Very Large Dogs: 12 Giant Breeds Ranked by Family Fit & Care Needs
12 very large dogs ranked by temperament, exercise needs, health risks, & cost.
What Qualifies as a "Very Large" Dog? Our Selection Criteria
Inclusion Criteria for This List:
- Minimum adult weight: 90 lb (41 kg) for males, 75 lb (34 kg) for females
- Minimum adult height: 25 inches (63.5 cm) at the shoulder
- AKC or FCI recognized breed (no unstandardized mixes)
- Available in the US through responsible breeders or breed-specific rescues
We excluded breeds under 90 lb average (e.g., standard poodles at 60-70 lb) and ultra-rare breeds with fewer than 200 US registrations annually, as finding responsible breeders or breed-specific health data becomes impractical for most owners.
Very large dogs — often called giant breeds — occupy a category defined not just by scale but by a unique set of physiological, financial, and lifestyle demands. These dogs typically reach 100-200+ lb (45-90+ kg), consume 6-12 cups of kibble daily, and face health challenges that smaller breeds rarely encounter. According to the American Kennel Club, giant breeds also tend to have shorter lifespans (6-10 years) compared to small breeds (12-16 years), a trade-off every prospective owner must weigh.
This guide ranks 12 very large dog breeds across five practical dimensions: family compatibility, exercise requirements, health risk burden, grooming demands, and annual ownership cost. Each breed earns its spot based on real-world ownership data, veterinary prevalence studies, and breed-standard specifications.
12 Very Large Dogs Ranked: From Gentle Giants to Working Powerhouses
We've organized these breeds into three lifestyle tiers: Family Companions (best for households with children and first-time giant-breed owners), Active Partners (best for experienced owners with high-activity lifestyles), and Specialist Guardians (best for owners with specific property-protection or working-dog experience).
Tier 1: Family Companions
1. Great Dane
Size Class: Giant (140-175 lb / 63-79 kg males; 110-140 lb / 50-63 kg females; 30-32 in / 76-81 cm)
Key Trait: Despite their imposing height — the tallest of all dog breeds — Great Danes are famously low-energy indoors, often called "the world's biggest lapdog."
Profile: Bred originally in Germany to hunt wild boar, the modern Great Dane has been selectively tempered into a patient, people-oriented companion. They need only 30-60 minutes of moderate exercise daily but require significant space to move without bumping into furniture. Their deep chest makes them the breed most susceptible to gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV/bloat), with up to 40% of Great Danes experiencing bloat in their lifetime according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. Prophylactic gastropexy surgery ($300-$800) during spay/neuter is strongly recommended.
2. Saint Bernard
Size Class: Giant (140-180 lb / 63-82 kg males; 120-140 lb / 54-63 kg females; 28-30 in / 71-76 cm)
Key Trait: Exceptionally tolerant of children and strangers, with a calm, almost stoic demeanor that makes them one of the easiest giant breeds for first-time owners.
Profile: Descended from Alpine rescue dogs at the Great St. Bernard Hospice in Switzerland, these dogs carry a genetic legacy of cold-weather endurance and human-focus. Both rough-coated and smooth-coated varieties exist; the rough coat requires brushing 3-4 times weekly. Saint Bernards drool heavily — owners budget $20-40/month on towels and cleaning supplies alone. Hip dysplasia prevalence is estimated at 47% per the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), making pre-purchase OFA certification of parents essential.
3. Newfoundland
Size Class: Giant (130-150 lb / 59-68 kg males; 100-120 lb / 45-54 kg females; 28-30 in / 71-76 cm)
Key Trait: Natural water rescue instinct and an almost supernatural gentleness with children — Newfoundlands are often called "nanny dogs" in breed circles.
Profile: Originating from the Canadian island of Newfoundland, these dogs were bred to haul fishing nets and rescue drowning fishermen. Their webbed feet and water-resistant double coat make them natural swimmers. The trade-off: heavy shedding (year-round with seasonal blowouts), a tendency toward obesity if under-exercised (45-60 min/day recommended), and a high prevalence of subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS), a congenital heart defect. Cardiac screening via veterinary cardiologist ($200-$400) should be part of any puppy purchase.
