The best large dog breeds are categorized as weighing over 50 lb. These are dogs that have excellent physical qualities and are known for their boundless energy. They are protectors and deterrence to would-be intruders! Their good nature and eagerness to please make large dogs easier to train. All you need to provide is plenty of outdoor time and exercise, nutritious food, and plenty of love In return, your dog will be your ultimate physical exercise companion. As a team, their exercise needs will keep you motivated and accountable. Some big dog breeds are reputed to be good cuddlers. Nothing is better than snuggling on the couch with your pet as you watch your favorite show. They are also patient with young kids and loyal to their people.
20 Best Large Dog Breeds Over 50 lb
1. Afghan Hounds
Afghan Hounds are an elegant dog breed developed for hunting. They come from the cold mountain terrain of Afghanistan. Afghans are distinguishable by their thick, silky coat and tail with a ring curl. They’re not for everyone, as they’re quite challenging to train. However, Afghan Hounds are sweet-natured sporting dogs, and if you are an active person, they’re energetic exercise companions.
2. Airedale Terrier
Airedale Terriers are an affectionate, active, and playful dog breed. They’re the largest of the terrier family, and they’re known for excelling at sports and as watchdogs. Want a non-shedding dog? The Airedale’s wiry black-and-tan coat is short and requires only moderate grooming. They get along well with other dogs and are sometimes seen being used for police work as well.
3. Akita
The fluffy and loyal Akita, a dog breed native to Japan, was bred to hunt and protect. Having been bred to guard, the Akita is a suitable dog companion for a full-time worker-owner because it can be left alone at home for about 8 or more. You might remember this breed from the 2009 American drama film, Hachi: A Dog’s Tale. An Akita can be a good family dog, as some are good with young children, but your pup will need intense socialization work to adapt to strangers.
4. Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute was developed for strength and endurance as it was originally bred to be an Arctic sled dog. It has a doubled-layered, plush coat, and it’s known for its plumed tail carried over the back. They are incredibly loyal and good with children. Malamutes are easy to train, and their high energy level means they’re always ready to try something new. They’re still used in skiing resorts for leisure, and hauling freight. Some suffer from health complications common among large dogs, such as malformations of the hip joint.
5. American Foxhounds
American Foxhounds are scent hounds. They are a sweet-tempered and independent dog breed. They’re great with young children and other dogs but are a little shy with strangers. American Foxhounds like to talk and are very vocal dogs. Before you choose one, decide whether that’s a good fit for you and your living situation.
6. American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a loyal, active dog breed originally bred for hunting. It has a smooth coat that’s comprised of black and white patches. If you’re a first-time dog owner, these are a great choice; American Staffordshire Terriers are well-rounded pups. They’re playful, very affectionate with their families, and don’t require extensive grooming. They tend to have overprotective personalities, so they make good watchdogs. Calming products from HebsPro will make them less anxious with visiting friends and family.
7. Anatolian Shepherd
The Anatolian Shepherd is an ancient livestock guard dog breed and still does this work in Turkey. You will notice them by the graceful way they move and dance! They also bark to warn you of anything out of the ordinary. Anatolian Shepherd dogs are active and prone to digging under fences so they need consistent training to fit in as family dogs. They are anxious around people and dogs they don’t know, so require socialization as a puppy.
8. Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is a cowboy’s herding dog of choice! Despite the name, it was developed in California in the USA in the 1840s. It is an intelligent, energetic, reasonably vocal dog with a double coat that sheds. These shepherds make great all-around dogs, ideal for a farming homestead, and they’re excellent with children and other family pets. They’re often found being used as police dogs and competitors in obedience trials because they’re extremely trainable and require mental stimulation. Despite being big dogs, their gentle nature prevents their play from getting rough.
9. Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois was originally developed as a herding breed. However, given their behaviors of chasing and circling, they were later socialized as service dogs. They make wonderful companions for people with medical conditions who need assistance from a smart, loving dog for their daily routines. If you’re looking to work with an intelligent dog breed, ensure it was trained by a professional.
10. Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is an affectionate, trainable, and quiet dog breed. This British breed was developed to guard land against poachers. As the name suggests, the Bullmastiff is a cross-breed of the Bulldog and Mastiff. They are very protective of their family and property as they’re natural guardians of people and property. With the prior provision of food, water, and sleeping space, the dog can be left alone for up to 10 hours at home while you work. Because Bullmastiffs are such large dogs, it’s easier to train them when they’re puppies.
11. Chinook
The Chinook is a dog breed developed in the 20th century to be super trainable, strong, and speedy. Fun fact: They’re New Hampshire’s official state dog! The Chinook is a rare athletic breed for sled pulling and hauling, making them a great fit for dog sports. These large, affectionate dogs adapt well to human family life and are wonderful with kids and other dogs. As an active, vocal dog, your Chinook will need regular exercise and mental stimulation to be happy and healthy.
