22 Of The Largest Dog Breeds That Make Great Pets

One factor to consider when adopting a dog is grooming. Some require very little, while others, like Airedale Terriers, need weekly brushing. Like most terriers, they can be stubborn and brave, but they’re also patient with kids and protective of their families.

Height: 23 inches
Weight: 50 to 70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years

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Consistently among the most popular dog breeds, Golden Retrievers are loyal and smart. They’re especially great choices for active owners, because they require a good deal of daily exercise and like to play. What’s more, they are known for being extra gentle with kids and other dogs.

Height: 21.5 to 24 inches
Weight: 55 to 75 pounds
Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years

German Shepherds are loyal, athletic, and are incredibly switched on. First bred as herding dogs in Germany, they’re one of the most popular dog breeds in the UK today.

Height: 22 to 26 inches

Weight: 50 to 90 pounds

Life Expectancy: 7 to 10 years

Labrador Retrievers are about as kind and gentle as dogs come, which is why they are the UK’s favourite dog breed. Their coat comes in three colours — black, chocolate, and yellow — and because they need lots of exercise, they’re ideal for owners who love to be active outdoors.

Height: 21.5 to 24.5
Weight: 55 to 80 pounds
Life expectancy: 11 to 13 years

Alaskan Malamutes love to get on an owner’s good side, but they require training from a young age to develop good habits that will make them joyful pets.

Height: 23 to 25 inches
Weight: 75 to 85 inches
Life Expectancy: 10 to 14 years

With a loving expression and faithful personality, American Bulldogs are athletic dogs that enjoy hard work and even harder play. This breed has loads of energy, so requires firm training and early socialisation to channel its personality in a productive manner.

Height: 20 to 25 inches
Weight: 60 to 100 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

Doberman Pinschers are fast and brave dogs that aim to protect, making them an exceptionally faithful and loving pet.

Height: 24 to 28 inches
Weight: 60 to 100 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

Loving and good with kids, Boxers are great pets for active families. Boxers love to act silly and, as the athletes they’re named after, they need a fair amount of exercise. To help them be the best version of themselves, they should be exposed to and socialise with people of all ages and other dogs from an early age.

Height: 21.5 to 35 inches
Weight: 50 to 75 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

Of course, Bloodhounds are known for their super-sensitive noses, so they need long walks to keep them happy. The friendly and gentle breed enjoys being around others, including fellow dogs and children.

Height: 23 to 25 inches
Weight: 80 to 110 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 11 years

The tallest of the breeds, calm and loving Irish Wolfhounds make wonderful friends to have around. Because of their size, however, they’re not the right pet for every family — so make sure you have adequate space for this giant dog in your home.

Height: 30 to 32 inches
Weight: 105 to 120 pounds
Life Expectancy: 6 to 8 years

Regularly ranked as one of the smartest dog breeds, Border Collies love to keep busy — but they also enjoy cuddle after a long day. Needless to say, these dogs need an owner who will help them stay active and mentally stimulated.

Height: 18 to 22 inches
Weight: 3o to 55 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

American Foxhounds like everyone: kids, dogs, and cats included. With that said, they need lots of exercise and guidance, or else they can become destructive. Their loud baying can be unpopular with your neighbours. As a result, this is definitely a breed for experienced pet parents, not first-time owners.

Height: 21 to 25 inches
Weight: 60 to 70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years

Good with kids, Weimaraners are playful, adaptable, and protective. With their muscular form, they require plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Height: 23 to 27 inches
Weight: 55 to 90 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 13 years

A cross between a Bulldog and a Mastiff, Bullmastiffs are sweet-natured guard dogs that love their family intensely. However, as with all giant breeds, they need plenty of training and socialisation from an early age in order to be good pets.

Height: 24 to 27 inches
Weight: 100 to 130 pounds
Life Expectancy: 7 to 9 years

Bernese Mountain Dogs are tender with family and get along with children and other dogs. They were originally bred to work on farms in Switzerland, so they don’t mind cold climates.

Height: 23 to 27.5 inches
Weight: 70 to 115 pounds
Life Expectancy: 7 to 10 years

Regal and reliable, Great Danes (often referred to as gentle giants) are taller than most full-grown people when they stand on their hind legs, and can reach 32 inches at the shoulder on all fours. So while they’re lovely to have around, make sure you have adequate space.

Height: 28 to 32 inches
Weight: 110 to 175 pounds
Life Expectancy: 7 to 10 years

English Mastiffs may look imposing — males often weigh more than a full-grown man and are at least 30 inches at the shoulder — but they are kind-hearted, obedient dogs at heart. They can even be a bit shy, so early socialisation is especially important.

Height: 27.5 to 30 inches
Weight: 120 to 230 pounds
Life Expectancy: 6 to 10 years

Newfoundlands are sweet, patient, and protective — so they’re often known as the “nanny dog.” They originated in Canada where they were working dogs aboard fishing ships, specialising in water rescues — so they’re brave and strong too.

Height: 26 to 28 inches
Weight: 100 to 150 pounds
Life Expectancy: 9 to 10 years

Saint Bernards have big hearts to match their big bodies, which means they’re happiest with their families and are especially good with children. Though they can grow up to 30 inches, they don’t require a lot of exercise.

Height: 26 to 30 inches
Weight: 120 to 180 pounds
Life Expectancy: 8 to 10 years

Being playful, yet easy to train, Irish Setters make excellent family dogs. Just note that they’re high-energy dogs that do require regular exercise.

Height: 25 to 27 inches
Weight: 60 to 70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years