Large Dogs Weighing More than 75 pounds

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Akita

The Akita is the National Dog of Japan, and is considered to be one of its National Monuments. It is the largest of the Japanese Spitzes. It is very muscular, with a solid and powerful frame. The Akita's head is broad, with a short muzzle, triangular eyes, and a shallow groove in the center of the forehead. It has a bushy tail which curls over its back, and webbed paws ideal for swimming. They also have a very thick and waterproof topcoat, lined with a softer undercoat.

Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute is a descendant of the Arctic wolf. It has figured in the short stories of Jack London and Rudyard Kipling, which showcased the breed’s admirable strength and noble stance. It has a very solid and sturdy build, with a wide head and erect ears, and almond-shaped eyes that are obliquely spaced. The Alaskan Malamute have a thick plumed tail, and a double coat that gives ample protection from the elements.

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Despite the name, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog was never a herder, but more of a flock guard, protecting livestock from predators like bears and wolves. A breed of ancient origin, the Anatolian varies greatly in coat type, color, and size, as it served as a companion to traveling shepherds, adapting to different conditions. This tough breed is endowed with great endurance and agility, in a strong but flowing pace. A dense undercoat and short to rough outer coat make up the fur, which tends to be longer at the mane and neck.

Argentine Dogo

The Argentine Dogo, also known as the Argentinian Mastiff is the only native purebred large-game hunting dog developed by Argentina. It has a big skull with a head that has a concave-convex profile. Its eyes are deeply set, its nose strongly pigmented in black, its lips taut and its ears of triangular shape is well on top of its head. The body is muscular yet graceful, giving an over-all impression of strength. It has a long tail and a short white coat with no undercoat. It is said that the breed’s developer used at least 10 separate breeds to come up with the perfect pack hunter and guardian that is the Argentine Dogo.

Beauceron

The Beauceron is the largest sheepdog breed of France. It is also called the French Shorthaired Shepherd, Beauce Shepherd, Berger de Beauce, and Bas Rouge. Highly versatile, it can adapt to any tasks given them, making it an ideal pet and working dog. It has a coarse and dense outercoat and an undercoat that is also dense. Its coat is a bicolor black and tan. Eyes: horizontal, set well apart, large, slightly oval, dark brown. Its straight ears are set high and its nose, black and slightly convex towards the end. The dewclaw on its hind legs gives it a distinctive characteristic.

Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese mountain dog is a breed that is instantly marked by its beautiful tricolor coat of black, white, and rust. Ideally the white color runs through the cheeks, head, and toes. Its medium-length coat can either be wavy or straight. A strong dog with thick bones, its head is broad and its ears are slightly triangular. Although it has a compact body, its chest is wide. The tail is bushy and long.

Black Russian Terrier

The Black Russian Terrier stands out due to its unique facial characteristics (the breed has a “beard” on its head and a “mustache” on its muzzle) and its massive size; to say that it is large is probably an understatement. The Black Russian Terrier has a powerful, muscled body, with solid, strong legs. It has a large head with strong jaws and almond-shaped dark eyes. The body length should be proportionate to its length at withers. The coat of the Black Russian Terrier is thick, bristly, and waterproof, reaching up to two inches and is typically the color black.

Bloodhound

The Bloodhound is a massive, powerful breed that is known for its refined head, droopy ears, and wrinkly skin. The jowls on its face give it a sad, mournful look. Its neck and back is strongly muscled and its forelegs are solid. The Bloodhound has a short coat that can either be black, black and tan, or liver-colored. This dog is is generally quiet and passive indoors but active and vocal outdoors.

Borzoi

The Borzois are gentle, well-mannered dogs who have grace and beauty, yet they enjoy having fun and racing games. Known as the Russian Wolfhound, the breed was associated to the Russian and English nobility. Its tall and elegant body, its courage and agility are designed for speed and hunting. Borzois are proud, affectionate, loyal to its family and tolerant of other dogs. It is also known for being calm and independent.

Bouvier des Flandres

The Bouvier des Flandres is a herding dog- powerfully built, rugged and formidable in appearance. Its harsh double coat protects him in all types of weather; while his keen sense of smell and watchful gaze make him a most suitable farm dog. The Bouvier is agile, spirited and bold with a calm and steady manner. He thrives on plenty of room to work and exercise, but is not an "outdoor dog"; he must live with his loving people -- his "flock," his "pack".

Briard

The Briard or Chien Berger de Brie is a dog of handsome form. It is an old breed, used for guarding and herding stock in France. This was an "all arounder", a farm dog that had multiple tasks to accomplish. The Briard was a partner to the shepherd, relying on intelligence and its independent nature to get those tasks done. He was a family dog as well, going home at night to watch over the family and their household. A big-hearted and a gentle loving dog, the Briard makes a wonderful family pet and an excellent watchdog. His herding instincts are strong and he is happiest leading a busy, active life.

Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff is a powerfully built animal showing great strength, endurance and alertness. The breed was developed in England by gamekeepers for protection against poachers. The foundation breeding was 60% Mastiff and 40% Bulldog. The Bullmastiff is a levelheaded, steady dog and makes a devoted, gentle companion. He gets along well with other family pets and loves children. He is brave and protective. He saves his deep bark for really important matters. He is large and strong, so early obedience training is a must. As a puppy, his chewing needs are big too.

Cane Corso

The Cane Corso (also referred to as the Italian Mastiff) is a dog that looks a lot like the typical mastiff, although it does not have its loose skin, which reduces its drooling. While they are considered large dogs, they are smaller than other mastiff types. Although it has a massive head, it has quite a dignified facial expression. The Cane Corso has a strong, muscular neck and its ears are often clipped for cosmetic purposes. Its coat is short, thick, and stiff.

Caucasian Ovcharka

The Caucasian Ovcharka is a powerfully built mountain dog, giving off an impressive, strong appearance with its solidly-muscled body. Its length is longer than its height. Its head is quite distinctive, bringing to mind the image of a bear together with its deep-set eyes. Its ears and tails are cut off at an early age in order to fend off aggressors and predators. The Caucasian Ovcharka has two coat lengths and a good undercoat.

Central Asian Shepherd Dog

The Central Asian Shepherd dog is part of the troika that is made up of the Caucasian Ovcharka and the South Russian Sheepdog. It is a strong, powerful dog and this is seen by appearance alone. The body is longer than its height, and its thick coat can either be long or short. The Central Asian Shepherd dog has a large chest and a wide, strong back. In some countries, owners and breeders dock both the tail and the ears to help it fight better against aggressors.