Discover the Top 10 Largest Shepherd Dog Breeds

Shepherd dog breeds have a rich and varied history that spans centuries. Originally bred to herd and guard livestock, these working dogs have adapted brilliantly to various roles in modern society. They excel in police and military work, service and therapy roles, and of course, as loyal and loving family pets.

Regardless of their origins, shepherd breeds share some common characteristics. They are generally intelligent, adaptable, and responsive, making them effective workers and fantastic learners. Their agility and stamina allow them to excel in physically demanding roles, while their alertness and protective natures make them ideal guardians. Shepherd breeds are typically medium to large dogs with powerful, athletic builds. Read on to discover the top 10 largest shepherd dog breeds and learn more about these incredible dogs.

10. Finnish Lapphund

Finnish Lapphunds originated in Lapland, a region north of the Arctic Circle that includes parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. The Finnish Lapphund’s primary role was to assist the indigenous Sami, or Lapp, people in hunting, and later herding, reindeer. While some dogs still perform their traditional duties today, many have transitioned into companion animals due to their friendly temperament and adaptability.

These dogs have a robust build, well-suited for the harsh Arctic conditions in which they were bred. They typically weigh between 33-53 pounds. The males stand about 18-21 inches tall, with females reaching 16-19 inches at the shoulder. Their thick, dense double coat is most commonly black with tan markings and protects them from the frigid Lapland winters. Like many Nordic dogs, their fluffy tails curve over their backs. Finnish Lapphunds have expressive, almond-shaped eyes and pricked ears that give them a keen, alert expression.

Finnish Lapphunds are known for their friendly, gentle, and patient demeanor, but they can be wary around strangers. They are affectionate with people and good with children, making them excellent family pets. Despite their working background, they are remarkably adaptable and do well in various environments, provided they receive adequate exercise. These intelligent dogs are eager to please and respond well to positive training methods.

9. Australian Shepherd

The Australian shepherd, often known as the “Aussie,” is a breed that combines versatility, intelligence, and beauty. Despite its name, the breed descends from herding dogs of the indigenous Basque people who lived in the region between Spain and France. The breed was further developed in the western United States in the 19th century to meet the demands of ranching and herding livestock in challenging terrain.

The Australian shepherd has a stocky but agile build, designed for endurance and speed. Males typically weigh between 50-65 pounds, while females weigh 40-55 pounds. They stand about 20-23 inches tall at the shoulder, with females reaching between 18-21 inches. One of their most striking features is their thick, medium-length, water-resistant coat. It can be several colors, including blue merle, red merle, black, and red, often with white or tan markings. Their eyes can also be various colors, including brown, blue, hazel, green, or amber, adding to their charm.

Aussies have a keen, intelligent, eager-to-please demeanor, and they are exceptionally good with children. They are highly trainable and adaptable, making them suitable for various roles beyond herding. However, their high energy and intelligence require regular mental and physical stimulation. They thrive in active households and excel in activities like agility, obedience, and flyball. Their versatility, coupled with their loyal and friendly nature, ensures their continued popularity as both working dogs and pets.

8. Dutch Shepherd

The Dutch shepherd originated in the Netherlands as a reliable, all-around farm dog. Dutch shepherds were originally bred to perform a wide range of duties, including herding sheep and cows, guarding homes and properties, and even assisting in pulling dairy carts. In the modern era, Dutch shepherds have transitioned from their farming origins to various roles in the military and law enforcement.

Dutch shepherds have powerful, athletic builds, boasting impressive strength and endurance. They typically weigh from 42-75 pounds and stand about 21.5-24.5 inches tall at the shoulder. The breed is recognizable by its distinctive brindle coat, which can be short, long, or rough, depending on the individual. Their expressive eyes, coupled with their pricked ears, give them a sharp, alert countenance.

