Top 20 Best Large Dog Breeds in Australia: Loyal Giants with Big Hearts

Looking for a canine companion that's large in size and even larger in love?

Large dog breeds offer unwavering loyalty, impressive athleticism, and heartfelt devotion. From couch-loving gentle giants to high-energy working dogs, these breeds cater to many lifestyles—whether you live on acreage or simply crave a big-hearted best friend.

In this guide, we explore 20 of the most beloved large dog breeds in Australia. We'll dive into their unique temperaments, care requirements, and health considerations to help you find your ideal furry match.

Golden Retrievers are affectionate, intelligent, and endlessly enthusiastic companions, renowned for their golden coats, friendly nature, and eager-to-please demeanour.

Key Characteristics

• Weight: 25–34 kg
• Height: 51–61 cm at the shoulder
• Temperament: Friendly, trustworthy, eager to please
• Activity Level: High
• Grooming Needs: Moderate; sheds seasonally with weekly brushing
• Best Suited For: Families, first-time owners, therapy work

Why Golden Retrievers Are Uniquely Charming

Golden Retrievers are deeply loyal and joyful companions. They're incredibly gentle with kids, easily trainable, and eager to please. Their playful nature and desire to be involved in family life make them an enduring favourite. Whether swimming, walking, or simply cuddling, they thrive on interaction and companionship. They form strong bonds with people of all ages and are especially gentle with children. Their cheerful personalities and natural intuition make them excellent therapy and assistance dogs.

While wonderfully gentle, young Goldens can be overly boisterous and may accidentally knock over small children, so keep this in mind when choosing whether this breed is right for you.

How to Keep Your Golden Retriever Healthy

Golden Retrievers can be prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and certain types of cancer. Ear infections and obesity are also common, especially in inactive or overfed dogs. Regular grooming, a balanced diet, consistent exercise, and routine vet check-ups are essential for maintaining their health and happiness.

Read more: The Vet’s Guide to Golden Retrievers: Facts, Care, and Training Tips

Labrador Retrievers are cheerful, dependable companions known for their boundless energy, affectionate nature, and famously wagging tails.

Key Characteristics

• Weight: 25–36 kg
• Height: 54–62 cm at the shoulder
• Temperament: Outgoing, gentle, enthusiastic
• Activity Level: High
• Grooming Needs: Low to moderate; sheds, requires regular brushing
• Best Suited For: Active families, assistance work, hunting companions

Why Labrador Retrievers Are Uniquely Charming

Labs are endlessly good-natured and adaptable, making them one of the world’s most beloved dog breeds. Their eager-to-please attitude, intelligence, and sociability mean they thrive in a variety of roles — from loyal family pet to skilled working dog. They love everyone they meet, and their tail-wagging enthusiasm is contagious.

Labs are famously friendly but their high energy and love for food can lead to jumping and misbehaviour without consistent training, so be sure your family can offer structure and supervision.

How to Keep Your Labrador Healthy

Labrador Retrievers can be prone to obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, and eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy. Ear infections are common due to their love of water. Regular exercise, a measured diet, routine grooming, and consistent vet visits are key to keeping them healthy and happy.

Read more: The Vet’s Guide to Labrador Retrievers: Facts, Care, and Training Tips

German Shepherds are confident, intelligent, and loyal working dogs known for their noble appearance and unmatched devotion to their people.

Key Characteristics

• Weight: 22–40 kg
• Height: 55–65 cm at the shoulder
• Temperament: Confident, loyal, courageous
• Activity Level: High
• Grooming Needs: Moderate; seasonal shedding
• Best Suited For: Experienced owners, working roles, security environments

Why German Shepherds Are Uniquely Charming

These noble dogs are known for their sharp intelligence, loyalty, and protective nature. Valued for their trainability and courage, they thrive in roles ranging from family guardian to police, military, or service work. While reserved with strangers, they are deeply loyal to their humans and are happiest when given both purpose and companionship.

