Gentle Giants with Enormous Personalities
While toy breeds have their charm, there’s something about large dog breeds that win the hearts of dog lovers around the world. Despite their gigantic size, many large dogs understand how to be delicate with humans and quickly form strong relationships with them. For this reason, the best big dog breeds, including Golden Retrievers and Saint Bernards, are in high demand.
When you bring a big dog home, you aren’t just getting a pet; you’re adding a massive presence that quickly becomes the heart of the household. Finding the perfect match depends on your space, your activity level, and the specific quirks of each breed. We’ve broken down the best big dog breeds to help you identify which one truly belongs in your family.
What to Consider Before Getting a Large Dog
All it takes is one look at an adorable, fluffy dog and suddenly, you’re in love! However, there are a few things to consider before you bring home that fur baby. Even the best big dogs may not be a great fit for people in certain situations.
Ask yourself the following questions before you commit to a large dog:
Do you have enough space for a dog this size? Bigger dogs need more space than, say, Malteses or Pugs. A dog that can’t move around comfortably at home will quickly get bored and possibly destructive!
Can you afford the additional expenses? The more a dog weighs, the more food they need. While a small bag of dog food can tide over a pint-sized pup for weeks, a giant breed, such as the Great Dane, may need as much as 10 cups of food per day!
Is there enough time in your schedule for training? Many people find it cute when a little Chihuahua jumps up to greet them. A Great Dane leaping toward someone won’t be considered quite so precious! It can even be dangerous if the person is a young child or an elderly individual, as they can easily be injured by accident. Consistent training is an absolute must for large dogs, especially when it comes to obeying a recall command in a tense situation, such as an aggressive dog at the park.
Best Large Dog Breeds for Families
Time has proven that certain types of dogs often do exceptionally well in households with children. The following list includes what are commonly considered the best large breed dogs for families:
Golden Retrievers: The sweet-natured Golden Retriever routinely makes it to first place on lists of the best family dogs. These beautiful pups can weigh up to 70 pounds or more but are often cited as the gentlest companions for little ones!
Labrador Retrievers: Another favorite is the Labrador Retriever, a breed that weighs 80 pounds or so. These big sweethearts are known for being exceptionally playful and curious, always ready for the next adventure with their humans!
Bernese Mountains Dogs: The Bernese Mountain Dog is unmistakable with its tricolor coat featuring shades of black, white, and rust. These former working dogs are canine Titans, weighing in at a shocking 120 pounds in many cases!
Border Collies: If your family is exceptionally active, the Border Collie will fit right in! While not the largest breed on our list, they still get up to 45 or 50 pounds and are famed for their endless energy.
Newfoundlands: The original dog in Peter Pan was a Newfoundland for a reason. These massive canines can weigh up to 150 pounds and were originally bred to rescue people at sea. This friendly nature still shines strong in the 21st century!
Best Big Dogs for First-Time Owners
Some dogs need more care and attention, making them more high maintenance than most first-time dog owners are ready for. For instance, the Jack Russell Terrier is a wonderful breed but requires lots of training and activity throughout the day.
Other breeds, such as the Golden Retriever and Labrador, generally make good first dogs. Our list of best large dogs for newbies also includes:
Great Danes: The majestic Great Dane needs little grooming, which is a good thing, since their weight caps off at around 175 pounds! First-time pet owners will also appreciate the dog’s calm nature, although training is always necessary.
Standard Poodles: You’ve surely seen the dainty Toy Poodles that have made the rounds with celebrities. The Standard Poodle is the much larger sibling, standing around two feet tall at the shoulder. These lovable guys are held in high regard by allergy sufferers, since their coats shed minimally.
Mastiffs: Mastiffs are enormous dogs that can weigh more than 200 pounds in many cases. Although this breed looks imposing because of its size, Mastiffs are truly sweet canines that are relatively low maintenance.
Best Large Dogs for Apartments
While humongous, active dogs will not tolerate a small home very well, you may be surprised to learn that some giant breeds are known for feeling right at home in an apartment. At 90 pounds, the Greyhound is likely not the first dog you picture in a modestly sized home, but they do surprisingly well thanks to their minimal exercise needs. For this same reason, the Great Dane and Mastiff are also excellent choices for apartments.
Because these dogs lack a backyard to roam in, they require structured exercise beyond just a quick bathroom break; they benefit most from long, brisk walks or short bursts of sprinting in a fenced area to maintain muscle tone and joint health. Of course, you’ll still need to make sure they go on walks a few times a day as well. Also keep in mind that some apartment communities do not allow dogs over a certain size, so you’ll need to plan accordingly.
