Across rugged landscapes and quiet farms, many large dog breeds developed as working partners rather than household companions; some remain common, while others are rarely seen outside their native regions. This list pulls together lesser-known giants so you can compare their histories, sizes and conservation status in one place.
There are 19 rare large dog breeds, ranging from Akbash Dog to Šarplaninac (Sarplaninac). For each entry you’ll find below the core data organized as Scientific name,Size (height cm / weight kg),Rarity so you can quickly scan origins, typical dimensions and how uncommon each breed is.
How different are care needs among rare large dog breeds?
Even within rare large breeds the basic needs are similar: consistent training, ample exercise, and space to move. Differences come from origin and purpose—livestock guardians need mental stimulation and socialization for guarding instincts, while sighthounds require room for high-speed runs—so adjust exercise, diet and training to each breed’s history and typical size.
Can I adopt a rare large dog breed if I’m a first-time owner?
Yes, but choose carefully: some rare large breeds are more independent or guarding-focused and suit experienced owners, while others are adaptable with patient training; research the specific breed’s temperament, exercise and grooming needs from the list below before deciding.
Rare Large Dog Breeds
| Name | Scientific name | Size (height cm / weight kg) | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tibetan Mastiff | Canis lupus familiaris | 66-76 cm / 45-72 kg | Very low international registrations; traditionally localized in Tibet |
| Kangal Shepherd Dog | Canis lupus familiaris (Kangal type) | 70-85 cm / 50-66 kg | Limited international registrations; mostly found in Turkey |
| Central Asian Shepherd Dog (Alabai) | Canis lupus familiaris (Central Asian Shepherd) | 65-75 cm / 40-79 kg | Limited outside Central Asia; low Western registrations |
| Caucasian Shepherd Dog (Ovcharka) | Canis lupus familiaris | 64-76 cm / 45-90+ kg | Low export history; limited registrations outside native Caucasus |
| Šarplaninac (Sarplaninac) | Canis lupus familiaris | 64-75 cm / 34-48 kg | Rare outside the Balkans; low international numbers |
| Karakachan Dog | Canis lupus familiaris | 60-70 cm / 30-60 kg | Very low registrations; native Bulgarian breed remains limited |
| Akbash Dog | Canis lupus familiaris | 71-86 cm / 34-54 kg | Limited geographic spread; rare in registries abroad |
| Tosa Inu | Canis lupus familiaris | 60-82 cm / 45-90 kg | Rare outside Japan; low numbers due to selective breeding and restrictions |
| Fila Brasileiro | Canis lupus familiaris | 60-75 cm / 40-65 kg | Low international numbers; banned/restricted in some countries |
| Perro de Presa Canario | Canis lupus familiaris | 55-65 cm / 30-60 kg | Rare globally; concentrated in the Canary Islands and select kennels |
| Dogo Argentino | Canis lupus familiaris | 60-69 cm / 35-45 kg | Restricted or banned in some countries; fewer global registrations |
| Neapolitan Mastiff | Canis lupus familiaris | 60-75 cm / 50-70 kg | Relatively low registrations compared with common breeds; geographically limited breeders |
| Leonberger | Canis lupus familiaris | 65-80 cm / 45-77 kg | Moderate-to-low registrations; limited breeding programs worldwide |
| Russian Black Terrier | Canis lupus familiaris | 65-72 cm / 45-60 kg | Rare outside Russia; limited international registrations |
| Spanish Mastiff | Canis lupus familiaris | 65-85 cm / 50-80 kg | Limited outside Spain; low registrations internationally |
| Estrela Mountain Dog | Canis lupus familiaris | 64-72 cm / 40-50 kg | Rare outside Portugal; low global numbers |
| Sloughi | Canis lupus familiaris | 55-70 cm / 18-25 kg | Rare outside North Africa; limited breed clubs internationally |
| Azawakh | Canis lupus familiaris | 61-74 cm / 15-25 kg | Rare globally; concentrated in Sahel region with few Western breeders |
| Boerboel | Canis lupus familiaris | 60-70 cm / 50-90 kg | Common in South Africa but rare in many other countries |
Images and Descriptions
Tibetan Mastiff
Ancient livestock guardian from the Tibetan Plateau, bred to guard flocks and property. Independent, territorial and protective, it needs experienced owners, space, and cold climate tolerance. Notable for its impressive mane and very limited, prized breeding lines outside native areas.