Their protective nature and strength require early socialisation and calm, confident handling around children, so they’re best suited to experienced households.

How to Keep Your German Shepherd Healthy

German Shepherds can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and digestive issues like bloat. Skin sensitivities and allergies may also occur. Regular exercise, weight control, structured training, grooming, and consistent veterinary care are essential to ensure their long-term health and mobility.

Read more: The Vet’s Guide to German Shepherds: Facts, Care, and Training Tips

Despite their intimidating appearance, Rottweilers are affectionate, loyal companions with a calm, confident nature.

Key Characteristics

• Weight: 35–60 kg
• Height: 56–69 cm at the shoulder
• Temperament: Protective, calm, confident
• Activity Level: Moderate to high
• Grooming Needs: Low; weekly brushing
• Best Suited For: Experienced owners, secure environments

Why Rottweilers Are Uniquely Charming

Rottweilers are natural protectors with a soft heart for their people. While their imposing appearance may deter strangers, they are affectionate, silly, and deeply devoted to their family. They’re intelligent and eager to work, excelling in obedience, tracking, and protection sports. With proper guidance, their balanced temperament makes them exceptional companions.

Deeply loyal, Rottweilers need strong leadership and supervision with young children due to their guarding instincts, so they’re best matched with confident and knowledgeable owners.

How to Keep Your Rottweiler Healthy

Rottweilers can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, cruciate ligament issues, and heart problems such as aortic stenosis. They may also be susceptible to obesity. A healthy diet, daily exercise, consistent training, and regular veterinary check-ups are essential to support their wellbeing and longevity.

Read more: The Vet’s Guide to Rottweilers: Facts, Care, and Training Tips

Boxers are energetic, playful, and affectionate dogs known for their expressive faces, bouncy personalities, and unwavering devotion to their families.

Key Characteristics

• Weight: 25–32 kg
• Height: 53–63 cm at the shoulder
• Temperament: Playful, affectionate, energetic
• Activity Level: High
• Grooming Needs: Low; short coat needs minimal upkeep
• Best Suited For: Active families, children, agility training

Why Boxers Are Uniquely Charming

Boxers are known for their clownish charm and deep affection for their people. They form close bonds with their families and love being involved in every aspect of daily life. With expressive faces and goofy antics, they bring constant amusement and joy. Despite their exuberance, they are gentle with children and naturally protective, making them excellent family watchdogs.

Boxers are playful and affectionate but often too exuberant for toddlers, especially during their bouncy puppy years, so think about whether your home can handle their energy.

How to Keep Your Boxer Healthy

Boxers can be prone to heart conditions such as cardiomyopathy, as well as cancers, hip dysplasia, and allergies. They are also sensitive to extreme heat. A nutritious diet, regular exercise, early socialisation, routine vet visits, and awareness of breed-specific health risks are key to keeping them happy and thriving.

Read more: The Vet’s Guide to Boxers: Facts, Care, and Training Tips

Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle giants with striking tricolour coats and a calm, affectionate nature that makes them ideal family companions and loyal working dogs.

Key Characteristics

• Weight: 35–55 kg
• Height: 58–70 cm at the shoulder
• Temperament: Calm, affectionate, strong-willed
• Activity Level: Moderate
• Grooming Needs: High; seasonal shedding
• Best Suited For: Families with space, cooler climates

Why Bernese Mountain Dogs Are Uniquely Charming

Bernese Mountain Dogs are as loving as they are majestic. Their easy-going temperament and devotion to family means they get along beautifully with children and other pets. Their calm, considerate nature and patient attitude make them particularly endearing. Whether lounging at your feet or helping with light work, they radiate gentle companionship.

Calm and affectionate, but their heavy coat, shedding, and short lifespan can be a lot for some families to manage, so be sure you’re prepared for grooming and potential heartbreak.

