It is easy to feel secure in the company of large dog breeds. Their compelling canine presence and charm are simply irresistible. If you want to add one to your household, start choosing one from this list of large dog breeds.
You may wonder how we decided which large breeds are the best. The following are our main considerations:
- Friendliness
- Shedding
- Suitability for apartment living
- Suitability for families
Let’s take a look at the big dogs that made it to our list.
Best Large Dog Breed #10: Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux is an ancient and rare dog breed hailing from France. Despite his large size, he is agile and light on his feet when he needs to as he was primarily developed for bullbaiting, hunting, and protecting and herding livestock.
Dogue de Bordeaux dogs are calm yet reserved canines, especially when they reach adulthood.
They must receive proper training and early socialisation at a young age to prevent them from displaying aggressive behaviours or extreme shyness. Their devotedness to their family and protective streak make them suitable for watchdog or guard dog duty.
Best Large Dog Breed #9: Great Pyrenees
Also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, the Great Pyrenees is one of the few dog breeds that only sport a white coat. Originally bred to guard livestock, his colouration allows him to blend in easily with his surroundings, which are usually snowy mountaintops.
As a livestock guardian, this breed is watchful and vigilant towards people or animals that may harm their family. Hence, early socialisation and training are a must of the Great Pyrenees to ensure that he gets along well with other people and pets.
A large dog breed with booming barks, the Great Pyrenees is an effective deterrent to threats. However, do not allow nuisance barking to persist as it could become a bad habit.
Best Large Dog Breed #8: Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neopolitan Mastiff used to be a war dog during the Ancient Roman period, and as time passed, his role gradually shifted into a guard dog. Thanks to the efforts of dedicated breeders, the breed’s temperament has stabilised throughout the years.
However, modern Neapolitan Mastiffs retain the protectiveness and wariness of their ancestors. Whilst these massive dogs are at their sweetest when with their owners, they can easily shift into defensive mode whenever they sense a threat.
With this in mind, pet owners should never skip providing these canines with early socialisation and training.
The Neopolitan Mastiff is a notorious heavy drooler, so he is not the best match for people who love to keep their home utterly pristine.
Best Large Dog Breed #7: Basset Hound
Although not as large as other breeds, he can tip the scales at about 50 to 60 pounds. This puts him within the large dog breed range of 50 to 90 pounds.
A friendly dog, the Basset Hound gets along with children, other dogs, and even cats. An easy-going and calm dog with low speed, this hound does not need much exercise, although he can be playful. He can also live in small homes or apartments.
The Basset Hound’s short coat may be low maintenance, but he needs to be bathed now and then. He also sheds moderately and seasonally. He tends to drool and “speak his mind.”
Best Large Dog Breed #6: Greyhound
Despite being a speedy breed (top speed is 45 mph), the Greyhound is a rather laid-back and sweet canine. His athleticism may lead you to think he needs much exercise, but this breed loves to lounge on the couch. Short daily walks are enough to fulfil his need for exercise.
Known to be a rare barker, the Greyhound can thrive in apartments. He is one of the best dog breeds for apartment living. His short-haired coat hardly requires maintenance. Families will love this sleek hound for his lovable and charming ways.
Best Large Dog Breed #6: Standard Poodle
Despite being a speedy breed (top speed is 45 mph), the Greyhound is a rather laid-back and sweet canine. His athleticism may lead you to think he needs much exercise, but this breed loves to lounge on the couch. Short daily walks are enough to fulfil his need for exercise.
Known to be a rare barker, the Greyhound can thrive in apartments. He is one of the best dog breeds for apartment living. His short-haired coat hardly requires maintenance. Families will love this sleek hound for his lovable and charming ways.
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Best Large Dog Breed #5: Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound served as a hunting dog for the royalty. As his name implies, he is a wolf hunter but can also take down other large animals such as stags and giant Irish Elks.
Despite his extensive experience in hunting, this breed has a gentle and friendly personality. He is known to see everyone as a friend and easily approaches strangers.
