It is no secret that at BeyondBarks.com, we love our large breeds. Whether it’s their vast expressive eyes, beautiful fluffy coats, giant bear-like paws, or larger-than-life personalities, large breed dogs are gorgeous animals with so much love to give. It’s almost impossible to judge the most beautiful large dog breeds.
Big dogs can be gentle giants or fierce protectors. They’re incredibly adaptable and are as comfortable in the show ring as they are in the police force. Large breeds are great family pets, valuable assets for our military forces, and loyal and hard-working service animals.
Let’s look at the 23 most beautiful large breed dogs and what makes their most attractive features.
23 The Rhodesian Ridgeback is often referred to as the African lion hound.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback breed is also known as the African Lion Hound due to their history in helping to hunt lions in the savannah. The Rhodesian Ridgeback’s coat will always be wheaten in color, with their trademark stripe of backward-growing hair running up the center of the back. A fully grown Rhodesian Ridgeback is an attractive, upright, and agile dog, capable of great endurance and speed.
22 Boerboels will protect you like there’s no tomorrow.
It makes sense because they were bred to protect homes and family members in South Africa from wild animals (hello, lions). Boerboel coats are short and soft and can be brown, tan, cream, red, or brindle. They’re warm and intelligent, so they enjoy hanging out with their people and having a task to perform. The American Boerboel Club warns against leaving these dogs alone for too long. If not properly cared for, their devotion can lead to destructive behavior.
21 Black Russian Terriers are known for their courage, confidence, and intelligence.
The Black Russian Terrier is a large, immensely powerful working dog with a massive frame and thick, coarse all-black coat. They’re bred to guard and protect, so they are naturally aloof with strangers. Standing as high as 30 inches at the shoulder, they can tip the scales at 140 pounds. They’re much taller when the huge, brick-shaped head is considered. The tousled, all-black coat is warm enough to allow Black Russian Terriers to patrol some of the coldest habitable places on earth. When you look up massive, majestic, or imposing in the dictionary, you’ll see a picture of this dog!
20 An Anatolian Shepherd Dog has guarded flocks and herded livestock for hundreds of centuries.
They’re known for their thick, double coats which protect them against extreme temperatures. So get prepared for lots of shedding during the changing season. Anatolian Shepherd dogs are generally protective. These dogs are not friendly to strangers. They’re not big on affection. They love children and other animals but demonstrate their affection for them by guarding them carefully from anything unfamiliar.
19 If you want a big, fluffy dog, then an Old English Sheepdog might be right up your alley.
They’re known for having a distinctive coat, which requires them to be groomed regularly. Old English Sheepdogs are giant fluff balls who love lots of play and activity. They’re a great family dog with a gentle disposition and beautiful long shaggy coat of gray and white.
18 Saint Bernards are known to be loving, gentle and tolerant in spite of its size.
Besides having a serious shedding factor, Saint Bernard dogs have a definite drool factor. They’re tall, thick, and heavy pets. These large, friendly bears drool a lot but make up for it with their incredibly sweet, extremely affectionate, and calm nature. Saint Bernards are recognized for their white, tan, and black coats. They’re good at pleasing people and are especially great for children. After working as rescue dogs in the Alps for decades, it’s no surprise that these dogs have developed a strong tendency to be excellent watchdogs.
17 A Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a serious guard dog and should never be taken casually.
The Caucasian is bold and fearless when a threat is present; however, he is soft, devoted, and kind towards his family, including other family pets. Caucasian Shepherd dogs were used for centuries to guard livestock against small and large predators like coyotes and wolves, help protect property from thieves, and for many other purposes. Today, they’re most commonly companions and watchdogs. There are two standard breed types: The mountain type, which is longer-haired and heavier than the steppe type, which is shorter-haired and lighter. Other names for the breed include Caucasian Sheepdog, Caucasian Ovcharka, Kaukasische Schaferhund, Kawkasky Owtscharka, and Kawkasky Owtscharka.
16 If you’re looking for a loyal companion, get an Akita.
The Akita is extremely devoted to their families and shows an incredible level of affection towards them. The AKC notes that these dignified breeds are symbols of good health and longevity. These fluffy dogs are called “National Monuments” in Japan and were originally bred for hunting. Akita dogs tend to be independent and protective, which makes them wary of strangers and unfamiliar dogs. Be sure to socialize early, but don’t forget to train them frequently.
15 One of the most impressively beautiful breeds of dogs is the aristocratic Borzoi.
The aristocratic Borzoi is prized for its calm, agreeable temperament. It is a magnificent package of power, beauty, and elegance flying past at 35 to 40 mph. The Borzoi is large, elegant sighthounds. Underneath the luxurious, soft, and silky coat, Borzoi has the ancient Greyhound body structure. Once called the Russian Wolfhound, borzois were bred to be fast and strong enough to chase down and capture their prey. A genuinely loving pet, a Borzoi can be stubborn and difficult to train. Patience, consistency, and a good sense of humor are key to successful dog obedience. Though they enjoy some playtime, Borzoi is a bit too dignified to really enjoy a lot of roughhousing.
14 The Estrela Mountain Dog is a faithful guardian and inseparable companion to its owner.
The Estrela Mountain Dog is known for both its love of children and family, and as an excellent guardian of livestock. Socializing and training a puppy properly from an early age is very important so that its dominant nature doesn’t turn into aggression. The breed has several distinct physical characteristics including rose-shaped ears, a black face mask, and a long, curved, hooked tip on its tails. Estrela’s are a faithful guardian of the flock and an inseparable companion of its Shepard, bravely protecting both against predators and thieves. A wonderful guard and watchdog, he is suspicious of outsiders but usually docile to his owner. An Estrela will be loyal forever. He will care for his entire family, but he will always feel something special when he is with his chosen family member.
