Updated at: 15-09-2023 - By: petstutorial

Shepherd dog breeds are known for their remarkable intelligence, agility, and stamina, and have a rich and varied history that spans several centuries. These breeds were developed to aid humans in managing and protecting livestock, and they all share common characteristics such as intelligence, adaptability, and responsiveness.

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In this article, we will discover the top 10 largest shepherd dog breeds, which are known for their imposing size, strength, and protective nature. These breeds include the Caucasian Shepherd, Anatolian Shepherd, Pyrenean Mountain Dog, Tibetan Mastiff, Polish Tatra Sheepdog, Kangal Shepherd, Central Asian Shepherd, Sarplaninac, Bergamasco Shepherd, and Shiloh Shepherd.

You are reading: Discover The Top 10 Largest Shepherd Dog Breeds

Top 10 Largest Shepherd Dog Breeds

Caucasian Shepherd

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog, also known as the Caucasian Ovcharka, is a large livestock guardian dog that is native to the countries of the Caucasus region, including Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Dagestan.

This breed was developed in the Soviet Union in the early 20th century by selecting some of the best examples of Caucasian dogs from different areas of the region.

The breed is known for its imposing size, with males typically weighing between 110 to 220 lbs and standing about 25 to 28 inches tall. The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a serious guardian breed that is bold, fearless, self-confident, and fiercely protective of its family and territory. They are loyal and loving to their family but are naturally distrustful of strangers and do not take well to dogs or other animals that they aren’t familiar with.

The breed is still used by shepherds to tend to flocks and is also popular as a watchdog and property guardian. The Caucasian Shepherd Dog’s massive size is its most distinctive trait, with the dogs weighing more than 110 pounds for males and 100 pounds for females.

Anatolian Shepherd

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a large and powerful breed that was originally bred in Turkey as a livestock guardian. They are known for their ability to protect livestock and have been employed to protect endangered cheetahs in Namibia, Africa. The breed is highly valued as a working dog due to their ability to independently guard livestock.

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a rugged, independent, and protective breed that can be difficult to keep happy in urban life. They are built tough to do a tough job and have a thick undercoat and an outer coat that ranges from short to rough.

The breed is intelligent, bold, and calm, and is considered a livestock protector or guardian dog. They are known to be reserved with strangers and are very protective of their family.

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a large and muscular breed that can weigh up to 150 pounds. They require experienced owners who are prepared for the responsibility of owning a large, independent, and protective breed.

Pyrenean Mountain Dog

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog, also known as the Great Pyrenees, is a French breed of livestock guardian dog that originates from the eastern or French side of the Pyrenees Mountains that separate France and Spain.

The breed is known for its immense strength, huge, heavy-bodied build, and thick coat. They were originally bred to guard flocks of sheep in the Pyrenees Mountains and are still used for this purpose today.

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is a calm, gentle, and docile breed that is devoted to its family and makes a wonderful watchdog. They are not a good match for new or timid dog owners, as they require consistency and a strong owner who will socialize them and train with positive reinforcement.

The breed is known to be difficult to train due to their ability to think on their own, but with training, they are well-mannered and make excellent therapy dogs.

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is a large and heavily built breed, with males typically weighing between 100 to 160 lbs and standing about 27 to 32 inches tall.

Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan Mastiff is a large and powerful breed that originated in Tibet and is known for its imposing size, thick coat, and watchful expression. The breed was originally used as a guardian and companion of Tibetan villagers and nomads, as well as being the traditional guardian of the Tibetan monasteries.

The Tibetan Mastiff is a powerful, heavy, but athletic dog that is built to combine strength and agility. They have a thick and fairly long coat, especially around the neck and shoulders, which is noticeably heavier in males than in females.

The breed is highly intelligent, independent, and stubborn, yet sensitive to human moods. They are loving, gentle, patient, and understanding, and their centuries of working closely with humans have made them very sophisticated in the ways they understand people.

The Tibetan Mastiff is a hard worker, protective of its family, fearless, and loyal. They make a wonderful guard dog, and centuries of breeding for that specific task have perfected them as a protector. The breed is known to be wary of strangers but is loving and loyal to its people. The

Tibetan Mastiff is a large and massive breed, with males typically weighing between 70 to 150 pounds and standing about 24 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder.

Polish Tatra Sheepdog

The Polish Tatra Sheepdog, also known as the Tatra Shepherd Dog, is a large flock guardian dog that originated in the Tatra Mountains of the Podhale region of southern Poland.