How to Keep Your Bernese Mountain Dog Healthy

Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to cancer, hip and elbow dysplasia, and bloat. Routine health screenings are critical to detect cancer early. Weekly grooming, a balanced diet, and limiting high-impact activities help protect their joints.

Dobermans are sleek, powerful, and intelligent dogs, admired for their elegance, loyalty, and unwavering protective instincts.

Key Characteristics

• Weight: 30–45 kg
• Height: 61–71 cm at the shoulder
• Temperament: Alert, loyal, fearless
• Activity Level: High
• Grooming Needs: Low; short coat
• Best Suited For: Active, experienced owners, guard work

Why Dobermans Are Uniquely Charming

Dobermans combine sharp intellect with deep devotion, making them one of the most loyal and trainable dog breeds. They are naturally protective without being aggressive, forming intense bonds with their family. Their striking appearance, graceful movement, and strong work ethic make them stand out as both companions and guardians.

Dobermans are people-focused but can become anxious or reactive if not socialised early and exposed to different environments, so early training and a calm home environment are key.

How to Keep Your Doberman Healthy

Dobermans can be prone to cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia, and von Willebrand’s disease. Bloat is also a risk due to their deep chests. Regular cardiovascular screening, proper nutrition, consistent training, daily activity, and ongoing veterinary care are essential for keeping them healthy and thriving.

Read more: The Vet’s Guide to Dobermans: Facts, Care, and Training Tips

Standard Poodles are elegant, highly intelligent dogs known for their graceful movement, hypoallergenic coats, and delightful combination of sophistication and playfulness.

Key Characteristics

• Weight: 20–32 kg
• Height: Over 38 cm at the shoulder
• Temperament: Intelligent, friendly, dignified
• Activity Level: Moderate to high
• Grooming Needs: High; requires professional grooming
• Best Suited For: Allergy sufferers, active homes

Why Standard Poodles Are Uniquely Charming

Standard Poodles are often underestimated — behind the stylish coat is one of the most intelligent and versatile breeds. They are intuitive, eager to learn, and thrive on human companionship. Their lively sense of humour and love of play make them just as comfortable romping in the backyard as they are excelling in obedience, agility, or even therapy roles.

Their intelligence makes them easy to train, but they can become anxious or destructive if bored or left alone too long, so they thrive in households with time and mental engagement to offer.

How to Keep Your Standard Poodle Healthy

Standard Poodles can be prone to hip dysplasia, eye disorders, and autoimmune conditions. Bloat is a concern due to their deep chests. Regular grooming, a balanced diet, daily physical and mental exercise, and routine vet check-ups are key to maintaining their health and vitality.

Read more: The Vet’s Guide to Poodles: Facts, Care, and Training Tips

Siberian Huskies are striking, energetic dogs known for their piercing eyes, endurance, and spirited, independent nature rooted in their sled-dog heritage.

Key Characteristics

• Weight: 16–27 kg
• Height: 50–60 cm at the shoulder
• Temperament: Independent, friendly, mischievous
• Activity Level: High
• Grooming Needs: High; heavy seasonal shedding
• Best Suited For: Cold climates, highly active homes

Why Siberian Huskies Are Uniquely Charming

Siberian Huskies are captivating with their wolf-like looks, athleticism, and charmingly cheeky personalities. They’re pack-oriented and love to be around people and other dogs. While they’re not natural guard dogs, their confidence and sociability make them endearing companions. Their love for running and exploring reflects their arctic working roots — they’re born adventurers with a soft spot for play.

 Huskies are escape artists with strong prey drive — they’re best for older kids and active families who can keep them challenged, so make sure you have secure fencing and daily exercise planned.

How to Keep Your Husky Healthy

Siberian Huskies can be prone to hip dysplasia, eye conditions (like cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy), and zinc-responsive dermatosis. Their thick coat also needs regular care. A high-quality diet, vigorous daily exercise, secure fencing, regular grooming, and annual vet check-ups are crucial for keeping them fit and healthy.

