Everyone thinks they have the best dog. None of them are wrong.

The English Mastiff, Working group

England, 6-10 years life expectancy 

Heaviest of dogs, these giants of formidable strength are surprisingly gentle, docile, until they feel the need to protect loved ones. Despite their black masked, fierce looks, Mastiffs are eternally loyal, playful and loving with their family. English and American breeders combined efforts to bring back the breed after they were almost knocked out of existence in the 40's. With this large, heavy sturdy body, many were used as war dogs, hunters and guard dogs. 

 30", 160-230lbs. 3 colors; Fawn, Apricot and Brindle of short, smooth double coat has low grooming needs but high shedding and drooling. Very firm yet gentle, practiced training level. Low to moderate energy. Not particularly interested in job or mental stimulation.   

Breed Dog Mom viewpoint:

There is not a love bigger than an English Mastiff’s, as big as their hearts are, there is a lot of pain that comes with them - all unintended! Being stepped on, laid on, knocked into, ran over or hit with their tail is all in good fun to them, but you have to be prepared or you and more specifically your children could be sent flying! They never quite realize their size or strength and as careful as they try, and you train them to be, there are forgetful moments. They are best with older kids and adults who don’t mind picking themselves up and dusting off occasionally! #gentlegiants #mastiffs #englishmastiffs

Great Dane, Working group

Germany. 7-10 years

German breed of Mastiff-sighthound, 1 of the 2 tallest dog breeds with the Irish Wolfhound. 

Descended from Middle Ages hunting dogs, Danes were also used as protection for German nobility. They are easy going, kind and patient with kids, people pleasers, until their not - very alert guardians.

30-35" at the shoulder, 140-175lbs. Short, smooth hair is low on grooming levels, high in the drooling category. Can be Eager to please during training, can also be willful. High energy, needs mental stimulation. #greatdane #danes 

Great Pyrenees, Working group

Pyrenees Mountains, 10-12 years

Pyrs are marshmallows, calm and relaxed, until their family or herd need them. These cold loving powerhouses were favorites of French nobility and humble shepherds alike due to their loyalty, loving nature and work ethic.

27-32" at shoulder, 100lbs and up. White, waterproof and medium length, double coat needs moderate to high grooming maintenance. Moderate shedder, drooler. Moderate energy, training level and mental stimulation needs. #greatpyrenees #pyrs #pyrenees

Irish Wolfhound, Hound Group 

Ireland, 6-8 year life expectancy 

1st in height of the 2 tallest breeds. Extremely loving, intelligent and handsome, they are good with kids and love other dogs in the house. A little too serene to be great guard dogs but they are protective: "Gentle when stroked, fierce when provoked".

32" minimum, 120lbs. Medium, wiry coat is low to moderate grooming, moderate shedders. Moderate training and energy levels, also mental stimulation. #irishwolfhound #wolfhound 

Kuvasz, Herding group

Hungary, 10-12 year life expectancy 

The adorably loving, profoundly loyal, dogs of kings. Bred to guard livestock, they include their family, kids, other dogs and property under their care.

28-30", 100-115 pounds. White, medium length, double coat requires moderate grooming maintenance. Moderate shedding. Eager to please during training but challenging; slow to mature, resistant to repetition, independent and sensitive, problem solvers. Moderate energy levels. Moderate mental stimulation needs. #kuvasz

Leonberger, Working group

Leronberg, Germany, 7 year life expectancy 

Bred as beautiful companions to royalty, they love and enjoy the entire family equally, religiously, are intelligent and protective only when needed, a decision made with sound judgement, usually sweetest of temperaments. Webbed feet for serious swimming, but any activity you suggest will be met with enthusiastic fervor. Outstanding service dogs. Called “lean on bergers“ for a reason!

28-31.5" at shoulder, 110-170lbs. High grooming maintenance for their long, waterproof, double coat. Heavy shedders. Eager to please training level, moderate energy level and moderate to high needs of mental stimulation. #leonbergers #leanonbergers 

Neapolitan Mastiff, Working group 

Italy, 7-9 years

This Italian beast has a forbading form, a don't mess with my family or property look from afar. The closer you come, the more it's backed up, their size, that astounding head. Massive, muscular and mopey, their surge in popularity came again after Harry Potter introduced Fang to a new generation. Though bestial is even in their standard, these beasts are docile, loving and loyal to their family, especially children. Their friendly eyes constitute a sweet, placid family member who's good with kids and other dogs.

26-31" at shoulder, 150lbs. Short, smooth coat requires low maintenance but the wrinkles and slobber takes them back up a couple notches. Low energy level, moderate training needs, moderate mental stimulation. #neapolitanmastiff #fang #neomastiff

Newfoundland, Working group 

Newfoundland, 9-10 years

The Newfie is famously known for 2 traits; water rescue and as a nanny dog, loving their children, family, other dogs, strangers.... but still protective. A sweet temperament is one of the Newf's standards. Meant for water with webbed feet, an oily, double coat, a large lung capacity and a special talent for choppy waves rescues, helped their fishermen owners in all matters of the catch.

