Big Dog Species Guide: 12 Giant Breeds Ranked by Size:
Discover 12 giant dog breeds ranked by size, temperament, and cost. Includes comparison table and buying guide.
What Qualifies as a "Big Dog Species"? Our Selection Criteria
When people search for "big dog species," they're usually looking for breeds that are genuinely massive — not just tall, but heavy, imposing, and built on a grand scale. For this guide, we've applied strict criteria to separate the truly giant from the merely large.
Our Inclusion Criteria
- Minimum adult male weight: 100 lb (45 kg) or more at maturity
- Minimum adult male height: 25 inches (63.5 cm) at the shoulder
- Recognized breed status: Must be recognized by at least one major registry (AKC, UKC, or FCI)
- Availability: Must be obtainable through responsible breeders or breed-specific rescues in the United States
- Documented temperament data: Sufficient breed history and owner-reported behavioral profiles to assess family compatibility
We excluded breeds that are tall but lightweight (like the Greyhound, which stands 27-30 inches but weighs only 60-70 lb) and breeds that are heavy but fall below our height threshold. The 12 breeds below meet every criterion and represent the most viable giant-breed options for US-based owners in 2026.
The 12 Biggest Dog Breeds, Ranked and Reviewed
We've organized these breeds into three tiers based on their typical adult weight. Within each tier, breeds are ordered by overall suitability for first-time giant-breed owners — factoring in temperament stability, trainability, health burden, and cost of care.
Tier 1: The Super Giants (150+ lb / 68+ kg)
1. English Mastiff
Size Class: Super Giant | Weight: 160-230 lb (73-104 kg) males; 120-170 lb (54-77 kg) females | Height: 30+ inches (76+ cm) males
Key Trait: The heaviest breed on record — an English Mastiff named Zorba held the Guinness World Record at 343 lb (155.6 kg).
Profile: The English Mastiff is the gold standard for sheer mass. Despite their intimidating size, they're famously docile, affectionate with family, and surprisingly low-energy indoors. They require only 30-45 minutes of moderate daily exercise and are content to lounge for the rest of the day. Their primary drawbacks are extreme drooling, significant flatulence, and a lifespan of just 6-10 years. Expect to spend $2,500-$4,500 on a well-bred puppy from an AKC-registered breeder, with annual care costs running $3,000-$5,000 due to food consumption (8-12 cups of large-breed kibble daily), joint supplements, and oversized gear.
Ranking Rationale: Ranked #1 for temperament stability and family compatibility. Despite the highest care costs, their calm demeanor makes them the most manageable super giant for committed owners.
2. Saint Bernard
Size Class: Super Giant | Weight: 140-180 lb (64-82 kg) males; 120-140 lb (54-64 kg) females | Height: 28-30 inches (71-76 cm) males
Key Trait: Bred for Alpine rescue work, they possess an innate sense of direction and an almost supernatural ability to locate people in distress.
Profile: Saint Bernards combine massive size with a gentle, patient temperament that makes them exceptional family dogs, particularly with children. They're intelligent and eager to please, which makes training more straightforward than with some other giant breeds. However, they shed heavily (both short- and long-coated varieties), drool prolifically, and are prone to bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), which is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary surgery costing $3,000-$7,000. Puppy prices range from $1,800-$3,500. They need 45-60 minutes of daily exercise and do best in cooler climates — their thick double coat makes them vulnerable to heatstroke above 80°F (27°C).
Ranking Rationale: Earned the #2 spot for their combination of size, trainability, and child-friendliness. Their cold-climate limitation and bloat risk prevent a higher ranking.
3. Boerboel
Size Class: Super Giant | Weight: 150-200 lb (68-91 kg) males; 110-150 lb (50-68 kg) females | Height: 24-28 inches (61-71 cm) males
Key Trait: Originally bred as a South African farm guardian, the Boerboel is one of the most physically powerful mastiff-type breeds, with a bite force estimated at over 800 PSI.
