This list of the best large dog breeds is long and varied. If you’re searching for your new family dog, we’ve got the perfect list of big dog breeds that will make an excellent addition to dog lovers in any home. From gentle giants and active large dog breeds to playful pups with endless energy. Since most people don’t distinguish between big dogs, we have included giants alongside large dog breeds.
Gentle Giants and Extra Large Dog Breeds
Great Dane
The Great Dane is a gentle giant that is considered to be the Apollo of Dogs. They are regal in stature, and their imposing presence makes for a great visual deterrent against strangers. Despite this, they are friendly, gentle, moderately playful, and good with kids.
They are one of the largest dog breeds, typically weighing in at around 100-200 pounds. Also, they are a tall breed, with males reaching heights of 30-34 inches, and females reaching heights of 28-32 inches.
The chest size of a Great Dane is one of the most important measurements to consider when choosing a large dog breed. Because they are such a tall breed, their chest size is also quite large.
A Great Dane’s chest should measure at least 28 inches in order to ensure they have enough room to breathe and move around comfortably.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is often considered one of the gentle giant breeds due to their calm and affectionate disposition.
Their mellow temperament makes them excellent family dogs, and with good socialization, they also get along well with strangers and other pets.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are one of the most popular breeds in the United States, and for good reason. Berners are loyal, friendly, and great with kids.
Though they are giant in size, they are also an active dog breed that can make the perfect companion and devoted family member.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large-sized breed of dog that is popular as a working dog and family pet.
They typically weigh around 70-80 pounds and stand about 24-28 inches tall. Their chest size is usually around 34-36 inches.
Saint Bernard
This breed is both gentle and calm, yet tenacious and protective. Saint Bernards need a lot of space to roam around in, so if you have one, be prepared for a lot of physical activity every day!
The Saint Bernard is a giant breed of dog that typically weighs in at around 180-220 pounds and stands 29-35 inches tall at the shoulder. They are also one of the widest dog breeds, with a chest size of 58-64 inches.
Bull Mastiff
The Bullmastiff is a giant dog breed that may look like a dog of intense strength and power, but these large dogs are actually gentle.
Bullmastiffs are one of the biggest breeds of dogs, typically weighing in at around 110 pounds and standing around 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Their chest circumference is also quite large, measuring in at around 54 inches.
It is good with kids, but The Bullmastiff is good with kids, but they can be stubborn so they would do best in an experienced dog owner.
Newfoundland
The Newfoundland Dog are giant dogs need a ton of exercise and enough space. Enough space is important because they are extra large dog breeds and can grow quite large – up to 200 pounds!
A Newfoundland can weigh in the area of 150 pounds and stand up to 27 inches tall. They have a chest size of up to 66 inches.
This laid-back canine is patient, calm, and kind-hearted. A Newfoundland is a huge dog but is very friendly with children of all ages.
Large Dog Breeds That Are Great With Kids
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds in the country and has been at the top of the list for decades now.
The Labrador Retriever is a great choice for a family dog because they are gentle, loving, and great with kids.
They come in three colors – black, chocolate, and yellow – and can weigh anywhere from 55-80 pounds.
The Labrador Retriever is also one of the largest dog breeds, reaching heights of 22-24 inches and having a chest size of up to 60 inches.
They make a great companion dog and are friendly, athletic, lovable, easy to train, and always eager to please.
Golden Retriever
Like the Labrador, Golden Retrievers are a large dog breed that you may see utilized as therapy dogs. They are very friendly, loyal, outgoing, cheerful, and lovable dogs who love spending time with family.
The Golden Retriever is one of the biggest breeds of dogs and can weigh up to 80 pounds. They typically stand about 24 inches tall and have a chest size of about 50 inches.
They also make for excellent service dogs, so if you are looking for the perfect canine companion, then you won’t go wrong with this breed.
Boxer
The Boxer dog is well-known for being hardworking, active, and playful by nature. They are also excellent companions for kids, as they can be very protective guard dogs of those they consider family.
The Boxer is a breed of dog that is known for its muscular build and boxer ears. They typically weigh in at around 70 pounds and stand around 22 inches tall. Their chest size is generally around 34 inches.