These dogs are known for their loyal, reliable, and obedient nature. They are highly trainable, eager to please, and form strong bonds with their families. Their intelligence and adaptability allow them to excel in a variety of tasks and adapt to different living conditions. However, they are an active breed and require regular mental and physical stimulation.

7. Belgian Shepherd

“Belgian shepherd” can actually refer to any of four breeds named after places in Belgium, including the Groenendael, the Malinois, the Tervuren, and the Laekenois. The dogs are anatomically the same, differing only in terms of their coats. This section focuses on the Groenendael dog breed, typically referred to as the Belgian sheepdog in the U.S. This breed has a rich history as a guardian, making it an excellent police and military dog.

The Belgian sheepdog is characterized by its athletic build, designed for agility and endurance. Males typically weigh 55-75 pounds and stand 24-26 inches tall. Females are slightly smaller, weighing 45-60 pounds and reaching 22-24 inches tall. A defining feature of the Belgian sheepdog is its dense, black, medium-length, double coat, offering protection against harsh weather. The breed is known for its alert and intelligent expression, with dark brown, almond-shaped eyes and erect ears.

Belgian sheepdogs have lively and attentive personalities. They are highly trainable and have a strong desire to work alongside their human companions. This quality makes them great workers and loyal and affectionate family members. However, their energetic nature and high intelligence require regular physical and mental stimulation to keep them content and well-behaved.

6. German Shepherd

The German shepherd is known worldwide for its intelligence, versatility, and steadfast loyalty. Developed in Germany in the late 19th century, they were originally bred for herding and protecting sheep. Today, German shepherds have transitioned from their herding and guarding roots to a wide variety of roles in law enforcement, the military, and as service dogs.

The German shepherd has a muscular build specifically designed for agility and endurance. Males typically weigh between 65-90 pounds and stand 24-26 inches tall at the shoulder. Females are also large at 50-70 pounds and 22-24 inches tall. Its medium-length double coat, which can range in colors from black and tan to sable, offers protection against harsh weather conditions. German shepherds have perked ears and almond eyes, and they are well known for their expressive faces.

German shepherds are also known for their confident, yet eager-to-please personalities. They are very protective and form strong bonds with their families. They are especially good with children. German shepherds are highly trainable and can learn many commands, but this energetic breed requires regular physical and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and potential behavioral issues. They also excel in various canine competitions, such as obedience, agility, and herding trials.

5. Old English Sheepdog

The Old English sheepdog is renowned for its distinctive shaggy coat, adaptability, and kindly nature. Originating in the west of England during the 19th century, the breed initially served as a robust herding dog, driving cattle and sheep to market. Their resilience and herding instincts made them an invaluable asset to farmers, while others cherished them as watchdogs because of their protective instincts.

Old English sheepdogs are large, muscular dogs, typically weighing between 60-100 pounds. The males tend to be slightly taller, standing 22 inches and up, while females stand 21 inches and up. The sheepdog’s shaggy double coat is one of its defining traits. Their coat is usually grey or blue with white markings, often covering their face and eyes. Their shuffling gait gives them a bear-like demeanor, but despite their size, they are surprisingly agile.

Old English sheepdogs are social and affectionate with their human families. They are playful and patient, which makes them great companions for children. Despite their generally laid-back demeanor, they require regular physical and mental stimulation to remain healthy. They also perform well in various canine sports and competitions, showcasing their intelligence and versatility.

4. Central Asian Shepherd

Central Asian shepherds are believed to be one of the oldest groups of dogs, utilized as guardians and protectors in Central Asia for over 5,000 years. The original purpose of the Central Asian shepherd was to protect both humans and livestock from predators in the rugged terrain of Central Asia. Unlike most breeds, their lineage is the result of natural selection rather than human-directed breeding. The breed was first standardized by the Soviet Union in the 1920s.

Central Asian shepherds have strong, powerful builds that reflect their history as livestock guardians. They typically weigh a minimum of 88-110 pounds and stand at least 25.5-27.5 inches tall, with males being more massive and having larger heads. Their coats, which can be short or moderately long, may be various colors, including white, black, grey, and brindle. The breed’s balanced physique, cropped ears, and expressive, confident gaze are distinguishing features.