13 Great Pyrenees make for adorable, cuddly family pets.
With their shaggy white coats and loving dispositions, Great Pyrenees make for adorable, cuddly family pets. These dogs are calm, friendly, and easygoing; they’re good with children and other pets because of their low predatory behavior. Great Pyrenees’ coat is actually tangle- and soil-resistant and sheds seasonally; however, since they’re so big, expect lots of fur. According to the Great Pyrenees Club, these large dogs were used for thousands of years by shepherding families to help them keep track of their flocks in the mountains of France, Spain, and elsewhere.
12 The tallest of all the dogs and perhaps the most magnificent is the Great Dane.
What makes them beautiful? Its grand, regal appearance portrays elegance, power, and majesty. The Great Dane has a strong, well-developed frame; its muscles are smooth and powerful; its face displays great compassion, understanding, and intelligence. The colors of this breed are eye-catching. Great Danes have 12 possible coat colors, from soft fawn and shimmering black to beautiful brindle to stunning harlequin and striking merle.
11 If you’ve ever wanted a big dog, go for the Leonberger.
These dogs are great choices for first-time big do owners because they’re friendly, outgoing, with an easygoing temperament. Leonbergers love meeting new people and playing with everyone in their own homes. They’re usually reddish brown or yellow, but they may have black fur around their nose and eyes.
10 According to a recent study, the Dalmatians is the most beautiful dog breed.
A recent study measured the golden ratio of dogs’ faces, with key points such as eyes, ears, and nostrils being analyzed and compared to ‘perfection’. This study found that Dalmatians were the most beautiful dog breed. There’s no argument that their distinctive coats, which include spots of either brown or black, are among the most striking in the canine world.
9 A Rottweiler is an extremely large dog with a big personality.
The color is always predominantly black with clearly defined rust markings. Flecks of white may be present on some Rottweilers’ chests too. The almond-shaped eyes are where the real charm of the Rottweiler lies. They’re intelligent and compassionate, and they genuinely understand you. Often, their eyes look straight into your soul. Their coats need little upkeep to maintain their coats silky smoothness. A bath every few weeks or so is sufficient.
8 Newfoundlands are the “class clowns” of the dog world, always ready to play and making people laugh.
Newfoundlands will shower everyone they can with affection. These big dogs are gentle giants with sweet souls who are patient with children and playful with other animals. Newfoundlanders don’t need lots of physical activity, just enough to maintain healthy body weight. According to the American Kennel Club, these dogs are also known as excellent swimmings. One even tagged along with Lewis & Clark on their expedition across America back in 1802.
7 It’s no fault that the long-haired German Shepherd is a powerful dog with an elegant appearance.
Their sharp features combined by their long, silky locks make them quite the head-starer. The long hair is actually considered a fault, and only 10% of German Shepherds carry the ‘faulty’ gene. It’s rare to get a litter of long-haired German shepherds because both parents must be long-haired dogs. Most breeding organizations do not accept long hair dogs as it goes against the breed’s standards.
6 Alaskan Malamutes believe that every person they meet is their best buddy.
Often compared to Huskies, this breed has a double coat, a large plume tail, and striking wolf-like features that attract prospective owners. They have almond-shaped eyes, which can be blue but are predominantly brown. The tail is long, plumed, and broad, curving halfway over the strong, muscular back. They will always be iced-white coloring, which can be paired with gray, brown, black, sable, seal, red, silver, or blue.
5 Poodles have an elegant, sophisticated look that commands the attention of everyone who sees them.
People just can’t get enough of this gorgeous dog! Whatever size, shape, color, style, or type of dog you choose, the poodle has always been a symbol of elegance and beauty. With its unique combination of size, color, and style, the poodle is one of the most popular dog breeds.
4 The Bernese Mountain Dogs are stunningly handsome dogs with equally attractive personalities.
The breed is instantly recognizable with its deep brown eyes, shiny, tricolor coat, and white ‘swiss cross’ marking on the chest. Often compared to Saint Bernard, but without the droopy jowls and excessive drool, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a beautiful large dog breed with an even more beautiful heart. They shed like crazy, but they’re worth the effort.
3 More than just another pretty face, the Golden Retriever is always one of America’s favorite dogs.
A list of beautiful big dog breeds wouldn’t be complete without including one of America’s favorite dogs – the golden retriever. If you happen to be lucky enough to own a golden retriever, then you will understand the joy and happiness they provide. With their gorgeous coats, graceful strides, and perhaps the most loving hearts in the canine world, these dogs are so much more than just another pretty face!
2 The Afghan Hound is one of the most beautiful dogs in the world with hair even an 80’s hair metal band would envy.
With its long flowing coat, the Afghan Hound is among the most beautiful breeds in the world. The whole appearance of an Afghan Hound is of grace and dignity; this breed embodies the epitome of beauty. It has an unusual look unlike any other. The exotic appearance, striking coat, and slender build rival any human models on the catwalk. These dogs are faithful companions who make people stop and stare at their beautiful faces.
1 A truly captivating dog is the Siberian Husky with its wolf-like markings.
The Siberian Husky definitely has its place among dogs with piercing blue or multi-colored eyes, a coat worthy of a shampoo commercial, and attractive bushy tails. The markings of this wolf-like breed include; red and white, gray and white, sable and white, black, tan and white, black and white, brown and white, and agouti and white. They can also be beautiful white or striking black.
