40 of the Largest Dog Breeds That Could Make Great Pets in the Right Home
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 or giant 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 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:
Afghan Hound
The gorgeous Afghan Hound is fairly strong-willed, so it needs an experienced pet parent. But it's a loyal and playful pet for owners with the time and patience for grooming its silky coat and providing plenty of exercise. It has 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
Airedale Terrier
The Airedale Terrier is a super-smart and brave dog that is very protective of his or her family. 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
American English Coonhound
Don't let the sweet face and friendly personality of an American English Coonhound 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
The Alaskan Malamute loves to get on an owner's good side, but 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. It loves a good chase, so you'll need a fenced-in yard to prevent this hound 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, the American Bulldog is an athletic dog that enjoys 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, this breed is 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
Boxer
Loving and good with kids, the Boxer is a great family pet 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
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Though protective, loyal, and calm, the Anatolian Shepherd is not the dog for inexperienced pet parents or first-time dog owners. The breed needs plenty of training and a strong leader to handle its 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, the calm and loving Irish Wolfhound makes a wonderful friend to have around. Because of its size, however, it's 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 breed 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, this breed is trainable and can be gentle when need be.
Height: 21 to 27 inches
Weight: 55 to 90
Life Expectancy: 10 to 14 years
Briard
Briards are lovey-dovey, but their herding heritage makes them energetic working dogs who need a job to do. Though not ideal for first-time dog owners, this dog makes a wonderful pet in the right home.
Height: 22 to 27 inches
Weight: 55 to 100 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 years
Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is a fast and brave dog that aims to protect, making it an exceptionally faithful and loving breed.
Height: 24 to 28 inches
Weight: 60 to 100 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Otterhound
The lively Otterhound is very affectionate—and loves to swim! Potential pet parents should note that this breed is quite vocal, so it might not be a fit in all homes.
Height: 24 to 27 inches
Weight: 80 to 115 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 13 years
Berger Picard
With ears that stand four to five inches tall, the Berger Picard is quite endearing—but its strong-willed nature requires early socialization and training. The shaggy breed requires lots of exercise and mental stimulation, so it's great for active families.
Height: 21.5 to 25.5 inches
Weight: 5o to 70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 13 years
American Foxhound
The sweet American Foxhound likes everyone: kids, dogs, and cats included. With that said, these pups need tons of exercise and guidance, or else they could become destructive. Their loud baying can be unpopular with your neighbors—and this is definitely a breed for experienced pet parents, not first-time owners.
Height: 21 to 25 inches
Weight: 60 to 70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years
Kuvasz
The Kuvasz is a beautiful breed that always needs a job to do. Because these dogs are extremely swift (both physically and mentally), they're best part of a family with an experienced pet parent in charge.
Height: 26 to 30 inches
Weight: 70 to 115 pounds
Life Expectancy: 1o 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
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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