If you’re dreaming of a big, lovable pup to join your family, you’ve come to the right place! Large dog breeds are known for their gentle nature, loyalty, and ability to fill your home with love. Whether you’re looking for the best large dog breeds for families, the biggest dog in the world, or a breed that doesn’t shed too much, this guide will help you find the perfect match.
Below, you’ll find a list of large dog breeds, with names, pictures, and fun facts to help you choose the right one. Whether you prefer short hair or long hair, dogs that are fluffy or sleek, this guide has it all!
Why Large Dogs Make Amazing Pets
Large dogs may seem imposing, but many are known for their calm and loving nature. They make great companions for active families, especially with children. Many of the recommended breeds for kids are gentle giants who are affectionate, loyal, and protective. Plus, there’s nothing like a big fluffy dog to snuggle up with at the end of a long day!
The Best Large Dog Breeds
1. Great Dane
Known as the “Apollo of Dogs,” the Great Dane is one of the tallest dog breeds. These dogs are not just tall but also incredibly gentle and make great family pets.
Fun Fact: A Great Dane named Zeus holds the title of the biggest dog in the world, measuring over 44 inches (1.12m) at the shoulder!
2. Bernese Mountain Dog
Fluffy and affectionate, the Bernese Mountain Dog is perfect for families who love the outdoors. They have long, silky coats and are one of the most stunning large dog breeds fluffy enough for cuddles.
Fun Fact: Bernese Mountain Dogs were originally bred to pull carts and herd cattle in the Swiss Alps.
3. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are known for their intelligence and protective instincts, making them one of the best large dog breeds for families. They are also commonly used as working dogs in police and military roles.
Fun Fact: German Shepherds are the third most popular dog breed in the U.S.!
4. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are gentle giants with thick, fluffy coats, often known for their love of water. These dogs are fantastic for families, especially those with children.
Fun Fact: Newfoundlands have been used in many water rescues due to their strong swimming abilities!
5. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are energetic, friendly, and one of the most beloved large breeds for kids. They’re known for their easy-going nature and are great companions for active families.
Fun Fact Labrador Retrievers have been the most popular dog breed in the U.S. for over 30 years.
6. Mastiff (English Mastiff)
The Mastiff is one of the largest dogs in terms of weight, but despite their size, they are gentle and affectionate with their families.
Fun Fact: A Mastiff named Zorba holds the record for the heaviest dog, weighing an astounding 343 pounds (156 kg.)!
7. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and their beautiful golden coats. They are fantastic family pets and are especially good with children.
Fun Fact: Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds for therapy and service dogs due to their gentle and patient nature.
8. Doberman Pinscher
Sleek and powerful, the Doberman Pinscher is known for its loyalty and agility. While often used as guard dogs, they’re also incredibly loving with their families.
Fun Fact: Dobermans were originally bred to be personal protection dogs for tax collectors!
9. Saint Bernard
Famous for their work in mountain rescues, Saint Bernards are gentle giants that love family life. With their thick, fluffy coats, they’re one of the most iconic big fluffy dog breeds.
Fun Fact: Saint Bernards have saved countless lives in the Swiss Alps, using their incredible sense of smell to find people trapped in snow.
10. Rottweiler
Strong, protective, and loyal, Rottweilers are excellent guard dogs but also have a soft side for their families. They are great for active households and thrive with proper training.
Fun Fact: Rottweilers were used to herd livestock and pull carts in ancient Rome!
11. Irish Wolfhound
As one of the tallest breeds, the Irish Wolfhound is both regal and gentle. Despite their height, they are calm and affectionate, making them great family pets.
Fun Fact: The Irish Wolfhound was originally bred to hunt wolves in Ireland, hence the name!
12. Alaskan Malamute
If you love fluffy dogs, the Alaskan Malamute is perfect! These dogs were bred to haul heavy sleds and are known for their strength and endurance.
Fun Fact: Malamutes are one of the oldest Arctic sled dogs, often used in long-distance races
13. Boxer
Playful, energetic, and protective, the Boxer is a favorite among families. With their short hair, they’re easy to groom and don’t shed much.
Fun Fact: Boxers are known for their playful “boxing” motions, which is how they got their name!
14. Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees are large, majestic dogs with thick, fluffy coats. They are incredibly gentle with children and make excellent watchdogs for families.
Fun Fact: Great Pyrenees were originally used to guard flocks of sheep from predators like wolves and bears.
15. Weimaraner
With their sleek, silver coats, Weimaraners are strikingly beautiful. They’re energetic, intelligent, and make excellent companions for active families.
Fun Fact: Weimaraners were bred in Germany for hunting large game like deer and boar.
16. Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a powerful, large breed that is both protective and affectionate. They’re great with children and make excellent family dogs when properly trained.
Fun Fact: Bullmastiffs were originally bred to guard estates from poachers in the 19th century.
17. Samoyed
Famous for their fluffy, white coats and ever-smiling faces, Samoyeds are friendly and playful. They are excellent with families and love the cold!
Fun Fact: Samoyeds were originally bred by nomadic reindeer herders in Siberia to pull sleds and herd reindeer.
18. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Known for the distinctive ridge of hair running along their backs, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are powerful and protective dogs. They’re loyal, affectionate, and great family pets.
Fun Fact: Rhodesian Ridgebacks were originally bred to hunt lions in Africa!
19. Borzoi
Elegant and fast, the Borzoi is a sighthound known for its grace and speed. Despite their hunting background, they’re calm and gentle in the home.
Fun Fact: Borzois were once the favored companions of Russian nobility, often used for hunting wolves.
20. Afghan Hound
With their long, flowing coats and dignified appearance, Afghan Hounds are one of the most elegant dogs with long hair. They’re independent but affectionate with their families.
Fun Fact: Afghan Hounds are one of the oldest dog breeds, with a history dating back thousands of years in the mountains of Afghanistan.
Large Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed (Much!)
While some large breeds can shed a lot, there are a few that are more manageable for grooming. Breeds like the Boxer, Doberman Pinscher, and Weimaraner have short hair that doesn’t shed excessively, making them easier to care for if you’re looking for a low-maintenance dog.
Big dogs for Families and Kids
When choosing a large dog for your family, it’s important to find one with a gentle temperament that is patient and loving with children. Breeds like the Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Saint Bernard are some of the best large breeds for kids due to their affectionate nature and protective instincts.
Short Hair vs. Long Hair: What’s Best for You?
When deciding between short-haired and long-haired large breeds, grooming preferences often come into play.
- Short-haired breeds like the Boxer, Rottweiler, and Doberman Pinscher are easier to care for and shed less.
- Long-haired breeds like the Bernese Mountain Dog, Afghan Hound, and Newfoundland may require more grooming, but they bring a luxurious, fluffy appearance that many dog lovers adore.
Fluffy Large Dog Breeds for Cuddles
For those who love big, fluffy dogs, breeds like the Newfoundland, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed are ideal. These fluffy companions have thick, soft coats and are perfect for snuggling during cold winter months.
Large Dog Breeds List: A Quick Recap
Here’s a handy list of some of the best and most popular:
- Great Dane
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- German Shepherd
- Newfoundland
- Labrador Retriever
- Mastiff
- Golden Retriever
- Doberman Pinscher
- Saint Bernard
- Rottweiler
- Irish Wolfhound
- Alaskan Malamute
- Boxer
- Great Pyrenees
- Weimaraner
- Bullmastiff
- Samoyed
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Borzoi
- Afghan Hound
Large dogs can bring immense joy, loyalty, and companionship into your life. Big dogs may take up much more space than small dog breeds, but they more than make up for it with their big hearts and loving personalities.