Central Asian shepherds are known for their independence, fearlessness, confidence, and protectiveness. They are loyal to their families but are cautious and reserved toward strangers. Despite their self-reliance, they are trainable with consistent, firm guidance. Their protective nature and ability to bond with their humans make them good pets, provided they have owners who understand and respect their instincts.

3. East-European Shepherd

The East-European shepherd, also known as the Vostochno Evropeiskaya Ovcharka, was developed in the Soviet Union in the mid-20th century, primarily for military purposes. The goal of the breeding program was to adapt the German shepherd breed to the extremely harsh Soviet winters. Today, East-European shepherds continue to serve as working dogs in various roles, including police and military. While common in former Soviet countries, they are very rare in North America.

East-European shepherds are much larger than their German shepherd ancestors. Males typically weigh between 77-132 pounds and stand 26-30 inches at the shoulder, while females weigh between 66-110 pounds and reach about 24-28 inches in height. They have long, muscular bodies built for endurance and agility. Their thick double coat, commonly black and tan or sable, offers protection against harsh climatic conditions. Their alert, bright eyes and erect ears give them an intelligent and observant expression.

These dogs are known for their calm, yet alert personalities. They are highly trainable and have a strong desire to work. They are loyal and protective, forming strong bonds with their handlers, but early socialization is crucial. Their energetic nature and keen intelligence require regular physical and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and behavioral issues.

2. Anatolian Shepherd

The Anatolian shepherd is another breed that boasts a long history, possibly even as far back as the Bronze Age 6,000 years ago. Originating in the rugged landscapes of Turkey, breeders developed this breed for the daunting task of safeguarding flocks from formidable predators such as wolves and bears. Their vigilance, courage, and adaptability made them invaluable protectors in the harsh Anatolian Plateau.

You can recognize this breed by its sturdy and rugged appearance, expressive eyes, and high-set, dropped ears. The males typically weigh between 110-150 pounds and stand about 29 inches tall. Females average 80-120 pounds and stand 27 inches tall. A thick neck and a broad head complement their muscular frames, yet they are surprisingly nimble. Their dense double coats, which can range from short to rough, can be various colors, including white, fawn, and brindle.

Anatolian shepherds have reserved, territorial, and independent temperaments. However, they are exceptionally loyal to their families and flocks. These dogs are very protective and tend to be wary of strangers. Their aloof demeanor masks an intelligent and quick-thinking nature. While their protective instincts remain intact, they have also adapted to life as family pets. However, their independence requires firm and consistent training, making them a better fit for experienced dog owners.

1. Caucasian Shepherd

The Caucasian shepherd, also known as the Caucasian Ovcharka, is a powerful and imposing breed known for its unparalleled guarding abilities. With a history that spans thousands of years, this breed came to be to protect livestock in the challenging terrains of the Caucasus Mountains. Caucasian shepherds are believed to be the large molossoid dogs used by the Armenian army in the first century B.C. Today, these dogs still serve as guardians for families and property.

The Caucasian shepherd is a giant breed, with males typically weighing between 110-220 pounds and standing about 25-30 inches tall. Females generally weigh between 99-155 pounds and stand 24-28 inches at the shoulder. They possess a broad, muscular build, with males having bigger heads and more massive bodies. Their thick, heavy double coat may be fawn, grey, and brindle, and protects them against the harsh climates of their native regions. The breed’s bear-like appearance and deep-set, expressive eyes are recognizable characteristics.

Caucasian shepherds are protective, confident, independent, and reserved. However, they are devoted to their families and are vigilant in their defense. Like most guard dogs, they are wary of strangers. Their self-confidence requires firm training and socialization, making them better suited to experienced dog owners. While they are low-energy dogs, they still require regular exercise and should be taken on daily walks.