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Large dog breeds

Does your heart beat for large dogs? Many people prefer bigger dogs as companions and we are lucky that there are many different larger breed types to choose from.

To help you find your dream furry friend, we have put a list together with the most popular of the larger dog breeds that are available in Australia. Learn more about their history, characteristics, temperament, common health conditions and lots of other interesting facts to help you to choose the perfect dog for you and your family!

If you’re interested in looking at the most popular large dog breeds, see Top 10 Large Dogs In Australia .

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Afghan Hound

These large sized dogs are impressively beautiful, affectionate family dogs. Speedy and with an excellent sense of sight, they have a keen instinct to chase small animals.

Airedale Terrier

The Airedale Terrier is the largest of all terrier breeds. The breed is tall and sturdy with a muscular body and covered in a thick, course coat of fur.

Akita

The Akita is distinctive large and powerful dog with an aloof attitude.  The Akita can be territorial and the dog is not usually welcoming of strangers.

Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute is a large and muscular domesticated dog with a heavy fur coat and bounds of energy.

American Bulldog

American Bulldogs are strong, stocky dogs that look tough but have a gentle and sensitive nature. They are friendly, affectionate and make great watch dogs.

American Eskimo Dog

Developed in England as a working dog to hunt hare, Harriers have all the essential attributes of a scenting pack hound. Running and scenting abilities are particularly significant features of the breed.

Australian Bulldog

Australian Bulldogs are loyal and affectionate large size dogs that have been developed to better suit the Australian climate. They love people, crave human attention and make great companions.

Basset Hound

The Basset Hound is a medium-sized domesticated dog with short, muscular legs and a pair of long drooping ears.

Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a larger breed of dog with a tri-coloured thick double coat.

Bloodhound

These large sized dogs are famous for their long wrinkled face, drooping ears, loose skin and excellent sense of smell. As working dogs they are used to track missing persons and suspects.

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.

Borzoi

These large sized dogs are impressively beautiful, affectionate family dogs. Speedy and with an excellent sense of sight, they have a keen instinct to chase small animals.

Bull Arab

These are tough, active, large size dogs that are exceptional hunters of wild pigs and other feral animals. They are loyal, confident and even-tempered, making them excellent guard dogs.

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.

Collie (Rough)

Rough Collies, also known as Long-Haired Collies, are a medium-large sized dog that were originally bred for herding.

Dobermann

Dobermanns are loyal, affectionate and intelligent large sized dogs. Very energetic and highly trainable, they make great companions for active, experienced owners, as well as excellent watch dogs.

Dogue De Bordeaux

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

English Pointer

The English Pointer (or simply “Pointer”) is a large breed of dog originally bred as a gun dog. They are one of the oldest breeds in England, dating back over 3 centuries.

German Shepherd

German Shepherd Dogs are smart and energetic large sized dogs that are popular with active families. They have a unique instinct to protect and are superb watchdogs.

German Short Haired Pointer

German Shorthaired Pointers are a large sized dog. Their coats are short, thick, and water-repellent with the head area featuring softer hair than the rest of the body.

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are smart and friendly large-sized dogs that are very popular with families. They are highly trainable, love people and make great companions.

Great Dane

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

Greyhound

Greyhounds are large dogs of incredible speed that are best known as racing dogs. Very gentle, loving and affectionate, they are just as happy indoors with their people.
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