50 and 100 pounds. Some of the largest dog breeds, like the Mastiff or Bernese Mountain Dog, can weigh over 100 pounds, with some even nearing 200 pounds! Some breeders may classify these extra-large dogs as "giant breeds." However, in general, any dog weighing over 50 pounds is considered large. A large dog breed usually stands around 24 inches tall at the shoulder for a comprehensive overview of all recognized breeds, the AKC: Complete Dog Breed Directory is a great reference.
Most Popular Large Dog Breeds
The most popular large dog breeds on this list are typically great with children and families. They have loving, affectionate personalities while remaining protective and loyal. If you are trying to decide which breed you want to add to your family, check out our top 10 most popular large dog breeds!
Labrador Retriever
The most popular dog breed in America is the Labrador Retriever. They are very similar to their cousins, the Golden Retriever, and have a gentle but playful temperament supporting their joints and digestion with multivitamin treats for dogs can help keep active Labs feeling their best. Labs are slightly larger than Golden Retrievers, standing on average about 21-25" tall. They can also weigh slightly more, about 55-80 pounds.
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is one of the most popular large dog breeds and the second most popular overall, just after Labrador Retrievers. German Shepherds are incredibly intelligent and often work as search-and-rescue and police dogs. They typically stand about 22-26" at the shoulder while weighing on average about 60-80 pounds.
Golden Retriever
One of the most popular and iconic dog breeds in America, it's no surprise that the fun-loving, affectionate Golden Retriever makes this list. Golden Retrievers make friends easily with both humans and dogs, and are very gentle with smaller pets and children. The breed typically stands about 20-24" tall and weighs about 55-75 pounds.
Boxer
Boxers make great family pets because they are constantly fighting for your attention and have super-sweet personalities. They are easily excitable and can get a little rowdy at times, but they are intelligent and easy to train. They stand about 22-25" tall at the shoulder and weigh approximately 50-80 pounds.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers are extremely popular because they are fiercely loyal and protective of all their loved ones. The strong breed often gets a bad reputation for its overly defensive or aggressive behavior, but it is actually an incredibly playful and loving animal. A Rottweiler can get pretty big, standing about 22-27" tall and weighing anywhere from 80-130 pounds.
Great Danes
Great Danes are known for their patience and loyal personalities. They stand taller than most other breeds, at about 28-34". They also typically weigh over 100 pounds, with some even reaching 150 pounds. Despite being bigger than most dogs, this sizable breed doesn't require as much exercise as most canines.
Mastiffs
Mastiffs are massive dogs that can be considered "giant." They are the definition of gentle giants, preferring to sleep rather than go out and exercise. Mastiffs can reach sizes of 27-30" tall and weigh a massive 120-230 pounds. Luckily, they don't require much grooming with their short coats, and their laid-back personalities make them great with families.
Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are closely related and even look similar to their Siberian Husky cousins, but they are much taller and heavier. Malamutes are friendly and sociable, and as a result, they are terrible guard dogs. Originally bred as sled dogs, Malamutes have boundless energy that they should burn off through daily exercise. The breed usually stands about 27-30" tall and weighs about 75-100 pounds.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are powerful animals that are often used to rescue stranded climbers in the Swiss Alps. Another gentle giant, the Bernese Mountain Dog, has a smile that will melt your heart. They also have beautiful coats that may require more grooming, and their active heritage means they benefit greatly from digestive probiotics for dogs to support overall gut health. Bernies typically stand around 23-27" tall and weigh about 80 to 120 pounds.
Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are commonly used in search-and-rescue operations, but these giant dogs have extremely gentle personalities. These hefty dogs have hearts of gold and make affectionate pets. They also love lounging and don't require much daily exercise. Don't be intimidated by their large size! This breed stands 26-30" tall and weighs between 120-180 pounds.
Are Giant Dog Breeds Easy to Care For?
Larger dogs may require more food, exercise, and grooming than smaller dogs. Larger breeds are not always recommended for first-time dog owners with little to no experience. However, learning how to care for any dog can be an excellent bonding experience resources like VCA: Selecting a Dog Breed can help new owners make well-informed decisions before bringing a large breed home.
Potential Health Issues
One thing to keep in mind is that some large dog breeds may be more likely to experience conditions such as hip dysplasia, joint concerns, bloat, and certain heart issues many owners turn to lab-tested CBD oil for dogs as part of a broader wellness routine to help support comfort and mobility. Regular veterinary checkups, a balanced diet, exercise, and weight management can all play a role in supporting a dog's overall well-being. If you notice changes in your pet's comfort or mobility, consult your veterinarian to discuss appropriate care options and wellness strategies.
Incorporating CBD dog treats into your large dog's daily routine is another simple way to promote long-term wellness alongside regular vet care.
Do Large Dog Breeds Get Along with Children?
Most larger breeds are gentle giants with calm temperaments. Dogs like German Shepherds or Labradors are also extremely loyal and protective of their families, making them great to raise with children. Even breeds with more aggressive natures can be trained to act calm and composed around children and in other situations. As with all breeds, proper training and socialization are necessary.
What Breed is the Largest Dog?
Among the many types of dogs, the English Mastiff is the biggest dog in the world. English Mastiffs were once descended from ancient war dogs, but are now soft, cuddly pets that sit on our sofas. English Mastiffs can stand up to 27-35" tall at the shoulders, making them the largest dog breed. Most English Mastiffs weigh over 200 pounds and can reach upwards of about 230 pounds.
Final Thoughts
You'll have a pet that is extremely patient, gentle, fun, and loyal when you go with a large dog. Most are relatively easy to care for since many breeds don't require as much exercise as some smaller dogs. If you have enough space and time to raise a large dog, it could be one of the best decisions you'll ever make!
FAQs About Large Dog Breeds
What is considered a large dog breed?
A large dog breed is generally any large breed that weighs more than 50 pounds and stands around 24 inches or taller at the shoulder. Some breeds, such as the Bernese Mountain Dog, Great Dane, and English Mastiff, are so large that they are often classified as giant breeds or among the largest dog breeds in the world.
Which are the tallest dog breeds?
Among the tallest dog breeds, the Irish Wolfhound and Great Dane are often at the top of the list. The Irish Wolfhound is a noble dog with exceptionally long legs, while the Great Dane is known worldwide for its impressive height and calm personality.
If you're drawn to similarly lean and athletic builds, our greyhound guide offers a great look at another tall, elegant breed worth considering.
What is the biggest dog breed in the world?
The English Mastiff is widely considered one of the biggest dog breeds due to its massive size and immense weight. This mastiff descends from ancient breed lines that were once used as war dogs, but today it is known as one of the most affectionate and gentle giants.
Are large dogs good family pets?
Yes! Many large dog breeds make wonderful family members. Breeds such as the Golden Retriever, Saint Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog are known for their gentle nature, gentle disposition, and ability to form strong bonds with both adults and children. When properly trained, these dogs become loyal companions and loving pets.
If you're also exploring smaller breeds for comparison, our profile on the rat terrier is a helpful read for families weighing their options.
Why are large dogs often called gentle giants?
Many big dogs are called gentle giants because they combine their enormous size with a calm, affectionate personality. Breeds like the Saint Bernard, Great Dane, and Pyrenean Mountain Dog are famous for their patience and laid-back attitudes around families.
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