Kangal Shepherd Dog
A powerful Turkish livestock guardian famed for protecting sheep from predators. Calm with family but assertive with threats, the Kangal suits experienced owners who need a working guardian. Scarcity outside Turkey and strict regional breeding make it uncommon globally.
Central Asian Shepherd Dog (Alabai)
A tough, ancient guardian from Central Asia used for livestock and property protection. Independent and courageous, it requires firm leadership and ample space. Notable for regional concentration and few formal registrations in many countries, making it rare internationally.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog (Ovcharka)
Massive guardian from the Caucasus Mountains, bred to deter predators and intruders. Loyal and highly protective, suitable only for experienced handlers with secure property. Its regional roots and size limit widespread breeding, so it remains uncommon globally.
Šarplaninac (Sarplaninac)
Macedonian/Albanian mountain guardian used for flock protection. Steady, loyal and territorial, it needs early socialization and working outlets. Scarcity outside its native range and limited breed clubs keep it a rare large guardian breed.
Karakachan Dog
Bulgarian livestock guardian with centuries of flock-protection work. Independent, wary of strangers and devoted to flock and family, it requires experienced ownership. The small breeding population and local focus make the Karakachan uncommon internationally.
Akbash Dog
A white Turkish livestock guardian known for guarding flocks at night. Quiet, independent and protective, best for rural owners who need a working guardian. Minimal export and breeding outside Turkey keeps the Akbash uncommon globally.
Tosa Inu
Large Japanese fighting breed originally for dog combat and strong enough for heavy work. Reserved and dignified, needs firm, experienced handling and socialization. Regional breeding traditions and legal restrictions make the Tosa scarce internationally.
Fila Brasileiro
Powerful Brazilian guardian and big-game tracking dog, known for loyalty and “big-dog” temperament. Protective and often mistrustful of strangers, it needs experienced, consistent ownership. Legal restrictions and few breeders abroad keep it rare.
Perro de Presa Canario
Robust Canary Islands molosser used historically for livestock and property defense. Confident and territorial, requires socialization and firm leadership. Localized breeding and limited kennel club presence abroad make it an uncommon large breed.
Dogo Argentino
Argentinian big-game and hunting dog, courageous and energetic with strong prey drive. Affectionate with family but requires training and activity; not ideal for novice owners. Legal limits and focused breeding keep global numbers lower than common breeds.
Neapolitan Mastiff
Italian molosser bred for guarding and companionship; notable for loose skin and massive head. Calm, loyal, and protective, needs space and regular health management. Specialized breeding and lower demand make it less widespread.
Leonberger
Large German-origin companion and working dog created as a family guardian and draft dog. Gentle, sociable and good with families, but needs space and grooming. Small breeding populations and health-focused breeders keep it relatively uncommon.
Russian Black Terrier
Developed in the USSR as a military and guard dog, it’s confident, loyal and protective. Demands consistent training and activity, fitting experienced families or working roles. Few breeders outside Russia mean it’s uncommon globally.
Spanish Mastiff
Ancient Spanish flock guardian used against wolves and thieves. Calm and independent, excellent with livestock and family but needs space and purpose. Concentrated breeding in Spain and limited export keep it rare abroad.
Estrela Mountain Dog
Portuguese mountain guardian bred to protect flocks and property. Protective, loyal and sometimes aloof with strangers; needs socialization and outdoor space. Small national population and few international breeders maintain its rarity.
Sloughi
North African sighthound bred for coursing and hunting harsh desert game. Elegant, reserved and athletic, it needs exercise and gentle handling. Height meets large threshold; concentrated origins and few breeders make it uncommon globally.
Azawakh
Tall, slim West African sighthound used for hunting and guarding. Reserved with strangers, loyal to family and highly energetic, it suits active owners. Limited Western registrations and regional roots mean the breed remains rare.
Boerboel
South African mastiff bred for farm protection and big-game control. Confident, loyal and territorial, requires firm leadership and socialization. While common locally, restricted export and few foreign breeders make it uncommon internationally.
