Large Dog Breeds UK: Care & Temperament Guide

Searches for large dog breeds in Britain keep climbing as more pet parents swap smaller dogs for the so-called gentle giants. Kennel Club figures show that four of the UK’s ten most-registered breeds now top 25 kg, led by the Labrador Retriever. Big dogs were originally bred to pull sleds, guard livestock or accompany hunters, so they still enjoy a long walk across the great outdoors. Yet many—think Great Danes or Bernese Mountain Dogs—are calm in the house once their exercise needs are met. This guide explains size, care and temperament so UK owners can tell whether a giant dog breed is the perfect companion or if a more modest buddy makes better sense for their space and budget.

What Makes a Dog “Large”?

The Kennel Club classes a large dog as any breed that usually tips the scales above about 25 kg and stands over 60 cm at the shoulder. Size affects feeding costs, hip-dysplasia risk and even rental deposits. The Irish Wolfhound—the tallest dog breed recognised in the UK—can reach 86 cm and is affectionately called a “gentle giant”.

Popular Big Dog Breeds in Britain

Below is a snapshot of ten crowd-favourites, covering temperament and typical uses

Size & Space in Typical UK Homes

Britons live smaller than our canine cousins might like: the median garden is just 188 m². Before bringing home a giant breed, measure hallways, doorframes and boot space. A Great Dane needs an XXL bed (at least 137 cm long); a Bernese with a long haired, thick double coat needs shady spots during warm spells. Flat-dwellers can keep big dogs if lifts are roomy and a long walk is routine. Rural owners should check fencing—Irish Wolfhounds can clear 1.5 m with ease. Landlords often ask for higher pet deposits, so show them proof of insurance and early training certificates to reassure them that your family dog won’t out-muscle the furniture.

Daily Care Essentials

Exercise & Weight

The PDSA advises most large breeds need 1½–2 hours of exercise every day, split between steady trots and joint-friendly off-lead play. Lack of movement fuels obesity: an RVC Vet Compass study found 1 in 14 UK dogs is overweight each year, with Labrador Retrievers most at risk.

Feeding & Health

Feed life-stage formulas aimed at giant dogs to control rapid growth and lower hip-dysplasia odds. Watch salt in treats—big hearts are more prone to dilated cardiomyopathy. Annual screens for heart disease and elbow scores are wise for breeds like the Great Pyrenees and Newfoundlands.

Legal Basics

All UK pups must be microchipped by eight weeks, or owners face a £500 fine. Update the database when you move; big dogs wandering without ID can be mistaken for strays.

Grooming

Thick double-coat breeds (e.g., Saint Bernard) need weekly rake-outs to avoid mats, while smooth-coated Italian Mastiffs benefit from a quick mitt wipe. Budget for professional groomers if you dislike hair storms indoors.

Mental Work

Large, smart breeds such as the Black Russian Terrier crave “jobs”—nose-work games or backpack hikes keep boredom (and barking) at bay. Provide puzzle toys that fit their large stature rather than toys meant for smaller counterparts.

Temperament & Training

Big dogs come with big personalities. Many large dog breeds—from the laid-back great danes to the strong-willed cane corso—were originally bred as working dogs or guard dogs, so they still carry a strong sense of duty. Early training is non-negotiable: start reward-based classes before 16 weeks so these giant breeds learn polite greetings while they’re still (relatively) small. The RSPCA’s recall booklet shows step-by-step positive methods you can copy at home. Short brain games—scent trails, puzzle bowls—tire out a black russian terrier as surely as a long walk. Socialise with smaller dogs in safe settings to prevent over-boisterous play. With clear rules and praise, even a neapolitan mastiff with that famous droopy face can become a calm family dog and a credit to the neighbourhood.

Legal & Money Matters in the UK

Microchipping & ID

UK law says every pup must be microchipped by eight weeks—or owners face a £500 fine. Keep your contact details current so a found bernese mountain dog makes it home fast.

Dangerous Dogs Act

Four “type” breeds are banned under the 1991 Act; others, like italian mastiffs and great pyrenees, are legal but must be under control in public legislation. Good leash manners help protect our “gentle giants” from unfair stigma.

Real-World Costs

Vet fees scale with size: cruciate-ligament surgery on a saint bernard can top £3,000. Money Helper lists average premiums for large breeds at £35–£80 a month, double what smaller counterparts pay. Budget extras for hip-dysplasia X-rays, heart-disease scans and XXL crates—plus a car big enough to fit your livestock guardian comfortably.

Sustainable Ownership

Before buying, check rescue portals: Dogs Trust often lists giant dog breed adults needing “enough space” and a committed home. Adopting reduces demand from less-ethical breeders. Eco-tips for pet parents:

• Pick durable toys and wash-down sofa covers instead of single-use throws.

• Feed in bulk—those thick double-coat mountain dogs go through kibble fast, but bigger bags cut plastic waste.

• Walk locally; a daily hike across the great outdoors meets exercise needs without car trips, even in cold weather loved by a swiss alps-bred bernese.
  Planning for a 10-year life expectancy (6–8 for irish wolfhounds) keeps big-paw prints lighter on both planet and wallet.

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Choosing Your Perfect Large Breed

Use the “3 S” test: Space, Schedule, Spending.

1. Space: Can your hallway turn a french mastiff (aka dogue de bordeaux) without scrapes? Garden smaller than 140 m²? Maybe a medium-large boxer suits better.

2. Schedule: Working dogs such as great pyrenees need jobs; couch-friendly newfoundlands still need swimming outlets.

3. Spending: Factor insurance, grooming and extra food. A lion-like mane on a tibetan mastiff means pro grooms; a sleek roman empire descendant like the neapolitan mastiff just needs wipes.

Match these to temperament—do you crave a watchdog, a jogging buddy or a nanny dog for kids? Cross-check both Kennel Club data and American Kennel Club profiles for wider insight. 

FAQs

What is the top 10 largest dog?

Common UK chart (shoulder height): Irish Wolfhound, Great Dane, Saint Bernard, English Mastiff, Leonberger, Newfoundland, French Mastiff, Great Pyrenees, Cane Corso, Bernese Mountain Dog.

What is the friendliest big dog?

Many trainers still vote the ever-waggy Golden Retriever, prized as one of the best family pets for gentle manners.

What is the best large breed dog to own?

“Best” equals fit: rural hikers love german shepherds; city dwellers wanting calm may choose great danes.

What is the largest dog breed in the UK?

The Irish Wolfhound holds the record, averaging 81–86 cm tall at the shoulder — a true gentle giant.

Conclusion

Owning big dogs is hugely rewarding: they cuddle like teddy bears yet stride beside you on misty hill walks. Master early training, respect UK laws, and budget for their large stature health care. Do that, and you’ll share life with a loyal shadow who turns heads wherever you roam.