They might not all be suitable for living in small homes and apartments, but large dogs can be an absolute joy to own. Sometimes, the best things come in the largest packages, as these dog breeds prove. Here are 20 beloved big dog breeds that are excellent pets.
Labrador Retriever
Sky News reports that the Labrador Retriever has recently “lost its crown after 31 years as America’s most popular dog.” However, second place is still admirable, and these large dogs definitely deserve it. They get along well with children, and their friendly and trainable nature means that they’re good service dogs, too.
German Shepherd
Another common, large working dog breed is the German Shepherd, whose appearance immediately recalls the courageous dogs in K-9 units. However, they’ll also be loyal to their families, and with a lot of regular exercise, they’ll make great pets for any home.
Golden Retriever
This big dog is practically famous for its gentle and affectionate personality. Although they are prone to quite a few health conditions like hip dysplasia and heart problems, they have a lot of love to give. They’ll fit best with active families because they’re highly energetic dogs.
Great Dane
Thinking of ‘big dogs’ usually brings the Great Dane to people’s minds, and for good reason. When measured from paw to head, the Great Dane easily soars over 39 inches tall, but they’re also quite friendly and well-mannered. You’ll have to make sure you have plenty of space for a Great Dane, though.
Boxer
Boxers are large, playful, and full of energy, and people who own them will often talk about their playful antics and goofy personalities. They’re also very loyal dogs who can live alongside children and often become protective guardians of their families.
Standard Poodle
Poodles come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. A Standard Poodle is the largest type, generally between 24 and 32 inches tall. Their distinctive curly coats are not only beautiful but also don’t shed much, making them ideal for people with allergies.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers aren’t just excellent guard dogs because of their size – they’re also incredibly loyal and strong. The American Kennel Club describes them as a “robust working breed of great strength” but also “a gentle playmate and protector within the family circle.”
Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are one of the most well-known and beloved big dog breeds across America. They’re popular due to their striking appearance, but taking care of a Husky can be a lot of work. They’re intelligent escape artists who need a lot of room to run and play as well as secure fencing.
Mastiff
The Mastiff, sometimes called the English Mastiff, is a massive dog that can weigh up to 230 pounds, easily rivaling the weight of an average man. They need a lot of food to maintain their enormous bodies and a lot of space, but they’re also quite calm and patient.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Due to their long, thick fur, you’ll have to spend a lot of time regularly grooming your Bernese Mountain Dog. They’re large and make excellent working dogs, as they were originally bred to assist their owners on farms in Switzerland. However, they usually only live for around 7 to 9 years.
Saint Bernard
Many of us are familiar with the image of a Saint Bernard braving the cold of a snowy mountain to rescue lost people. These big dogs are lovable, friendly, and gentle, but they are prone to drooling so you’ll need to regularly clean their faces to keep on top of that.
Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinschers are one of the sleekest, most athletic-looking dog breeds. According to the Spruce Pets, they “are fearless, loyal, and highly intelligent” and “ideal police, war, and guard dogs, but they are also outstanding companions.” They are very high-energy dogs who are also really intelligent.
Newfoundland
The Newfoundland dog breed is well-known for its love of the water, so be prepared for regular outings to your nearest pond or lake. They’re sweet and gentle pets who are much loved by families across America, but their thick coats can sometimes be difficult to groom.
Bloodhound
One of the dog breeds best known for its sense of smell and tracking abilities is the Bloodhound. They’re also quite large and need a lot of space, not least because they love following their noses, which leads to a lot of wandering.
Akita
The Akita has noble origins in Japan, where it went from being a hunting dog to becoming a common guardian of the upper classes and nobility. As such, they’re quite loyal dogs, but they can be wary of other dogs, so you’ll need to put a lot of work into their socialization.
Irish Wolfhound
This large breed is well-known for its height, as Irish Wolfhounds can grow up to 45 inches tall. They need a lot of space due to this, but they’re also quite gentle and calm dogs that will get along well with children and other pets, making them a great choice for families.
Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is a large, muscular dog breed, and it might be one of the most intimidating dogs to encounter. However, it can thrive with a confident owner, and PDSA recommends that it “be trained using positive, reward-based training from a young age.”
Alaskan Malamute
Very similar in appearance to Siberian Huskies, the Alaskan Malamute has a few key differences from its Russian cousin. They’re a bit larger and stockier than Huskies, but they’re equally strong-willed and independent and are best suited to experienced dog owners.
Bullmastiff
Although they share many qualities with English Mastiffs, Bullmastiffs are more energetic and lively dogs that will excel in competitions like agility trials. They’re also a touch smaller than English Mastiffs, but they still literally outweigh many other dog breeds.
Belgian Malinois
The last large dog breed we’re looking at today is the Belgian Malinois, which can be a perfect choice for experienced dog owners who aren’t afraid of putting a lot of work into training. They need to be physically and mentally challenged every day, but their intelligence and trainability are off the charts.
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