8 Best Extra-Large Dog Breeds (For Giant Dogs Lovers)

Every dog is charming and adorable. But the majestic appearance of a giant dog offers an unmatched appeal. And some of the extra-large dog breeds come with incredibly gentle personalities. Just because of this excellent combination of brain and brawn, extra-large dogs are our favorite canine companions.

A giant dog helps you feel safe whether you are at home or climbing an icy clip. Your canine friend will be with you everywhere. Also, many large dogs are excellent family pets. They share lovely bonding with family and kids. And they are in no way less sweet than a toy pup. Moreover, a large and energetic dog will protect you like no one else.

While most of the extra-large dog breeds make excellent pets, some are not suitable as family dogs. Moreover, they don’t stay happy in closed apartments. Also, some dogs have health issues, and some shed and drool excessively. So, it is crucial to be selective when deciding on your new giant dog.

This article is about the extra-large dog breeds along with their traits and personalities. You can learn about the factors that determine the best extra-large dog breeds. Also, we have presented a list of the top giant dog breeds for your reference. So, read the post that tells everything about your big canine friends.

What are Extra-Large Dog Breeds?

In general, anyone can tell whether a dog is large or small by seeing it. But if you want to adopt a large dog, you need to know the official description of a large dog. And there are specific measurements to define large, giant, or medium-sized dogs. So let’s find out the rules for determining the size of a dog breed.

The first thing to explain is that various codes officially define the dog’s size. And the dog breeders use these codes to distinguish between different dog sizes effectively. Additionally, the breeders categorize dogs into three main divisions. These categories include small, medium, and large size dogs.

However, over the years, some additional categories emerged depending on the height and weight of the dog. And now, we have a total of 5 types. And they are toy, small, standard (or medium), large, and giant.

Also, the breeders sometimes add more categories. So besides small dogs, you have “really” small dogs, and besides large dogs, there are extra-large dogs.

Large Dog vs Giant Dog

A dog’s height and weight must meet the standards to consider it a large dog breed. And the dogs must become about 25 inches tall and attain a weight of 45 pounds.

Then, there is further differentiation in large dog breeds depending on the maximum height and weight. However, in the list of large dog breeds, there are usually two categories. And these are large dog breeds and extra-large dog breeds. Usually, a dog is a giant one when it attains a weight of more than 90 pounds, no matter its height. However, dogs with that massive weight usually become pretty decently tall.

Famous Giant Or Extra-Large Dog Breeds

The canine world has many breeds that we categorize depending on their size, origin, and appearance. For example, AKC (The American Kennel Club)recognizes nearly 170 dog breeds. And the Federation Cynologique Internationale, one of the leading international breed registries, recognizes 340 dog breeds.

However, only a few of these breeds fall into giant or extra-large dog breeds. And some of the most famous giant dog breeds include Irish Wolfhound, Saint Bernards, the Great Pyrenees, Leonbergers, etc.

It is to note that many dog breeds that typically fall into the “large dog breed” category occasionally attain sufficient size as “giant dog breeds.” It includes German shepherds, Alaskan malamutes, Labrador retrievers, Doberman pinschers, and others.

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Extra-Large Dog Breeds For Giant Dog Lovers

Now you know how to categorize dogs into different sizes and the factors that define the size of the dogs. Also, you have learned about the general traits that large dog breeds exhibit. So it is time to know which dogs have made a place in the list of best extra-large dog breeds. It will help you find your giant canine companion as you desire. So go through our top pick of the extra-large dog breeds along with their traits and personalities. This list includes the most popular extra-large dog breeds that you will be able to adopt from a local breeder.

#1. Great Dane

Standing 34-inches-high at the shoulder, this massive dog is a prime contender in the list of extra-large dog breeds.

Initially, these were hunting dogs developed to track big games like boar. And its imposing presence makes the dog an excellent watchdog. And they have created an unbeatable class of guard dogs.

They are powerful and immense, but this is not the only impression of Great Danes. These dogs are tolerant, gentle, and incredibly friendly with kids. Moreover, they possess a delicate emotion and are lovely family dogs.

Being a powerful hunting dog breed, Great Danes need regular exercise. So there must be an open space to keep the dog happy and healthy. Also, they require frequent baths and nail trimming. Besides, these beautiful dogs are easy to train and eager to please their owners.

The downside of this breed is they shed throughout the year and also continuously drool.

#2. Irish Wolfhound

This giant dog breed has an attractive height with long legs. It comes with a shaggy coat and possesses a sweet personality. Originally they were war dogs, but their charming manner won’t let you know about their wild past.