28" at shoulder, 130-150lbs. Medium length double coat has moderate grooming maintenance, but moderate to high shedding, high droolers. Moderate energy level and mental stimulation needs. Experienced or knowledgeable training due to the need of a gentle hand.  High energy levels with a love for water and land sports and activities. 

Pyrenean Mastiff, working class

As a guardian breed, they have a low prey drive and love families, children, other pets, livestock and cautiously, strangers! 120-170lbs. these gentle, these Mastiff giants are independent but loyal.

Known as the rescue dog of the Swiss Alps, these genial giants were a welcome sight for snow stranded or buried travelers. They are watchful, gentle and careful around children. Their muscular body and weight of 120 to 180lbs. belies the friendly nature of this monstrous dog.

The royal dog of Scotland, is among the tallest dog breeds. Though in looks it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between the Deerhound and Irish Wolfhound, the Deerhound is similar to the greyhound. A dignified, gentle companion but quicker-witted. Enjoys their humans and plays somewhat like they hunt.

Another of the massive Mastiffs, at around 200lbs., their rustic beauty includes intelligence,  affectionate, kind, noble and fierce protectiveness. Whether they are guarding home or herd, they are sure of themselves and their enormous power.

Seemingly the largest of the giant breeds, this aloof and intimidating ancient Mastiff is gentle and loving in the home. Wary and suspicious outside of it. Their long, dense double coat belies their actual size of 100-150lbs., making them seem twice their size.

 Stunningly beautiful, but behind their regal appearance, their coats were important to protect against harsh mountainous climates. Huge paws serve as shock absorbers on the terrain. They are known for their deep loyalty, independent thinking and downright silliness. 

70 - 130lbs of profound loyalty, dignity and courage. In their native country of Japan, they stand for happiness, long life and good health.

Though wary of strangers and other dogs, they are silly and affectionate with family and friends, loving human companionship.

Under the Northern Lights is one of the oldest sled dog breeds, the Mal. With powerful shoulders, a deep chest and weatherproof coat, they are ready for and enjoy hard work. After work, they love their family time. Playful, friendly and gentle with children.

Azawakh, Hound group

West Africa, 12-15 years life expectancy 

Stunning sight hound, tough hunters who have chased Gazelle for thousands of years. Highly intelligent, independent, and reserved, properly trained they are affectionate towards owners, kids and other dogs.

25-29", 45-55lbs. Short fine coat allows low grooming needs. Tends to be strong willed, needing a gentle, positive hand during training. Moderate energy level.

Beauceron, Herding group 

France, 10-12 years life expectancy 

Nicknamed Bas Rouge in French: Red Stockings. Versatile herders, protective guardians, smart and gorgeous, they are particularly favorites of women for their looks, devotion. Good with kids, other dogs if trained properly to show they are not the dominants in the household.

25.5-27.5", 70-110lbs. Moderate grooming of a double, waterproof coat, high shedding. Moderate to high training, lots of socialization, not for the novice. High, high energy levels with the need for mental stimulation.

Belgium Laekenois, Herding group

Belgium, 10-12 years life expectancy 

Rarest of the Belgium shepherds, this dashing canine is either fawn, red or grey, with a wavy to curly coat. Protective of his family and property, he still maintains a friendly and affectionate persona.

25", 55-65lbs. Low grooming needs. Eager to please trainability. High energy with matching high needs of mental stimulation.

Belgium Malinois, Herding group 

Belgium, 14-16 years life expectancy 

Their beauty starts from the proud tilt of their head and follows to the unbreakable bond they form with their humans. While these herders can do it all, they do not do well without the affection and time in their owner's company.

25", 60-80 pounds. Their short, smooth coat is on the low side of grooming needs. Eager to please during training but with high energy and needs of mental stimulation.

Belgium Tervuren, Herding group

Tervuren, Belgium, 12-14 year life expectancy 

Stunning Tervs are affectionate, mischievous, hardworking and possessive of their family, good with both kids and other dogs.

24-26" at shoulder, 55-75lbs. Double, medium length, silky coat is low to moderate grooming, with moderate shedding. Moderate to high energy, mental stimulation needs. Gentle training hand, they are eager to please, proud of accomplishments and enjoy game like training.

Berger Picard, Herding group 

France, 12-13 year life expectancy 

With shaggy eyebrows, large ears and a mustache and beard that fit their handsome, intellectual look. These protective beasts are perfect for athletic families.

23.5-25.5", 50-70lbs. Short, wiry coat with very little grooming needs. Low training requirements for an independent breed, unless particularly stubborn. High energy levels and in need of pleanty of mental stimulation. 

