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.
Akbash
This working dog from the Akbas region of Turkey will tend to bark if left out at night.
Akita
Japan's National Dog and former Imperial guard dog, this is one to keep on the leash in public places.
Alaskan Malamute
Bred by the Mahlemuts tribe in Alaska, this strong dog can be aggressive around other same-sex dogs.
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
An old Turkish breed, and one that wasn't actually used for herding despite the name.
Beauceron
A French breed that has seen action in two World Wars as a war dog.
Bernese Mountain Dog
This versatile dog from Switzerland has been used for farm work as well as search and rescue.
Black Russian Terrier
Developed following Work War Two by the Russian Army, this is an imposing dog.
Bloodhound
This dog from Belgium is one of the oldest hound breeds in the world, and can become noisy when bored.
Borzoi
A graceful and dignified Russian dog...that was bred to hunt wolves!
Bouvier Des Flandres
This Begium dog has a history stretching back around 500 years.
Briard
A remarkable dog that has been the Official Dog of the French army, having seen active service in both World Wars.
Bullmasiff
A powerful yet docile dog from Great Britain, one that needs keeping out of extreme heat.
Cane Corso
This is a quiet and stable dog from Italy, one that is popular again after almost becoming extinct.
Catahoula Leopard Dog
From Louisiana, in the United States, this hunting dog was bred more for its temperament than for its appearance.
Curly Coated Retriever
A relatively rare English dog, this animal's curly coat is one of its most noticeable features.
Doberman Pinscher
This dog is named after its original German breeder, Louis Dobermann, who developed it for his own personal protection.
Dogo Argentino
Banned 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 Bordeaux
A large drooling dog, made famous in the Tom Hanks movie "Turner and Hooch".
Estrela Mountain Dog
Rarely seen outside of Portugal until the last few decades, this dog was bred to guard livestock.
Fila Brasileiro
This Brazilian dog is possiblly the hound from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "Hound of the Baskervilles".
Giant Schnauzer
This is the large version of the Standard Schnauzer, and this large animal can tend to be a little over protective.
Great Dane
From Germany and not Denmark, surpisingly, this is the dog the cartoon character "Scooby Doo" is based upon.
Great Pyrenees
This is a tough dog from France, and was bred to guard sheep from wolves and bears.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
This huge animal from Switzerland was used for a variety of purposes including pulling carts.
Irish Wolfhound
This ancient dog was bred as a war dog, and arrived in Ireland some 5,500 years ago.
Kangal
The National Dog of Turkey, and a natural guardian.
Komondor
Used in Hungary for guarding sheep, this large dog has an unusual mop-like coat.
Kuvasz
Devoploed in Tibet as a bodygard, this dog's deep bark makes it an effective watchdog.
Leonberger
A sweet-natured German dog that wisely tends to avoid any trouble brewing in its household.
Maremma Sheepdog
An Italian sheep herder, this large animal has a bear-like head.
Mastiff
This is a gentle giant from England, but was originally bred as a fighting dog for battle.
Neapolitan Mastiff
Another war dog, this time from the Southern regions of Italy.
Newfoundland
Canadian by descent, this dog was used by fishermen for pulling in nets.
Old English Sheepdog
This shaggy dog comes from the southern counties of England, where it was bred as a cattle driver.
Otterhound
A well named English dog that was used to hunt otters.
Presa Canario
From the lovely Canary Islands, this dog was bred for the not-so-lovely sport of dog fighting.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
This African dog is known for the anomaly where a strip of hair grows distictively the wrong way along the spine.
Rottweiler
Named after the town of Rottweil in Germany, this can be something of an aggressive dog.
Saint Bernard
A lumbering dog from Switzerland, this dog was the star of the 1992 film called "Beethoven".
Scottish Deerhound
This is an ancient breed developed by Scottish chieftains for the purpose of hunting deer.
Tosa Inu
A Dog from Japan that was and still is bred for fighting, and thankfully is rare.
Ultimate Mastiff
A huge but active dog that can be a challenge to train.