Many people who love dogs believe that great dogs can be small or big.
However, there’s something really cute about those huge breeds that not only reach your height but also think they’re tiny and love to cuddle in your lap.
If you have a big dog, you have to be ready for all the stuff that comes with having a large breed join your family.
Mastiff
The mastiff is like a big, friendly giant with a long, interesting past. They’ve been around for ages and are famous for being well-behaved and calm, and for looking out for their families.
Certain male mastiffs can get really big, weighing up to 230 pounds and standing 30 inches tall. They have wide bodies, strong muscles, and cute, squished faces, making them both impressive and lovable. Mastiffs aren’t just cuddly pets; they’re also fiercely devoted to their families.
Boerboel
The boerboel comes from South Africa and is a tough dog known for being athletic and protective. Its name comes from the Dutch word “Boer”, which means farmer, showing how they’ve been loyal friends to Dutch and German settlers since the 1600s. By mixing different big guard dog breeds, the boerboel was created. Originally, they hunted large game and protected homes and families. Nowadays, they still stick to looking after their loved ones.
Tosa Inu
The Tosa Inu, also known as the Japanese mastiff, has a history tied to fighting, starting on Shikoku island. It’s a mix of the Shikoku Inu and various western breeds like mastiffs, bulldogs, Great Danes, and German pointers. In Japan, it’s highly respected, similar to sumo wrestlers, and treated with great ceremony. Though it seems reserved with strangers, it’s really affectionate with its family, showing patience and loyalty. Because of their keen instincts, Tosa Inus make excellent guardians for the home.
Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is a huge and gentle dog from the Swiss Alps. They’re famous for being big and friendly. Saint Bernards have a unique look with their large head, deep eyes, and droopy jowls. They’re well-known for their heroic rescues in the mountains, showing off their strength, endurance, and remarkable sense of direction. They’re really patient and nice, making them great pets for families.
Great Dane
The Great Dane, known as the “Apollo of dogs”, is a majestic and graceful breed from Germany. These big, gentle dogs are among the tallest breeds, reaching up to 32 inches at the shoulder and nearly 200 pounds in weight. When they stand on their back legs, they’re even taller than many people. Great Danes love being close to their families and are very affectionate, which is why they’re so well-liked as family pets.
Leonberger
The Leonberger, hailing from Germany, is a good-looking dog with a kind and welcoming personality. They have a dense double coat and a strong body, giving them a dignified and robust appearance. These dogs can become quite big, with males weighing up to 170 pounds. They’re famous for being relaxed and understanding, which makes them wonderful additions to any family. Leonbergers are super smart and love making their owners happy, excelling in training sessions like obedience, therapy, and even water rescues.
Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff, a special and strong breed from Italy, has a huge body and lots of wrinkles, giving it a unique look. They’re famous for being calm and protective, making them super loyal and loving friends. Neapolitan Mastiffs really connect with their families and have a gentle and affectionate nature. Since they don’t have much energy, they prefer a relaxed lifestyle, spending most of their time chilling out at home.
Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a kind and gentle dog breed from Canada. They’re famous for being big and having a thick, waterproof coat that keeps them cozy even in icy waters. Newfoundlands are fantastic swimmers, thanks to their webbed feet, and they’re strong enough to rescue people from drowning. They’re also really patient and love kids, which makes them perfect for families. Plus, they’re super calm and well-mannered. Just be ready for some drool if you welcome a Newfoundland into your home, they’re great family members despite that!
Anatolian Shepherd
The Anatolian Shepherd is a tough and watchful breed that comes from Turkey. They’re built strong and have a thick coat that keeps them comfy in any weather. Anatolian Shepherds are famous for their loyalty and courage; they’ve been protecting livestock from predators for ages. They’re super smart and like doing things their own way, which makes them great protectors. Though they can seem serious, they’re also loving and caring towards their families.
Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is a powerful and impressive dog breed from the Tibetan mountains. They’re covered in a thick, fluffy coat that keeps them cozy when it’s chilly. Tibetan Mastiffs are famous for their loyalty and protective instincts, and they have a deep bark that’s great for guarding. They’re usually really gentle and affectionate with their families but can be a bit distant and cautious around people they don’t Know.
We also wrote about the smallest dog breeds that exist.