Large Dog Breeds
Large dog breeds typically range from around 55 lb (25 kg) up to 100 lb (45 kg) adult weight. Living with a large dog means thinking carefully about space, transport, vet costs, food bills, and the physical strength required to manage them on lead. That said, many large breeds are calm, family-oriented, and remarkably gentle. The breeds below all fall in the large bucket; their individual profiles give the realistic picture of what life with each is actually like.
198 breeds in this category
Labrador Retriever
From Canada
Outgoing, eager, biddable, gentle
Golden Retriever
From Scotland
Affectionate, trustworthy, eager, sociable
German Shepherd Dog
From Germany
Confident, loyal, alert, hardworking
Poodle (Standard)
From France
Bright, eager, athletic, people-focused
Rottweiler
From Germany
Confident, watchful, even-tempered, courageous
Boxer
From Germany
Playful, loyal, alert, spirited
Doberman Pinscher
From Germany
Alert, fearless, intelligent, energetic
Bernese Mountain Dog
From Switzerland
Good-natured, calm, hardworking, loyal
Cane Corso
From Italy
Protective, confident, reserved with strangers, loyal
American Bulldog
From United States
Confident, brave, loyal, determined
English Setter
From England
Gentle, friendly, biddable, lively
Irish Setter
From Ireland
Enthusiastic, affectionate, energetic, eager
Scottish Deerhound
From Scotland
Courteous, gentle, easygoing, athletic
Greyhound
From England
Mild, polite, sensitive, athletic
Afghan Hound
From Afghanistan
Dignified, independent, aloof, sensitive
Borzoi (Russian Wolfhound)
From Russia
Calm, independent, gentle, sensitive
Alaskan Malamute
From United States
Steady, affectionate, strong-willed, dignified
Rough Collie
From Scotland
Responsive, devoted, gentle, alert
Smooth Collie
From Scotland
Smart, affectionate, attentive, agile
Belgian Malinois
From Belgium
Focused, driven, confident, alert
Belgian Tervuren
From Belgium
Energetic, intelligent, protective, devoted
Belgian Sheepdog
From Belgium
Watchful, intelligent, loyal, energetic
Akita
From Japan
Dignified, loyal, strong-willed, reserved
Dogo Argentino
From Argentina
Courageous, loyal, athletic, determined
Rhodesian Ridgeback
From Zimbabwe
Even-tempered, athletic, loyal, independent
Weimaraner
From Germany
Energetic, fearless, headstrong, devoted
Pointer
From England
Even-tempered, hardworking, affectionate, responsive
Gordon Setter
From Scotland
Loyal, serious, affectionate, dignified
Bloodhound
From Belgium
Gentle, persistent, affectionate, independent
English Foxhound
From England
Genial, active, determined, pack-oriented
American Foxhound
From United States
Sweet, independent, active, good-natured
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
From Turkey
Reserved, loyal, independent, steady
Kangal Dog
From Turkey
Calm, protective, independent, watchful
Tibetan Mastiff
From Tibet
Independent, loyal, watchful, composed
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
From United States
Courageous, loyal, tireless, sensible
Flat-Coated Retriever
From England
Cheerful, outgoing, birdy, eager
Curly-Coated Retriever
From England
Smart, confident, reserved, hardworking
Spinone Italiano
From Italy
Patient, docile, resilient, affectionate
Irish Water Spaniel
From Ireland
Smart, spirited, humorous, confident
German Longhaired Pointer
From Germany
Calm, cooperative, affectionate, driven
Bracco Italiano
From Italy
Affectionate, docile, diligent, sensitive
Bergamasco
From Italy
Calm, patient, independent, loyal
Old English Sheepdog
From England
Comical, adaptable, protective, gentle
Bouvier des Flandres
From Belgium
Steady, loyal, fearless, confident
Catahoula Leopard Dog
From United States
Serious, independent, loyal, intense
Bluetick Coonhound
From United States
Friendly, determined, vocal, devoted
Redbone Coonhound
From United States
Even-tempered, eager, affectionate, driven