4. Bernese Mountain Dog
Size Class: Large-Giant (80-115 lb / 36-52 kg males; 70-95 lb / 32-43 kg females; 25-27.5 in / 63.5-70 cm)
Key Trait: The most visually striking of the giant breeds with their tricolor coat, combined with an eager-to-please temperament that makes training relatively straightforward.
Profile: Swiss farm dogs originally used for drafting (pulling carts) and driving cattle. Berners are the most biddable giant breed, excelling in obedience and carting competitions. However, they carry the heaviest health burden on this list: a 2024 study in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that histiocytic sarcoma affects approximately 25% of Bernese Mountain Dogs, and their median lifespan is only 7-8 years. Responsible breeders now screen for histiocytic disease markers via the AKC-recommended health tests. Annual cancer screening from age 4 onward ($150-$300/vet visit) is a realistic budget item.
Tier 2: Active Partners
5. Leonberger
Size Class: Giant (120-170 lb / 54-77 kg males; 100-135 lb / 45-61 kg females; 28-31.5 in / 71-80 cm)
Key Trait: The most athletic giant breed — Leonbergers excel in agility, water rescue, and carting, requiring 60-90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise.
Profile: Created in the 1840s in Leonberg, Germany by crossing Saint Bernards, Newfoundlands, and Great Pyrenees, this breed combines size with surprising agility. They're not couch dogs — an under-exercised Leonberger will develop destructive behaviors and anxiety. Their thick double coat requires 20-30 minutes of brushing daily during shedding season. Leonberger polyneuropathy (LPN1 and LPN2) genetic tests are available and should be verified in both parents. This breed is best matched with owners who hike, run, or participate in dog sports regularly.
6. Irish Wolfhound
Size Class: Giant (120-160 lb / 54-73 kg males; 105-130 lb / 48-59 kg females; 32-35 in / 81-89 cm)
Key Trait: The tallest sighthound breed, combining raw speed with a surprisingly gentle, almost introverted personality — they are quiet house dogs that need sprint exercise, not endurance.
Profile: Ancient Celtic war dogs turned deer and wolf hunters, Irish Wolfhounds have been documented since at least 391 AD in Roman records. Modern Wolfhounds need a securely fenced area (minimum 6-foot fence) for off-leash sprinting 2-3 times weekly, plus daily leash walks. Their short, wiry coat is low-maintenance. The breed's critical vulnerability is cardiomyopathy — dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) affects an estimated 25-40% of Irish Wolfhounds per breed health surveys. Annual echocardiograms starting at age 2 ($200-$350) are standard care. Median lifespan is 6-8 years.
7. Scottish Deerhound
Size Class: Giant (85-110 lb / 39-50 kg males; 75-95 lb / 34-43 kg females; 30-32 in / 76-81 cm)
Key Trait: Lighter and more agile than the Wolfhound, with a dignified, cat-like independence that suits owners who want a very large dog with moderate clinginess.
Profile: Bred to hunt red deer in the Scottish Highlands, Deerhounds are lean, fast, and quiet. They weigh noticeably less than most giant breeds but stand nearly as tall, giving them an elegant, greyhound-like build. Exercise needs are moderate (45-60 min/day with sprint opportunities). Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) is the leading cause of death, with a breed prevalence estimated at 15-20%. Their wiry coat needs hand-stripping or clipping every 8-12 weeks ($60-$100/grooming session). Deerhounds thrive in homes with other dogs — they are pack-oriented and do poorly as only dogs.
8. Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Size Class: Giant (110-150 lb / 50-68 kg males; 80-120 lb / 36-54 kg females; 29-31 in / 74-79 cm)
Key Trait: Independent livestock guardian with minimal human-direction needs — Anatolians think for themselves, making them unsuitable for owners wanting a biddable companion but ideal for rural property protection.
Profile: Originating from the Anatolian plateau of Turkey, these dogs have guarded flocks for over 6,000 years. They are not aggressive without cause but are deeply territorial and suspicious of strangers. Early, extensive socialization (100+ positive stranger interactions before 16 weeks) is critical. They are not recommended for suburban environments or first-time owners. Hip dysplasia rates are relatively low for a giant breed (~20% per OFA data), but entropion (eyelid abnormality) and hypothyroidism are noted concerns. Note: Some municipalities include Anatolian Shepherds under breed-specific legislation — check your local jurisdiction before committing.
