13 Giant Dogs That Will Steal Your Heart and Home
Looking for a dog with a larger-than-life personality—and size to match? These giant breeds might be perfect for you.
Don’t let their size fool you: Not only do huge dog breeds make great companions, but many are gentle giants. Most will need plenty of exercise, but many love to spend time cuddling on a (huge) couch as well. All of the dogs on this list are seriously big—they start at 100 pounds and reach up to 230 pounds. Many are taller than a human when they stand on their hind legs.
What’s Considered a Giant Dog?
A dog is generally considered a giant breed if it weighs 90 pounds or more. These larger-than-life canine companions have a wide range of temperaments and lifestyle needs. From the surprisingly adaptable Great Dane to the calm and gentle Saint Bernard, you’re sure to find a giant breed that fits your home and heart.
If you’re ready to adopt a gentle giant, read on to learn more about the biggest dog breeds—including their key traits, exercise requirements, and care tips. For guidance on smaller companions, explore FurPetVo’s trusted resources on small, medium, and large dog breeds at furpetvo.com.
Meet These Super-Sized Dog Breeds
1. Irish Wolfhound
If you’ve ever encountered an Irish Wolfhound in person, you might have done a double-take—thinking your neighbor is walking a wolf on a leash! These majestic dogs weigh up to 120 pounds and stand up to 32 inches tall at the shoulder. Despite their imposing stature, they’re famously gentle and laid-back as adults.
Puppies need frequent exercise and a securely fenced yard, as their strong prey drive means they shouldn’t roam off-leash. Their wiry outer coat and soft undercoat require weekly brushing—but unlike many double-coated breeds, they don’t need seasonal “blowing out.” Their coat stays full and tidy year-round.
- Weight: 110 to 180 pounds
- Height: Up to 32 inches
- Lifespan: 6 to 8 years
2. Mastiff
The Mastiff is the largest dog on this list—reaching up to 230 pounds and standing up to 36 inches tall. This loyal, devoted companion is gentle with friends and family, though naturally wary of strangers. Early socialization is essential.
Mastiffs are affectionate but often unaware of their own size—so supervision is crucial during puppyhood and adolescence. Jumping from height can risk joint injury. As adults, they thrive on just one good walk per day. Though short-coated, they shed heavily twice yearly and need regular brushing. Their facial wrinkles require gentle cleaning, and keeping a drool cloth handy is wise!
- Weight: 175 to 230 pounds
- Height: Up to 36 inches
- Lifespan: 6 to 10 years
3. Anatolian Shepherd Dog
An ancient livestock guardian, the Anatolian Shepherd stands up to 29 inches tall and weighs up to 150 pounds. Bred for independence and protection over millennia, these dogs retain a strong guarding instinct.
They’re naturally wary of strangers and can be stubborn—so consistent, positive training and early socialization are vital. While energetic enough to need daily activity, they’re also content to relax at home once they feel their “duty” is fulfilled. Their double-layered coat requires weekly brushing and sheds heavily twice a year.
- Weight: 100 to 150 pounds
- Height: Up to 29 inches
- Lifespan: 11 to 13 years
4. Newfoundland
Known as one of the most patient and sweet-tempered gentle giants, the Newfoundland weighs up to 150 pounds and stands up to 28 inches tall. With soulful eyes, a broad head, and a shaggy, water-resistant coat (in black, brown, gray, or black-and-white), they’re beloved by families and seniors alike.
They need about 30 minutes of daily activity—whether pulling kids in carts, swimming, or hiking. Spayed or neutered Newfoundlands tend to shed year-round, so regular brushing is essential to manage loose fur.
- Weight: 110 to 150 pounds
- Height: Up to 28 inches
- Lifespan: 7 to 11 years
5. Neapolitan Mastiff
This massive, deeply wrinkled breed reaches up to 150 pounds and 31 inches tall. Famous for its drool, solemn expression, and dramatic folds, the Neapolitan Mastiff has evolved from fierce guard dog to devoted family companion.
Because of fragile joints, avoid high-impact play involving sharp turns or sudden stops—and keep them cool in warm weather, as they overheat easily. Fortunately, grooming is simple: their short coat only needs occasional bathing and minimal brushing.
- Weight: 110 to 150 pounds
- Height: Up to 31 inches
- Lifespan: 7 to 9 years
6. Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Despite their teddy-bear appearance, Caucasian Shepherds were bred to guard livestock—and even fend off predators. Best suited for experienced dog owners with ample fenced space, they weigh up to 170 pounds and stand up to 30 inches tall.
Compared to other giants, they’re relatively low-energy—happy with long walks and hikes. Two distinct types exist: the Mountain type (heavier build, longer coat) and the Steppe type (lighter frame, shorter coat).
- Weight: 100 to 170 pounds
- Height: Up to 30 inches
- Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
7. American Akita
Resembling a plush, powerful bear, the American Akita boasts a fluffy double coat, upright curled tail, and dignified presence. They weigh up to 130 pounds and stand up to 28 inches tall.
Loyal and protective, Akitas form deep bonds with their families but may be reserved—or even suspicious—around strangers. Early and ongoing socialization is critical, especially with other pets. Moderately active, they enjoy brisk daily walks and interactive play.
- Weight: 100 to 130 pounds
- Height: Up to 28 inches
- Lifespan: 10 to 13 years
8. Leonberger
Often described as “bear-like,” the Leonberger can weigh up to 170 pounds and reach 31.5 inches tall. Yet beneath that impressive frame lies boundless warmth, loyalty, and affection—making them exceptional companions for families with children.
Though relatively calm indoors, Leonbergers need consistent exercise—especially as puppies and adolescents—and benefit greatly from access to a secure, fenced yard. Their luxurious, soft coat demands daily brushing and sheds heavily twice yearly, requiring commitment to grooming.
- Weight: 110 to 170 pounds
- Height: Up to 31 inches
- Lifespan: 7 to 11 years
9. Great Dane
Great Danes live up to their name—reaching up to 175 pounds and 30 inches tall at the shoulder. When standing on their hind legs, they truly tower over most humans.
Though sometimes dubbed “couch potatoes,” they actually need at least two brisk daily walks to stay healthy and balanced. Affectionate, patient, and naturally good with kids and other pets, early socialization remains important. Their short, sleek coat is easy to maintain—requiring only occasional brushing and bathing.
- Weight: 110 to 175 pounds
- Height: Up to 30 inches
- Lifespan: 7 to 10 years
