Average Height: 22.5-24.5 inches (male), 21.5-23.5 inches (female)
Average Weight: 54-80 lbs (male), 48-70 lbs (female)
Description: Happy, eager to please, and affectionate to a fault
Labs are very friendly and outgoing by nature and always come with boundless enthusiasm. They are highly intelligent and make excellent family pets, as they’re easy to train and great with young kids. They come in three conformation colors — yellow, black, and chocolate — all of which have historically been seen in dog shows. Labs are also known for their short, double coat and their affinity for water.
Be sure to look into whether you’d like an American lab or an English lab — English labs have wider, fuller chests and shorter legs, while American labs are slimmer, have a narrower head and longer muzzle, and an athletic frame. English labs tend to lead a more low-key lifestyle, while American labs are regarded to be more active with higher energy.
Average Height: 18–21 inches (male), 17–20 inches (female)
Average Weight: 56-80 lbs (male), 50-70 lbs (female)
Description: Sweet, loyal, and often misunderstood
The term “pit bull” often refers to American Pit Bull Terriers and other bulldog and/or “bully” breed mixes. Contrary to their reputation, pit bulls are affectionate, loyal, eager to please, and excellent companions when raised with love and proper training. They’re sturdy, muscular dogs with short, single-layer coats that can come in an array of colors and patterns.
Bully breeds tend to adapt to you, so if you lead a more active lifestyle, your pup will follow suit. If you’re a little bit more of a homebody, you’ll have the perfect cuddle bug to curl up with after a long day. But regardless of your lifestyle, this lovable breed will always bring a smile to your face!
Average Height: 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)
Average Weight: 65-90 lbs (male), 55-78 lbs (female)
Description: Alert, devoted, and sometimes somewhat silly
German shepherds are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. They excel in various roles, from working as police or service dogs to being loving family pets. That said, GSDs are also known to have a bit of a stubborn streak — be sure to start training early and stick with it. They have just as much brain as they have brawn and beauty, so they require a lot of mental and physical activity. GSDs have medium to long double coats and have been known to shed quite a bit, so also be prepared with a good vacuum!
Average Height: 23-24 inches (male), 21.5-22.5 inches (female)
Average Weight: 60-80 lbs (male), 50-70 lbs (female)
Description: Jolly and playful, often with more energy than they know what to do with
Renowned for their friendly demeanor and gentle temperament, golden retrievers are one of the most popular breeds in the United States due to their affectionate nature, especially toward their families, friends, and other pets. Your golden will be just as excited to watch your favorite shows with you on a Friday night as they will be the next day to go on a 5-mile walk. In other words, be prepared for just as many zoomies (Trusted Source) in the living room as naps on the couch!
Golden retrievers are known for their beautiful medium to long coats, but with such beauty comes quite a bit of shedding. Don’t be surprised to find golden strands in their wake everywhere they go, on your furniture, or as tumbleweeds accumulating in the corners of your home.
Average Height: 23-25 inches (male), 21.5-23.5 inches (female)
Average Weight: 50-74 lbs (male), 45-63 lbs (female)
Description: Athletic, devoted, and 100% always down for a good time
Likely to be voted “Goofiest Personality” of the larger breeds, boxers are energetic and devoted pups with a love for life. They are known for their endless enthusiasm and athleticism, making them perfect companions for active families. Playful is the name of the game here, so apartments or homes without a yard in which to get all that playfulness out may not be the best scenario for these friendly and cheerful pups.
With all the adventure, be sure to keep their adorable snout wrinkles clean, as they can be prone to skin infections if moisture stays trapped for too long.
Average Height: 18-19 inches (male), 17-18 inches (female)
Average Weight: 52-75 lbs (male), 45-65 lbs (female)
Description: Strong, social, and just a smidge stubborn
American Staffordshire Terriers are muscular in build and loyal above all else. With proper training and socialization, they can be loving family dogs as well. They are just as smart as they are confident, with plenty of good-natured personality to go with it. But because they’re also exceptionally social and active by nature, Staffies can become bored or lonely without enough stimuli. This can result in some behavioral issues such as chewing, digging, and escaping.
Staffies are athletic and have a very strong frame, and sometimes they aren’t aware of just how rough they can be while playing with other dogs and humans. As with any larger dog, training to understand their boundaries and the boundaries of others is key!
Average Height: 21-23.5 inches (male), 20-22 inches (female)
Average Weight: 50-66 lbs (male), 40-55 lbs (female)
Description: Loyal, affectionate, and, according to TikTok, the most theatrical dog breed on the internet
Siberian huskies come with a beautiful, striking appearance and strong work ethic. They thrive in colder climates and are known for their endurance as sled dogs. The breed is friendly, but can sometimes be stubborn and just slightly dramatic. They’re mischievous by nature, requiring a decently high level of mental and physical stimuli — they’ll be sure to let you know with a bark or howl when they aren’t getting enough!
