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Top Large Dog Breeds: Loyal and Loving Giants


ByAgkidzone Staff
Updated: Nov 16, 2024

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When you're thinking about adding a dog to your life, there are many factors to consider. You need to think about temperament, breed-specific health issues, and whether the breed suits your environment. It's no surprise that many city dwellers opt for smaller dogs—size matters, especially in tight spaces. If you live in an apartment, for example, there probably aren't many large dog breeds that would feel comfortable in a small home without a yard. On the flip side, if you have ample space, a big dog can be the best friend you'll ever have.

English Mastiff
Mastiffs come in various shapes and sizes, but let's be real—all those sizes are variations of extremely large. Although their massive stature can be intimidating to those unfamiliar with dogs, English Mastiffs are gentle giants. They're calm, good-natured, and incredibly loyal. Moreover, they make fantastic cuddle buddies for the whole family. In fact, Mastiffs have been companions to humans for hundreds of years. Standing between 28 to 31 inches tall and weighing anywhere from 150 to 200 pounds, that's some serious company.
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Dogue de Bordeaux
Hailing from across the English Channel, the Dogue de Bordeaux—also known as the French Mastiff—is the Mastiff's French cousin. If you've ever seen the Tom Hanks movie "Turner and Hooch," Hooch was a Dogue de Bordeaux. Surprisingly, despite their large size, these dogs adapt incredibly well to apartment living. With proper early training and socialization, these huge and powerful dogs become sweet and devoted partners in crime. Affectionately known as the DDB, they are loyal and self-assured, although they don't quite measure up in size to their English relatives.
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Great Dane
Often referred to as the "Apollo of Dogs," Great Danes are truly a sight to behold. Apollo was the Greek god of the sun, and the Great Dane's stature is certainly as standout as the sun itself. Despite their imposing size—they can be as tall as most adult humans—Great Danes are actually sweet dogs with a sensitive nature. They're people-oriented, eager to please, and when properly trained, they love to play with children. So, if you're looking for a gentle giant, the Great Dane might just be your cup of tea.
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Newfoundland
Don't let their towering height of nearly 30 inches and thick, furry coat fool you—Newfoundlands are total cuddle bugs. Legend even says that J.M. Barrie, the author of "Peter Pan," based the dog in the story on his own Newfoundland. This is probably because they're companion dogs who love to look after their owners. They put their family first, and their family does the same for them. Newfies are intelligent and loving pets, but only if you've got the space for them. After all, they require plenty of room, including a spacious yard to run around.
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St. Bernard
If you remember the "Beethoven" movies, then you already know what a St. Bernard looks like. Originally bred to find and rescue lost or injured travelers in the Swiss Alps, these dogs now prefer the creature comforts of a cozy and loving home. Given their ancestry, they're eager to please, which makes training them much easier. Like the Newfoundland, they need a lot of room, making them ideal for a family home with plenty of space. Just one thing to watch out for, though: the drool!
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Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds come with varying temperaments, both of which are safe and family-friendly. Some of these giants are calm and dignified, while others are playful and downright silly. Either way, your Wolfhound will always be an easygoing pet. Originally bred as hunting dogs, they thrive in the countryside or suburban settings where there's plenty of room to exercise. Unfortunately, they can be quite expensive to purchase, but their loving nature might make it worth the investment.
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Leonberger
The Leonberger is actually a mix of three other gentle giants: the Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and Great Pyrenees. These affectionate "lions" of the dog world love being part of the family rather than just the family pet. They're very protective and can grow to distrust strangers, though they should never cause anyone harm. One of the Leonberger's favorite things to do is lean against their human's legs. As you can imagine, having a 125 to 170-pound dog leaning on you can be cute but also a bit awkward. They just can't help it—they love you that much.
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Anatolian Shepherd
Anatolian Shepherds aren't your typical family dogs or the kind to lounge on the couch for hours, but that doesn't mean they don't make great pets. If you're a farmer or live on a ranch, this breed can be your greatest companion. Bred to guard livestock, they aren't ideal for someone seeking a more casual pet. These beautiful giants are smart and independent but tend to want to be the boss. A well-trained Anatolian Shepherd will protect your chickens, horses, sheep, and more. They might even consider you part of their flock!
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Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are an excellent choice for those who love Netflix marathons on the couch. This lovable breed enjoys lounging as much as we do, but they also love being outdoors. As their name suggests, they thrive in cool weather and adore being out in the wilderness with their family. Bernese can sometimes be shy, so as puppies, they need plenty of socialization to ensure they don't become too reserved. Even when they're a bit bashful, these peaceful pups make great companions.
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Scottish Deerhound
Much like their Irish Wolfhound cousins, Scottish Deerhounds are a bit different from your usual family dog. They're playful as puppies but grow into dignified and loyal companions. If you live in a small apartment, a Deerhound probably isn't the best choice. Their long legs need plenty of exercise, and they love to run around in spacious backyards. These beautifully independent dogs are also sweet and polite to strangers, making them a joy to have around.
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