Large Dog Breeds

The chow chow is a medium to large-sized non-sporting dog breed from China that is known for a lion-like or bear-like appearance and blue-black tongue. This reserved and independent dog may have a rough or smooth coat. Though the breed sometimes has a reputation for being aggressive, most chows are faithful, calm dogs that make excellent companions.

The Afghan hound is a majestic dog, known for their long, silky coat. They are a medium-large and slim breed of dog popular for their show-worthy qualities. In addition to their striking appearance, Afghan hounds are known for their independence and self-confidence, as well as their sweet, fairly quiet, and humorous nature around humans they are comfortable with.

The bloodhound is a large hound dog from France with a hardy build, short fur, wrinkly skin, extra-long ears, and an incredibly powerful nose. This breed may bring the laid-back family dog from The Beverly Hillbillies to mind, but these immense, powerful dogs are anything but lazy.

The Doberman pinscher is a medium-large, deep-chested dog breed with a sleek and sturdy appearance. Dobermans (also called "Dobes" or "Dobies") are fearless, loyal, and highly intelligent. These traits make them ideal police, war, and guard dogs, but they are also outstanding companions.

The bearded collie is a medium-sized herding breed from Scotland with a sturdy body, floppy ears, and bearded facial hair that's part of a coarse, shaggy coat. Affectionately referred to as "beardies," these collies are highly energetic, intelligent working dogs that were originally bred to herd sheep in Scotland.

The English springer spaniel is a sturdy and handsome medium-sized sporting dog breed from England with a medium-length coat in a variety of colors. Known for its big and expressive saucer eyes, long floppy ears, and feathered features, this spaniel is loving and eager to please. The English springer spaniel's sweet face and personality are cherished by many happy owners.

The Gordon setter is a medium-large sporting breed from Scotland. It has a silky, medium-length double coat in black with tan markings. There’s feathering on the ears, chest, stomach, legs, and tail. And, typically, the tan is on the muzzle and throat, lower legs, eyebrows, and rear.

The Samoyed is a large Siberian working breed with pointed ears, a thick double coat, and a classic spitz tail that curls over the back. Often referred to as Sammies, these gentle dogs are easily recognizable by their thick and fluffy white fur. Samoyeds crave attention and are more than happy to put in a bit of work for their humans, be it herding, hunting, or hauling a sled.

The whippet is a dog breed quite similar to the greyhound, though smaller in size. They can run as fast as 35 miles per hour, making the whippet the fastest dog breed of its size. This sighthound is also known for its alert, friendly, and playful demeanor. The joyful whippet is a lovely and loyal companion that makes a delightful addition to almost any household.

When you think of a bulldog, you probably envision the original type: the short, stocky, flat-faced breed known as the English bulldog. However, numerous other bulldog breeds exist. Although the English bulldog remains the most well-known, several diverse breeds are part of the bulldog family.

The Italian greyhound, also known as Iggy and IG, is a toy dog breed from Italy with a short coat, long neck, and slender legs. These sleek dogs are miniature greyhounds that stand between 13 and 15 inches tall.

Bulldogs can differ in color, size, and temperament; however, they are usually happy and easygoing. With proper training, they make excellent family pets due to their ability to get along well with people and other animals. Bulldogs have a whole lot of love to give. These moderately active dogs boast a quintessentially stocky build with wrinkled skin, and their coats are super soft. Want more reasons to love bulldogs? These cute faces should tell you all you need to know.

The border collie is a medium-sized dog that is very athletic, highly intelligent, and has loads of energy. They are known for their alert expression, strong and agile body, ready-to-go attitude, and strong instincts. The breed descends from the sheepdogs of the British Isles and is named after the border between England and Scotland.

Golden retrievers are a medium-sized breed with a distinctive golden coat that originated in Scotland. Known for their kind eyes and loyalty, they are among the most popular dog breeds in the United States. While they were initially bred as hunting dogs in the Scottish Highlands, goldens also make excellent family dogs.

The Siberian husky is a graceful, athletic dog with high endurance and an eagerness to work. This friendly breed, originating in Northeast Asia as a sled dog, has a lively and playful personality. Though they are high-energy and sometimes intense, Siberian Huskies can be affectionate and gentle with proper care. They were brought to America through Alaska.