Tier 3: Specialist Guardians
9. English Mastiff
Size Class: Super-Giant (160-230 lb / 73-104 kg males; 120-170 lb / 54-77 kg females; 30+ in / 76+ cm)
Key Trait: The heaviest dog breed in the world — the AKC records individual Mastiffs exceeding 250 lb (113 kg). Despite their mass, they are docile, couch-bound companions.
Profile: Descended from ancient war dogs depicted in Assyrian art circa 2200 BC, English Mastiffs are the definition of gentle giant. Exercise needs are surprisingly low (20-30 min/day of gentle walking) because their massive joints cannot tolerate high-impact activity. Food costs are the highest on this list: expect $150-$250/month on premium large-breed kibble (6-10 cups/day). Health concerns include GDV, hip dysplasia (~35% per OFA), cystinuria (a urinary stone disease), and seasonal flank alopecia. Their lifespan of 6-10 years is weighted toward the lower end. Budget $2,000-$4,000/year in veterinary costs for a senior Mastiff.
10. Tibetan Mastiff
Size Class: Giant (90-150 lb / 41-68 kg males; 70-120 lb / 32-54 kg females; 26-30 in / 66-76 cm)
Key Trait: Nocturnal guardian instinct and extreme independence — Tibetan Mastiffs are alert at night and sleep during the day, a trait honed over millennia guarding Himalayan monasteries.
Profile: One of the most ancient breeds, with DNA evidence suggesting divergence from wolves over 58,000 years ago. Tibetan Mastiffs are not obedience-oriented and can be aloof even with family members. They bark heavily at night if they perceive threats, which creates problems in suburban or HOA-restricted neighborhoods. Their enormous double coat sheds once annually in a dramatic "blow" that produces pounds of undercoat. Purchase price is among the highest for any breed: $3,000-$8,000 from US-based responsible breeders. Hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism are the primary health concerns.
11. Boerboel
Size Class: Giant (150-200 lb / 68-91 kg males; 110-150 lb / 50-68 kg females; 24-28 in / 61-71 cm)
Key Trait: The most physically powerful breed on this list relative to size — Boerboels combine Mastiff-type mass with working-dog athleticism and a strong protective drive.
Profile: Developed by South African Boer farmers to guard homesteads against predators and intruders, the Boerboel is a confident, territorial dog that requires an experienced handler. They are loyal and affectionate with family but will challenge unfamiliar people and animals without proper socialization. Minimum 60 minutes of structured exercise daily plus mental work (obedience, tracking, or farm tasks) is essential. Vaginal hyperplasia in females and eyelid conditions (entropion/ectropion) are breed-specific concerns. The Boerboel is not recommended for homes with young children unless the dog has been raised with them from puppyhood under professional trainer guidance.
12. Neapolitan Mastiff
Size Class: Giant (150-200 lb / 68-91 kg males; 120-150 lb / 54-68 kg females; 26-31 in / 66-79 cm)
Key Trait: The most visually distinctive giant breed with massive loose skin folds (wrinkles) and an intimidating guardian presence — they are deterrence through appearance alone.
Profile: Descended from Roman war dogs, Neapolitan Mastiffs are deeply loyal to family but reserved to the point of wariness with strangers. Their wrinkles require daily cleaning to prevent skin fold pyoderma (bacterial infection) — budget $30-$50/month on veterinary wipes and skin care products. Cherry eye, hip dysplasia, and cardiomyopathy are prevalent. They drool excessively and shed moderately. Training requires patience: Neos are thinking dogs that don't respond to repetitive drills. Positive reinforcement with high-value food rewards works best; aversive methods will shut this breed down entirely. Not recommended for first-time owners or homes with frequent visitors.