Black and Tan Coonhound, Hound Group

American, 10-12 years life expectancy 

All American, hardworking, athletic hunters. They enjoy your company, are easygoing, sweet and friendly with everyone; kids, guests, other dogs.

Runs game entirely by scent, hence scent hound, bred from the Bloodhound and Black and Tan VA Foxhound. With coloring similar to Doberman and Rottweiler.

Average 26" at the shoulder, 65-110 pounds. Low maintenance grooming. Moderate exercise. Mostly moderate training but for the baying. Independent when on a trail, would need strong fencing in some areas. 

The Sherlock Holmes of K-9’s, they are the best at using their nose and an unstoppable force on a scent. Off leash they are droopy, docile droolers. Although around a hundred pounds and powerful, they are also sensitive and loyal.

Boerboel, Working group

South Africa, 9-11 years life expectancy 

Very affectionate and protective with their family and children. Adoring, agile and chock full of muscles as an adult, these attractive, no nonsense Mollosers are extremely confident and versatile.

24-27", 150-200 pounds. Short, smooth coat requires low level grooming, does shed a little more than normal. Though eager to please during training and only moderate energy levels, they definitely need mental stimulation.

Bouvier des Flandes, Hound group 

Flandres, 10-12 years life expectancy 

Adorable, tousle coated, know it all! Smart, funny and sweet with a high work ethic and ability to discern work needed done. They do best with families with extra time to spend together.

24.5-27.5", 70-110lbs. Medium, rough, waterproof double coat is moderate grooming needs. High energy level but eager training acceptance.

Borzoi, Hound group

Russia, 9-14 years life expectancy 

Glamorous sight hounds, who even at their giant height can run 35-40 mph. Affectionate yet dignified, they are better suited to older children in their family.

28" and up, 75-105 pounds. Silky, curly, medium length coat has moderate grooming needs. With a independent, strong spirit, a very firm hand is necessary for training and a high level of mental stimulation. Also high energy level..

Boxer, Working group 

10-12 years life expectancy 

All American; athletic, friendly, good looking and courageous. Another "nanny" dog due to their playful, patient yet protective attitude towards children. Fawn and brindle only with white markings.

23-25" at shoulder, 65-80lbs. Short, smooth coat needs low grooming. Eager to please during training, high energy level with mental stimulation needs.

Bracco Italiano, Sporting group

Italy, 10-14 years life expectancy 

Oldest of the pointing breeds, they work tirelessly in the field for all types of hunting. Attractive, well built and gentle with their families and other pets.

21-27", 55-90lbs. Short, smooth coat needs only low grooming. Eager to please training level, high energy level.

Briard, Herding group

France, 12 year life expectancy 

Known as the "Heart wrapped in fur", their adorably dashing looks start with bangs, impressive eyebrows and beards. Their spirit is a loyal, loving family dog particularly good with children. And are smart, hardworking herders. (Consider children as part of their flock!)

23-27" at shoulder, 55-100 pounds. Double, wavy, long coat with high grooming needs. Moderate training and energy levels.

Bullmastiff, Working group

England, 7-9 years life expectancy 

The distinguished but friendly face shows their two sides; all work or all love. They are fearless bodyguards and affectionate, reliable companions. Bred from Mastiffs and Olde English Bulldogs specifically as a game's keeper's night guard.

25-27", 110-130 pounds. A smooth, short coat requires low grooming needs. Easier training level, moderate to high energy but high mental stimulation required. 

Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Sporting group

American, 10-13 years life expectancy 

Chessies are THE duck dog. Large, powerfully built and tireless, world class hunting dogs. Emotionally more complex than the average gundog, good looking and affectionate with family, kids and other dogs.

23-26" at shoulder, 65-80lbs. Moderate to high grooming with a medium length, wiry, oily and wavy waterproof coat. Eager to please during training. High exercise needs, and mental stimulation.

Chinook, Working group

America, 12-15 year life expectancy 

One of the scarcest of AKC breeds, they are all around great family pets. Rugged good looks, kind, patient, loyal - people oriented. Nanny dog with children, hard worker with owners.

24-26" tall at shoulder, 55-90lbs. Moderate grooming needs. Eager to please training level. Moderate energy level and moderate mental 

24-26" tall at shoulder, 55-90lbs. Moderate grooming needs. Eager to please training level. Moderate energy level and moderate mental stimulation needs.

Curly Coated Retriever, Sporting group 

10-12 year life expectancy 

A cute, bouncy lover of all; children, family, other pets! One of the oldest retriever breeds, they are very smart, never tire, great swimmers and are well suited for gundogs. Their waterproof, curly coat protects them in brambles, icy water and bad weather. 

25-27", 60-95lbs. Double coated with short curly hair has very low grooming requirements. Eager to please training level, high exercise needs and moderate mental stimulation.