Toy poodles, along with standard poodles and miniature poodles, are famously known for their proven excellence in dog shows. Their curly and voluminous coat in combination with a confident strut always seem to steal the show. The poodle originated in Germany but is the national dog of France.

French bulldogs, renowned for their short stature, charming grins, and bat-like ears, have rapidly gained popularity in the United States, soaring from the 76th to the fourth most popular breed over just 20 years.

The Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced show-low-eats-QUEENT-lee), also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog, is a small, lively breed from Mexico with either a short-haired or hairless body in dark colors. The breed name is sometimes spelled Xoloitzcuintle. The Xolo (show-low), as it's affectionately known, comes in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. Although the hairless variety is the most famous, the Xolo also exists in a coated variety. Coated Xoloitzcuintlis have a short, smooth coat covering their entire body. Hairless Xolos are completely bare-skinned, although they might have tufts of hair on their head, feet, and the end of the tail. Breeders may focus on one size or coat variety, but all sizes and coat types can appear in the same litter.

The Dalmatian is a sleek and medium-sized short-haired dog that is affectionate, very athletic, highly intelligent, and energetic. This breed is extremely driven, loyal, and well-suited for work or companionship.

The Finnish spitz is a medium-sized, non-sporting dog breed from Finland with a double coat, pointed ears, and a signature spitz tail that curls upward over the back. Affectionately called "Finkies," these dogs are animated, intelligent, and friendly. They make great additions to active families, as they're energetic, kid-friendly, and protective of their packs.

The poodle is an extremely smart, energetic, and friendly dog known for their signature curly coat and three size varieties: toy, miniature, and standard. Under the poodle's frilly, low-shedding coat is a powerful athlete and an overall wonderful companion. These dogs typically get along with people very well and can be trained in a variety of tasks, including work as service and therapy dogs.

The American bulldog is a large non-sporting breed from the United States with a sturdy body, broad head, muscular shoulders, and a longer face than other popular types of bulldogs. They are descendants of the English bulldog. This stocky, strong dog is also an affectionate and protective pet, and their love of children makes them a great choice for families. Despite their large size, the American bulldog often thinks they belong in your lap.

The Fila Brasileiro, also known as the Brazilian mastiff, is a rare and giant guard dog breed from Brazil. It features a muscular build, thick and loose skin, powerful jaws, and a distinctively high croup compared to the shoulders, giving it an unusual back profile. Most dog breeds have flat, level toplines. Some breeds like Afghan Hounds and Whippets have arched toplines. In contrast, the Fila Brasileiro’s croup, also called the rump or buttocks, is higher than its withers at the top of the shoulders.

The Irish wolfhound is a giant hound native to Ireland. Recognized as the tallest dog breed, they stand up to seven feet tall when on their hind legs.1 Due to their size, the average Irish wolfhound's lifespan is 6-8 years.

The Rhodesian ridgeback is a large hound dog breed originating from Africa. It features a short, smooth coat with a distinctive ridge of fur growing in the opposite direction along its spine.

The Basset Hound is a medium-sized French hound breed known for its floppy ears, short legs, long nose, wrinkly skin, and short coat. One of the most popular hound dogs, Bassets are second only to Bloodhounds when it comes to their powerful sense of smell and tracking ability. This breed is easily identifiable thanks to its velvety ears, but it also stands out for its signature bay and charming, unique character.

The beagle is a recognizable medium-sized dog breed, famous for its large, expressive eyes, floppy ears, and upright, white-tipped tail. It has a short, tricolored coat typically dominated by white and shades of brown.

Meet the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno, a small hunting dog native to southern Europe with a slim build, pointed ears, and either short and smooth or long, wiry fur. This breed is quick, sweet, and energetic, and it's the smallest of Portugals’ three Podengo breeds.

The Scottish deerhound is a large dog breed from Scotland with a long and lean physique much like a greyhound. Among the tallest of all dog breeds, they’re athletic, affectionate, and loyal companions who make delightful family pets.