Read more: The Vet’s Guide to Siberian Huskies: Facts, Care, and Training Tips

Hungarian Vizslas are sleek, sensitive, and affectionate sporting dogs known for their velvety coats, expressive eyes, and deep desire to be close to their humans.

Key Characteristics

• Weight: 20–30 kg
• Height: 53–64 cm
• Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, energetic, intelligent, loyal, sensitive
• Activity Level: Very high; needs vigorous daily exercise, off-lead running, and regular mental stimulation
• Grooming Needs: Low; short, smooth coat is easy to maintain with weekly brushing. Minimal shedding
• Best Suited For: Active families, experienced owners, those wanting a sensitive, people-oriented companion

Why Hungarian Vizslas Are Uniquely Charming

Hungarian Vizslas are often described as “velcro dogs” — they crave human closeness and prefer to be involved in every aspect of home life. Athletic and elegant, they excel in sports and fieldwork, yet they’re also warm, loving companions with a gentle nature. Their sensitivity makes them highly intuitive, but also emotionally delicate, thriving best with gentle guidance and consistent companionship.

Their emotional sensitivity and high need for closeness can make them overly clingy or anxious in noisy or chaotic homes, so consider whether your household offers calm, companionship, and consistency.

How to Keep Your Hungarian Vizsla Healthy

Hungarian Vizslas can be prone to hip dysplasia, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, and anxiety-related behaviours if under-stimulated. A high-protein diet, ample daily exercise, early socialisation, and regular vet care are key to maintaining both their physical and emotional wellbeing.

Read more: The Vet’s Guide to Vizslas: Facts, Care, and Training Tips

Great Danes are gentle giants known for their commanding stature, affectionate nature, and surprising sensitivity, making them both awe-inspiring and deeply lovable companions.

Key Characteristics

• Weight: 45–90 kg
• Height: 71–86 cm at the shoulder
• Temperament: Patient, affectionate, majestic
• Activity Level: Low to moderate
• Grooming Needs: Low
• Best Suited For: Calm households with ample space

Why Great Danes Are Uniquely Charming

Great Danes are famous for their size, but their true appeal lies in their tender-hearted nature. Often called “gentle giants”, they are friendly and loving with family, and their easy-going temperament makes them surprisingly good with children. They love leaning into their humans for affection and are happiest lounging alongside you — often forgetting they’re the size of a small horse.

Their size alone poses a risk of accidental knocks or tail whips, especially around toddlers in tight spaces, so consider whether your home has the space and supervision needed.

How to Keep Your Great Dane Healthy

Great Danes can be prone to bloat (gastric torsion), hip dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, and joint problems due to their size. Their lifespan is shorter than most breeds. A balanced diet, controlled exercise, slow feeding, and regular veterinary care (especially heart and joint monitoring) are vital for keeping them comfortable and healthy.

Read more: The Vet’s Guide to Great Danes: Facts, Care, and Training Tips

Weimaraners are sleek, spirited dogs known for their striking silver-grey coats, boundless energy, and strong bonds with their humans.

Key Characteristics

• Weight: 25–40 kg
• Height: 58–69 cm at the shoulder
• Temperament: Energetic, intelligent, loyal
• Activity Level: High
• Grooming Needs: Low; short coat
• Best Suited For: Active individuals, hunters, outdoorsy families

Why Weimaraners Are Uniquely Charming

Weimaraners are the ultimate velcro dogs: they form intense bonds and want to be involved in everything their family does. Their athleticism and sharp mind make them excellent companions for running, hiking, or field work. With a combination of aristocratic elegance and goofy enthusiasm, they’re endlessly endearing to those who can meet their energetic needs.

These affectionate dogs form intense bonds but can struggle with being left alone, leading to separation anxiety or destructive habits, so they’re ideal for families with someone often at home.

