Large Dog Breeds

Are you looking for a large breed dog? These dogs start at about 55 pounds. Click on the breed name to read the full breed profile.

Afghan. With his slender body and long flowing haircoat, the Afghan is a beautiful dog. One of the sighthounds, the Afghan uses vision to track and follow quarry.

Alaskan malamute. One of the oldest breeds of sled dogs, the malamute is still used in the extreme north as the only reliable method of transportation. A large dog, the Malamute can weigh over 100 pounds.

American foxhound. As a hound developed to hunt foxes, the American foxhound thrives on outdoor activities. Not the best dog for small spaces, this breed needs a sturdy fence and plenty of room to run.

**Beauceron**The Beauceron is an uncommon breed with a very loyal following. These majestic and proud dogs are originally French herding dogs but are now guard dogs and family pets. Reserved with strangers, the Beauceron is loving and faithful to his family.

Belgian malinois. Related to the other Belgian sheep herding dogs, the malinois is an intelligent and versatile breed. Gaining popularity as a working dog, the malinois can now be seen in police work, tracking and obedience competitions.

Belgian sheepdog. As one of the representative breeds of Belgium, this black dog is cherished as a police dog, guard dog, herding dog and companion. With a longer coat than the malinois, the sheepdog is also a versatile working breed.

Belgian tervuren. Another of the Belgian sheep herding dogs, the tervuren is a general purpose dog. Used in herding and guarding, this breed looks like a long-haired version of the malinois.

Black and tan coonhound. Used to hunt raccoon and opossum, this coonhound is a slow methodical tracker that uses scent. As with other coonhounds, the black and tan has a natural tendency to drive his quarry up a tree and alert the hunter by baying.

Black Russian terrier. Developed in Moscow, this breed has only been around since World War II. A cross between Rottweilers, giant schnauzers and Airedales, the black Russian terrier is a strong and tough dog.

Bouvier des Flandres. Originating in southwest Belgium, the bouvier was used to herd cattle. Today, the bouvier excels in police work and military work.

Boxer. Despite his reputation as a sweet, loving dog, the boxer was previously used in the sport of dog fighting. Thankfully, that sport was banned and the boxer became an adored member of the family.

Briard. Developed in France, the briard was used to protect livestock from wolves and other predators. Eventually, the breed was used to herd sheep and today is a devoted and faithful companion.

Chesapeake bay retriever. One of two sporting breeds to have been developed in the United States, the Chessie was developed as a great water dog. A strong dog, the Chessie is known for his devotion to his family and natural water retrieval instincts.

Clumber spaniel. The clumber is one of the largest of the spaniels. With a large head and lots of wrinkles, the clumber has been mistaken for a dwarf Saint Bernard.

Collie (Rough & Smooth). A family favorite, the collie is available in a rough coat and smooth coat. Used in Scotland and Northern England to herd sheep, the collie of today still has some herding instincts.

Curly coated retriever. This retriever is a hardy dog that loves water. His thick coat gives him protection from the harshest weather and he is a faithful and devoted hunting companion.

Doberman pinscher. The regal looking Dobie hails from Germany. A natural protector, the Doberman excels in guarding and police work.

Dogo Argentino The Dogo Argentino, also known as the Argentinean mastiff or Argentine Dogo, is the result of a dream. Two brothers were determined to develop a sociable, yet intimidating hunter, capable of hunting cougars and wild boar. After some trial and error, the brother’s dream was realized and the Dogo Argentino was born.

English foxhound. Similar to the American foxhound, the English version also thrives on outdoor activity and excels in hunting foxes.

English setter. Thought by many hunters as the ultimate hunter’s companion, the English setter is a beautiful and intelligent breed. Their natural hunting instinct makes them better suited for active country life than city life.

Flat-coated retriever. Often confused with the Labrador retriever, the flat-coated retriever has longer hair. With a natural love of water, the flat-coat is a not as popular as other sporting breeds but performs well.

German shepherd. Nearly always topping the most popular breed lists, the German shepherd has natural guarding and protecting instincts. Developed as a herder, the breed soon became a popular police, search and rescue and guard dog.

German shorthaired pointer. An all-purpose dog, the German shorthaired pointer is a versatile hunter. A loyal and obedient breed, he is a favorite among hunters.

German wirehaired pointer. Often confused with the German wirehaired pointing griffon, the German wirehaired pointer does well on land and in the water. The wiry haircoat is weather resistant and even somewhat water resistant.

Giant schnauzer. Unlike his smaller relatives, the giant schnauzer is a member of the Working group. Historically used to drive cattle and guard livestock, the giant schnauzer today can be found as a police dog, guard dog and faithful companion.

Golden retriever. As one of the most popular breeds, the golden retriever is an excellent family pet and is also a good hunting companion. Excellent on land and in the water, the golden is a versatile, intelligent and useful breed.

Gordon setter. Originally from Scotland, the Gordon resembles a black and tan version of the Irish setter. Great as a gun dog, the Gordon is also a good family pet.

Greyhound. The greyhound is a sleek dog associated with the controversial sport of greyhound racing. Another member of the sighthound group, the greyhound loves to chase anything small and fast moving.

Irish setter. The Irish setter is a beautiful, friendly, energetic dog. Originally used to hunt fowl, the Irish setter is now more often found as a companion.

Labrador retriever. Similar to the golden retriever, the lab always tops the list of most popular dogs. This breeds loves to be outside and needs plenty of exercise. A dependable and loyal dog, the Lab is a great gun dog and retriever.

Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog. The stunning, unique coloring of the Louisiana Catahoula leopard dog, or Cat, is the most outstanding characteristic of this breed. The Cat is known by many names, such as the Leopard Stock dog, the Black Mouth Cur, the Yellow Cur, the East Texas Cow or Hog dog, the Red Cur, the Old Brindle Cur, the Leopard Cur and the Louisiana Cur. The name frequently depends on the color of the dog.

Munsterlander. The Munsterlander is an excellent and loved hunting dog as well as wonderful companion. Though not recognized by the American Kennel Club, the Munsterlander is becoming more popular.

Old English sheepdog (Bobtail). Easily recognized by his thick white and gray coat, the Old English sheepdog is not as popular as other breeds. Originally used to drive sheep and cattle to the market, the OES still maintains his natural herding instincts.

Poodle Standard. The poodle comes in three different varieties; standard, miniature and toy; however, the only difference is the size. The standard poodle is the oldest of the three sizes and was originally used to retrieve ducks in cold water.

Rhodesian ridgeback. The Rhodesian ridgeback is only one of two dogs with a naturally occurring ridge down his back. Developed in Africa, the ridgeback was used to hunt lion by taunting and harassing, giving the hunter a chance to approach and kill the lion. A strong minded dog, the ridgeback readily stands his ground and protects his family and territory.

Spinone Italiano. A versatile hunting dog, the Italian spinone’s eyes give the dog an eerily sweet human expression. With a thick wiry haircoat, the spinone is not your typical looking dog.

Tibetan mastiff. The Tibetan mastiff is an ancient breed known for its excellent guarding skills. Hailing from Tibet, the exact origins of the Tibetan mastiff are a mystery but many feel that this breed is from the same basic stock as other mastiffs and large working dogs. Also a companion, the Tibetan mastiff is one of the most recent additions to the list of dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Weimaraner. Called the gray ghost, the Weimaraner is thought to be one of the best gun dogs.