Side-by-Side Comparison: All 12 Very Large Breeds
| Breed | Weight Range (lb/kg) | Exercise (min/day) | Lifespan (years) | Annual Cost Estimate | First-Time Owner Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Dane | 110-175 / 50-79 | 30-60 | 7-10 | $2,800-$4,500 | Yes (with bloat awareness) |
| Saint Bernard | 120-180 / 54-82 | 30-60 | 8-10 | $2,500-$4,000 | Yes |
| Newfoundland | 100-150 / 45-68 | 45-60 | 9-10 | $2,400-$3,800 | Yes |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | 70-115 / 32-52 | 45-60 | 7-8 | $3,000-$5,500 | Yes (with cancer screening budget) |
| Leonberger | 100-170 / 45-77 | 60-90 | 8-9 | $2,600-$4,200 | Moderate |
| Irish Wolfhound | 105-160 / 48-73 | 45-60 + sprints | 6-8 | $3,200-$5,000 | Moderate |
| Scottish Deerhound | 75-110 / 34-50 | 45-60 + sprints | 8-11 | $2,200-$3,600 | Moderate |
| Anatolian Shepherd | 80-150 / 36-68 | 45-60 | 11-13 | $1,800-$3,000 | No |
| English Mastiff | 120-230 / 54-104 | 20-30 | 6-10 | $3,500-$6,000 | Moderate |
| Tibetan Mastiff | 70-150 / 32-68 | 30-45 | 10-12 | $2,000-$3,500 | No |
| Boerboel | 110-200 / 50-91 | 60+ | 9-11 | $2,200-$3,800 | No |
| Neapolitan Mastiff | 120-200 / 54-91 | 30-45 | 7-9 | $2,800-$4,500 | No |
Annual cost estimates include food, routine veterinary care, grooming, preventive medications, and pet insurance. They do not include emergency veterinary care, which for giant breeds averages $1,500-$5,000 per incident. Puppy purchase price is separate and ranges from $1,500 (Anatolian Shepherd) to $8,000 (Tibetan Mastiff) from responsible breeders.
How to Choose: A Decision Framework for Your Lifestyle
Choosing among very large dogs comes down to four lifestyle variables. Use this framework to narrow your options before contacting breeders or rescues:
- What is your living situation?
- Apartment/condo (no yard): Great Dane or English Mastiff — both are surprisingly low-energy indoors despite their size. Avoid Leonbergers, Boerboels, and Anatolian Shepherds.
- Suburban home with fenced yard: Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, Bernese Mountain Dog, or Irish Wolfhound.
- Rural property (1+ acres): Anatolian Shepherd, Tibetan Mastiff, Boerboel, or Leonberger — these breeds thrive with space to patrol.
- How much daily exercise can you commit to?
- Under 30 minutes: English Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, or Great Dane.
- 30-60 minutes: Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, Bernese Mountain Dog, Scottish Deerhound.
- 60-90+ minutes with high intensity: Leonberger, Boerboel, Anatolian Shepherd.
- Do you have children under 12?
- Yes: Newfoundland, Saint Bernard, Great Dane, or Bernese Mountain Dog are the most reliably patient breeds. Always supervise interactions — a 150 lb dog can accidentally injure a toddler simply by leaning or wagging.
- No / older children only: All breeds on this list are viable with proper socialization.
- What is your annual veterinary + care budget?
- Under $3,000/year: Anatolian Shepherd (healthiest giant breed, longest lifespan), Scottish Deerhound.
- $3,000-$5,000/year: Most breeds on this list fit here with pet insurance.
- $5,000+/year: Bernese Mountain Dog (cancer screening), English Mastiff (joint and cardiac care), or any breed without insurance coverage.
Honorable Mentions and Breeds to Avoid
Honorable Mentions (Didn't Quite Make the Cut)
Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff): At 99-150 lb (45-68 kg), this breed qualifies by weight but has a particularly short lifespan (5-8 years) and a brachycephalic (short-muzzled) face that creates breathing difficulties, heat intolerance, and higher anesthesia risk. Owners in warm climates should proceed with caution.
Great Pyrenees: A beautiful livestock guardian at 85-120 lb (39-54 kg), but their intense nocturnal barking, extreme independence, and tendency to roam make them a poor fit for most suburban owners. They excel on rural properties with clear fencing.