Doberman Pincher, Working group

10-12 year life expectancy 

Kings and Queens of the canine world. Regal, elegant and gracious to all. Lovey dovey and playful with family, especially children. Highly intelligent and powerful guardians, police dogs and royalty.

26-28", 75-100lbs. Short, smooth coat requires low grooming but high shedding. Eager to please during training. High energy, high mental stimulation needed.

 Dogo Argentino, Working group 

Argentina, 9-15 years life expectancy 

Big, powerful and intelligent pack hunter for large game, needing a good nose to find, catch and take down prey. Brave and loyal to those they love, including family kids, other dogs.

24-26.5", 80-100 pounds. Heavy shedder, low grooming needs for their white coat. Moderate drooler. Eager to please during training with high energy. Needs plenty of mental stimulation or job to do.

Dogue de Bordeaux, Working group 

France, 5-8 year life expectancy 

"Mastiff of Bordeaux" are the oldest of French breeds. A sweet and sensitive soul with a powerful build; massive head, low slung body and studious brow. Friends with children and other dogs.

23-27" at shoulder, 110" and up. Short, smooth coat has low grooming needs. Other than occasionally stubborn, they are eager to please during training. Moderate energy, jobs to do or moderate to high mental stimulation. 

German Shepherd, Herding group 

Germany, 12-14 year life expectancy 

One of the canine world's most popular and versatile workers. Beautiful, noble and intelligent, they are great with families, all ages of kids, other pets. Loyal, protective and slightly aloof, their character is at the top of large breeds.

24-26", 65-90lbs. Medium length coat with higher shedding, grooming needs are moderate. Eager to please during training, high energy, must have a job for mental stimulation. Moderate to high barker. 

Giant Schnauzer, Working group

Bavarian Alps, 10-13 year life expectancy 

Once these loyal, protective dogs were needed less on farms, Germany started incorporating them into their police forces. Though technically not a giant breed, they are the largest of the 3 Schnauzers, identifiable by their distinguished beard and mustache. Loving, playful dogs with family, fine with children and other pets.

25.5-27.5" at shoulder, 75-95lbs. Black or salt and pepper wiry, double coat requires high grooming. A lesser shedder. Firm, knowledgeable hand for training, high energy. Can be a barker with high needs for mental stimulation.

Gordon Setter, Sporting group

Scotland, 12-13 year life expectancy 

Largest of the setter breeds, they were built to withstand the highland's weather. A handsome, determined bird dog, athletic and outdoorsy. Extremely loving inside, good with kids and other dogs.

24-27", 55-80 pounds. Double, medium coat is of moderate grooming needs, black, tan or red with markings. Moderate to high drooler. Easy training, high energy and high needs for mental stimulation.

Obviously known for their speed, they are noble, gentle and sweet tempered. Independent and intelligent. Loving to family and other family pets. The lightest and quickest of all large breeds, bred to chase down and retrieve game in Egypt and sit beside royalty for their form and beauty.

Komondor, Working group

Hungarian, 10-12 year life expectancy 

Adorable, lovable, protective with family or charges, good with kids, okay with other dogs. Koms blend in with the sheep they are protecting with their all white dreadlocks. 

27.5" minimum at shoulder, 100 pounds. Highest of the grooming needs with wiry, corkscrew cords. Non shedding, Low to moderate drooling. Firm, experienced training for their independent and protective nature. Moderate energy, mental stimulation needs.  

Otterhound, Hound group

English, 10-13 year life expectancy 

Loving, high energy and fun, these captivating canines are amazing swimmers. Built for the water with their waterproof coat, webbed feet and nose that can follow a trail underwater. Great with kids, families and other dogs. 

OHs are the most endangered dog breed.

27", 115 pounds. Rough, medium length, double coat is of low to moderate maintenance, their beard more so between drooling and eating. Moderate to high barking, energy and mental stimulation levels. Eager to please during training but need a gentle hand..

Pointer, Sporting group

England, 12-15 year life expectancy 

These athletes are love-dovey with their family, kid friendly, adore having other dogs around and are great for runners. Finding and pointing game birds like no other, they start showing their potential as early as 2 months. 

25-28" at shoulder, 55-75 pounds. Smooth, short coat is low maintenance. Moderate to high energy, mental stimulation needs. Eager to please during training. 

Rottweiler, Working group 

Rottweil, 9-10 years 

Of Mastiff descendant, they first moved and guarded Roman soldier's meat, continuing on to moving herds from pasture to market for butchers. Once no longer needed for cattle, they continued guarding, becoming police k9's. Powerful, confident, Rotties are silly and loving also. A gentle playmate with kids, family and other dogs. 

24-27", 95-135lbs. Short, smooth coat has very low maintenance but high in shedding. Moderate energy, high needs for mental stimulation. Eager to please during training.