Best Large Dogs
Our expert-curated list of the best large dogs in 2026, ranked by suitability and temperament.
Overview
Finding the right dog breed is one of the most important decisions a prospective owner can make. This 2026 guide to the best large dogs evaluates breeds across multiple factors to help you make an informed choice.
We considered temperament ratings, health profiles, grooming requirements, exercise needs, and real-world owner experiences to compile this definitive list.
How We Chose
Our ranking criteria include:
- Temperament match: How well the breed's personality fits the intended purpose
- Health profile: Overall breed health and common conditions
- Adaptability: How well the breed adjusts to different environments and lifestyles
- Owner satisfaction: Real-world feedback from breed owners in 2026
- Availability: How accessible the breed is through reputable breeders and rescue organizations
The Rankings
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 4/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 5/5). Originally from Canada, this large-sized breed from the Sporting group weighs 55–80 lbs and lives 11–13 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Family-friendly (5/5)
- Lifespan of 11–13 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 4/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 1/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from Scotland, this large-sized breed from the Sporting group weighs 55–75 lbs and lives 10–12 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Family-friendly (3/5)
- Lifespan of 10–12 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 5/5
- Exercise needs rated 2/5
- Price range $1000–$2000
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 3/5, energy 5/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 5/5). Originally from Germany, this large-sized breed from the Herding group weighs 50–90 lbs and lives 9–13 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 3/5
- Family-friendly (5/5)
- Lifespan of 9–13 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 1/5
- Exercise needs rated 4/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Rottweiler
The Rottweiler earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 4/5, energy 4/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 2/5). Originally from Germany, this large-sized breed from the Working group weighs 80–135 lbs and lives 9–10 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 4/5
- Family-friendly (2/5)
- Lifespan of 9–10 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 4/5
- Exercise needs rated 4/5
- Price range $1000–$2500
Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 3/5, energy 5/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 4/5). Originally from Germany, this large-sized breed from the Working group weighs 60–100 lbs and lives 10–12 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 3/5
- Family-friendly (4/5)
- Lifespan of 10–12 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 4/5
- Exercise needs rated 5/5
- Price range $1000–$2500
Boxer
The Boxer earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 1/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from Germany, this large-sized breed from the Working group weighs 50–80 lbs and lives 10–12 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Family-friendly (3/5)
- Lifespan of 10–12 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 2/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 5/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 2/5). Originally from South Africa, this large-sized breed from the Hound group weighs 70–85 lbs and lives 10–12 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Family-friendly (2/5)
- Lifespan of 10–12 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 1/5
- Exercise needs rated 4/5
- Price range $1500–$2500
Collie
The Collie earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 4/5, energy 3/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 5/5). Originally from Scotland, this large-sized breed from the Herding group weighs 50–75 lbs and lives 12–14 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 4/5
- Family-friendly (5/5)
- Lifespan of 12–14 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 5/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 3/5, energy 2/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 2/5). Originally from United States, this large-sized breed from the Working group weighs 75–85 lbs and lives 10–14 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 3/5
- Family-friendly (2/5)
- Lifespan of 10–14 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 1/5
- Exercise needs rated 5/5
- Price range $1000–$2000
Weimaraner
The Weimaraner earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 4/5, energy 2/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from Germany, this large-sized breed from the Sporting group weighs 55–90 lbs and lives 10–13 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 4/5
- Family-friendly (3/5)
- Lifespan of 10–13 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 4/5
- Exercise needs rated 4/5
- Price range $800–$1500