Cane Corso: At 99-120 lb (45-54 kg), the Corso sits at the lower boundary of our weight criteria. They are excellent working dogs but require significant training experience and are not recommended for families seeking a low-key companion.
Breeds Often Mislabeled as "Very Large" (That Aren't)
Standard Poodle: Despite their tall appearance, Standards top out at 60-70 lb (27-32 kg) — solidly large, not giant.
German Shepherd: Males average 65-90 lb (29-41 kg). While some working-line GSDs exceed 100 lb, the breed standard does not support this as typical.
Rottweiler: Males average 95-135 lb (43-61 kg), putting them at the lower edge. They are large, not consistently giant.
Frequently Asked Questions About Very Large Dogs
What are the healthiest very large dog breeds?
The Anatolian Shepherd stands out with the longest lifespan (11-13 years) and lowest hip dysplasia prevalence (~20%) among giant breeds. The Scottish Deerhound and Tibetan Mastiff also rank well for longevity (8-11 and 10-12 years respectively). However, "healthy" is relative in giant breeds — all dogs over 90 lb face elevated risk for joint disease, cardiac conditions, and GDV compared to smaller breeds. Pet insurance for giant breeds typically costs $60-$120/month and is strongly recommended.
Why is the Bernese Mountain Dog on this list despite its short lifespan?
The Bernese Mountain Dog earns its spot because it remains one of the most temperamentally suited giant breeds for family life — they are biddable, gentle, and eager to participate in household activities. However, prospective owners must go in with eyes open: the breed's 7-8 year median lifespan and 25% histiocytic sarcoma rate mean you are choosing a shorter but deeply rewarding companionship. Working with breeders who perform the full OFA-recommended health panel and participating in the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America's health registry can help reduce (but not eliminate) cancer risk.
How much does it cost to own a very large dog over its lifetime?
Lifetime ownership costs for giant breeds range from $25,000 to $70,000, depending on breed health and lifespan. A Great Dane living 8 years at $3,500/year averages $28,000 in care costs plus $2,000-$3,500 purchase price. An English Mastiff with chronic joint issues could exceed $60,000 over 7 years. The single biggest cost variable is emergency veterinary care — a GDV surgery alone costs $3,000-$7,000, and giant breeds are disproportionately affected.
Can very large dogs live in apartments?
Yes, with caveats. Great Danes and English Mastiffs are well-documented apartment dogs because their indoor energy level is extremely low. The challenge is logistics: navigating stairs (many apartment buildings prohibit large breeds on upper floors for this reason), fitting a 48-inch or 54-inch crate in your space, and finding nearby areas for daily walks. Check your lease agreement — many landlords impose weight limits of 50-75 lb, which excludes all breeds on this list.
Which very large dog breed is best for a first-time owner?
The Newfoundland and Saint Bernard are the top recommendations for first-time giant-breed owners. Both are forgiving of training mistakes, naturally gentle, and don't require the advanced handling skills that guardian breeds (Boerboel, Anatolian Shepherd, Tibetan Mastiff) demand. Enroll in a positive reinforcement puppy class by 12 weeks of age, and hire a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA) for at least 6 sessions during the first year — giant breeds must learn leash manners and impulse control before they reach full size at 18-24 months.
Do very large dogs eat significantly more than large breeds?
Yes. A 150 lb (68 kg) Great Dane consumes roughly 6-10 cups of premium large-breed kibble daily ($150-$250/month), compared to 3-4 cups for a 70 lb Labrador Retriever ($80-$120/month). Giant breeds also require specifically formulated large-breed or giant-breed puppy food to control growth rate — rapid growth in giant puppies leads to developmental orthopedic diseases like panosteitis and hypertrophic osteodystrophy. Look for AAFCO statements specifying "growth" or "all life stages" with calcium content between 1.0-1.5% on a dry matter basis.
Always consult your veterinarian before making breed-specific health decisions. If you suspect your giant breed dog is experiencing bloat (distended abdomen, unproductive retching, restlessness), seek emergency veterinary care immediately — GDV is fatal within hours without treatment. For toxic ingestion concerns, contact ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 (24/7, consultation fee applies).
Jonas Cole
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
