Top 7 Dog Breeds with Big Heads [With Pictures!]

Did you know that there are almost 400 officially recognized dog breeds in the world? With so many different breeds it can be difficult to find one that has the specific characteristic that you’re looking for.

Today, we’re going to take a closer look at the top 7 dog breeds with the biggest heads.

1. Dogue De Bordeaux

The Dogue De Bordeaux is a large dog that originates from France. In fact, these dogs were around before France was even officially called “France”. Their most recognizable characteristics are their huge head, strong build, and short fawn-colored coat. According to the American Kennel Club, the Dogue De Bordeaux proportionally has the largest head in the entire canine kingdom!

This breed is very loyal, protective, and affectionate towards its owners. They’re well suited for these traits because of their large size and immense power. Males can grow to a size of up to 27 inches and weigh as much as 110 pounds.

Breed overview

Group	Working Dog
Height	23 to 27 inches
Weight	99 to 110 pounds
Coat	Short
Life Expectancy	5 to 8 years
Traits	Protective, loyal, affectionate, strong

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2. English Mastiff

The English Mastiff is #2 on the list of dogs breeds with large heads. The English Mastiff not only has a massive head, but it’s also a massive dog in general. It’s the heaviest of all the dog breeds and the heaviest English Mastiff in history weighed in at an impressive 343 pounds. The breed has a strong, muscular body covered with a short double coat. Males stand at a minimum height of 30 inches while females are slightly smaller.

The English Mastiff might be a big, heavy dog with a big head, but don’t let that intimidate you. They’re often described as docile, loyal, patient, and dignified but can also be formidable protectors for their owners.

Breed overview

Group	Working dog
Height	27.5″ & up (female) 30″ & up (male)
Weight	120-230 pounds
Coat	Short double coat
Life expectancy	6 to 10 years
Traits	Patient, docile, loyal, strong

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3. Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is next up on our list of dogs with big heads. This breed has a long history and its ancestors were actually used during wars by the Roman legions!

The Rottweiler is a medium/large breed but has a relatively big head for its body. In fact, having a big head is a trait that’s very sought after among rottweiler owners. The trait is so in demand that some people actually try to make their Rottweiler’s head bigger. Of course, the size of a dog’s head is largely determined by genetics, so there’s no way to make the head of a dog grow bigger than its genes tell it to be.

The Rottweiler is very strong and can be quite territorial. It’s essential that you raise and socialize a Rottweiler properly to ensure that they’re well trained. A well-trained Rottweiler will be calm, confident, and courageous while not being unnecessarily aggressive.

Breed overview

Group	Working Dog
Height	24-27″ (male) | 22-25″ (female)
Weight	80-135 pounds
Coat	medium-short
Life expectancy	6 to 10 years
Traits	Territorial, strong, confident, courageous

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4. Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan Mastiff is native to Asia, more specifically the areas around Tibet, Nepal, and China. It was officially recognized as a breed by the AKC in 2006. It’s a big, hairy dog with a fittingly large head. They can grow to a size of over 26 inches and weigh over 150 pounds. The breed is often described as powerful, muscular, or massive. However, while they’re definitely big dogs they’re surprisingly agile.

The Tibetan Mastiff is watchful, aloof, and quite imposing for intruders. They’re excellent guard dogs that are chill and calm around the house but territorial with strangers.

The Tibetan mastiff’s head is big but is made to look even bigger because of its coat which looks like a lion’s mane around its head.

Breed overview

Group	Working Dog
Height	24″+ (female) | 26″+ (male)
Weight	70-150 pounds
Coat	Medium
Life expectancy	10 to 12 years
Traits	Aloof, watchful, territorial, strong

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5. Newfoundland

The list of dogs with large heads would not be complete without the Newfoundland. The Newfoundland is a huge dog with an average height of 28 inches for males and 26 inches for females. In addition, they weigh an impressive 100-150 pounds. Their large bodies are complemented by their majestic big heads which have a soft and soulful expression.

The Newfoundland is native to Canada where they were used as shipboard working dogs. They were often used in water rescues because these dogs are excellent swimmers due to their partly webbed feet. They are such good swimmers and so strong that they’re capable of saving a fully grown man from drowning.

This breed is sweet-tempered and a great companion. They get along very well with children, other dogs, strangers, and other pets. On the whole, they’re a very open and loving breed but they can also be vigilant and protective when needed.

Breed overview

Group	Working Dog
Height	26 inches (female) | 28 inches (male)
Weight	100-150 pounds
Coat	Medium length double coat
Life expectancy	9 to 10 years
Traits	Sweet, loving, gentle, devoted, patient

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6. Saint Bernard

The Saint Bernard is a big, inquisitive, playful dog. Their massive size makes them one of the biggest dog breeds in the world. Males stand at a size of 28 to 30 inches while females are slightly smaller at 26 to 28 inches. They weigh an impressive 120-180 pounds and can have a short or long coat.

The Saint Bernard is native to the alps where they were used to rescue pilgrims who were buried under the snow by avalanches. There’s an interesting myth that the dogs carried a cask of brandy around their neck to give to rescued pilgrims but this myth has been busted.

This breed might be big, but they’re truly gentle giants. They get along very well with children and are very lovey-dovey with their owners. Do be careful that these breeds have a tendency to drool a LOT!

Breed overview

Group	Working dog
Height	26 to 30 inches
Weight	120 to 180 pounds
Coat	Short or long double coat
Life expectancy	8 to 10 years
Traits	Inquisitive, playful, charming, gentle

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7. Caucasian Shepherd

The last entry in this list of big-headed dogs is the Caucasian Shepherd. This breed is native to the Caucasus mountain range in Eastern Europe.

They’re usually around 23 to 30 inches in height and weigh between 100 and 170 pounds. They have a medium-length double which can be gray, fawn, tan, pied, brindle, and white.

The breed might look intimidating due to its large size but they’re actually very soft, kind, and affectionate with their owners and their family. They’re also great with other family pets. However, when a threat presents itself these dogs will not hesitate to defend themselves and their family. They’re bold, fearless, confident, and fierce.

There are 2 types of this breed: the mountain type and the steppe type. You can tell them apart by their coat and body mass. The mountain type has a heavier body and a longer coat.

Breed overview

Group	Foundation Stock Service
Height	23 to 30 inches
Weight	100 to 170 pounds
Coat	Medium length double coat
Life expectancy	10 to 12 years
Traits	Bold, fearless, confident, fierce, devoted, serious