Profile: The Boerboel is a serious working dog that demands an experienced owner. They're fiercely loyal, confident, and territorial — excellent guardians but potentially dangerous without proper socialization and consistent positive-reinforcement training from puppyhood. They're athletic for their size, needing 60-90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise, and they do not do well in apartments or homes without secure fencing (minimum 6-foot height recommended). Puppy prices range from $2,000-$4,500. Health testing for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and heart conditions is essential — ask breeders for OFA or PennHIP certifications. Not recommended for first-time dog owners or households with small children unless the dog has been raised with them from puppyhood.
Ranking Rationale: Placed #3 in this tier for their impressive athleticism and loyalty, but their guarding instincts and training demands limit their suitability for average households.
Tier 2: The Heavyweights (120-150 lb / 54-68 kg)
4. Great Dane
Size Class: Heavyweight (by height, a super giant) | Weight: 140-175 lb (64-79 kg) males; 110-140 lb (50-64 kg) females | Height: 30-32 inches (76-81 cm) males
Key Trait: The tallest of all recognized breeds — Great Danes regularly exceed 30 inches at the shoulder, with some males reaching 34 inches.
Profile: Often called "the world's biggest lapdog," the Great Dane is surprisingly gentle and people-oriented despite their towering stature. They bond deeply with their families, are generally good with children and other pets, and have a moderate energy level requiring 45-60 minutes of daily exercise. Their greatest challenge is a tragically short lifespan of 7-10 years and a high incidence of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), bloat, and hip dysplasia. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, DCM affects up to 10-15% of Great Danes. Puppy prices range from $1,500-$3,000. Budget $4,000-$6,000 annually for food, preventive care, and potential cardiac monitoring.
Ranking Rationale: Ranked #4 overall for their unmatched combination of height and gentle temperament. Their health burden is significant, but their personality wins over nearly everyone who meets one.
5. Leonberger
Size Class: Heavyweight | Weight: 120-170 lb (54-77 kg) males; 100-135 lb (45-61 kg) females | Height: 28-31.5 inches (71-80 cm) males
Key Trait: Bred in 19th-century Germany to resemble a lion, the Leonberger is one of the few giant breeds that genuinely enjoys swimming and water rescue work.
Profile: Leonbergers are versatile, family-oriented giants that excel in activities ranging from cart-pulling to therapy work. They're notably more active than most mastiff-type breeds, requiring 60-90 minutes of daily exercise, and they thrive when given a job to do. Their thick, water-resistant double coat demands brushing 3-4 times per week and professional grooming every 8-10 weeks ($80-$120 per session). Health concerns include Leonberger polyneuropathy (a breed-specific neurological condition), hip dysplasia, and bloat. Puppies cost $2,000-$3,500 from responsible breeders who perform DNA testing for polyneuropathy. Lifespan: 8-10 years.
Ranking Rationale: Earned #5 for their versatility and active-family compatibility. They're the best choice on this list for owners who want a giant breed that can keep up on hikes and outdoor adventures.
6. Newfoundland
Size Class: Heavyweight | Weight: 130-150 lb (59-68 kg) males; 100-120 lb (45-54 kg) females | Height: 28 inches (71 cm) males
Key Trait: Bred as a maritime rescue dog, the Newfoundland has webbed feet, a water-resistant coat, and an instinct to pull swimmers to safety — they've been documented saving drowning humans without training.
Profile: The "Newf" is among the gentlest and most patient breeds in existence, making them outstanding family dogs and therapy animals. They're highly intelligent, respond beautifully to positive-reinforcement training, and are notably calm indoors despite their size. Their coat requires significant maintenance (daily brushing during shedding season, regular professional grooming), and they drool and track water everywhere after drinking. Health concerns include subaortic stenosis (a congenital heart defect), hip and elbow dysplasia, and cystinuria (a kidney stone disorder). Puppy prices: $1,800-$3,000. Annual care: $3,500-$5,500. Lifespan: 9-10 years.
Ranking Rationale: Ranked #6 for their extraordinary temperament and water-rescue heritage. Their grooming demands and cardiac risk are the primary limiting factors.
7. Tibetan Mastiff
Size Class: Heavyweight | Weight: 90-150 lb (41-68 kg) males; 70-120 lb (32-54 kg) females | Height: 26+ inches (66+ cm) males
Key Trait: One of the oldest guardian breeds, Tibetan Mastiffs were used to protect Himalayan monasteries and nomadic camps — they're nocturnal by instinct and will patrol and bark at night.