12. Dogues de Bordeaux
Dogues de Bordeaux (‘Mastiff of Bordeax’) are gentle giants originally bred in France, where they were bred for hunting or driving cattle. This is a powerful, very trainable dog breed with a muscular body that needs plenty of time for exercise outside and plenty of mental stimulation inside. Your Bordeaux will love its family and shower them with affection, but also tends to be a watchdog and overprotective. A wrinkly forehead gives them an adorably disgruntled look.
13. Entlebucher Mountain Dogs
Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are similar to the Dogue de Bordeaux – they’re native to the Swiss Alps, where they were bred as herding dogs. Their tricolor coats consist of shades of black or brown with a few shades of red/tan. Entlebutchers are friendly mountain dogs with extra-large pups, and they can make excellent family dogs with early training and socialization. They’re also watchdogs and very vocal when protecting their families – they’ll definitely bark at intruders, so make sure that’s a good fit for your living situation.
14. Great Dane
The Great Dane (‘the Apollo of Dogs’) is one of the largest dog breeds in the world! It’s native to Germany, where it was bred to hunt and guard the noble in society. Today, they’re an easygoing, friendly, and devoted dog breed and make great family dogs. With their enormous size and protective nature, they make an intimidating watchdog that’s secretly gentle, patient, and sweet-natured. Danes come in a variety of colors, but are best known for the black-and-white spotted version, nicknamed a “harlequin.” When adopting one of these gentle giants, it’s important to remember that dogs of such a large size need accommodations in their homes, like raised bowls to keep them from straining.
15. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees, also known as Patou, is a guard dog breed native to the mountains of France. Naturally, these huge dogs have great strength and agility. They have double coats, with a wooly and dense undercoat and a flat, white outer cover. You will definitely fall in love with their elegant posture and contemplative eye expressions! Pyrenees are known for being cool, calm, and collected, and they make great dogs for families because they want to protect their own.
16. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest of all American Kennel Club official dog breeds. Originating in Ireland, they’re an ancient breed created as a sight hound for catching the big game. Today, Irish Wolfhounds are known for being amiable and serene in nature. As a family dog, it’s gentle, cuddly, and laid back. They love the outdoors and need plenty of exercise and space to stretch out, hence they are not ideal for a person living in an apartment. Make sure to do research on what lifestyle changes you’ll need to make when committing to an extra-large pup.
17. Komondor
The Komondor is a guard dog breed native to Hungary. It has a white corded coat – they resemble adorable, large mops! This athletic dog is fast and powerful and needs a firm hand when training (although they’re very eager to please!) As a pet, they are ideal for a large home in the countryside. They are protective of their family and the people they live with. Their disadvantage is that they are destructive when bored, so they’ll need plenty of playtimes. The eye-catching coat of your Komondor will need special care and grooming.
18. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is a very large working dog breed made famous in the 1992 movie franchise Beethoven. This breed was originally bred for rescue work and used by the hospice of the great St. Bernard on the mountainous Italian-Swiss border. They are a quiet, gentle, and calm breed of dog, and they’re easy to train. Saint Bernards are perfect for families with children (as the Beethoven movies highlight!). Saint Bernards are also fervent watchdogs and can become agitated if they feel threatened, or if they feel someone is threatening their family.
19. Weimaraner
The Weimaraner was originally bred as a hunting dog for large games by German royalty. They’re sleek, swift dogs with an eye-catching steel gray coat coupled with floppy ears and soulful eyes. Difficult to resist! Weimaraners are a sporty and versatile dog breed that can fit well in a home with a large yard. Plus, they’re exceptionally affectionate with their families and great with younger children. Your Weimaraner will likely be relatively low maintenance health-wise and require minimal grooming. They need to be kept active to avoid destructive behavior.
20. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a Dutch dog breed used as a game retriever in hunting. As a member of the Sporting Group, they’re super energetic and intelligent so they need regular exercise and plenty of playtimes. They have a distinct, shaggy look, with hairy faces and wiry fur. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons make excellent companions for active families who require a dog to be part of their daily activities. Plus, they’re outgoing and friendly so are fantastic with younger children.
Bottom line
Medium dog breeds to large weighing 50lbs or more that didn’t make it to the list but are worth mentioning are Basset Hound and Australian Cattle Dog.
Owning medium-sized dog breeds to large dog breeds can be challenging but with proper knowledge and preparation, having one can be a real joy to your family. Be a 100% prepared owner for big or small health emergencies with Pet First health insurance and enjoy just happy days with your big bundle of joy!