Larger than life? We're sure they think so! Large dogs typically tip the scales at 55 to 85 pounds.
Sweet and silly, these endearing hounds originated in the mountainous region of Afghanistan. Their silky, fine coat served as protection from the cold at high altitudes, and it requires plenty of grooming.
By nature, malamutes are friendly toward humans but quarrelsome with other dogs. They tend to be stubborn and are not easily trained, and they prefer to be outdoors.
People-oriented Am Staffs are both intelligent guardians and natural clowns. They can be a bit strong-headed and do best when they're made part of the family.
Bright and loyal, these canines worked during World War I as message carriers and ambulance dogs. Today the herders are known for being versatile, good with children, and protective.
These dignified hounds, also known as Russian wolfhounds, are independent and surprisingly affectionate. The Russian aristocracy bred them for hundreds of years to hunt — you guessed it — wolves, and they can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour.
Boxers are affectionate and loyal to the point of possessiveness. They're suspicious of strangers but make exceptions for children. They're highly intelligent and willing to please.
Charming and mischievous, bull terriers may appear intimidating but they're actually extremely friendly, playful, and sometimes goofy. Another plus? The extremely short coat requires little grooming.
This devoted and loyal companion craves personal attention. They'll tolerate roughhousing from children, especially those willing to play. They tend to be sharper than other retriever breeds.
Collies exhibit the qualities of loyalty, intelligence, and gentleness, and live up to their "hero" reputation from Lassie. A desire to please is hard-wired in the collie's genetic makeup. They're easy to train but tend to be very noisy.
Tremendously intelligent, these retrievers are both hard workers and affectionate family dogs. As for that dense coat, the tight curls allow them to swim in cold water.
This alert watchdog is loving and loyal to its master but offers a challenge to strangers. Quick in mind and body, they can become hyperactive if deprived of vigorous exercise every day. Males may be aggressive, and obedience training can be a struggle.
Bred to run in a pack for miles, these traditional hunting dogs have incredible endurance and a noble stature. They make for excellent hiking and jogging companions.
English setters are both mellow and merry, and can be identified by their unique speckled coats. The dogs' gentle and affectionate demeanor makes them great family pets, but they do require plenty of exercise.
Unsurprisingly, flat-coated retrievers are closely related to their more popular lab counterparts, but they have a longer coat and leaner silhouette. Bright and eager-to-please, a flat-coat can easily become a part of the family.
Loyal, loving, obedient, and protective, German shepherds can make wonderful pets if they're properly trained. Most form a very strong emotional bond with their owners. They tend to be high energy and need to be exercised regularly.
GSPs are even-tempered and sensible, but their boundless energy can become destructive if they're not given ample time to exercise. They're intelligent and very trainable. More often than not, this is a one-person dog.
Equally adept on land and water, these enthusiastic hunting dogs are both affectionate and eager. They're a bit taller and heavier than their shorthaired cousins, and of course possess an adorable shaggy look.
The super-size version of miniature and standard schnauzers, these dogs are quick learners, but also incredibly energetic.
Fun-loving and playful, this family-friendly dog loves high-energy activities. They're natural clowns, making them particularly good therapeutic dogs. Because of their high intelligence, they're frequently trained as assistance dogs.
Larger than Irish or English setters, the Scottish breed is hardy and high-energy, requiring exercise throughout the day. They can be a bit stubborn, but are ultimately very devoted and loyal.
Most people know greyhounds for their speed (they're the fastest dogs on the planet), but the born racers are also incredibly sweet and charming. They've been prized as athletes and companions for thousands of years, dating back to the ancient Egyptians in 2900 B.C.
Natural beauties, Irish setters possess distinctively-red fur, but there's much more to them than a gorgeous coat. The hunting dogs are also supreme athletes that love long games of fetch.
These spaniels are both hardworking and playful with a definite desire to please. While the curled coat might look kind of silly, it's actually entirely functional with water-resistant qualities.
Fun fact: the plural of "Komondor" is "Komondorok," due to the fact this working dog originates from Hungary. Traditionally a sheep dog, the Komondor is naturally protective and known for its strength and courage. The corded coat helped the guardian blend in with the flock, but it also looks like an adorable mop!
These family-friendly dogs are nonaggressive, eager to please, and outgoing. They appeal to many people for their gentle ways, intelligence, and adaptability.
Happy, lively, and playful, poodles make an excellent family dog for those prepared to maintain the coat. They may possibly be the most intelligent dog breed and are willing to please, making them very easy to train. They're friendly, outgoing, and loving.
Dignified and even-tempered, the breed is also known as the African lion hound due to its original purpose. Today, ridgebacks are intelligent family protectors and hunting partners. The namesake "ridgeback" appears where the hair grows forward along the spine.
They may look delicate, but salukis are surprisingly powerful and fast. The ancient Egyptian breed is perhaps the world's oldest domesticated dog.
Bubbly and energetic, the weimaraner can't stand to be confined and can be destructive if not given enough exercise. This one-family dog is not friendly to strangers and is considered too rambunctious for young children. They are intelligent and assertive, and training can be difficult.