How to Keep Your Weimaraner Healthy

Weimaraners can be prone to bloat, hip dysplasia, separation anxiety, and autoimmune issues. Their active minds and bodies require daily outlets. A high-quality diet, regular vigorous exercise, training, close companionship, and consistent vet care are essential to maintaining their physical and emotional wellbeing.

Irish Setters are graceful, fun-loving dogs known for their flowing red coats, exuberant energy, and endlessly cheerful personalities.

Key Characteristics

• Weight: 25–32 kg
• Height: 58–67 cm at the shoulder
• Temperament: Outgoing, affectionate, playful
• Activity Level: High
• Grooming Needs: High; requires brushing several times a week
• Best Suited For: Active families, show or sporting homes

Why Irish Setters Are Uniquely Charming

Irish Setters are the embodiment of joyful spirit — always ready to play, explore, or charm their way into your lap. Their enthusiastic nature and sociable temperament make them great companions for children and outgoing families. They’re not just pretty faces either; with the right motivation, they can excel in obedience, agility, and fieldwork.

Their exuberance and distractibility can make early training challenging for families with very young children, so patience and consistent guidance are essential.

How to Keep Your Irish Setter Healthy

Irish Setters can be prone to bloat, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and hypothyroidism. Their long coat requires regular grooming, and their minds need stimulation to avoid boredom-related behaviours. A well-balanced diet, consistent exercise, early training, and regular vet check-ups are vital to keeping them healthy and happy.

Newfoundlands are massive, gentle dogs known for their sweet disposition, swimming ability, and devotion to family — often referred to as “nanny dogs” for their gentle nature with children.

Key Characteristics

• Weight: 45–70 kg
• Height: 63–74 cm at the shoulder
• Temperament: Gentle, devoted, calm
• Activity Level: Moderate
• Grooming Needs: High; heavy seasonal shedding
• Best Suited For: Families, swimmers, cool climates

Why Newfoundlands Are Uniquely Charming

Newfoundlands are the definition of the gentle giant. Deeply affectionate and nurturing, they are particularly good with children and thrive when close to their family. Despite their size, they are calm and easy-going indoors. Their love for water, coupled with powerful swimming ability and natural life-saving instincts, makes them both unique and heroic.

Their sweet nature is perfect for kids, but their massive size and constant drool require tolerance and space, so consider whether your home and routine can accommodate a gentle giant.

How to Keep Your Newfoundland Healthy

Newfoundlands can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, heart conditions (like subaortic stenosis), and bloat. Their dense coat needs consistent grooming and they don’t tolerate heat well. Regular vet visits, joint support, cool environments, a quality diet, and weight management are essential to support their health and longevity.

Alaskan Malamutes are strong, independent, and affectionate dogs bred for endurance and pulling heavy loads — known for their wolf-like looks and deep devotion to their pack.

• Weight: 34–43 kg
• Height: 58–69 cm
• Temperament: Loyal, strong-willed, affectionate, playful, independent, dignified
• Activity Level: High; needs daily exercise, space to roam, and mentally engaging activities like sledding or hiking
• Grooming Needs: High; thick double coat requires brushing several times a week and daily during seasonal shedding
• Best Suited For: Experienced owners, active households in cooler climates, homes with secure fencing and room to explore

Why Alaskan Malamutes Are Uniquely Charming

Alaskan Malamutes are the adventurers of the dog world — powerful, proud, and built for cold weather and teamwork. Though independent, they are incredibly affectionate with family and thrive on companionship. Their expressive faces, howling "talk", and exuberant playfulness add charm to their already striking appearance.

Strong-willed and independent, Malamutes are not ideal for households with young children or small pets, so they’re best suited to experienced, active owners in cooler climates.

How to Keep Your Alaskan Malamute Healthy

Alaskan Malamutes can be prone to hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, cataracts, and zinc deficiency. They’re also sensitive to heat. A high-protein diet, consistent grooming, regular exercise, and veterinary care are essential — along with a cool environment and firm, positive training to manage their strong instincts.

