Giant Size Breeds

Giant Dog Breeds

We've ranked these Giante breeds by popularity to help you see which may be easier to find and which might be a challenge. If a breed is listed as 'Rare' or has a higher AKC number, be prepared for a potentially longer search.

What to Consider Before Choosing a Giant Breed:
Giant dog breeds (over 27" at the shoulder) come with unique challenges that prospective owners should carefully consider. While these majestic dogs make wonderful companions, their size presents practical considerations that differ significantly from smaller breeds.

Health and Lifespan Considerations:
Giant breeds generally have shorter lifespans than their smaller counterparts, often living 6-10 years compared to 12-15 years for medium-sized dogs. The Giants tend to be more prone to joint problems.

Practical and Financial Implications:
Everything costs more with a giant breed—from food and medications to grooming and veterinary care. Their substantial size also presents challenges for transportation, housing, and everyday management. Simple activities like car rides or finding pet-friendly accommodations require advanced planning when you have a 100+ pound companion. Ensure that you are prepared to introduce your 'Giant' into your life.

Training and Socialization Needs:
Proper training and early socialization are absolutely essential with giant breeds. An untrained small dog may be a nuisance, but an untrained giant dog can be genuinely dangerous due to their sheer size and strength. Consistent, positive reinforcement training from puppyhood is crucial for ensuring your giant breed becomes a well-mannered family member.

Giant Breeds (Over 27" | Over 100 lbs) Sorted By Breed Popularity:

Rottweiler

Origin: Germany

Purpose: Cattle driving & guarding

Height: 22-27"

Weight: 80-100 | 95-135 lbs

Energy: 3/5

AKC Popularity: #8

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Cane Corso

Origin: Italy

Purpose: Property guardian

Height: 24-28"

Weight: 80-110 lbs

Energy: 4/5

AKC Popularity: #14

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Bernese Mountain Dog

Origin: Switzerland

Purpose: Draft & farm work

Height: 23-27.5"

Weight: 70-95 | 80-115 lbs

Energy: 4/5

AKC Popularity: #19

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Great Dane

Origin: Germany

Purpose: Boar hunting

Height: 28-34"

Weight: 110-140 | 140-175 lbs

Energy: 3/5

AKC Popularity: #21

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Mastiff

Origin: England

Purpose: Estate guardian

Height: 27-33"

Weight: 120-170 | 160-230 lbs

Energy: 2/5

AKC Popularity: #40

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Newfoundland

Origin: Canada

Purpose: Water rescue & Draft

Height: 26-28"

Weight: 100-120 | 130-150 lbs

Energy: 3/5

AKC Popularity: #47

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Akita

Origin: Japan

Purpose: Bear hunting

Height: 24-28"

Weight: 70-100 | 100-130 lbs

Energy: 4/5

AKC Popularity: #59

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Saint Bernard

Origin: Switzerland

Purpose: Alpine rescue

Height: 26-30"

Weight: 120-140 | 140-180 lbs

Energy: 3/5

AKC Popularity: #62

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Bullmastiff

Origin: England

Purpose: Watchdog

Height: 24-27"

Weight: 100-120; 110-130 lbs

Energy: 3/5

AKC Popularity: #67

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Great Pyrenees

Origin: France/Spain

Purpose: Livestock guardian

Height: 25-32"

Weight: 85-100 | 100-140 lbs

Energy: 3/5

AKC Popularity: #74

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Irish Wolfhound

Origin: Ireland

Purpose: Hunt wolves

Height: 30-34"

Weight: 105-140; 120-180 lbs

Energy: 3/5

AKC Popularity: #76

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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Origin: Switzerland

Purpose: Draft & driving

Height: 24-29"

Weight: 85-110 | 115-140 lbs

Energy: 4/5

AKC Popularity: #82

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Anatolian Shepherd

Origin: Turkey

Purpose: Livestock guardian

Height: 27-29"

Weight: 80-120 | 110-150 lbs

Energy: 3/5

AKC Popularity: #86

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Dogue de Bordeaux

Origin: France

Purpose: Guarding & hunting

Height: 23-27"

Weight: 100-120 | 110-140 lbs

Energy: 3/5

AKC Popularity: #96

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Leonberger

Origin: Germany

Purpose: Companion & draft work

Height: 26-32"

Weight: 90-140 | 110-170 lbs

Energy: 3/5

AKC Popularity: #99

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Boerboel

Origin: South Africa

Purpose: Farm protection

Height: 22-27"

Weight: 150-200 lbs

Energy: 3/5

AKC Popularity: #114

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Black Russian Terrier

Origin: Russia

Purpose: Military working dog

Height: 26-30"

Weight: 80-130 lbs

Energy: 4/5

AKC Popularity: #127

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Neapolitan Mastiff

Origin: Italy

Purpose: Estate guardian

Height: 24-31"

Weight: 110-150 lbs

Energy: 2/5

AKC Popularity: #128

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Tibetan Mastiff

Origin: Tibet

Purpose: Monastery guardian

Height: 24-29"

Weight: 70-120 | 90-150 lbs

Energy: 3/5

AKC Popularity: #148

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Kuvasz

Origin: Hungary

Purpose: Livestock protection

Height: 26-30"

Weight: 70-90 | 100-115 lbs

Energy: 3/5

AKC Popularity: #164

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Scottish Deerhound

Origin: Scotland

Purpose: Hunt deer

Height: 28-32+"

Weight: 75-95; 85-110 lbs

Energy: 3/5

AKC Popularity: #165

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Komondor

Origin: Hungary

Purpose: Livestock protection

Height: 26-30"

Weight: 80-100 | 100-140 lbs

Energy: 3/5

AKC Popularity: #186

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