This is also why you should make sure to spend as much time with them as possible, while they are still young.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is highly intelligent dog breed. They are watchful and friendly with kids. This makes them excellent family pets as they can bond closely with their family.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a breed of working dog that originated in Switzerland.
The breed is large and muscular, with a black and white coat. Males typically weigh around 115 pounds and stand 24 inches high at the shoulder.
Females weigh around 100 pounds and stand 22 inches high at the shoulder. Males have a chest circumference of 30 inches, while females have a chest circumference of 28 inches.
Standard Poodle
A very elegant and intelligent breed, the Standard Poodle is also a great family pet.
The Standard Poodle typically weigh around 60-70 pounds. They stand about 22-26 inches tall, and their chest size is around 24-28 inches.
They are loving, gentle and playful with kids. However, they do need to be supervised when playing with younger children because of their size and energy level.
Alaskan Malamute
In terms of dog sizes, the Alaskan Malamute is bigger than a Siberian Husky, despite the similarities in appearance.
The Alaskan Malamute can weigh an average of 85 pounds and can reach up to 28 inches in height. They also have a chest size of about 45 inches.
They are playful and social dogs that tend to greet everyone as a friend. As such, they are not great watchdogs. Despite that, they are very loyal to family and also very good with kids.
Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is a type of dog that is known for its unique appearance. They are characterized by their lion-like mane and thick fur coats, which come in a variety of colors including black, red, blue, and cream.
They are also known for their curled up tails and the black markings around their eyes and mouths.
Chow Chows are considered a large dog breed and can weigh up to 70 pounds.
The Chow Chow is a breed of dog that is known for its large size. It has a height of 23-27 inches and a chest measurement of 36-42 inches.
This breed is known for being independent, but they are very loyal and protective of their family, making them a popular choice for families with children.
Large Dog Breeds That Are Perfect Watch Dogs
Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is a giant breed that is known for being a great watchdog. They are loyal, fearless, and protective of their family and home.
The Cane Corso can weigh anywhere from 85 to 130 pounds and stand 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder.
They have a muscular build and chest that is as impressive as their personality.
They require a lot of exercise and space to roam, so if you are considering this breed, be sure you have enough room for them to run.
Dalmatian
If you are a fan of Disney movies, then the Dalmatian shouldn’t be a stranger to you. They are often the popular choice at dog shows for their stunning looks, athletic builds, and dignified personality.
These large dog breeds are also quite protective and sometimes tough to train, but they do make for excellent house pets and training partners.
The Dalmatian is a breed of dog known for its spots. They typically weigh in at around 50-70 pounds and stand about 20-24 inches tall. Their chest width is around 24-30 inches.
Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is an intimidating dog that is popular for their athletic build, high intelligence, sleek coats, and regal stature. They are also very energetic, obedient, and loyal to family. This makes them the perfect watchdogs.
Doberman Pinschers typically weigh between 65 and 90 pounds and are about 24-26 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a chest circumference of anywhere from 50 to 68 inches.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers are the ultimate guard dogs, and you cannot ask for better protection if that is what you need. This short-haired dog breed is muscular in size and almost always intimidating to strangers.
A Rottweiler can weigh anywhere from 80 to 115 pounds, and they stand 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a chest width that is equal to or greater than their height at the shoulder.
Fearless, obedient, devoted, and always calm, they require a significant amount of training while they are still young to get the best out of them.
German Shepherd
If you are looking for complete unwavering loyalty, no matter the situation, then you cannot go wrong with a German Shepherd.
This shepherd is one of the large dog breeds that were originally bred to be workers and have protective tendencies, especially when it comes to their family members. They are easy to train and very obedient too.
A German Shepherd’s height can range from 22 to 26 inches, and their chest size is approximately 22 to 28 inches.
According to the American Kennel Club, they are “steadfast guardians”. They are usually large in size, upto 70 pounds for females and 90 pounds for males and often used as guard dogs or on police forces.
Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a large, working dog breed that was originally bred in the mountains of France and Spain to protect livestock from predators.
They are known for their gentle, patient nature, as well as their fearless attitude when it comes to protecting their family.
They are considered a large dog breed that can weigh up to 100 pounds and stand up to 32 inches tall at the shoulder.
One of the most distinguishing features of the Great Pyrenees is their impressive chest. This chest is so large and muscular that it can often be intimidating to strangers.