Groodles (also known as Goldendoodles) are affectionate, intelligent, and low-shedding dogs that blend the Golden Retriever’s warm nature with the Poodle’s cleverness and allergy-friendly coat.

Key Characteristics

• Weight: 25–35 kg
• Height: 50–65 cm at the shoulder
• Temperament: Friendly, intelligent, affectionate, playful, gentle, people-oriented
• Activity Level: Moderate to high; needs daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation through training or puzzle toys
• Grooming Needs: Moderate to high; curly or wavy coat requires brushing several times a week and professional grooming every 6–8 weeks. Low-shedding, often allergy-friendly
• Best Suited For: Families with children, allergy-prone households, first-time dog owners, homes that offer lots of company and enrichment

Why Groodles Are Uniquely Charming

Groodles are beloved for their sweet nature, eager-to-please attitude, and sociability. They inherit the Golden Retriever’s love of people and the Poodle’s brilliance, making them a dream to train and a joy to live with. Their soft, teddy-bear looks and gentle personalities have made them one of Australia’s most popular family dogs.

Groodles thrive on human company and may develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods, so consider whether someone will be home most of the day or anxiety training early on.

How to Keep Your Groodle Healthy

Groodles can be prone to hip dysplasia, ear infections, skin sensitivities, and inherited conditions like progressive retinal atrophy. Their coats also require regular maintenance. A healthy diet, routine grooming, consistent training, exercise, and regular vet check-ups are key to keeping them well-balanced and thriving.

Read more: The Vet’s Guide to Groodles: Facts, Care, and Training Tips

German Shorthaired Pointers are athletic, intelligent, and enthusiastic dogs bred for versatility in the field — known for their boundless energy and affectionate nature.

Key Characteristics

• Weight: 20–32 kg
• Height: 53–64 cm
• Temperament: Energetic, friendly, intelligent, trainable, affectionate, eager
• Activity Level: Very high; thrives with vigorous daily exercise, off-lead running, and mentally engaging tasks
• Grooming Needs: Low; short coat is easy to maintain with weekly brushing and occasional bathing. Moderate shedding
• Best Suited For: Highly active owners or families, outdoor lifestyles, those interested in field work or canine sports

Why German Shorthaired Pointers Are Uniquely Charming

German Shorthaired Pointers are a perfect blend of brains and brawn. They’re endlessly enthusiastic, deeply devoted, and quick to learn — always ready for the next challenge or adventure. Whether bounding through bush trails, retrieving at the beach, or snuggling on the lounge, they bring energy and affection in equal measure.

Their endless energy can overwhelm families without time for frequent exercise and structured activities, so make sure your lifestyle can accommodate their active needs.

How to Keep Your German Shorthaired Pointer Healthy

German Shorthaired Pointers can be prone to hip dysplasia, bloat, ear infections, and eye conditions. Their energetic nature also means they need outlets to avoid behavioural issues. A high-quality diet, daily exercise, early training, regular ear checks, and routine vet care are all essential for their health and happiness.

English Setters are elegant, gentle-natured dogs known for their feathered coats, affectionate personalities, and graceful movement — blending beauty with a calm, social temperament.

Key Characteristics

• Weight: 20–30 kg
• Height: 61–68 cm
• Temperament: Gentle, friendly, affectionate, calm, sociable, playful
• Activity Level: Moderate to high; enjoys daily walks, outdoor play, and opportunities to run and sniff
• Grooming Needs: Moderate to high; long feathered coat requires brushing several times a week to prevent matting, plus occasional trimming
• Best Suited For: Families, homes with gardens, those seeking a loving and sociable companion with a soft demeanour

Why English Setters Are Uniquely Charming

English Setters are soft-hearted and graceful, often described as the most gentle of the gundogs. They form close bonds with their family, adore company, and are especially good with children. Their playful spirit stays with them well into adulthood, and their “belton” speckled coat makes them stand out in both looks and personality.