The new generation Irish Wolfhound is a wonderfully loving and always cheerful canine companion. They like to befriend humans and are always ready for an adventure. The gentle giant is also affectionate to the kids. However, supervision is always necessary when kids and large dogs are together. It is because the child may get hurt due to the dog’s massive size.

Irish Wolfhounds need ample open space to roam and exercise as a massive and powerful war dog breed. Also, You need to be alert when other pets are around. It is because the dog may show its natural tendency to drive prey at any time.

The most favorable feature of Irish Wolfhounds is that they don’t drool, nor do they shed in large amounts. Also, the quiet-natured dog rarely barks that keep your house noise-free.

#3. Newfoundland

It is another giant dog breed that looks even bigger due to its shaggy coat. Its thick coat signifies the breed’s history of working in a cold climate and dragging fishing nets for long hours.

As their origin takes the dogs to icy climates, warm weather may cause Newfoundland problems. However, Unlike other dogs with long coats, Newfoundlands do not need much grooming. They only need regular bathing and brushing once a week.

This friendly dog breed shares a strong bonding with its human family. They are affectionate to the kids and love other pets in the house. They are easy to train and love to learn new tricks from their owners. Despite their immense size and dynamic past, Newfoundlands do not need a high level of exercise.

#4. English Mastiff

This giant, beautiful, and intelligent dog knows how to use the brain and acts smartly in any situation. Originated as a guard dog, the English mastiff is a confident breed. And it is very protective of its family though they are suspicious around strangers.

Unlike other extra-large dog breeds, the English mastiff is easy-going and doesn’t need daily exercise to stay happy. Moreover, they love to spend the day lying on the couch.

The downside about this dog breed is that it sheds and drools constantly. Also, English mastiffs are not easy to train dogs. And they don’t possess any instinct to please their owners. So it is hard for new owners to train this large dog breed.

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#5. Saint Bernard

Standing 30-inches-high at the shoulder, this massive dog is affectionate and gentle and maintains a decent work standard. It is a lovable dog that has a strong desire to work. And they go well with everyone, and everything they come across that may include children, strangers, and other pets.

Despite their massive size and strength, Saint Bernards are suitable for apartment life. And they don’t need a high level of exercise or enough open space, and only a long walk daily can keep them healthy. But the drawback of this breed is that they excessively drool and shed.

Saint Bernards are intelligent and have sweet personalities who can be good pets. But they are not easy to train dog breeds. Also, originating in the chilled climate of the Alps, they are not suitable for warm weather.

#6. The Great Pyrenees

Bred to protect the sheep, the Great Pyrenees are massive fluffy dogs clad in feathery white coats. Their beautiful cover makes these large dogs look even more extensive than their size. And while these giant dogs still guard livestock, many dog lovers keep them as family pets too. The Great Pyrenees aren’t an ideal choice for first-time dog owners. But experienced owners will find them very gratifying.

This dog breed won’t be happy within a closed apartment or a small home. And they need a spacious yard to roam and patrol. They’re usually lovable with their families, but they won’t hesitate to escape if they get a chance. Its independent nature makes the Great Pyrenees a challenging dog to train.

Initially guard dogs, protecting the herd against big predators independently, The great Pyrenees never seek their owner’s instruction before acting. It means they don’t follow their owners as some other dogs do.

#7. Leonberger

This giant dog breed weighs up to 170 pounds and possesses an impressive appearance. Leonbergers descend from a combination of three other classes, Saint Bernard, Great Pyrenees, and Newfoundland. So they have similar personalities and traits as their parenting breeds.

This dog breed is friendly and shares strong bonding with its family. But they are more suspicious around strangers than the other large dog breeds. However, Leonbergers are intelligent dogs, but they are not easily trainable.

With thick and fluffy coats, Leonbergers shed excessively. And they need regular brushing to avoid getting dirty. Also, this large dog breed requires ample open space to roam. And it also requires a high level of exercise like running, jumping, and hiking. Otherwise, it may become destructive out of boredom.

#8. Rottweiler

They are brave, protective, and have gigantic appearances. But Rottweilers are also famous for their affectionate nature. Moreover, they have loving personalities and are loyal to their owners. And all these impressive traits make it one of the best extra-large dog breeds.

This dog breed shares intense bonding with their families. And they don’t tolerate staying apart from their families for a long time. Rottweilers are suspicious around strangers, but they are friendly with people they have met only once. These dogs are highly protective of their families and always ready to protect their owners from any threat.

It is one of the ancient working dog breeds. And require at least one hour of exercise every day. In addition, they become bored if they stay in a small place for a long time. So you should adopt a Rottweiler only if you can provide enough time to go out and play with your pet.

