Certain things come to mind when you think of giant dog breeds: strong protectors, gentle giants — or perhaps drooling experts. But how much do you really know about the massive members of this canine class?
For example, could you tell different types of Mastiff apart, or identify where your favorite giant breed comes from? Test your knowledge with our quiz below.
The Big Dog Challenge

Sally Ann Thompson, Animal Photography | Ron Wilbie, Animal Photography | Eva Maria Kramer, Animal Photography
Question: Which of these
dogs is a Neapolitan Mastiff?
Left
Center
Right
Click to the next slide for the answers.

Ron Wilbie, Animal Photography
Answer: The Neapolitan Mastiff is in the center and known for his huge size, wrinkles and drool. The breed on the left is the Tibetan Mastiff, and on the right is the Cane Corso, or Italian Mastiff.

Karin Newstrom, Animal Photography
Question: True or false: The Great Dane is not suitable for apartment living.

Eva Maria Kramer, Animal Photography
Answer: False. The
Great Dane is of formidable size, but his (usually) calm nature can make him a good candidate
for apartment living. (Just keep in mind, if you have to climb a few flights of stairs to reach your apartment, that can become problematic if your dog faces any injuries or mobility issues.)

Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography | Sam Clark, Animal Photography | Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography
Question: Which of these large breeds tends to be tallest at the shoulder, according to breed standards?
Irish Wolfhound
Newfoundland
Bernese Mountain Dog

Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography
Answer: The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest and can measure 30 to 35 inches. The Newfoundland can be 26 to 28 inches, while the Bernese Mountain Dog measures 23 to 27.5 inches.

Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography
Question: True or false: The Saint Bernard was used by monks to find and rescue lost travelers in the Swiss Alps.

iStockphoto
Answer: True. The Saint Bernard is known for saving stranded travelers in the Alps, although he never regularly wore the miniature brandy keg around his neck that artists depicted him wearing.

Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography
Question: Which of these weight ranges is correct for the Mastiff?
80 to 120 pounds
120 to 230 pounds
230 to 290 pounds

Ron Wilbie, Animal Photography
Answer: The Mastiff, known as a gentle giant, ranges from 120 to 230 pounds.

Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography
Question: The Leonberger, who has a lion-like appearance and tends to be a sweet dog, originated in which country?
Sweden
England
Germany

Lee Feldstein, Animal Photography
Answer: The Leonberger was invented in Germany in the Victorian era by Heinrich Essig of Leonberg, and was popular with celebrities and wealthy people at the time.

Animal Photography
Question: The Great Pyrenees is a member of which American Kennel Club group?
Working Group
Sporting Group
Herding Group

Sam Clark, Animal Photography
Answer: This beauty is a member of the Working Group. The Great Pyrenees was once known as the royal dog of France and got his start guarding sheep from predators like wolves and bears.
More on Vetstreet:
- 5 Giant Breeds This Vet Loves
- Find the Best Dog or Cat Breed for You
- 9 Large Dogs That Can be Good for Families
- 7 Myths You Shouldn’t Believe About Big Dogs
- Weird Questions Owners of Big Dogs Get All the Time