Gentle and sweet, but needs space to roam and will become restless if cooped up or under-stimulated, so they’re best for homes with a yard and time to spare outdoors.

How to Keep Your English Setter Healthy

English Setters can be prone to hip dysplasia, deafness, hypothyroidism, and bloat. Their long coat also needs consistent grooming. A balanced diet, moderate daily exercise, regular brushing, early training, and routine vet visits will help ensure a long, healthy, and happy life.

Australian Kelpies are hardworking, highly intelligent dogs bred for stamina and independence renowned for their herding instincts and unmatched dedication in the field.

Key Characteristics

• Weight: 13–20 kg
• Height: 43–51 cm at the shoulder
• Temperament: Energetic, intelligent, loyal, alert, independent, focused
• Activity Level: Very high; thrives on constant physical activity, structured training, and purpose-driven work
• Grooming Needs: Low; short coat requires minimal grooming — weekly brushing and occasional bathing suffice
• Best Suited For: Working farms, active rural or suburban homes, experienced owners who can offer consistent training and stimulation

Why Australian Kelpies Are Uniquely Charming

Australian Kelpies are the embodiment of tireless determination. Bred to herd sheep across vast distances under harsh conditions, they’re intensely focused, remarkably agile, and fiercely loyal. Outside of work, they form strong bonds with their people and are surprisingly affectionate, making them both capable workers and rewarding companions for the right household.

Incredibly smart but intense, Kelpies may try to herd children and need constant engagement to avoid frustration, so they’re best for working households or highly active families.

How to Keep Your Australian Kelpie Healthy

Kelpies are generally robust, but they can be prone to hip dysplasia, luxating patella, and eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy. Their active minds and bodies require daily challenges. A nutrient-rich diet, ample exercise, early socialisation, and routine vet check-ups are essential to support their working drive and overall wellbeing.

Read more: The Vet’s Guide to Australian Kelpies: Facts, Care, and Training Tips

Large dog breeds are undeniably majestic, but they also come with significantly higher costs and upkeep, especially over the long term. Here's what to budget for:

Initial Costs

• Purchase or adoption fees range from $1,500 to $6,000+, depending on the breed and breeder quality.
• Starter supplies for large dogs are more expensive — larger crates, beds, and gear can total $500–$1,000 upfront.
• Desexing and vaccinations are more costly due to size and anaesthesia needs, typically $600–$1,200.
  
  

Ongoing Maintenance

• Food expenses are substantial — large dogs may eat 3–6 cups of food daily. Expect to spend $80–$150 per month on quality kibble or raw feeding.
• More frequent replacement of toys and bedding due to wear and tear from size and strength.
  
  

Grooming

Grooming needs depend on the breed:

• Short-coated dogs (like Great Danes or Boxers) may just need weekly brushing.
• Heavy-coated breeds (like Newfoundlands or Bernese Mountain Dogs) need regular brushing and professional grooming ($100–$150/session) every 6–8 weeks.
  
  

Veterinary Care

Medical costs are typically higher:

• Larger doses of medication, anaesthetic, and specialised equipment can increase routine and emergency costs.
• Breed-specific conditions such as hip dysplasia, bloat, or heart conditions are common and expensive to treat.
• Pet insurance tends to cost more ($60–$100/month for comprehensive plans).

Large dogs bring big love and presence, but also bigger expenses in nearly every category. They're best suited for families who can comfortably manage higher food, vet, and grooming bills — and who have the space and time to meet their needs.

Choosing the right large dog breed means finding a companion whose size, personality, and needs align with your lifestyle. If you're looking for a protective guardian, a loyal family companion, or an agile working partner, the right match can lead to years of joy, adventure, and deep companionship.

Before bringing home your new best friend, make sure to consider their exercise requirements, grooming needs, and potential health concerns. A well-informed choice not only improves your pet’s quality of life—it also strengthens the bond you’ll share.

With the right care, these large breeds can bring immense love and loyalty into your life.