Mastiff

Unlike what their name suggests, Great Danes originated in Germany, where they were initially bred mainly to hunt large prey. They are powerful, athletic dogs, but have calm, kind dispositions. These gentle giants are known as “couch potatoes” and are dependable, family-friendly dogs. Due to their size – they tend to weigh 100-200 lbs. when grown – Great Danes do best in larger living spaces, and are easy to train.

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a French breed, bred to guard, hunt, and fight. Early on, it was common to see the Dogue de Bordeaux guarding a wealthy Frenchman’s home, or dominating in the fighting ring. Today, these powerful dogs have loyal and affectionate personalities, and are considered “gentle giants.” They are patient and calm, do very well with children and have fairly low exercise requirements. The Dogue de Bordeaux is an excellent sweet-natured, companion who is eager to please and loves to be around his family.

Rottweilers were originally bred to be hard-working, protective dogs. These powerful dogs have incredibly strong jaws and excel at police work, herding, and watch-dogging, as well as obedience. Rotties are exceptionally smart, which makes them easily trainable, and they are usually very happy, goofy dogs. They tend to be protective of their families, but make loyal and affectionate pets. Rottweilers are large dogs, weighing in on average at around 100 lbs. fully grown, and are fairly active and like to exercise.

Bullmastiffs are one of those breeds known as “gentle giants.” Despite their size, these dogs are sweet-natured, calm and willing to please, making them excellent family pets and protectors. They are very intelligent and learn quickly. Bullmastiffs are not very active dogs and, despite growing to be up to 130 lbs. as adults, and can do well in an apartment as well as a larger space.

The Cane Corso is an intimidating breed at first glance, with a muscular body and large head. Corsi come from Italy, where they were employed largely as guard and hunting dogs because of their power, courage and willingness to work. A very intelligent breed, these dogs are easily trained and versatile, and at the same time are intensely loyal to their humans. Corsi are great with children, make excellent family pets and tend to be protective of their families. Despite the Cane Corso’s size and strength, Corsi have a medium energy level.

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a noble, astounding dog. This breed was originally bred in Italy and was commonly used as a guard dog, meant to deter intruders with its intimidating look and size. Quick to learn and excellent with their families and children, the Neapolitan Mastiff is protective and devoted, generally has a low energy level, and has abundant, hanging wrinkles and folds on its head. These dignified, powerful dogs weigh between 130 and 155 lbs. in adulthood, and thrive when given plenty of property to roam and defend.

Dogo Argentino is a large and powerful dog breed that originated from the Fighting Dogs of Cordoba. This breed is very loyal, but also tends to be very territorial. Dogo Argentino makes an excellent watchdog. They are powerful protectors of their human family, including the children. They are very independent-minded dogs, so they require experienced pet parents, who are capable to handle the proper training these pooches need. Dogo Argentino is well-known as a dog breed that does not welcome strangers and other dogs. They have high energy level, and they require lots of physical and mental exercises. That’s why early training and socialization are very important for them. Dogo Argentinos are very loyal to their human family and their young children; however, if there are visiting kids around, adult supervision is a must. This sporting dog’s size is about 23 to 27 inches, and the weight is about 80 to 100 pounds.

Tosa has been known in Japan for almost a 1000 years by now. He was bred as a fighting dog, so he’s probably not the best choice for an inexperienced owner. This breed is normally a well-mannered and peaceful dog for his family, but it has already shown aggression towards other dogs in some cases. He is reserved with strangers, but not necessarily aggressive to people. This breed is definitely a fearless protector and guardian dog. Tosa can behave well with small children if he gets very early training and socialization, but rough play should be avoided because of his fighting instincts. Tosa is intelligent and very easy to be trained. He has a low energy level. The average weight of this breed is 100 to 200 pounds, and its size is about 22 to 24 inches.