The greyhound dog is a large hound breed from Egypt with long, muscular legs, a narrow, streamlined body, and a short, smooth coat. A narrow head, long neck, and deep chest are also recognizable aspects of this breed. The greyhound is the fastest breed in the world, with the ability to race at speeds upwards of 45 miles per hour. This sighthound hunts prey using their sight, as well as their speed.

Native to England, miniature bull terriers (or MBTs) are compact dogs with triangular eyes, egg-shaped heads, stout builds, short fur, and larger-than-life personalities. Part of the terrier family, this breed has tenacity but is teeming with affection and antics. Their demeanor and appearance are largely similar to the standard bull terrier—but make no mistake about it, the MBT is a breed all its own with a devoted "egghead" following.

The Australian shepherd dog, or Aussie, is a medium-sized herding dog with medium-length fur and an agile, athletic build. The breed's ancestors came to the U.S. from Europe by way of Australia, hence the name.

The bull terrier is a medium-to-large dog breed from England that has a short, smooth coat and a unique “egg-shaped” head. Their ears are small and pointed, and their eyes also are small with a triangular shape. Overall, these dogs have a solid, muscular build. They reach a height of 21 to 22 inches and weigh around 50 to 70 pounds.

The Airedale terrier is a medium-sized dog breed developed in England and often referred to as "the king of terriers." The dog is best known for their classic terrier-shaped head, V-shaped floppy ears, erect tail, and square, sturdy frame. This is also a strong-willed, sharp-witted, and energetic breed that is full of character. The dog's bold personality, however, means they may not be the best choice for a novice dog parent.

The American pit bull terrier is a medium-sized terrier dog breed native to the United States with a short coat, well-muscled body, and big smile.

The Irish terrier is a medium-sized dog breed developed in Ireland, known for their alert and rectangular body, erect tail, wiry reddish coat, and V-shaped ears that fold in half and flop forward. Old Irish manuscripts stated that the Irish terrier was the "poor man’s sentinel, the farmer’s friend, and the gentleman’s favorite."

The American Staffordshire terrier is a medium-to-large, muscular dog breed with a square head and short, stiff fur that was developed in the United States.

The golden retriever is one of the most beloved dog breeds in the United States, inevitably leading to various hybrid breeds and countless combinations of possible characteristics. However, it’s important to note that each dog is unique, and mixed breeds may have even more variability in their appearance and temperament.

These intelligent dogs are renowned as police assistants, search and rescue dogs, contraband sniffers, and for their role as service dogs. They genuinely love to work!

A popular service breed, the German shepherd is a large and athletic dog that's known to be highly intelligent, loyal, and agile, but some people don’t realize that there are many dogs that look like German shepherds, and this can cause confusion.

The Old English sheepdog is the original “shaggy dog," a large and athletic breed known for its fluffy coat. Underneath it, however, this affectionate dog is all muscle because they emerged from early types of herding dogs in England, where they historically helped farmers drive cattle and sheep to market.

The Belgian Tervuren is a smart, medium-size herding dog breed native to Belgium that has a medium-length coat, an intelligent expression, and upright triangular ears. Also referred to as the Terv, this breed is known for its love of hard work.

The Dutch shepherd is a medium-sized dog with a wedge-shaped head, flat skull, erect triangular ears, and soulful dark almond-shaped eyes. The dogs originated in the Netherlands, but the breed is often confused with German shepherds and Belgian Malinois. While they do share very similar ancestry, this less common breed is regarded as easier to train and can make a great family pet in an active home.

The collie is a medium-large herding dog breed from the United Kingdom whose coat comes in two varieties: smooth (short) and rough (long). The dog has a wedge-shaped head with a long nose, almond-shaped eyes, and upright ears that slightly fold over. Many people recognize this breed thanks to the popularity of Lassie, a rough coat collie. And like Lassie, collies are known for being devoted companions that are quite in tune with their owners.

The Belgian Malinois (pronounced Ma-Luhn-Waa) is a medium-sized herding dog with high levels of athleticism, energy, and intelligence. These sheepdogs from Belgium excel in roles where they have a specific task, making them perfect for police and military operations.