Here are some key facts about this breed:

– The Polish Tatra Sheepdog is a large and muscular breed that is used for herding and as a guardian for flocks of sheep and goats.
– They are also kept as companions and watchdogs, and are known for their loyalty to their owners.
– The breed is highly intelligent, but also has a strong will and independent nature, so a consistent and firm approach is the best way to train them.
– The Polish Tatra Sheepdog is a natural protector and has a strong instinct to guard its family and territory.
– They are known for their impressive livestock guardian abilities and are highly valued for their special qualities.
– The breed is recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale and is one of five dog breeds originating in Poland.
– The Polish Tatra Sheepdog has a lifespan of between ten and twelve years.
– The Polish Tatra Sheepdog Club of America is dedicated to protecting and maintaining the natural instincts and working abilities of the breed.

Overall, the Polish Tatra Sheepdog is a loyal and intelligent breed that is highly valued for its guarding abilities and special qualities.

Kangal Shepherd

The Kangal Shepherd Dog is a traditional Turkish breed of large livestock guardian dog that is known for its imposing size and strong protective instincts.

Here are some key facts about this breed:

– The Kangal Shepherd Dog is a traditional working breed of Central Anatolia, used by shepherds for protection against wolves and other predators for centuries.
– The breed is highly valued for its ability to protect flocks of sheep and goats, and has been exported to African countries such as Namibia, Kenya, and Tanzania, where they successfully protect local flocks from cheetahs.
– The Kangal Shepherd Dog is a natural flock guardian dog, kept with flocks of sheep to fend off wolves and other predators.
– They are known for their loyalty to their owners and their protective nature, making them excellent watchdogs.
– The breed is intelligent, independent, and has a reputation for being gentle and protective towards children.
– The Kangal Shepherd Dog is a large and muscular breed, with males typically weighing up to 145 pounds and standing about 30 inches tall at the shoulder.
– They require experienced owners who are prepared for the responsibility of owning a large, independent, and protective breed.
– The breed is recognized by the United Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club.

Overall, the Kangal Shepherd Dog is a loyal and intelligent breed that is highly valued for its guarding abilities and special qualities.

Central Asian Shepherd

The Central Asian Shepherd Dog, also known as the Alabay, Alabai, and Turkmen Wolf-Hound, is a large and muscular breed that originated in Central Asia.

Here are some key facts about this breed:

Appearance:
– The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is a very large and muscular breed, with males typically weighing between 110 to 170 lbs and standing about 25 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder.
– They have a thick and dense coat that comes in a variety of colors, including white, black, brindle, and fawn.
– The breed has a large head, strong jaws, and a powerful neck that is well-muscled.

Temperament:
– The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is a self-assured, balanced, quiet, proud, and independent breed.
– They are very courageous and have a high working capacity, endurance, and a natural instinct of territory.
– The breed is fiercely protective of their family and property, and can be wary of strangers.
– They are loyal and loving with the people they know and trust, but require proper socialization and training.

History:
– The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is an ancient breed that has been used for guarding sheep and goat herds for centuries.
– The breed is still used for this purpose today, as well as for protection and guard duty.
– The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is considered a symbol of pride and national heritage in Turkmenistan, where a gold statue of the animal was unveiled in 2020.

Overall, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog is a large and powerful breed that is highly valued for its guarding abilities and special qualities.

Sarplaninac

The Sarplaninac, also known as the Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog, is a breed of dog of livestock guardian type that originated in the Šar Mountains or Šar Planina range in the Balkans.

Here are some key facts about this breed:

Appearance:
– The Sarplaninac is a large and muscular breed, with males typically weighing between 110 to 170 lbs and standing about 25 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder.
– They have a thick and dense coat that can range from white and gray to shades of brown and black all dun.
– The breed has a stocky build and small ears hanging down from their head.

Temperament:
– The Sarplaninac is a reserved, protective breed that makes excellent guard dogs and devoted family companions.
– They are known for their courage, self-confidence, and independent nature.
– The breed is fiercely protective of their family and property, and can be wary of strangers.
– They require experienced owners who are prepared for the responsibility of owning a large, independent, and protective breed.

History:
– The Sarplaninac is an ancient breed that has been used for guarding sheep and goat herds for centuries.
– The breed is still used for this purpose today, as well as for protection and guard duty.
– The Sarplaninac was recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale as the Illyrian Shepherd Dog or Ilirski Ovčar from 1939 until 1957, when the name was changed to Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog – Sharplanina or Jugoslovenski Ovčarski Pas – Šarplaninac.

Overall, the Sarplaninac is a large and powerful breed that is highly valued for its guarding abilities and special qualities. They require experienced owners who are prepared for the responsibility of owning a large, independent, and protective breed.