Best Calm Large Dogs
If you’re not the type of person that loves frolicking in the backyard with a highly active dog, a more subdued breed might be more your style. Tiny breeds have a reputation for being bouncy and perky, while many bigger dogs have calmer, quieter personalities.
What is the best large dog? Embrace finds that these three breeds are routinely recognized as the more peaceful ones of the canine world:
Saint Bernards: There’s no need to fear this 200-pound pup! The Saint Bernard is renowned for his laidback and at times, timid, personality. You may even need to prompt them to play with other dogs!
Great Pyrenees: Not all fluffy dogs are as affectionate as they look. The Great Pyrenees is certainly an exception! They tend to love children and use their 100-plus pounds for snuggling instead of fighting.
Irish Wolfhounds: The Irish Wolfhound’s name may suggest fierceness, but in this case, it references its sizeable frame that tips the scales at around 120 pounds. These charming canines aren’t the best guard dogs in the world, considering they love anyone they meet!
Real Costs of Large Dog Ownership
There’s another downside to choosing a big dog. Unfortunately, the cost of owning a dog goes up with your pup’s size. As we mentioned earlier, the bigger the dog, the bigger their food bill is going to be. You’ll also need to pay more for their beds and toys since they require more materials to manufacture. Plus, those toys have to be extra durable to withstand those exceptionally large fangs! Medical expenses can also be more expensive. Larger dogs require more anesthesia and a higher medication dose than small ones, adding on more costs to your monthly and annual bills.
Health Considerations for Large Breed Dogs
There are so many positives to owning a large breed that it can be hard to think of any reasons not to! However, as is the case with any breed, there are some not-so-happy considerations. One is that big dogs tend to have shorter lifespans than smaller ones. Some breeds, such as the Mastiff and Saint Bernard, live only seven years or so, on average. Additionally, those colossal bones come with health issues. Elbow dysplasia is one such problem that is caused by misaligned joints. Elbow dysplasia is painful but can usually be managed with medication and in many cases, surgery. Bloat is another problem that often targets dogs who weigh 100 pounds or more. This condition isn’t just a simple case of overeating. It’s a serious problem that can eventually restrict a dog’s blood supply. Because bloat can become fatal in a matter of hours, you must act immediately if you notice these warning signs:
A visibly swollen or hard abdomen (it may feel like a drum when tapped)
Unproductive retching (trying to vomit but nothing comes up)
Excessive drooling and restless pacing
Heavy panting, whining, or signs of extreme distress
Pale gums or a rapid heartbeat
If your big dog shows these symptoms, they must be rushed to an emergency veterinarian immediately.
Cost of Care for Big Dog Breeds
Many pet parents fear taking their animals to the vet because of potentially high fees. One way to mitigate this anxiety is to protect your pup with a dog health insurance plan. This type of coverage can make those unexpected vet visits much less expensive.
Because of their size, big dogs often face higher surgical and medication costs. Here is a look at the estimated "all-in" costs for common large-breed conditions:
Condition | Estimated Out-of-Pocket Cost |
Emergency Bloat Surgery | $2,500 – $7,500 |
Hip Dysplasia Surgery (per hip) | $4,000 – $10,000 |
CCL (Ligament) Tear/TPLO | $3,500 – $6,500 |
Emergency Hospitalization (3–5 days) | $2,000 – $3,500 |
Note: Estimates reflect 2026 veterinary pricing. Actual costs vary significantly by region and the dog's weight.
It can be overwhelming to see the big costs for big dogs, but you don't have to do this alone. Think of pet insurance as a dedicated partner in your dog's health journey. By planning ahead today, you’re securing a future where your pet gets the "gold standard" of treatment, from advanced diagnostics to physical therapy, allowing your gentle giant to live their longest, happiest life possible.
For routine visits and services, adding a dog wellness plan can help budget for costs to make sure you can keep your pup healthy. Complete Embrace’s simple quote form to see how you can save!
Is a Large Breed Dog Right for You?
That dainty puppy might be calling your name, but remember that they’re going to gain an extra 100 pounds or more over the next few years! Think carefully about whether you can afford to take in a huge breed like a Great Dane or Irish Wolfhound. You’ll also need to have plenty of time in your schedule (as well as patience!) when it comes to training a big breed. It is imperative that a dog of this size knows when it’s time to play and when it’s time to be gentle. Once you’ve found your perfect big dog, you can rest assured that your dog’s love for you will be as great as its size!