Top 20 Giant dog breed representative species

Originally bred in Tosa (former Japanese province) as a fighting dog, the Tosa Inu is a rare, robust dog breed. These dogs vary considerably in size. The Japanese breed generally weighs between 80 and 135 pounds (36 and 61 kg), while the non-Japanese breeders have focused on dogs that weigh from 130 to 200 pounds (60 to 100 kg) and stand up to 32 inches (82 cm) at the withers. The breed started from the native Shikoku-Inu, an indigenous dog weighing just about 25 kilograms (45 pounds) These dogs were crossed with large European dog breeds, such as mastiff, St. Bernard, Great Dane and bull terriers with the aim to breed a larger, more powerful dog.

Originally kept as a general farm giant dog breed representative species that accompanied herders in the Bern region, Switzerland, the Bernese mountain dog is a large, heavy breed with a distinctive tri-colored coat, black with white chest and rust-colored markings. The height at the withers is 25–27.5 inches (64–70 cm) and weighs up to 125 pounds (57 kg) for males, females are just slightly smaller. The temperament of individual dogs may vary but generally, Berneses are calm, self-assured and docile dogs, friendly to children as well as to other pets.

Bred as a guard dog, the Boerboel is a large, sturdy dog breed from South Africa. Their proportions are formidable – these dogs can be over 27 inches (70 cm) tall and weigh up to 220 pounds (100 kg). Boerboels are very obedient and intelligent dogs with strong territorial instincts. These giant dog breed representative species are loyal, particularly great with kids and tend to be protective of their family and territory.

Anatolian shepherd dog is a big dog breed that originated in Anatolia (Turkey) and was further developed in America. The breed could be as old as 6,000 years. Anatolian shepherds can stand over 31 inches (80cm) tall and weigh 150 pounds (68 kg). However, due to their thick coat, they look even larger and heavier than they actually are. The breed was developed to be independent and forceful, responsible for guarding the master’s flocks without human assistance over vast areas, therefore, socializing the dog as a puppy is necessary. They often live up to 11 years, which is 3-4 years longer than other breeds of their size.

Originally bred by nomadic cultures of Tibet, China, Nepal, and Central Asia, the Tibetan mastiff is an ancient breed of a large, muscular dog with thick, usually dark coat. Its name is misleading though – it’s not a mastiff. A better name for the dog would be Tibetan mountain dog. Males can reach heights of up to 83 cm (33 inches) and weigh between 45–72 kg (100-160 pounds) but overweighed dogs are quite common. As a flock guardian dog in Tibet, it is capable of confronting predators the size of wolves and leopards.

Developed in Argentina primarily for the purpose of big-game hunting, Dogo Argentino is a huge, muscular dog with a white, very short coat. Males can grow up to 30 inches (76 cm) long and weigh over 120 pounds (55 kg).

These giant dog breed representative species are amazingly powerful with special characteristics. They are both gentle and lovely for children and family members. However, they are also fierce enough to take on a wild boar. Fortunately, Dogo Argentino dogs are never aggressive without some good reasons.

The Greater Swiss mountain dog is another large dog breed that was developed in the Swiss Alps. This big dog is robust and heavy-boned with great physical strength but is still agile enough to perform the all-purpose farm duties it was originally used for. Among all the Swiss mountain dogs, this breed is considered the oldest and largest with males often weighing well over 150 pounds (72 kg) and reaching heights of almost 30 inches (76 cm). The Greater Swiss is a happy, intelligent and sociable dog with an enthusiastic nature and a strong affinity to people and children.

Also known as Pakistani Mastiff, the Bully Kutta is a descendant of the extinct Alaunt, an ancient dog breed that originated in present-day Pakistan. The Bully Kutta is predominantly white in color. However, fawn, brindle, brown, black and various bi-colors are also common. These extra-large dogs are usually about 35 inches (90 cm) tall and can weigh as much as 210 pounds (95 kg). The breed is generally docile, friendly, and very trainable.

Also referred to as Bordeaux mastiff or French mastiff, the Dogue de Bordeaux is one of the most ancient French dog breeds. It is a very powerful and muscular dog that has been put to work in many different capacities, from pulling carts and hauling heavy objects, to guarding flocks and even the castles of the European elite. Dogue de Bordeaux is not as tall as some other breeds on this list but is massive with a powerful build with males weighing in well over 150 pounds (68 kg). One of the distinctive features of the breed is a wide, massive head, claimed to be the largest head in the canine world, in proportion to the rest of the body. Unfortunately, these dogs are prone to numerous diseases and their average lifespan is one of the shortest among all breeds, usually ranging around 5 to 6 years.

The Kangal is another livestock guardian big dog breed that originated in Turkey. Though measurements standards for the breed differ, the U.S. standard is a height of 30 to 32 inches (76 to 81 cm) and a weight of up to 145 pounds (66 kg) for males and 28 to 30 inches (71 to 76 cm) with a weight of up to 120 pounds (54 kg) for females. The dog is not as heavy as some other mastiff breeds, making it faster and more agile than other larger dogs. Kangals can reach speeds of up to 50 km (30 miles) per hour. It is a calm, controlled, independent, powerful and protective dog, that – when properly socialized – is very friendly with visitors, especially children.

The Landseer is remarkably similar to Newfoundlands and some kennel clubs even consider the breed to be simply a black-and-white variant, but the international federation of kennel clubs recognizes it as a separate breed. Not surprising, its body proportions are also very similar to those of the Newfoundland with males reaching heights of 32 inches (80 cm) and weighing in at about 180 pounds (over 80 kg). The Landseer is known for its unusually sweet disposition, gentleness, and serenity. This large dog breed enjoys swimming and has been known to rescue drowning people. The Landseer is also quicker and more responsive than the Newfoundland, which makes it easier to train.

Native to western Turkey, the Akbash was bred primarily as a livestock guardian dog and a shepherd dog. This medium to large dog breed weighs anywhere between 75 to 140 pounds (34 to 64 kg) and ranges from about 27 to 34 inches (69 to 86 cm) tall. The Akbash is leaner and sometimes taller than other Turkish livestock guardian dog breeds. They have a smooth-short to medium-full white double coat, sometimes with some light markings on the ears. As for their temperament, the Akbashes tend to be calm but aware. When protecting their charges, they appear to have tremendous power, focus, endurance, and perseverance. Their life span is usually between 10 and 11 years.

Closely related to the Neapolitan mastiff, the Cane Corso is another Italian breed valued as a great hunter and guardian. It is well muscled but less bulky than most other mastiff breeds. It’s also slightly smaller than the Neapolitan mastiff, reaching a height of about 70 cm (28 inches) at the withers and weighing anywhere from 40 to 50 kg (88 to 110 pounds). The average life expectancy of the breed is 10 to 12 years.

The Kuvasz is a breed of ancient Hungarian dog that was originally used for guarding livestock. It is a big dog with a dense white double coat which ranges from wavy to straight in texture. It is not as robust and bulky as the Swiss mountain dogs but still large and agile enough to help the shepherds protect their herds. Kuvasz is a smart and intelligent big dog and is often described as even having a clownish sense of humor.

What Are Your Favorite Giant Dog Breed Representative Species?

Above are some common large dogs you will definitely love.

Are there any giant dog breed representative species you want to introduce to me. Please leave some names in the comment box down below.

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