The Pyrenees is quite intelligent, easy to train, and known for their gentle, patient nature. They are also quite intelligent and easy to train.
Large Dogs for Hunting and Livestock Guard Dogs
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
The Anatolian Shepherd is a large dog breed of livestock guard dog that originated in Turkey. They are the biggest of the shepherd dog breeds, and are bred to be independent and protective of their flock.
The average weight of an Anatolian Shepherd is around 70-115 pounds, and they typically stand at 24-27 inches tall. They are a large breed of dog, and are not recommended for households with small children or other pets.
The average Anatolian Shepherd’s chest is around 24-27 inches wide. They are a large breed of dog, and their chest size is one of the biggest among dog breeds.
Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is a breed of livestock guard dog that originated in Ireland. These large dogs are the biggest of the shepherd breeds. They are bred to be independent and protective of their flock.
They are not typically recommended as pets, as they can be territorial and aggressive towards strangers.
The Irish Wolfhound typically weighs around 100 pounds and stands around 32 inches tall. They are the tallest dog breed in the world, and are known for their gentle temperament and love of children.
German Shorthaired Pointer
German Shorthaired Pointer is among the large dog breeds that are known for their hunting abilities. They make great pets for families who enjoy spending time outdoors.
The German Shorthaired Pointer typically weighs between 55 and 70 pounds, and stand between 21 and 25 inches tall. They are a popular breed of dog for families who enjoy spending time outdoors, as they are known for their hunting abilities.
FAQ for Large Dog Breeds
What is the friendliest large dog?
The friendliest large dog is the golden retriever. They are known for being even tempered and great with kids and other animals. Golden retrievers are good natured and make loving companions.
What’s the difference between a large dog breed and a giant dog breed?
A large dog breed is typically considered to be over 44 pounds, while a giant dog breed is typically considered to be over 90 pounds. Some breeds, like Great Danes, can vary in size and weight and still fall into either category.
Large dog breeds are often better for owners who don’t have a lot of space, as breeds in this category don’t need as much room to run around. They’re also great for people who want a loyal companion and watchdog.
Giant dog breeds, on the other hand, require a lot of exercise and can become destructive if they’re not given enough activity. They can also be quite pricey to keep fed and groomed properly.
Largest breeds that are also the smartest breeds
There are many big dogs that are considered to be the smartest breeds. Some of the most popular dogs in this category include the Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Rottweiler. These large dog breeds are known for their intelligence and their ability to learn quickly.
Chest size of large dog breeds
The chest size of a dog can vary depending on the breed. However, there are some general guidelines that can be followed when measuring a dog‘s chest.
To measure the broad chest of a dog, use a tape measure to measure the circumference of the dog’s chest at its widest point.
Generally speaking, a dog’s chest is considered big if it measures more than 30 inches in circumference.
How to measure your dog‘s chest
The largest breed of canines typically have chests that measure between 30 and 40 inches in circumference. Giant dog breeds such as the mastiff and Saint Bernard are some of the biggest dog breeds in the world and have chest sizes that fall within this range.
When measuring the chest size of a dog, it is important to take into account the size of the individual dog. Some dogs may be larger or smaller than average for their breed, so it is important to consider this when determining whether or not a dog’s chest size is considered big, especially for large breeds.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule, so it is always best to consult with a veterinarian or animal expert before making any assumptions about a dog‘s chest size.
Large Dog Breeds Wrap Up
The largest dog breeds are categorized differently than giant dog breeds. A large dog can weigh up to 90 pounds and is known for its size and strength. They are also popular for their loyal personalities and make great watchdogs.
Giant dog breeds are typically considered to be those over 100 pounds. They are often favored as guard dogs or working dogs due to their size and strength. While there are many different breeds of giant dogs, some of the most common include the Bull Mastiff and the Rottweiler.
A giant dog can vary in size, but most weigh anywhere from 120-200 pounds. It’s important to note that even if a breed is a huge dog that does not necessarily indicate that they have the size to qualify as giant. A great example of this is the Giant Schnauzer which weighs between 55 – 85 pounds.
So, whether you are looking for large dog breeds or a giant dog there is definitely one out there that is perfect for your family. Be sure to do your research to find the one that fits you best!
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