Giant Dogs
An exploratory collection of breeds that grow into very large adults. Their backgrounds differ, including livestock guardians, draft dogs and companions, and size also varies with sex and growth stage. Prepare ample movement and resting space, safe handling and care appropriate to growth, and check actual individual reactions and health records.
Published animal profiles
Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is associated with large dogs used at hospices on Alpine mountain routes. A large body, broad head, hanging ears and skin around the mouth, and white and reddish-brown markings are characteristic.
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Great Dane
Although its name evokes Denmark, the Great Dane developed from Germany's history of large hunting and guarding dogs. Very long legs, great height at the withers, a deep chest, long head and short coat are characteristic.
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Newfoundland
The Newfoundland developed from large dog lines associated with waterside work and fishing in Newfoundland, Canada. Heavy bone, a broad head, thick double coat and bushy tail are characteristic.
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Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees comes from livestock-guardian lines that stayed beside sheep flocks in the Pyrenees. A large body, thick white double coat, hanging ears and bushy tail are characteristic.
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English Mastiff
The English Mastiff developed into a modern breed from Britain's large mastiff lines. A very large body, broad head, short muzzle, hanging lips and short coat are characteristic.
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Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is associated with large dog lines that guarded livestock and homes in Tibet and neighboring high-altitude regions. A large sturdy body, broad head, thick double coat and abundant neck mane are characteristic.
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Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound combines Ireland's history of large sighthounds with modern restoration and registration. Tall, long legs, a deep chest, relatively long head and rough coat are characteristic.
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Leonberger
The Leonberger developed in Leonberg, Germany, from several large dog lines. A large body, broad head, abundant neck hair and dark facial coloring are characteristic.
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Cane Corso
The Cane Corso developed into a modern registered breed from large Italian dog lines used on farms, for guarding and in varied work. A large muscular body, broad head, relatively short muzzle and dense short coat are characteristic.
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Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is associated with dogs used for livestock movement, farm work and guarding around Rottweil in Germany. Black coloring with tan markings above the eyes and on muzzle, chest and legs, a broad head and strong body are characteristic.
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Komondor
The Komondor developed from large guardian-dog lines that stayed beside livestock flocks in Hungary. A large body and abundant white coat that separates into thick cords during growth are characteristic.
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Anatolian Shepherd
The Anatolian Shepherd is a registered breed related to livestock guardian dog populations of Anatolia in Türkiye. Tall stature, a strong bone structure, a broad head, drooping ears and a thick coat are characteristic.
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Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux developed from large mastiff-type dog lines in and around Bordeaux, France. A broad, large head, facial wrinkles, a relatively short muzzle, drooping lips and a solid body are characteristic.
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