For this reason, he is not the best choice as a guard dog or watchdog. However, his large frame is enough to keep away people with bad intentions.
Best Large Dog Breed #4: Labrador Retriever
The Lab is the most popular dog in the UK. It’s not hard to see why considering his friendliness, intelligence, playfulness, versatility, and temper. As such, he is the perfect companion dog for families.
The Labrador Retriever is not high maintenance, although his water-resistant coat needs weekly brushing. He sheds seasonally and quite heavily.
An energetic breed, this pooch needs lots of exercise to keep his exuberance in check. Although a highly adaptive large dog breed, the Lab may find small apartments limiting their canine enthusiasm. However, he can thrive in apartment settings.
Best Large Dog Breed #3: Bernese Mountain Dog
This is one large dog breed suitable for families. Intelligent, easy-going, sturdy, athletic, and easy to train, the Bernese Mountain Dog is good with children. He can also live harmoniously with other dogs and pets and make good watchdogs.
As active dogs, Bernese Mountain dogs need a fair amount of exercise. As such, this canine does best with homes with large gardens. His double coat also needs daily brushing and may shed as the seasons change.
So why was this breed included in this list? His remarkable temperament–docile, calm, and confident–makes him a great family addition. If you are seeking a large dog for your family, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a wonderful choice.
Best Large Dog Breed #2: Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard has an extensive history of working as a search-and-rescue dog. Several accounts share how he became a valuable companion for travellers who are going through the treacherous alpine pass.
The breed’s work history moulded it to become a gentle and loving furry friend. Saint Bernard dogs love company and they feel restless if their owners fail to provide them with enough attention.
Although the Saint Bernard is a people-oriented canine, he is not as eager to please as other breeds. Pawrents need to establish firm and consistent rules and boundaries to shape them into well-behaved family pets.
Best Large Dog Breed #1: Great Dane
Like the Mastiff, the impressive-looking Great Dane is a gentle giant.
His mellow ways and conservative barking (if not developed as a habit) make him a suitable apartment dweller, which is unexpected for his size. However, watch out for the wayward tail wag that can clear tables with a single swipe.
Although stubborn, the Great Dane is easy to train and is gentle with kids, making him one of the best family dogs. This breed can also live harmoniously with other dogs and animals. He is known to be a drooler and has a hearty appetite. His short-haired coat is easy to maintain and sheds seasonally moderately.
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FAQs About Large Dog Breeds
1. What Is the Friendliest Large Dog?
The Labrador Retriever is one of the friendliest large dog breeds in the world. He is popularly known to get along well with everyone they meet, including strangers. He bonds well with other dogs and pets if introduced at an early age.
However, remember that each dog has a distinct personality. Whilst most Labrador Retrievers are outgoing, some might not display the same temperament. Ensuring they receive proper socialisation at an early age will help them get out of their shell.
2. What Big Dog Protects His Family?
Out of the 8 dog breeds on our list, the Mastiff and Bull Terrier are big dogs that can protect their family. Devoted, loyal, and powerful, they can be trained to be attentive and vigilant guard dogs in your home.
3. What Is the Largest Dog Breed Species?
The Mastiff is one of the largest dog breeds in existence. He can weigh anywhere between 118 and 250 pounds and measure approximately 70 to 90 centimetres at the withers.
Due to his massive size, he needs to live in a spacious home, preferably with an equally big back garden where he can freely run around.
4. What Is the Calmest Large Dog?
The Great Dane is one of the calmest large dogs that you will find. His huge build does not mirror his mellow and gentle personality. He is known to be very affectionate and will never say no to receiving pets and cuddles.
Conclusion
Large dog breeds are majestic dogs with their unique traits and needs. Before owning one, make sure that you are knowledgeable about basic care for these dogs.
For instance, most of them will require a big home with a large outdoor space for playtime. They also need diets specifically formulated for large-breed dogs since they are highly vulnerable to bone and joint problems.
If you are ready to take on the responsibility of owning a large-breed dog, find one amongst these dogs for sale or up for adoption!