Also, huskies shed a lot. In fact, in addition to shedding year-round, they also blow their entire coats twice a year — once in the spring and then again in the fall. The shedding is worth the fluffy beautiful coat for many pet parents, though.
Average Height: 22-25 inches (males), 20-23 inches (females)
Average Weight: 55-85 lbs (male), 48-70 lbs (female)
Description: Protective and energetic, but known for a sweet, smiling face
American bulldogs are strong, muscular dogs with a keen protective instinct. They’re devoted to their humans and make excellent guardians for their families. Larger and taller than their English cousins from across the pond, American bulldogs tend to need a couple of different outlets to work off their energy.
These pups are not well-suited for long periods of alone time and have been known to get bored or anxious when left to their own devices for too long. Be sure to have ample time to spend with your American bulldog during the day!
Average Height: 14-15 inches
Average Weight: 45-64 lbs (male), 48-70 lbs (female)
Description: Laid-back, friendly, and completely aware of what they can get away with
English bulldogs are famous for their wrinkled face and gentle, sometimes mischievous disposition. They are great companions and thrive in a relaxed, indoor environment. That said, English bulldogs are a “flat-faced” or brachycephalic breed (Trusted Source) , which can come with several health risks that owners need to be aware of when bringing one of these adorable meatballs into their home.
These dogs don’t need as much exercise or stimulus as their American counterparts, so they make better apartment dogs or couch-potato partners.
Average Height: 22-24 inches
Average Weight: 50-70 lbs (male), 42-60 lbs (female)
Description: Athletic, thrives when there’s a job to do, and likely too smart for their own good
Catahoula leopard dogs exhibit a striking appearance, intelligence, and lots of protective instincts. They excel as working dogs and are often used for herding and hunting. It’s highly recommended that these dogs have ample space to work and play.
Although they can sometimes be wary of strangers, they make excellent companions for active families and outdoorsy types. Strict and consistent training is key for their naturally independent nature.
Average Height: 23-25 inches (male), 21-23 inches (female)
Average Weight: 50-65 lbs (male), 41-56 lbs (female)
Description: Smart, hard-working, and “Most Likely to Stare at Birds”
GSPs have seen an explosion in popularity over the last decade. Versatile and highly athletic, these pups are also sought after for their intelligence, agility, and hunting instincts. They’re loyal to a fault and thrive in active households with plenty of space for daily exercise.
Please note, though, that GSPs are naturally prey-driven dogs (Trusted Source) and will need ample training and supervision if there are smaller pets in the household (i.e. cats, birds, rodents, etc.)
Average Height: 26-28 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female)
Average Weight: 68-90 lbs (male), 56-80 lbs (female)
Description: Lithe, alert, and undercover snuggle-bugs
Doberman pinschers are sleek and elegant, and their loyalty knows no bounds. Don’t let their reputation precede them — yes, they’re known as excellent guard dogs, but their love for and devotion to their humans make them an amazing fit for all types of families and lifestyles.
They’ll be first in line to go on a walk/run/hike with you and the first to snuggle up in your lap directly afterward. Early training and socialization will also go a long, long way for this affectionate breed.
Average Height: 18-24 inches
Average Weight: 45-67 lbs (male), 40-60 lbs (female)
Description: Protective, independent, and boasting an impressive work ethic
Black mouth curs are hardworking and loyal and have a very protective nature. A breed this active requires a great deal of exercise, which is why they excel in various outdoor activities and are often used as hunting dogs.
It should be taken into consideration that these dogs can be territorial and won’t hesitate to alert and protect their family from perceived threats. It’s extremely important to start socialization training as early as possible.
Fun fact: “Old Yeller” of silver screen fame was a black mouth cur.
Average Height: 25-27 inches (male), 23-25 inches (female)
Average Weight: 60-80 lbs (male), 50-70 lbs (female)
Description: Sporty, energetic, and may chew on your furniture if you can’t keep up
With a striking silver coat and boundless energy, the Weimaraner, or “gray ghost,” thrives in active environments and can quite literally run for hours. They are extremely affectionate toward their family and other humans they know, albeit a little aloof or suspicious around strangers.
Their intelligence and athleticism make this breed quick to learn and eager to please, but they can also bore easily as a result, so make sure your pup gets plenty of stimulation throughout the day.