The Polish Lowland sheepdog—or PON, short for its Polish breed name Polski Owczarek Nizinny—is a popular Polish watchdog and livestock herder with a stocky build and thick, shaggy double-coat. Tenacious, lively, and confident, the PON needs a dedicated owner willing to deal with their stubborn training temperament and high-maintenance fur. Still, if you power through and give them the training, exercise, and grooming they need, they’ll be a fantastic companion and reliable worker suitable for many different homes.

German shepherd dogs are among the most popular breeds globally, valued for their intelligence, loyalty, and athleticism. These large brown-and-black dogs have a streamlined build, making them strong and agile.

The Australian Cattle Dog, also known as the blue heeler, is a robust, medium-sized herding dog originating from Australia. Their dense coat has a thick underlayer and a short, weather-resistant outer layer. Blue heelers are known for being hardworking, intelligent, and loyal to their owners. Historically, they were bred to work on farms as herders and flourish when they have tasks to perform.

The American cocker spaniel is a small sporting dog breed from the United States that has a long, silky coat; big, expressive eyes; and long, furry ears. In the U.S., this breed typically is just referred to as the cocker spaniel. But, outside of the U.S., it’s known as the American cocker spaniel to differentiate it from its close cousin, the English cocker spaniel. The American cocker is the smallest breed in the American Kennel Club’s Sporting group. It was bred to hunt but also to be a loving family companion.

The English setter is a medium-sized dog, though on the larger side, and originally developed in the United Kingdom for their crouching, pointing, and retrieving skills when accompanying hunters. Also called “the moderate setter,” this dog is known for their well-feathered underbelly, tail, legs, chest, and ears, as well as their speckled coat pattern called belton.

The German shorthaired pointer (or GSP) is a medium-to-large sporting breed native to Germany with a slim build, floppy ears, and signature liver brown colors on a short coat. Athletic, smart, and friendly—sounds like a recipe for popularity, doesn’t it?

The Brittany spaniel is a medium-sized sporting breed developed in France with a dense white and orange coat. Bred as a stylish bird-hunting dog the Brittany is an agile gundog enjoyed on both sides of the Atlantic. Bird dog lovers and families alike appreciate the “softness” of the Brittany’s face and their high-set ears, as well as their high energy level and eagerness to please.

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a medium-sized ancient working dog breed from Northern Italy with wooly, curly fur. They are prized for truffle hunting skills, but they can also make relatively laid-back and affectionate companions around the home.

The Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever (often shortened simply to toller) is a medium-sized sporting dog from Canada with golden-red fur, floppy ears, an athletic body, and a waterproof double coat. Originally called Little River Duck Dogs, these cheerful canines love water and dog sport training as much as they love their families.

The English cocker spaniel is a medium-sized sporting dog from England with floppy ears, a sturdy body, and soft, silky fur that feathers on the ears, legs, and torso. This breed is a devoted companion, happy both engaging in rigorous activity and enjoying family life.

The Vizsla is a medium-sized dog with a long history originating in Hungary. This dog is muscular with a smooth, dense coat in shades of russet. Known for their pointing and retrieving skills, they were prized and versatile hunters, often mistaken for pointers or Weimaraners because they are both part of the sporting group and have physical similarities.

The Weimaraner is a striking and athletic dog breed from Germany, known for its steel gray coat, large floppy ears, and soulful eyes typically seen in a shade of blue. Their features are reminiscent of a bloodhound. Bred initially as a sportsman's companion to hunt deer, bears, and wolves, the Weimaraner—also called 'Weim' or the 'gray ghost'—is a versatile breed that thrives on both the hunting field and as a cherished family member.

The wirehaired vizsla is a medium-size sporting dog breed from Hungary that has a short, wiry coat with a longer beard and eyebrows. It is a close relative of the smooth-coat vizsla but is a bit hardier—largely thanks to its thick, protective coat. These dogs are generally lively but gentle, and they are strong athletes. They are comfortable on land and in water.

The Labrador retriever is a medium to large dog breed with a short coat and sturdy physique that's a member of the sporting group and originated in Newfoundland and the U.K. Labs are known for their intelligence, fine character, and good temperament. Although they were bred to be hunting dogs, they're also excellent companions.

