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Giant dog breeds

When it comes to dogs, do you firmly believe in “the bigger, the better”? Some of our largest dog breeds certainly have the biggest hearts and friendliest personalities. As there are no universally agreed-upon criteria for categorising a dog breed as “giant”, we’ve selected those with significantly greater height, weight and/or body structure than most dogs!

To make it easy for you, we have put together a list of the most popular giant dog breeds in Australia. Learn more about their history, temperament, common breed diseases and conditions and lots of other interesting facts to guide you to choose the right giant-sized dog for you and your family!

If you’re interested in looking at the most popular giant breeds, see The biggest dog breeds – Giant dog breeds info.

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Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs are large dogs with a thick, tri-coloured coat and a love for family life. They have a friendly, easy-going nature and calm, devoted temperament.

Boerboel

The Boerboel is a very large, strong and muscular working dog. Loyal to a fault, the Boerboel is a tough breed that was developed to guard the homestead in hard African conditions.

Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff is a large strong breed of dog that has been used as a guard dog for many years. 

Cane Corso

Cane Corsos are powerful and energetic large-size dogs with a protective nature. Smart, assertive and confident, they are best suited to experienced owners and large, rural properties.

Caucasian Shepherd

The Caucasian Shepherd is a powerful, independent, and large guardian dog with strong protective instincts, best suited for experienced owners in rural or spacious suburban settings.

Dogue De Bordeaux

The Dogue De Bordeaux, also known as the Bordeaux Mastiff or Bordeauxdog, is a large dog of the French Mastiff breed.

Great Dane

These are affectionate, patient and friendly giant-sized dogs suit those who live by “the bigger the better” motto. They love their people, make great companions and alert home guardians.

Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees is a large, loyal, and protective watchdog, originally bred to guard livestock. Their strong guardian instincts make them wonderful family pets and reliable protectors.

Irish Wolfhound

Affectionate, gentle and loyal, these giant sized dogs are the tallest of all breeds. They are a great family dog for experienced owners who can give them enough exercise.

Kangal

The Kangal dog is a traditional and very old livestock guardian breed from Turkey that is best suited to an active working role in protecting livestock, such as sheep, cattle and goats, on farms or freeholdings.

Neapolitan Mastiff

Neapolitan Mastiffs are loyal and commanding giant-sized guardian dogs. Originally bred as guard dogs, they are fiercely devoted to their families, excelling in protection and as watchdogs.

Newfoundland

The Newfoundland is a giant, very muscular, strong dog that is equipped with a heavy double coat of fur.

Tibetan Mastiff

Tibetan Mastiffs are giant sized dogs with an ancient history. Loyal protectors of their families, they are independent and aloof, so are best suited to experienced owners.
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