Bergamasco Shepherd

The Bergamasco Shepherd, also known as the Cane da Pastore Bergamasco, is an Italian breed of sheepdog that originated in the Alpi e Prealpi Bergamasche, where it was used as a herding dog for both sheep and cattle.

Here are some key facts about this breed:

Appearance:
– The Bergamasco Shepherd is a medium-large breed that is known for its unique coat, which naturally forms loose mats or flocks.
– They have a muscular build and a distinctive head shape, with a broad skull and a strong jaw.
– The breed’s coat can range in color from gray to black to fawn.

Temperament:
– The Bergamasco Shepherd is a sociable and highly intelligent breed that has a deep desire to please its master.
– They are known for their independent thinking and can be stubborn at times.
– The breed is friendly and social, making them excellent companions and show dogs.
– They require early socialization and training to ensure they develop into well-behaved adults.

History:
– The origins of the Bergamasco Shepherd are unknown, but it is believed to have been developed thousands of years ago in Persia.
– The breed was first exhibited at the first Italian dog show in Milan in 1881 and was officially recognized by the Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana in 1956.
– The Bergamasco Shepherd Club of America was established in 1996 to promote the breed in the United States.

Overall, the Bergamasco Shepherd is a unique and intelligent breed that makes an excellent companion and show dog. They require early socialization and training to ensure they develop into well-behaved adults.

Shiloh Shepherd

The Shiloh Shepherd is a breed of dog that is very similar in appearance to the German Shepherd, but larger in size.

Here are some key facts about this breed:

Appearance:
– The Shiloh Shepherd is a large breed, with males usually weighing between 120 to 160 lbs and females weighing about 100 to 120 lbs.
– They have a broad, noble head and a stocky body with emphasis on efficient movement.
– The breed has a well-developed jaw, wide and deep chest, straight back, full, bushy tail that hangs like a saber when relaxed, almond-shaped eyes, and erect, triangular ears.

Temperament:
– The Shiloh Shepherd is an intelligent, gentle, and people-oriented breed that responds well to training.
– They are known for their gentle personality, making them excellent service dogs or therapy dogs.
– The breed is friendly and social, making them excellent companions and show dogs.
– They require early socialization and training to ensure they develop into well-behaved adults.

History:
– The Shiloh Shepherd was developed in the United States in the 1970s by Tina Barber, who wanted to create a dog similar to the German Shepherd, but larger in size and with a softer and more gentle nature.
– The breed has a combination of German Shepherd and Alaskan Malamute in their genetic makeup.
– The Shiloh Shepherd is recognized by the International Shiloh Shepherd Registry and the American Rare Breed Association.

Overall, the Shiloh Shepherd is a unique and intelligent breed that makes an excellent companion and show dog. They require early socialization and training to ensure they develop into well-behaved adults.

FAQS

1. What is the largest shepherd dog breed?

The largest shepherd dog breed is the Caucasian Shepherd, also known as the Caucasian Ovcharka.

2. Are all shepherd dog breeds large?

While most shepherd dog breeds are medium to large in size, there are some smaller varieties, such as the Shetland Sheepdog and the Australian Shepherd.

3. What are some other large shepherd dog breeds?

In addition to the Caucasian Shepherd, other large shepherd dog breeds include the Anatolian Shepherd, Pyrenean Mountain Dog, Tibetan Mastiff, Polish Tatra Sheepdog, Kangal Shepherd, Central Asian Shepherd, Sarplaninac, Bergamasco Shepherd, and Shiloh Shepherd.

4. Are shepherd dog breeds good family pets?

Many shepherd dog breeds can make excellent family pets, but they require proper training, socialization, and exercise to ensure they are well-behaved and happy.

5. Do all shepherd dog breeds have similar temperaments?

While shepherd dog breeds often share some common traits, such as intelligence and loyalty, their temperaments can vary. Some breeds may be more protective, while others may be more friendly and outgoing.

6. Are shepherd dog breeds good with children?

With proper socialization and training, many shepherd dog breeds can be great with children. However, it is always important to supervise interactions between dogs and young children to ensure everyone’s safety.

7. Do shepherd dog breeds require a lot of exercise?

Most shepherd dog breeds are active and require regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. This can include daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation.

8. Are shepherd dog breeds prone to any health issues?

Like all dog breeds, shepherd dog breeds can be prone to certain health issues. It is important to choose a reputable breeder who tests their breeding dogs for genetic conditions and to provide regular veterinary care for your dog.

9. Can shepherd dog breeds live in apartments?

While some shepherd dog breeds can adapt to apartment living with proper exercise and mental stimulation, they are generally better suited to homes with a yard or access to outdoor space.