Handsome, athletic, goofy: these are the three adjectives we would use to describe Labrador retrievers. These pups make a great addition to every home, as they are excellent with kids, love to cuddle, and will do anything to make their owners happy. They are medium-to-large sturdy dogs with excellent balance, obedience through the roof, and an adorable face. Keep scrolling to see the cutest photos yet and discover mind-boggling Labrador retriever trivia.

The shih tzu–poodle mix, often referred to as a shih-poo, is a hybrid breed created by crossing the shih tzu with a poodle. The two smaller poodle varieties—toy and miniature poodles—are used to cross with the shih tzu, which is also a small breed. Standard poodles are not crossbred with shih tzu because mixing very large breeds with small breeds is a risky practice that can result in complications with the mother or puppies. With any crossbreed or mixed breed, physical traits and personality are highly variable, and each puppy or dog is an individual. Shih tzu–poodle mixes are generally small, weighing between 7 and 20 pounds on average, but other physical characteristics may vary wildly.

Due to their super sweet personalities, serious smarts, and adorable, toothy grins, golden retrievers are a hugely popular breed in the United States. In fact, golden retrievers have snagged the third spot for most popular dogs in the United States for the last several years!

The Irish setter is a popular medium-to-large dog breed for families and sporting enthusiasts alike. Originally bred for bird hunting, Irish setters have become prized for their beauty, friendliness, and work ethic. They adapt well to life with children and other pets but do have a natural prey drive, so you’ll need to watch them with small animals.

The Shikoku dog (sometimes called Kochi-Ken) is a medium-sized spitz breed from Japan with thick fur, pointed ears, and short, upward-curling tails. These dogs were bred to hunt wild boars and prized as devoted companions. The Shikoku dog is rare, even in their home country, but more so in North America.

The English bulldog is a medium-sized dog from England known for their trademark gloomy face, wide shoulders, and endearing rolling gait. This is quite possibly one of the most recognized breeds in the world.

The French bulldog (Frenchie) is a small, muscular dog with their trademark bat-like ears. Along with their adorable looks, Frenchies are lively, lovable, and playful companions. It's no wonder they became the most popular dog breed in the United States.

The Great Pyrenees was historically used as a flock guardian, watching over and protecting sheep from any threats, including theft and predators. The breed is still used in this capacity today, though the most important job of many Great Pyrenees is that of a beloved family companion. With family, Great Pyrenees are exceptionally devoted and protective, something that extends to both humans and other animals in the family “pack”.

The Saint Bernard is a giant working dog breed from Switzerland with a short- to medium-length coat that typically comes in shades of brown and white with black around the face. There are smooth and rough coat varieties, with the smooth coat being close to the body and the rough coat being denser and longer around the neck and legs.

The Rottweiler, or Rottie, is a large and rugged dog with a hard-working and confident demeanor. It is known for its muscular body, thick hindquarters, and easy trot. Descended from the mastiffs of the Roman legions, the Rottie can be a gentle playmate and companion, despite its reputation for being dangerous. The breed is a bit aloof but also very intelligent, protective, and loyal to its family. The Rottie can be an excellent working dog, watchdog, or guard dog, too.

The Portuguese water dog is a medium-sized breed from Portugal known for its floppy ears and curly fur. These intelligent, energetic dogs have low-allergen coats, making them excellent pets for active owners with allergies. Portuguese Water Dogs are working dogs that quickly acquire training and obedience skills, making them great family pets and loving, friendly companions.

Mastiffs are among the largest dog breeds, often exceeding 200 pounds. Despite their size, they have a noble, kind, and loyal disposition. These gentle dogs are excellent companions and protective family members. Their courage and manners make them suitable for most households.

The Leonberger, or Leo, is a thick-coated giant dog with a hard-working spirit and a gentle disposition that hails from the city in Germany after which they were named. This breed is a mix of three large working dog breeds: the Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, and Great Pyrenees.

The Akita is a large Japanese dog breed originally bred for hunting, featuring a thick, double coat. They are deliberate and strong-willed dogs, making them loyal companions for experienced dog owners.ate, strong-willed dogs who make loyal companions—for the experienced dog parent.

The Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the French mastiff, is a large French working dog renowned for its gentle and quiet demeanor, making it an excellent family pet. As one of the oldest and rarest breeds in France, this mastiff is muscular, stocky, and well-balanced, possessing the largest head in the dog kingdom.

The Tibetan mastiff is a rare, large dog breed from Tibet with a massive, towering frame, flowing mane, and watchful expression. The breed is said to be as magnificent and alert as a lion. Used in Tibet and the Himalayas for thousands of years as powerful and imposing estate guardians, today’s Tibetan mastiff retains those protective instincts, watching over their home and family with endless tenacity.

The Neapolitan mastiff is a giant working breed from Italy with wrinkly skin, short fur, a muscular build, and long, floppy jowls that droop from their face. Though their size can be intimidating, the Neapolitan mastiff is a gentle giant that makes an excellent large family dog.

The Great Dane is one of the largest dog breeds in the world and is often referred to as the Apollo of Dogs. This working breed from Germany was originally bred for hunting wild boar. They are characterized by their tall stature, large head and muzzle, long limbs, narrow body, and short fur.

The Bernese mountain dog, affectionately called “Berner,” is a large working dog breed from Switzerland who makes a loyal, loving companion for adults, children, and other pets. Beautiful tri-colored Berners are playful and energetic but not exhausting. They’re gentle giants, and aren't as intimidating as some other large dogs, thanks to their happy expressions and generally good natures.

The boxer dog loves their humans more than anything—and that definitely includes children. This makes them a great family dog. Boxers are misunderstood because of their muscular frame and dark eyes, which make them look serious. However, they’re actually large goofballs that are sweet and playful.

The Newfoundland dog is a giant breed with a hardworking and gentle disposition. Often called the Newfie, the breed is intelligent, sweet, and very loyal. They make for affectionate companions, and they naturally take to work in water rescue and other jobs. These dogs were bred for life on the water with a thick coat to insulate them and webbed paws for swimming.

The Great Pyrenees is a majestic, large-size working dog breed from France with a typically white double coat. This dog is known for a hard-working spirit and a sweet disposition, as well as a massive, muscular stature. They were bred for guarding livestock, and can weigh over 100 pounds.

The English Labrador retriever is a medium-large sporting dog breed from the United Kingdom with a short, dense, water-repellent double coat that comes in black, yellow, or chocolate. The English Lab is technically the same breed as the American Lab, but the American version is slightly lankier.

The Anatolian shepherd is a large livestock guardian dog who hails from the countryside in Turkey. These calm dogs were bred to protect their flocks—sheep, goats, or cattle—on their own, deterring any predators with their big bodies and loud barks.

The standard schnauzer is a medium-size hardworking farm dog from Germany, known for their trademark bristly eyebrows and beard. The intelligence and sociable nature possessed by these stately canines make them outstanding companions.

The cane corso (pronounced "KAH-Nay KOR-So") is a large, muscular working dog with a noble and confident disposition, tracing its lineage back to ancient Rome. These powerful dogs have a fearless and vigilant nature.

Today’s mastiff breeds are generally more mellow than their ancestors, yet they remain massive and powerful. With over 20 mastiff types, these dogs instinctively [protect their protect home and family.

The Pyrenean mastiff, also known as the Mastín del Pirineo, is a large, fluffy-haired breed originally from the Pyrenees mountains in northeastern Spain. Noble, affectionate, and confident, this dog is the definition of “gentle giant.”

The Spanish mastiff is a working dog breed from Spain with a short, thick coat that can come in a variety of colors. The breed originated as a guard dog, and its enormous size is certainly imposing. Overall, it has a well-balanced, muscular build. Its head is very large and broad with almond-shaped eyes and triangular ears. And its neck has a fair amount of loose skin, which helps to protect more vulnerable internal areas. This dog can be a sweet companion and gentle giant with its family, but it does require an owner who’s knowledgable in training and socialization to prevent it from becoming overprotective and aggressive.

Miniature poodles are small, non-sporting dogs with curly hair that originated in Germany. They’re one of three sizes of poodles, along with standard (the largest) and toy (the smallest).