Large dog breeds are big, bold, and full of personality. Many are famous working dogs, bred to guard, herd, or hunt. They have strong bodies and loyal hearts, making them some of the most popular companions in the world. On this page, you’ll learn about what makes large dogs unique, how long they usually live, and how to use our dog age calculators to track their growth and life stages. You’ll also find a complete list of large breeds below.
What Makes a Large Dog?
Large dogs typically weigh between 60 and 100 pounds. Some breeds in this group, like the German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever, are well-known family pets. Others, like the Borzoi or Irish Wolfhound, were bred for hunting or guarding. Large dogs often need more space, exercise, and food than smaller breeds, but they return the effort with unmatched loyalty and love.
Families often choose large breeds because they are protective, trainable, and make excellent companions for outdoor adventures. They are also known for their intelligence, which makes them good at jobs such as service work, search and rescue, or farm duties.
Lifespan of Large Dog Breeds
Large dogs usually live between 8 and 12 years. While their lives are often shorter than smaller dogs, proper care can make a big difference. Regular vet visits, a balanced diet, and daily exercise all help extend their health and energy. Some breeds, like the Golden Retriever or Boxer, often live past 12 years with good care, while others, like the Mastiff or Irish Wolfhound, may have shorter lifespans due to their size.
Common health issues for large breeds include hip and elbow dysplasia, heart problems, and joint issues. Early screening and a healthy lifestyle can improve both their quality and length of life.
Age Calculator for Large Breeds
Large dogs grow quickly during their first year, reaching their adult size much faster than people expect. After that, they age steadily, with many becoming seniors by age 7 or 8. Our dog age calculators are built to show you exactly how old your dog is in human years. By using them, you’ll know when your dog is leaving puppyhood, entering adulthood, or slowing down into their golden years.
List of Large Dog Breeds
- Afghan Hound
- Airedale Terrier
- Akita
- Alaskan Malamute
- American English Coonhound
- American Foxhound
- American Leopard Hound
- Anatolian Shepherd Dog
- Appenzeller Sennenhund
- Black and Tan Coonhound
- Black Russian Terrier
- Bloodhound
- Bluetick Coonhound
- Boerboel
- Borador
- Border Collie
- Borzoi
- Boxer
- Bull Terrier
- Bullmastiff
- Carolina Dog
- Collie
- Doberman Pinscher
- Dogo Argentino
- Dogue de Bordeaux
- English Foxhound
- German Shepherd Dog
- Golden Retriever
- Gordon Setter
- Great Pyrenees
- Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
- Greyhound
- Harrier
- Ibizan Hound
- Irish Setter
- Irish Terrier
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Irish Wolfhound
- Kuvasz
- Labrador Retriever
- Leonberger
- Mastiff
- Old English Sheepdog
- Otterhound
- Pharaoh Hound
- Plott
- Pointer
- Redbone Coonhound
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Rottweiler
- Saluki
- Scottish Deerhound
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Shikoku
- Siberian Husky
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Tibetan Mastiff
- Treeing Walker Coonhound
- Xoloitzcuintli
Choosing the Right Large Dog
Large dogs can be wonderful family pets, but they need owners who understand their needs. They often require daily exercise, structured training, and lots of socialization. Some are high-energy workers like the Border Collie, while others, like the Great Pyrenees, are calmer guardians. If you have the space, time, and love, a large dog will be a loyal companion for years.
Explore Other Dog Breed Sizes
Looking for a different size? Explore more guides here:
- Small Dog Breeds
- Medium Dog Breeds
- Giant Dog Breeds
Together, these guides form a complete library of age calculators and breed information.