Profile: The Tibetan Mastiff is an independent, strong-willed guardian that is not suited for novice owners. They're aloof with strangers, deeply bonded to their family, and notoriously difficult to train using traditional obedience methods — they respond best to relationship-based positive reinforcement and will simply ignore commands they see no purpose in. They shed their massive coat once annually in a dramatic "blow" that produces enough undercoat to fill multiple garbage bags. Health is generally robust for a giant breed (hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism are the main concerns), and lifespan is 10-12 years — one of the longest for a breed this size. Puppy prices vary wildly: $2,500-$6,000+ from reputable US breeders. Note: this breed is banned or restricted in several countries and some US municipalities — check local regulations before committing.
Ranking Rationale: Placed #7 for their impressive longevity and striking appearance, but their independence, nocturnal barking, and training difficulty limit their appeal for most households.
Tier 3: The Large Giants (100-120 lb / 45-54 kg)
8. Bernese Mountain Dog
Size Class: Large Giant | Weight: 85-115 lb (39-52 kg) males; 70-95 lb (32-43 kg) females | Height: 25-27.5 inches (63.5-70 cm) males
Key Trait: The only tricolor (black, white, rust) breed in the Swiss Mountain Dog group, originally bred to drive cattle and pull carts in the Bernese Alps.
Profile: Bernese Mountain Dogs are beloved for their striking appearance, clownish personality, and deep devotion to their families. They're excellent with children, generally friendly with strangers and other animals, and eager participants in activities like cart-pulling, rally obedience, and hiking. Their critical drawback is a devastatingly short lifespan of 6-8 years, driven primarily by a high incidence of malignant histiocytosis (an aggressive cancer) and other malignancies. According to the AKC, cancer is the leading cause of death in the breed. Puppy prices: $2,500-$4,500. Annual care: $3,000-$4,500, plus potential oncology costs. If you choose a Berner, budget for pet insurance ($80-$150/month for comprehensive coverage) from the day you bring them home.
Ranking Rationale: Ranked #8 for their outstanding temperament and family compatibility. Their heartbreakingly short lifespan is the only reason they're not higher.
9. Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Size Class: Large Giant | Weight: 110-150 lb (50-68 kg) males; 80-120 lb (36-54 kg) females | Height: 29+ inches (74+ cm) males
Key Trait: Bred over 6,000 years in Turkey to guard livestock against wolves and bears — they're one of the oldest and most independent livestock guardian breeds in existence.
Profile: The Anatolian Shepherd is a serious working dog that excels as a livestock guardian and rural property protector. They're intelligent, fiercely independent, and bonded to whatever they consider their "flock" (which can include children and other pets). They are not suited for urban or suburban environments — they need space, a job, and an owner who understands livestock guardian dog (LGD) behavior. Training requires patience and realistic expectations; they were bred to make their own decisions, not to take orders. Health is generally excellent for the size (hip dysplasia is the primary concern), and lifespan is 11-13 years. Puppy prices: $1,500-$3,000. Annual care: $2,500-$4,000.
Ranking Rationale: Ranked #9 for their exceptional health and longevity among giant breeds, but their working-dog needs and unsuitability for typical suburban life limit their placement.
10. Cane Corso
Size Class: Large Giant | Weight: 100-120 lb (45-54 kg) males; 88-100 lb (40-45 kg) females | Height: 25-27.5 inches (63.5-70 cm) males
Key Trait: Descended from Roman war dogs, the Cane Corso is the most athletic and agile of the Italian mastiff breeds, capable of running 25+ mph in short bursts.
Profile: The Cane Corso is an impressive, muscular breed that combines guarding ability with genuine athleticism. They're highly trainable (far more biddable than most mastiff breeds), deeply loyal, and thrive with structured activity like agility, protection sports (using force-free methods), and advanced obedience. They require 60-90 minutes of daily exercise and consistent leadership. Without proper socialization and mental stimulation, they can develop reactivity and resource guarding. Health concerns include hip dysplasia, idiopathic epilepsy, and cherry eye. Puppy prices: $2,000-$4,000 from health-tested breeders. Note: Cane Corsos are subject to breed-specific legislation (BSL) in some jurisdictions — verify your local laws before acquiring one. Annual care: $2,800-$4,500. Lifespan: 9-12 years.
