12 Dog Breeds So Large People Should Stay Away From Them

Some dogs are small enough to fit in handbags. Others? You’ll need a forklift and a sturdy pair of sneakers. These canine behemoths are lovable, loyal—and large enough to make you reconsider your life choices at the dog park.

If you’re not prepared for 100+ pounds of excitement barreling toward you at full speed, these giant breeds might be best admired from a respectful, paw-safe distance!

Great Dane

Nicknamed the “Apollo of Dogs,” Great Danes stand taller than most toddlers—and some adults. Sweet-natured but clueless about their size, a single tail wag from these giants can clear a coffee table in seconds.

Mastiff (English Mastiff)

Massive and mellow, English Mastiffs can tip the scales at 230 pounds. They’re gentle giants at heart but could unintentionally bulldoze your guests, your furniture, and any illusions you had about keeping a clean house.

Saint Bernard

Saint Bernards come with buckets of drool and heaps of heart. Originally bred for alpine rescues, these 180-pound snuggle machines can easily plow through snowdrifts—or your living room decor—with equal enthusiasm.

Irish Wolfhound

Irish Wolfhounds are leggy giants, bred to hunt wolves but now known as gentle couch potatoes. They can tower over you when standing on hind legs, and their idea of a “light lean” feels like a tree falling.

Newfoundland

Newfoundlands are sweet, slobbery lifesavers built for water rescues. Their sheer size—up to 150 pounds—means even their “gentle nudge” could send you flying. Bonus: you’ll need a mop just for the drool.

Tibetan Mastiff

Fluffy but fierce, Tibetan Mastiffs look like enormous, opinionated lions. Bred to guard Himalayan villages, they’re territorial, stubborn, and strong enough to yank an unsuspecting owner clean off their feet during a “casual” walk.

Alaskan Malamute

Built to haul sleds across frozen tundras, Alaskan Malamutes are powerful, independent, and born athletes. They love to pull—whether it’s a sled or you clinging helplessly to the end of a leash.

Leonberger

Leonbergers are a delightful blend of lion and teddy bear. But at up to 170 pounds, their playful pounces can leave bruises and their casual cuddles feel more like full-body tackles.

Caucasian Shepherd

Caucasian Shepherds are built like bears and act like bodyguards. Originally bred to defend livestock from wolves, they’re fearless, protective, and strong enough to send an intruder—or an overenthusiastic visitor—flying.

Bernese Mountain Dog

With their cheery tricolor coats and dopey grins, Bernese Mountain Dogs look harmless—until they barrel into you like a runaway snowplow. These affectionate fluffballs love hard and lean even harder.

Komondor

Looking like a giant mop come to life, Komondors are massive Hungarian guard dogs beneath all those dreadlocks. They’re powerful, fast when needed, and capable of intimidating anyone who dares question their quirky style.

Russian Black Terrier

Nicknamed the “Black Pearl of Russia,” these massive working dogs were bred by the Soviet military. They’re strong, serious, and won’t hesitate to take charge of a situation—or your backyard.

Final Thoughts

Giant dog breeds come with giant responsibilities—and sometimes, giant bruises. While they’re loyal and lovable, these canine colossi demand serious commitment, strength, and space. So admire from afar… unless you’re ready for a full-contact love fest!