Treeing Walker Coonhound
From United States
Active, confident, intelligent, sociable
Black and Tan Coonhound
From United States
Easygoing, brave, sociable, determined
American English Coonhound
From United States
Sociable, athletic, persistent, good-natured
Bull Terrier
From England
Playful, courageous, stubborn, affectionate
Saluki
From Middle East
Reserved, gentle, independent, fast
Azawakh
From West Africa
Reserved, loyal, vigilant, elegant
Sloughi
From North Africa
Reserved, noble, gentle, athletic
Abruzzenhund
From Italy
Steady, protective, independent, loyal
Akita (American)
From United States
Loyal, dignified, strong-willed, alert
Akita Inu (Japanese)
From Japan
Reserved, courageous, loyal, aloof with strangers
Akitas
From Japan
Loyal, bold, alert, independent
Alano Espanol
From Spain
Courageous, stable, determined, tolerant
Alano Español
From Spain
Courageous, stable, determined, tolerant
American Alsatian
From United States
Calm, devoted, mellow, intelligent
American Black and Tan Coonhound
From United States
Outgoing, determined, mellow, sociable
American Blue Gascon Hound
From United States
Steady, determined, amicable, focused
North American Indian Dog
From United States
Attentive, loyal, sensitive, adaptable
American White Shepherd
From United States
Intelligent, devoted, alert, sensitive
Argentine Dogo
From Argentina
Brave, loyal, determined, steady
Ariege Pointing Dog
From France
Eager, responsive, calm, friendly
Beauceron
From France
Confident, loyal, watchful, willing
Belgian Laekenois
From Belgium
Watchful, intelligent, devoted, wary of strangers
Belgian Shepherd Groenendael
From Belgium
Energetic, alert, sensitive, loyal
Belgian Shepherd Malinois
From Belgium
Driven, intelligent, confident, responsive
Belgian Shepherd Tervuren
From Belgium
Alert, loyal, sensitive, energetic
Berger Blanc Suisse
From Switzerland
Gentle, intelligent, loyal, sensitive
Berger Picard
From France
Lively, observant, loyal, humorous
Billy
From France
Calm, determined, friendly, resilient
Bluetick Coonhound
From United States
Determined, mellow, intelligent, friendly
Banjara Hound
From India
Aloof, athletic, loyal, resilient
Belgian Shepherd Laekenois
From Belgium
Watchful, intelligent, devoted, wary of strangers
Bergamasco Sheepdog
From Italy
Calm, patient, intelligent, devoted
Berger des Picard
From France
Lively, observant, loyal, humorous
Bosnian-Herzegovinian Sheepdog (Tornjak)
From Bosnia
Loyal, steady, protective, dignified
Bouvier des Flandres
From Belgium
Confident, loyal, courageous, steady
Braque Francais Gascogne
From France
Gentle, cooperative, composed, affectionate
Briard
From France
Loyal, fearless, obedient, affectionate
Canadian Eskimo Dog
From Canada
Hardy, loyal, alert, driven
Canadian Inuit Dog
From Canada
Strong, resilient, loyal, energetic
Canary Dog
From Canary Islands
Confident, calm, watchful, devoted
Cane Corso Italiano
From Italy
Loyal, intelligent, protective, athletic
Mudhol Hound
From India
Reserved, devoted, alert, athletic
Carpathian Sheepdog
From Romania
Protective, calm, steadfast, territorial
Chart Polski
From Poland
Reserved, loyal, courageous, independent
Chinook
From United States
Gentle, willing, calm, athletic
Hortaya Borzaya
From Russia
Calm, neutral-friendly, independent, enduring
Cimarron Uruguayo
From Uruguay
Brave, loyal, confident, determined
Cao da Serra da Estrela
From Portugal
Protective, calm, devoted, independent
Cao de Castro Laboreiro
From Portugal
Brave, aloof, loyal, vigilant
Collie
From Scotland
Devoted, intelligent, gentle, vigilant
Collie (Rough and Smooth)
From Scotland
Loyal, responsive, gentle, alert
Czechoslovakian Vlcak
From Czech Republic
Alert, courageous, intelligent, intense
Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
From Czech Republic
Loyal, fearless, independent, energetic
Cão da Serra da Estrela
From Portugal