Ranking Rationale: Earned #10 for their athleticism and trainability. Their guarding instincts and BSL complications keep them from ranking higher for general audiences.
11. Irish Wolfhound
Size Class: Large Giant (by height, a super giant) | Weight: 120-155 lb (54-70 kg) males; 105-135 lb (48-61 kg) females | Height: 32+ inches (81+ cm) males — the tallest breed alongside the Great Dane
Key Trait: The tallest sighthound breed, originally used in Ireland to hunt wolves and elk — they can reach speeds of 35-40 mph in full stride.
Profile: Irish Wolfhounds are dignified, gentle, and surprisingly calm for their size. They're good with children, generally friendly with other dogs, and have a quiet, almost stoic demeanor. However, their sighthound prey drive means cats and small animals may not be safe unless raised together from puppyhood. They need a securely fenced yard (minimum 6 feet) and 45-60 minutes of daily exercise with opportunities to run. Their rough coat requires weekly brushing and occasional hand-stripping. Health challenges are significant: osteosarcoma (bone cancer) affects an estimated 25% of the breed, and cardiomyopathy is also common. Lifespan: 6-8 years. Puppy prices: $2,000-$3,500.
Ranking Rationale: Placed #11 for their regal appearance and gentle nature, but their short lifespan and cancer predisposition are difficult to overlook.
12. Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff)
Size Class: Large Giant | Weight: 110-150 lb (50-68 kg) males; 99-120 lb (45-54 kg) females | Height: 23.5-27 inches (60-69 cm) males
Key Trait: The most brachycephalic (short-faced) of the giant breeds, with a massive head that is proportionally the largest in the canine world relative to body size.
Profile: The Dogue de Bordeaux is a powerful, wrinkled-faced mastiff with a deeply loyal and affectionate temperament toward their family. They're calm indoors, require only 30-45 minutes of daily exercise, and are generally good with children they're raised with. Their brachycephalic anatomy creates significant health challenges: brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) can cause breathing difficulties, heat intolerance, and sleep apnea. They also drool extensively, snore loudly, and are prone to skin fold infections requiring regular cleaning. Other health concerns include hip dysplasia, aortic stenosis, and gastric torsion. Lifespan: 5-8 years — one of the shortest of any recognized breed. Puppy prices: $2,000-$4,000. Annual care: $3,500-$6,000, with potential for significant emergency veterinary costs related to breathing emergencies.
Ranking Rationale: Ranked #12 for their loyalty and manageable exercise needs, but their severe health challenges and shortest lifespan on this list make them the most demanding choice.
Complete Breed Comparison Table
| Breed | Male Weight (lb/kg) | Male Height (in/cm) | Lifespan (years) | Exercise (min/day) | Puppy Price Range | Family Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Mastiff | 160-230 / 73-104 | 30+ / 76+ | 6-10 | 30-45 | $2,500-$4,500 | Excellent |
| Saint Bernard | 140-180 / 64-82 | 28-30 / 71-76 | 8-10 | 45-60 | $1,800-$3,500 | Excellent |
| Boerboel | 150-200 / 68-91 | 24-28 / 61-71 | 9-11 | 60-90 | $2,000-$4,500 | Good (experienced owners) |
| Great Dane | 140-175 / 64-79 | 30-32 / 76-81 | 7-10 | 45-60 | $1,500-$3,000 | Excellent |
| Leonberger | 120-170 / 54-77 | 28-31.5 / 71-80 | 8-10 | 60-90 | $2,000-$3,500 | Excellent |
| Newfoundland | 130-150 / 59-68 | 28 / 71 | 9-10 | 45-60 | $1,800-$3,000 | Excellent |
| Tibetan Mastiff | 90-150 / 41-68 | 26+ / 66+ | 10-12 | 45-60 | $2,500-$6,000 | Moderate |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | 85-115 / 39-52 | 25-27.5 / 63.5-70 | 6-8 | 45-60 | $2,500-$4,500 | Excellent |
| Anatolian Shepherd | 110-150 / 50-68 | 29+ / 74+ | 11-13 | 45-60 | $1,500-$3,000 | Good (rural settings) |
| Cane Corso | 100-120 / 45-54 | 25-27.5 / 63.5-70 | 9-12 | 60-90 | $2,000-$4,000 | Good (experienced owners) |
| Irish Wolfhound | 120-155 / 54-70 | 32+ / 81+ | 6-8 | 45-60 | $2,000-$3,500 | Good |
| Dogue de Bordeaux | 110-150 / 50-68 | 23.5-27 / 60-69 | 5-8 | 30-45 | $2,000-$4,000 | Good |
How to Choose: A Decision Framework for the Top 3
If you've narrowed your options to the top three most popular giant breeds — the English Mastiff, Great Dane, and Bernese Mountain Dog — use this framework to determine which fits your specific lifestyle.