Average Height: 19-24 inches
Average Weight: 50-68 lbs (male), 40-58 lbs (female)
Description: Highly active, loyal, and likely will always be the coolest pup at the party
There are 101 reasons to love Dalmatians — the first being their instantly recognizable and distinctive spots. Energetic and outgoing, this breed thrives in active environments with plenty of stimulation.
They can make excellent family pets, although some breed experts will caution that their temperament and energy levels may be a bit too much around small children. Be sure to enroll your Dalmatian into training early on to help with this.
Average Height: 28-30 inches (male), 27-28 inches (female)
Average Weight: 58-75 lbs (male), 45-62 lbs (female)
Description: Docile, affectionate, and built for speed
Although famed for being the fastest dog breed in the world, greyhounds are much better known among their owners for their mild and sensitive personalities. Contrary to their racing image, they’re gentle and low-key pets with an independent nature that may require a little more training than other breeds.
Although greyhounds are often categorized among the least aggressive dog breeds, they’re still extremely prey-driven by nature, so it’s important to keep that in mind when around other pets or animals.
Average Height: 26-28 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female)
Average Weight: 65-95 lbs (male), 56-85 lbs (female)
Description: Aloof, intelligent, and the self-proclaimed guardian of their human’s galaxy
Akitas are known for their noble and dignified demeanor. Originally bred for bear hunting, they are devoted and extremely protective, making excellent guard dogs. It’s important to note that this breed is very wary of strangers and can be unyielding with other animals.
Underneath their fastidious temperament, though, is a bit of a goofball that lives for the companionship of their owners and families. This is another breed that requires early and consistent socialization training.
Average Height: 25 inches (male), 23 inches (female)
Average Weight: 65-100 lbs (male), 55-88 lbs (female)
Description: Strong, affectionate, and irresistibly floofy
The first word that usually comes to mind for Alaskan Malamutes? Hair. And lots of it! But these gorgeous floofs are also strong, smart, and extremely affectionate. They are similar to huskies, though much larger and typically less vocal about their feelings.
Bred to pull heavy loads, they are pack dogs by nature and thrive in colder climates. Lots of exercise and socialization are required for a happy and fulfilled life.
Average Height: 25-27 inches (male), 23-25 inches (female)
Average Weight: 60-100 lbs (male), 55-88 lbs (female)
Description: Even-keeled, smart, but more energetic than you think!
Bloodhounds are one of those dog breeds that can adapt to any lifestyle. They’re famous for their floppy ears, trademark howl, and keen tracking abilities, but they also make a great choice for all kinds of family environments and lifestyles. Between their incredible sense of smell and even-tempered nature, they’re gentle and affectionate and have a particular affinity for kids.
You’ve likely seen them lounging on a front porch or napping in a backyard on TV or in the movies, but be advised that this breed still requires lots of regular exercise and stimulation in real life!
It’s important to note that larger dogs also come with additional considerations such as higher costs for food, the potential for higher veterinary bills, more space needed at home and during travel, and often a shorter lifespan compared to smaller breeds. Responsible ownership means ensuring you are prepared to meet the needs of a large dog, both physically and financially.
To mitigate these health risks, it is essential to work closely with a veterinarian who has experience with large-breed dogs. They can guide you on proper nutrition, appropriate exercise routines, early symptom detection, and overall care to ensure your large dog stays as healthy as possible throughout its life. Regular check-ups and screenings are important to catch any health issues early (and when they are most treatable).
Each of these 19 dog breeds has unique characteristics and qualities, making them suitable for a variety of different types of families and lifestyles. When choosing a dog, it’s essential to consider your preferences, activity level, and living situation to find the perfect furry companion. With the right care and training, any of these breeds can become a beloved member of your family, offering a strong sense of loyalty, companionship, and unconditional love for years to come.
A good rule of thumb for this classification is a breed standard of 50 pounds and above in average weight and/or 21 inches or taller in average height.
Labs, golden retrievers, German shepherds, poodle mixes, and bully breeds almost always are in the top ten most popular large dog breeds in the United States.
You can! However, it’s important to thoroughly research and take into consideration that large dog breeds tend to need a lot of mental and physical stimuli, and that usually starts with plenty of room to run and play. Although most breeders will recommend having enough space in at least a front or backyard, an apartment can be doable for big dog lovers depending on how active their lifestyle is.
Hip dysplasia is a skeletal condition that affects hip joint function. It happens when the ball and socket in the hip either don’t fit together naturally or don’t develop properly, resulting in deterioration and eventual loss of function in the joint and arthritis.
Although it has been seen in small dog breeds, this condition commonly affects larger breeds due to factors like excessive growth rate and improper weight or mass. More often than not it begins with genetics; however, it’s classified as a developmental condition that’s contingent on muscle mass, hormones, exercise, environment, and nutrition.