Protective, calm, devoted, independent
Cão de Castro Laboreiro
From Portugal
Brave, aloof, loyal, vigilant
Deutsch Drahthaar
From Germany
Hardy, trainable, determined, loyal
Doberman
From Germany
Confident, alert, loyal, energetic
Dutch Shepherd
From Netherlands
Intelligent, loyal, watchful, athletic
Dutch Shepherd Dog
From Netherlands
Energetic, loyal, responsive, protective
East European Shepherd
From Russia
Confident, loyal, alert, resilient
East Siberian Laika
From Russia
Alert, hardy, independent, devoted
English Coonhound
From United States
Outgoing, determined, good-natured, energetic
English Pointer
From England
Friendly, driven, even-tempered, responsive
Eskimo Dog
From Arctic
Hardy, alert, social, energetic
Estrela Mountain Dog
From Portugal
Protective, loyal, steady, independent
French Tricolor Hound
From France
Sociable, persistent, calm, obedient
French White and Black Hound
From France
Calm, obedient, sociable, determined
French White and Orange Hound
From France
Sociable, steady, willing, enduring
Galgo Espaol
From Spain
Calm, loyal, sensitive, swift
Galgo Español
From Spain
Gentle, loyal, quiet, swift
Gascon Saintongeois
From France
Steady, sociable, determined, gentle
German Rough-Haired Pointing Dog
From Germany
Calm, reliable, determined, affectionate
Giant Schnauzer
From Germany
Bold, intelligent, protective, driven
Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Noir
From France
Steady, sociable, persistent, calm
Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Orange
From France
Calm, obedient, social, determined
Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore
From France
Sociable, persistent, even-tempered, resilient
Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Noir
From France
Steady, sociable, persistent, calm
Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Orange
From France
Calm, obedient, social, determined
Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore
From France
Sociable, persistent, even-tempered, resilient
Grand Bleu de Gascogne
From France
Calm, determined, sociable, steady
Grand Gascon Saintongeois
From France
Steady, sociable, persistent, calm
Grand Griffon Vendéen
From France
Brave, determined, sociable, independent
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
From Switzerland
Faithful, alert, gentle, confident
Greek Sheepdog
From Greece
Independent, courageous, decisive, loyal
Greenland Dog
From Greenland
Hardy, determined, social, energetic
Groenendael
From Belgium
Alert, loyal, sensitive, energetic
Grosser Münsterländer Vorstehhund
From Germany
Trainable, lively, affectionate, keen
Grosser Münsterländer Vorstehhund (Alt)
From Germany
Trainable, lively, affectionate, keen
Himalayan Sheepdog
From India
Loyal, resilient, protective, calm
Hovawart
From Germany
Loyal, watchful, intelligent, confident
Hungarian Kuvasz
From Hungary
Protective, dignified, loyal, vigilant
Hungarian Wire-Haired Pointing Dog
From Hungary
Gentle, eager, intelligent, trainable
Irish Red and White Setter
From Ireland
Affectionate, eager, energetic, friendly
Italian Spinoni
From Italy
Gentle, affectionate, docile, earnest
Jamthund (Swedish Elkhound)
From Sweden
Brave, steady, loyal, alert
Japanese Akitainu
From Japan
Dignified, courageous, reserved, loyal
Kerry Beagle
From Ireland
Energetic, free-spirited, determined, social
King Shepherd
From United States
Loyal, confident, intelligent, protective
Kunming Dog
From China
Loyal, alert, confident, intelligent
Labrador
From Canada
Outgoing, eager, biddable, gentle
Large Münsterländer
From Germany
Intelligent, eager, affectionate, steady
Large Münsterländer (Alt)
From Germany
Gentle, eager, attentive, keen
Llewellin Setter
From England
Affectionate, eager, athletic, responsive
Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog
From United States
Independent, energetic, loyal, focused