- Start with your living space:
- Apartment or small home with limited yard? → English Mastiff (lowest exercise needs at 30-45 min/day; surprisingly apartment-adaptable despite their size)
- Large home with a fenced yard? → Great Dane or Bernese Mountain Dog (both need more room to move comfortably)
- Consider your climate:
- Hot climate (regularly above 85°F / 29°C)? → Great Dane (short coat, better heat tolerance than the other two)
- Cold or moderate climate? → Bernese Mountain Dog (thick double coat makes them thrive in cooler weather; they overheat easily in summer)
- Variable climate with both extremes? → English Mastiff (moderate coat; needs cooling in summer and warmth in winter)
- Assess your household composition:
- Young children (under 5)? → Bernese Mountain Dog (most patient and playful with small children; lowest risk of accidental knocking-over due to calmer movement)
- Older children or adults only? → Any of the three work well; Great Danes are notably gentle despite their height
- Multi-pet household? → Bernese Mountain Dog or Great Dane (both generally excellent with other dogs and cats when socialized early)
- Evaluate your budget tolerance:
- Comfortable spending $5,000+/year on care? → English Mastiff (highest food and supply costs due to extreme size)
- Want to cap annual costs closer to $3,500-$4,500? → Bernese Mountain Dog or Great Dane (slightly lower food consumption, but budget for potential cancer or cardiac treatment)
- Consider your emotional preparedness for lifespan:
- Prepared for 6-8 years? → Bernese Mountain Dog (shortest lifespan of the three, primarily due to cancer)
- Want maximum possible time? → Great Dane or English Mastiff (7-10 years is typical, with some reaching 11-12)
Honorable Mentions and Breeds to Approach With Caution
Honorable Mentions
These breeds came close to making our list but fell slightly short on one criterion:
- Neapolitan Mastiff: Weighs 130-155 lb and meets our size criteria, but their extreme skin folds create chronic health issues (skin infections, eye problems) and their lifespan of 7-9 years combined with heavy care demands placed them just outside our top 12.
- Bullmastiff: At 110-130 lb, they're on the lower edge of our weight threshold. Excellent family dogs, but their slightly smaller size and higher energy level make them a different category than the true giants listed above.
- Caucasian Shepherd (Ovcharka): Easily meets size criteria (110-220 lb), but extremely limited availability in the US and a temperament that requires expert-level handling excluded them from a practical US-owner guide.
Breeds to Approach With Caution
These breeds are sometimes marketed as "giant" but come with significant caveats:
- "Teacup" or "Miniature" versions of giant breeds: These are not recognized by any legitimate registry and are typically the result of breeding runts or dogs with dwarfism genes. They often have severe health problems.
- Unrecognized "designer" giant mixes (e.g., "Daniff" = Great Dane × Mastiff): Without standardized breeding programs, health testing, or temperament predictability, these mixes are a gamble. You may get hybrid vigor, or you may inherit the worst health traits from both parent breeds.
- Any giant breed from a breeder who cannot provide OFA/PennHIP hip certifications, cardiac clearances, and breed-specific DNA test results: Giant breeds carry enormous skeletal and cardiac stress — buying from untested lines is inviting $10,000-$30,000 in veterinary bills for hip replacement surgery or cardiac management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best big dog species for families with children?
