45 Best Large Dog Breeds to Welcome Into Your Family
Including those that are hypoallergenic, calm and known to be super healthy.
Looking to adopt a new furry friend? Bigger isn't always better, of course, but when it comes to finding your perfect canine companion, a teeny-tiny Chihuahua won't exactly make the best jogging buddy. Typically tipping the scales at 50-80 pounds (although some varieties may skew slightly larger or smaller), these large dog breeds can be great for families who want an active exercise pal or a pet that's easy to train. And if you've never cuddled a dog the size of a small pony, you've never lived. Many of these breeds are lovable family dogs, too!
Before adopting a large dog, make sure you factor in the time and budget that you're able to realistically provide for your pet. Owning a dog can cost about $15,000 or more over its lifetime, according to the American Kennel Club. That money can go towards veterinary visits, grooming and food, just to name a few common expenses. All large breeds will require more kibble than their pocket-sized counterparts, but a poodle, for example, will need more frequent haircuts than a boxer. A highly active breed will also need a lot more exercise than canine couch potatoes, but all pups deserve basic obedience training, regular walks and daily play time for both physical and mental stimulation.
And if you're looking for a pet that's more lap-sized, check out these small and medium dog breeds. Curious about the biggest, most giant dog breeds? These gigantic pups weigh in the 75-150 pound range (or more!).
Bernese Mountain Dog
These dogs may be one of the largest dog breeds, but they're truly gentle giants with a sweet, calm and affectionate nature. Bernese mountain dogs are also eager to please, which mean they're typically easy to train.
Weight: 70-115 pounds
Chinook
Among the rarest of dog breeds, Chinooks were first bred to be all-purpose sled dogs. They're known to be devoted family pets that are intelligent and patient — plus, they're also the official state dog of New Hampshire!
Weight: 50-90 pounds
Hovawart
Despite their funny-sounding names, Hovawarts are highly intelligent, devoted canines that not only are outstanding family pets, but also make great search-and-rescue dogs thanks to their excellent noses.
Weight: 65-90 pounds
Pitbull Terrier
These super-athletic dogs are fun, loyal companions that are gentle and patient with all of their family members, even young ones. Plus, you won't find a better cuddle partner.
Weight: 30-80 pounds
Samoyed
Known for their famous "Sammy smile" due to their perpetually upturned mouths, Samoyeds are smart, fun-loving dogs who sport a stunning white coat (which sheds a lot!). This highly energetic breed also needs vigorous exercise, as they were originally bred to herd reindeer and haul sledges.
Weight: 35-65 pounds
Airedale Terrier
As the largest terrier breed, Airedales convey the alert, fearless attitude of the group on a supersized scale. They can also carry some of the same stubbornness, but that determination is what makes them such popular and spirited companions.
Weight: 50-70 pounds
Afghan Hound
Sweet and silly, these endearing hounds originated in the mountainous region of Afghanistan. Their silky, fine coat served as protection from the cold at high altitudes, and it requires plenty of grooming.
Weight: 50-60 pounds
Alaskan Malamute
By nature, Malamutes are friendly toward humans. They need a pack leader to set the standard, so stick to a training regimen early on for a well-behaved family member.
Weight: 75-80 pounds
American Staffordshire Terrier
People-oriented Am Staffs are both intelligent guardians and natural clowns. They can be a bit strong-headed and do best when they're made part of the family.
Weight: 40-70 pounds
Australian Shepherd
With a background in herding, Aussies live to work (or play) thanks to a tireless drive. They're keenly intelligent and loyal, making them extremely receptive to training. Be prepared to provide an an hour or more of active exercise daily.
Weight: 40-70 pounds
Basset Hound
As total couch potatoes, Basset Hounds love to lounge around — when they're not on a scent that is. Bonus: They're extremely patient with young children, making them a great family pick.
Weight: 40-60 pounds
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Belgian Malinois
These herders are incredibly smart and loyal protectors, which explains why they're the preferred breed for the military and Secret Service. Understandably, Mals require plenty of exercise and stimulation and they're happiest when they're given a job to do.
Weight: 40-80 pounds
Belgian Sheepdog
Bright and loyal, these canines worked during World War I as message-carriers and ambulance dogs. Today the herders are known for being versatile, good with children and protective.
Weight: 45-75 pounds
Belgian Tervuren
One of the smartest breeds out there, Tervs take their training — and their work — very seriously. All of that focus comes with a lot of energy, so a regular exercise outlet is a must.
Weight: 45-75 pounds
RELATED: These Are the Top 10 Smartest Dog Breeds, According to Experts
Boxer
Boxers are affectionate and loyal to no end. They're suspicious of strangers, but highly intelligent and willing to please when it comes to training.
Weight: 50-80 pounds
Borzoi
These dignified hounds, also known as Russian wolfhounds, are independent and surprisingly affectionate. The Russian aristocracy bred them for hundreds of years to hunt — you guessed it — wolves, and they can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour.
Weight: 60-105 pounds
Bull Terrier
Charming and mischievous, bull terriers may appear intimidating but they're actually extremely friendly, playful and sometimes goofy. Another plus? The extremely short coat requires little grooming.
Weight: 50-70 pounds
Chinese Shar-Pei
Behind all of those wrinkles is an excellent watchdog and a devoted family member. That said, Shar-Peis stay suspicious of strangers and other dogs, prizing loyalty above all else.
Weight: 45-60 pounds
Chow Chow
Martha Stewart is famously a fan of this dignified breed. Despite their powerful appearance, Chows require only moderate exercise — making them adaptable to city life.
Weight: 45-70 pounds
Collie
Collies exhibit the qualities of loyalty, intelligence and gentleness, and live up to their Lassie reputation. A desire to please is hard-wired in the collie's genetic makeup. They're easy to train but tend to bark.
Weight: 50-75 pounds
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Caroline is a writer and editor with almost a decade of experience. From 2015 to 2019, she held various editorial positions at Good Housekeeping, including as health editor, covering nutrition, fitness, wellness, and other lifestyle news. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism and dreams of the day Northwestern will go back to the Rose Bowl.
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