Magyar Agar
From Hungary
Calm, loyal, reserved, fast
Mahratta Hound
From India
Reserved, brave, agile, loyal
Majorca Shepherd Dog
From Spain
Protective, loyal, serious, independent
Malamute
From Alaska
Friendly, strong-willed, loyal, playful
Malinois
From Belgium
Driven, intelligent, confident, responsive
Maremma Sheepdog
From Italy
Protective, dignified, loyal, independent
Mucuchies
From Venezuela
Affectionate, reserved, noble, intelligent
New Zealand Huntaway
From New Zealand
Energetic, vocal, loyal, trainable
Chukotka Sledge Dog
From Russia
Friendly, willing, hardy, enduring
Northern Inuit Dog
From United Kingdom
Friendly, placid, outgoing, intelligent
Old English Sheepdog (Bobtail)
From England
Affectionate, adaptable, intelligent, boisterous
Otterhound
From England
Friendly, boisterous, determined, independent
Gull Dong
From Pakistan
Dominant, brave, loyal, intense
Perdiguero de Burgos
From Spain
Gentle, biddable, steady, affectionate
Perro Cimarron
From Uruguay
Brave, loyal, confident, determined
Perro de Pastor Mallorquin
From Spain
Protective, loyal, serious, independent
Perro de Presa Canario
From Canary Islands
Calm, powerful, watchful, loyal
Podenco Ibicenco
From Spain
Gentle, agile, playful, independent
Poitevin
From France
Sociable, determined, energetic, courteous
Poodle
From France
Bright, eager, athletic, people-focused
Presa Canario
From Canary Islands
Confident, calm, watchful, devoted
Pudelpointer
From Germany
Intelligent, eager, steady, affectionate
Rajapalayam
From India
Loyal, courageous, reserved, alert
Rampur Hound
From India
Loyal, courageous, calm, independent
Redbone Coonhound
From United States
Even-tempered, eager, friendly, determined
Russian Pied Hound
From Russia
Friendly, determined, energetic, sociable
Russian Hound
From Russia
Calm, balanced, persistent, social
Saarlooswolfhond
From Netherlands
Alert, independent, loyal, cautious
Sarplaninac
From Balkans
Protective, calm, independent, loyal
Scotch Collie
From Scotland
Loyal, intelligent, sensitive, friendly
Shiloh Shepherd
From United States
Calm, courageous, self-confident, intelligent
Slovensky Cuvac
From Slovakia
Protective, calm, loyal, independent
Slovensky Hrubosrsty Stavac (Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer / Rough-Haired Pointer)
From Slovakia
Steady, obedient, intelligent, gentle
South Russian Ovtcharka (South Russian Shepherd Dog)
From Ukraine
Protective, strong-willed, aloof, loyal
St Germain Pointing Dog
From France
Gentle, willing, calm, affectionate
Standard Poodle
From France
Bright, eager, athletic, people-focused
Stichelhaar
From Germany
Calm, reliable, determined, affectionate
Taigan
From Kyrgyzstan
Independent, loyal, persistent, resilient
Tamaskan Dog
From Finland
Friendly, intelligent, energetic, gentle
Tasy
From Russia
Calm, loyal, sensitive, aloof
Tibetan KyiApso
From Tibet
Protective, calm, independent, devoted
Tornjak
From Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia
Protective, steady, loyal, patient
Tuareg Sloughi
From North Africa
Reserved, loyal, sensitive, swift
Utonagan
From United Kingdom
Sociable, intelligent, gentle, energetic
Villano de las Encartaciones
From Spain
Brave, loyal, alert, determined
Vucciriscu
From Italy
Protective, loyal, resilient, calm
White Swiss Shepherd
From Switzerland
Lively, balanced, friendly, discreet
How we choose breeds for this list
Breeds categorised as "large" in the dataset.
Frequently asked questions
Do all large dogs need a big garden? +
A garden helps, but plenty of large breeds live happily in homes without one provided their daily exercise and enrichment needs are met. Time and effort matter more than square footage.
Are large dogs more expensive to keep? +
Generally yes — food, bedding, harnesses, vet care and pet insurance all tend to scale with size. Worth factoring into your planning before committing.