The English Mastiff, Newfoundland, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Great Dane consistently rank as the most family-friendly giant breeds. They're patient, gentle, and tolerant of children's unpredictable behavior. However, any giant breed can accidentally knock over a toddler simply by turning around, so supervision is always necessary. Teach children to respect the dog's space, especially during eating and sleeping, and use positive reinforcement to reward calm interactions.
Why is the Tibetan Mastiff on this list despite being difficult to train?
The Tibetan Mastiff earned its spot because it meets all of our size criteria (males routinely reach 150 lb), has one of the longest lifespans of any giant breed (10-12 years), and represents an important category for experienced owners who specifically want an independent guardian breed. It's not the right choice for everyone, but for the right owner — someone with rural property, livestock to protect, and experience with strong-willed breeds — it's exceptional.
How do these breeds compare on exercise needs?
Exercise requirements range from a low of 30-45 minutes daily (English Mastiff, Dogue de Bordeaux) to a high of 60-90 minutes (Boerboel, Leonberger, Cane Corso). Most giant breeds fall in the 45-60 minute range. Importantly, giant breed puppies should NOT be over-exercised — their growth plates don't close until 18-24 months, and excessive high-impact activity (running on hard surfaces, jumping, repetitive fetch) can contribute to developmental orthopedic diseases like hip dysplasia and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). Stick to controlled leash walks and free play on soft surfaces until your vet confirms growth plate closure via X-ray.
Which breed should I choose if I want the longest-lived giant dog?
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog has the longest lifespan on this list at 11-13 years, followed by the Tibetan Mastiff at 10-12 years and the Cane Corso at 9-12 years. These breeds tend to have fewer breed-specific genetic diseases than more heavily selected breeds like the Bernese Mountain Dog or Dogue de Bordeaux. However, longevity in giant breeds is always relative — even the longest-lived giants rarely exceed 13-14 years. To maximize your dog's lifespan, maintain a lean body condition score (BCS of 4-5 on a 9-point scale), feed a nutritionally complete large-breed formula, and schedule biannual veterinary wellness exams after age 5.
Are big dog species expensive to own?
Yes, significantly more expensive than small or medium breeds. Beyond the puppy purchase price ($1,500-$6,000 depending on breed), expect annual costs of $2,500-$6,000 covering: premium large-breed food ($100-$250/month), heartworm and flea/tick prevention at higher weight-based dosages ($40-$80/month), oversized beds, crates, and harnesses ($200-$500 initial investment), grooming for coated breeds ($80-$120 per session), and potential breed-specific health screenings ($300-$800 annually for cardiac monitoring, hip X-rays, etc.). Emergency veterinary care for giant breeds is also more expensive — a bloat surgery that costs $3,000 for a medium dog can reach $7,000+ for a 180 lb Mastiff due to larger anesthesia requirements and longer surgical time. Pet insurance is strongly recommended, with premiums for giant breeds typically running $80-$180/month depending on breed, age, and coverage level.
Should I adopt a giant breed from a rescue instead of buying from a breeder?
Both adoption and purchasing from a responsible breeder are valid paths. Giant breed rescues (like Great Dane Rescue or the Mastiff Club of America's rescue network) often have adult dogs that have been temperament-tested, health-evaluated, and sometimes already trained. Adopting an adult giant breed lets you see their full-grown personality and skip the challenging puppy phase. However, rescue dogs may come with unknown health histories or behavioral challenges that require experienced handling. If you want a puppy with predictable health testing and temperament lineage, a responsible AKC-registered breeder who performs all recommended health clearances is the appropriate choice. Never purchase from pet stores, online marketplaces, or breeders who cannot provide documented health test results for both parents.
Important: Giant breeds are at elevated risk for gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), a life-threatening emergency. If your dog shows a distended abdomen, unproductive retching, restlessness, or pale gums, contact your emergency veterinarian immediately — bloat can be fatal within hours. Discuss prophylactic gastropexy (a preventive surgery that tacks the stomach to the abdominal wall) with your vet, especially for breeds like the Great Dane, Saint Bernard, and Irish Wolfhound where bloat incidence exceeds 20%.
Dr. Hannah Wickes
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
