Large Dog Breeds (over 80lbs / 36kg)
Large dogs tend to be much calmer than smaller dogs, and although they don't live as long and can have size-related health issues, they make great companions and guard dogs too.
AkbashThis working dog from the Akbas region of Turkey will tend to bark if left out at night.
AkitaJapan's National Dog and former Imperial guard dog, this is one to keep on the leash in public places.
Alaskan MalamuteBred by the Mahlemuts tribe in Alaska, this strong dog can be aggressive around other same-sex dogs.
Anatolian Shepherd DogAn old Turkish breed, and one that wasn't actually used for herding despite the name.
BeauceronA French breed that has seen action in two World Wars as a war dog.
Bernese Mountain DogThis versatile dog from Switzerland has been used for farm work as well as search and rescue.
Black Russian TerrierDeveloped following Work War Two by the Russian Army, this is an imposing dog.
BloodhoundThis dog from Belgium is one of the oldest hound breeds in the world, and can become noisy when bored.
BorzoiA graceful and dignified Russian dog...that was bred to hunt wolves!
Bouvier Des FlandresThis Begium dog has a history stretching back around 500 years.
BriardA remarkable dog that has been the Official Dog of the French army, having seen active service in both World Wars.
BullmasiffA powerful yet docile dog from Great Britain, one that needs keeping out of extreme heat.
Cane CorsoThis is a quiet and stable dog from Italy, one that is popular again after almost becoming extinct.
Catahoula Leopard DogFrom Louisiana, in the United States, this hunting dog was bred more for its temperament than for its appearance.
Curly Coated RetrieverA relatively rare English dog, this animal's curly coat is one of its most noticeable features.
Doberman PinscherThis dog is named after its original German breeder, Louis Dobermann, who developed it for his own personal protection.
Dogo ArgentinoBanned in the UK under the Dangerous Dogs Act, which really is down to people's use of the dog rather the dog itself, as it was bred initially as a companion, a guardian and a hunting dog.
Dogue De BordeauxA large drooling dog, made famous in the Tom Hanks movie "Turner and Hooch".
Estrela Mountain DogRarely seen outside of Portugal until the last few decades, this dog was bred to guard livestock.
Fila BrasileiroThis Brazilian dog is possiblly the hound from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "Hound of the Baskervilles".
Giant SchnauzerThis is the large version of the Standard Schnauzer, and this large animal can tend to be a little over protective.
Great DaneFrom Germany and not Denmark, surpisingly, this is the dog the cartoon character "Scooby Doo" is based upon.
Great PyreneesThis is a tough dog from France, and was bred to guard sheep from wolves and bears.
Greater Swiss Mountain DogThis huge animal from Switzerland was used for a variety of purposes including pulling carts.
Irish WolfhoundThis ancient dog was bred as a war dog, and arrived in Ireland some 5,500 years ago.
KangalThe National Dog of Turkey, and a natural guardian.
KomondorUsed in Hungary for guarding sheep, this large dog has an unusual mop-like coat.
KuvaszDevoploed in Tibet as a bodygard, this dog's deep bark makes it an effective watchdog.
LeonbergerA sweet-natured German dog that wisely tends to avoid any trouble brewing in its household.
Maremma SheepdogAn Italian sheep herder, this large animal has a bear-like head.
MastiffThis is a gentle giant from England, but was originally bred as a fighting dog for battle.
Neapolitan MastiffAnother war dog, this time from the Southern regions of Italy.
NewfoundlandCanadian by descent, this dog was used by fishermen for pulling in nets.
Old English SheepdogThis shaggy dog comes from the southern counties of England, where it was bred as a cattle driver.
OtterhoundA well named English dog that was used to hunt otters.
Presa CanarioFrom the lovely Canary Islands, this dog was bred for the not-so-lovely sport of dog fighting.
Rhodesian RidgebackThis African dog is known for the anomaly where a strip of hair grows distictively the wrong way along the spine.
RottweilerNamed after the town of Rottweil in Germany, this can be something of an aggressive dog.
Saint BernardA lumbering dog from Switzerland, this dog was the star of the 1992 film called "Beethoven".
Scottish DeerhoundThis is an ancient breed developed by Scottish chieftains for the purpose of hunting deer.
Tosa InuA Dog from Japan that was and still is bred for fighting, and thankfully is rare.
Ultimate MastiffA huge but active dog that can be a challenge to train.