Rottweiler is an impressively powerful and intelligent dog breed. And they do not come under control very quickly. So it will be difficult for a new dog owner to train it.

Factors to Consider to Decide Best Extra-Large Dog Breeds

Each dog owner has their desire and needs when they choose a dog. So it needs a comparison between different breeds to know which is yours. However, some criteria are commonly desirable that define every breed’s acceptability.

A few of the dog breeds meet all these criteria. And they make a place in the list of best dog breeds. So here are the factors that define the best extra-large dog breeds.

Size of the Breed

There are varied definitions for the size of a dog. In addition, there is no universal method to define whether a dog is large or extra-large.

But in the general rule, those between 45 and 90 pounds are large breeds. And extra-large breeds weigh more than 90 pounds and sometimes cross 100 pounds.

Generally, female dogs are smaller than males of the same breed. But if maximum members of a particular breed cross 90 pounds, it gets the title of the extra-large breed. So you can decide your pet based on the breed’s general size.

Personality

We all want a friendly dog who will be a part of the family. Moreover, our first choice is always a family pet. So a kind temperament is crucial for large dogs, keeping in mind the potential danger from their size and strength.

Blissfully, the majority of large dog breeds are amazingly friendly and lovable to their human families.

Moreover, some extra-large dog breeds are incredibly loyal to their owners. But they are suspicious around strangers. Therefore, these dogs need socialization training at an early stage. It will train them to distinguish between threatening strangers and harmless people.

Intelligence

We all want a dog that can interact with its owner in a rewarding way. Also, you will appreciate it if your pet follows your instructions efficiently. And fortunately, most extra-large dog breeds are intelligent enough to figure things out and learn quickly.

But remember that intelligent dogs tend to become bored or frustrated more quickly. In addition, they suffer from more anxiety than dogs with less brainpower. So active and working dog breeds must get a room for exercise and proper stimulation. Also, you need to provide your pet with plenty of toys and spend enough time playing with them.

Trainability

It is a general perception that intelligent dogs are always easy to train and learn things quickly. But this can be wrong in many cases. Many of the very intelligent extra-large dog breeds have no interest in pleasing their owners like others. And then, it becomes challenging to teach them basic dog training tricks and commands.

Experts can train these breeds, but it is tricky for a new pet owner who needs the effort to do so. So it would help if you try to adopt only easily trained breeds as a pet.

Health History

Unfortunately, some dog breeds are more prone to diseases than others. And it causes your beloved pet to suffer a lot and sometimes shorten its lifespan. Also, your pet’s health problem will force you to spend additional spending on veterinary services.

So it would be helpful if you avoid the breeds known to suffer health issues. Also, try to adopt your pet from a well-known breeder who maintains all the health regulations during the breeding process.

Energy Level

Every dog breed needs more or less exercise. But some of the extra-large dog breeds who are immensely powerful need plenty of exercises. And these working dogs may turn violent if they stay in a small place for a long time.

So you need to learn about the dog’s energy level and the type of exercise it will need to be happy. It is because some dogs are satisfied with a daily walk. But others like to enjoy running, jumping, and swimming. Also, they need ample open space to roam around. So it is crucial to consider what kind of setting you can provide to your dog. And how long you can stay playing with your dog.

Temperament

Adopting a dog means adding a new member to your family. So it is crucial to consider the happiness and safety of everyone in the family. And if you adopt an extra-large dog and there are children in the family, you need to be more careful. It is because the canine member will roam all over your house with its giant appearance. And may unintentionally injure a child.

When deciding on a dog for the family, you need to consider many things. These are your lifestyle, the age of your children, and the space available in your house. So go with a breed that is patient with younger children. And many large dog breeds include this kind of dog. Also, if you allow your new pup enough room to play, make sure they have a friendly and loving personality.

A perfect example of a friendly big dog breed is Great Danes. These gentle giants are incredibly friendly with families that include small children. Great Danes are also very affectionate and make a loving and loyal companion for your family.

Another example of a friendly extra-large breed is Saint Bernard that makes a lovely family pet. They are gentle and tolerant with families and children. Besides, Saint Bernards are very eager to please their owners, making the training process a lot smoother.
Bonus Read: Bernese Mountain Dog Breed – Facts And Information

Conclusion

The extra-large dog breeds look majestic and make excellent canine companions. While all of them are adorable, each class has its unique traits. This article includes a list of the best extra-large dog breeds. You can also learn about the factors that define giant dog breeds. So we hope you will like reading the article that tells everything about your furred friends.

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