40 of the Largest Dog Breeds That Could Make Great Pets
There's more to love with these big boys and girls.
Big, small, fluffy, sleek. We love all dogs! But sometimes bigger is better. From elegant Afghan Hounds to sleek Great Danes, we've got the best large breed dogs that could make wonderful pets. But before you adopt a big dog breed, the American Kennel Club suggests that new owners consider the training that's essential for having a well-behaved pet that can someday weigh as much as an adult human.
Many large and giant breeds require a strong leader to help shape their behaviors from puppyhood onwards, so do some research to learn a breed's need for mental stimulation and physical activity. Bored dogs—especially big dogs—can become destructive and get themselves into trouble quickly if you're not keeping up with their need for activity.
On that note, many large breeds need loads of exercise, and certain precautions must be taken, because the growth plates of the long bones of large and giant breeds fuse later than those of small dogs. This means high-impact exercise, such as running or jumping, should be delayed until these plates have fused, which is as late as 18 months old (compared to toy dogs whose plates fuse by nine months). It's also important to keep in mind that larger dogs often cost more to care for, so be sure to budget for food, larger beds, and medicines. Traveling with big dogs also can be a challenge, especially finding hotels and rental properties that will allow them—but it's always more fun having them around, of course!
The truth is that not every breed is ideal for every family or for first-time dog parents. Talk to breed owners and breeders so you understand what kind of commitment you're making with a large or giant breed dog. It's better for you and the dog to make sure a certain breed is the right fit for your family. Once you've done some homework and have chosen the large dog breed that's right for you, we've got tips for picking the perfect name, plus fun dog subscription boxes and indestructible dog toys to treat your fur baby.
Read on to see which large breed dog may be right for your family, with info from the American Kennel Club:
Airedale Terrier
Airedale Terriers are super-smart and brave dogs that are very protective of their families. Like most terriers, they can be stubborn, but they're also patient with kids. The coarse coat is fairly easy to keep groomed, with the AKC recommending weekly brushing.
Height: 23 inches
Weight: 50 to 70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Golden Retriever
Consistently among the most popular dog breeds, Golden Retrievers are loyal and smart. They're especially great choices for active owners, because they require a good deal of daily exercise and like to play—and as extroverts, they're known for being extra gentle with kids and other dogs.
Height: 21.5 to 24 inches
Weight: 55 to 75 pounds
Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are handsome, athletic, and smart as a whip. First bred as herding dogs in Germany, they're one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S. today.
Height: 22 to 26 inches
Weight: 50 to 90 pounds
Life Expectancy: 7 to 10 years
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are about as loyal and lovey-dovey as they come, which is why they are the second most popular dog breed in the U.S. Their coat comes in three colors—black, chocolate, and tan—and because they need loads of exercise, they're ideal for owners who love to be active outdoors.
Height: 21.5 to 24.5
Weight: 55 to 80 pounds
Life expectancy: 11 to 13 years
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, a.k.a "Swissies," are friendly, but they also make excellent watchdogs. Originally bred in the Swiss Alps, they're sturdy and athletic, making them perfect companions for hiking and camping trips.
Height: 23.7 to 28.5 inches
Weight: 85 to 140 pounds
Life Expectancy: 8 to 11 years
Otterhound
Lively Otterhounds are very affectionate and love to swim! Potential pet parents should note that they're quite vocal, so they might not be a fit in all homes.
Height: 24 to 27 inches
Weight: 80 to 115 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 13 years
Afghan Hound
Gorgeous Afghan Hounds are fairly strong-willed, so they need an experienced pet parent. But they're loyal and playful pets for owners with the time and patience for grooming their silky coats and providing plenty of exercise. They have one of the longer life spans among large breeds.
Height: 25 to 27 inches
Weight: 50 to 60 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 18 years
American English Coonhound
Don't let the sweet face and friendly personality of American English Coonhounds fool you: Originally bred to hunt clever raccoons, they're athletes through and through and need loads of exercise and training to be good house pets.
Height: 23 to 26 inches
Weight: 45 to 65
Life Expectancy: 11 to 12 years
Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes love to get on an owner's good side, but they require training from a young age to develop good habits that will make them joyful pets.
Height: 23 to 25 inches
Weight: 75 to 85 inches
Life Expectancy: 10 to 14 years
Borzoi
The Borzoi is a glamorous, graceful, and devoted breed that requires consistent training. These dogs love a good chase, so you'll need a fenced-in yard to prevent these hounds from taking off after a passing squirrel or cat.
Height: 26 to 28 inches
Weight: 60 to 105 pounds
Life Expectancy: 9 to 14 years
American Bulldog
With a loving expression and faithful personality, American Bulldogs are athletic dogs that enjoy hard work and even harder play! This breed has loads of energy, so it requires firm training and early socialization to channel its personality in a productive manner.
Height: 20 to 25 inches
Weight: 60 to 100 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is a smart, strong herding breed that needs exercise and training to keep out of trouble. Though full of energy, these canines are not too fond of strangers, so timid pet parents need not apply. Confident leadership and direction is key—and they may still outsmart you at times!
Height: 17 to 20 inches
Weight: 35 to 50 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinschers are fast and brave dogs that aim to protect, making them an exceptionally faithful and loving pet.
Height: 24 to 28 inches
Weight: 60 to 100 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Boxer
Loving and good with kids, Boxers are great pets for active families. Boxers love to act silly, and as the athletes they're named after, they need a fair amount of exercise. To help them be the best version of themselves, they should be exposed to and socialize with people of all ages and other dogs from an early age.
Height: 21.5 to 35 inches
Weight: 50 to 75 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Bloodhound
Of course, Bloodhounds are known for their super-sensitive sniffers, so they need long walks to keep them happy. The friendly and gentle breed enjoys being around others, including fellow dogs and children.
Height: 23 to 25 inches
Weight: 80 to 110 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 11 years
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Though protective, loyal, and calm, Anatolian Shepherds are not the dog for inexperienced pet parents or first-time dog owners. They need plenty of training and a strong leader to handle their controlling personality.
Height: 27 to 29 inches
Weight: 80 to 150 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years
Irish Wolfhound
The tallest of the breeds, calm and loving Irish Wolfhounds make wonderful friends to have around. Because of their size, however, they're not the right pet for every family—so make sure you have adequate space for a giant hound in your home.
Height: 30 to 32 inches
Weight: 105 to 120 pounds
Life Expectancy: 6 to 8 years
Bouvier des Flandres
The Bouvier des Flandres is a gifted herding breed that requires an experienced pet parent who can devote plenty of time to training and providing a job to do. Though trainable, this watchdog needs a fair amount of mental stimulation and guidance to thrive.
Height: 23.5 to 27.5 inches
Weight: 70 to 110 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Border Collie
Regularly ranked as one of the smartest dog breeds, Border Collies love to keep busy—but they're down to cuddle after a long day. Needless to say, these pups need a pet parent who will help them stay active.
Height: 18 to 22 inches
Weight: 3o to 55 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Bracco Italiano
The Bracco Italiano, or Italian Pointing Dog, is one of the oldest pointing breeds. While best suited for hunting tasks, these dogs are trainable and can be gentle when need be.
Height: 21 to 27 inches
Weight: 55 to 90
Life Expectancy: 10 to 14 years
Arricca Elin SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
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