There’s no denying that all breeds of dogs have their own unique set of features which make them special and lovable. Some are small and dainty, while others are big and muscular. And then some have more brawn than brains but are still incredibly loving pets. No matter what size or shape they come in, we indeed love them all for being the puptastically adorable creatures they are.
When it comes to big, burly dogs, there’s no denying that they pack a serious punch of muscle. These massive, muscle-bound breeds will make a pawsome addition to any home. But which breeds reign supreme when it comes to brawn? We’ve rounded up the top dogs with the most muscle, so you can see for yourself which ones take the cake.
1. Rottweilers
- Height: 24-27 inches
- Weight: 95 to 135 pounds
- Coat: Smooth
- Color: Black & Mahogany, Black & Rust, Black & Tan
- Life Expectancy: 9 to 10 years
- Temperament: Calm, confident, and courageous
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: $1,500 – $4,000
- Origin: Germany
Rottweilers are large, muscular, and have big, round heads with floppy ears. They’re also born with a long tail, which breeders dock while they’re just a few days old.
Rottweilers are a type of herding dog originally bred in Rottweil, Germany, during the 2nd century. They were used by Roman legions to herd livestock and later by butchers to carry money to market. Because of their strength and size, people also used them to pull carts.
Today, Rottweilers are still widely considered to be one of the best breed dogs for protection and guarding. They are also loyal and loving companions, making them the perfect family pet.
Rottweilers are loyal and protective by nature. They make great guard dogs and are often used by law enforcement and the military. They excel at obedience and agility trials and make great therapy dogs.
However, these dogs need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. A daily walk or run is a must for this high-energy breed.
2. American Pitbull Terrier
- Height: 17-19 inches
- Weight: 55 to 70 pounds
- Coat: Smooth
- Color: Black, Blue and Red
- Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
- Temperament: Fun-loving, gentle, patient and can be aggressive sometimes
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: $500 – $1,000
- Origin: America
Pitbulls are often seen as aggressive dogs, but this isn’t always the case. American Pitbulls are very gentle and loving dogs. They are great with children and make loyal, protective companions.
Initially bred in England in 1800, Pitbulls were used for bull-baiting, a popular sport at the time. When bull-baiting was outlawed, the popularity of Pitbulls decreased.
Today, American Pitbulls are still popular dogs. They are often used in dog sports, such as weight-pulling and agility competitions. They are also popular family pets.
3. Dogo Argentino
- Height: 24–27 inches
- Weight: 88 to 100 pounds
- Coat: Short, plain and smooth
- Color: White
- Life Expectancy: 10–15 years
- Temperament: Friendly, willful, outgoing and playful
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: $1,500 – $2,500
- Origin: Argentina
Dogo Argentino dogs are a large and powerful breed of dog that was originally bred in Argentina for the purpose of hunting large game. The Dogo Argentino is a descendant of the extinct Argentine mastiff and is considered one of the most versatile and athletic dog breeds in the world.
Dogo Argentino dogs are known for their strength, courage, and loyalty and are often used as working dogs in various roles such as police work, search and rescue, drug detection, and military service.
Dogo Argentinos are intelligent and trainable but can also be stubborn and headstrong. They need plenty of exercise and socialization to be happy and well-behaved.
4. Doberman Pinscher
- Height: 24-28 inches
- Weight: 75 to 100 pounds
- Coat: Short, sleek and shiny coat
- Color: Black, dark red, blue or fawn with rust-colored markings on the face, body and tail
- Life Expectancy: 10 – 13 years
- Temperament: Intelligent, learn easily, and respond quickly
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: $1,500 – $2,500
- Origin: Germany
Doberman Pinscher dogs are known for their loyalty, obedience and fearlessness. But there’s more to these furry friends than meets the eye.
Dobermans are bred as working dogs and were originally used as guard dogs, police dogs and military dogs. Today, they’re still used in law enforcement and security, but they’ve also become popular family pets.
These athletic, intelligent and energetic dogs need plenty of exercise and stimulation. They’re not the best breed for first-time dog owners or people who live a sedentary lifestyle. But a Doberman could be the perfect dog for you if you’re looking for an active, loving and protective companion.
5. Cane Corso
- Height: 23–28 inches
- Weight: 90 to 110 pounds
- Coat: Short stiff coat
- Color: Black, gray, fawn and red
- Life Expectancy: 9–12 years
- Temperament: Intelligent, loyal, eager to please, and versatile
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: $1,500 – $2,500
- Origin: Ancient Rome
Cane Corso is a large Italian Molosser, the primary type of dog used for personal protection and property defence in Italy. The name derives from the Latin word “cohors”, meaning “protector” or “defender”. They have been known by many other names, including the Italian Corso Dogge, Corsican Dog, and the French Corsin. It is a descendant of the ancient Roman Molossus and was used by invading armies to great effect.
Cane Corsos are large, powerful dogs. They can weigh up to 110 pounds. And they are built for work, with strong muscles and a thick coat of fur. But don’t let their size and strength intimidate you. Cane Corsos are gentle giants. They are loyal and loving companions.
6. Rhodesian Ridgebacks
- Height: 25–27 inches
- Weight: 80–85 pounds
- Coat: Short and smooth
- Color: Light wheaten and red wheaten
- Life Expectancy: 10–12 years
- Temperament: Quiet, gentle and rarely barks
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: $1,700 – $2,500
- Origin: Zimbabwe
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are a large, muscular breed known for their unique ridge of hair running down their back. Originally bred in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), they were used for hunting and tracking lions. Today, they make great family pets and are loyal companions.
Ridgebacks are intelligent and independent yet loving and affectionate with their families. They need plenty of exercise and space to run but are just as happy lounging around the house. They can be stubborn sometimes, but with patience and consistency, they will learn what you expect from them.
If you’re looking for a big dog with an even bigger personality, the Rhodesian Ridgeback might be the perfect breed!
7. American Staffordshire Terrier
- Height: 17-19 inches
- Weight: 45 to 70 pounds
- Coat: Short and stiff
- Color: Brindle, Fawn, Brown, Blue, and Black
- Life Expectancy: 12 years
- Temperament: Smart, confident and good-natured companions
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: $1500 -$3,000
- Origin: America
American Staffordshire Terrier is a strong, loyal and energetic dog breed. They are often nicknamed “Amstaffs” and are known for their loving and protective nature.
They were bred in the United States in the late 1800s from a cross between English Bulldog and English White Terrier. The resulting breed was smaller than the Bulldog and had a more refined head. The breed became popular among farmers and ranchers who used them as working dogs on their properties.
Today, American Staffordshire Terrier is still a popular family pet thanks to its loving personality and reputation as a great watchdog. They are also widely used in law enforcement and military work due to their courageous nature and high intelligence.
8. French Bulldog
- Height: 11- 13 inches
- Weight: 16-28 pounds
- Coat: Short and single coat
- Color: Brindle & White, Black, Fawn, Cream , and Brown
- Life Expectancy: 12 years
- Temperament: Bright, alert, and adaptable
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: $1,500 – $3,000
- Origin: France and England
French Bulldog dogs are small, muscular, and stocky. They have short legs and a large head, and their coat is short and smooth. These dogs come in many different colours, but brindle, fawn, and black are the most popular. French Bulldogs are gentle and loving dogs and are great with children and other pets.
They do not need a lot of exercises, but they enjoy playing fetch and going for walks. French Bulldogs originated in France in the 1800s. They were bred to be smaller versions of English Bulldogs. French Bulldogs were originally used as ratters in factories and shops. But soon, they became popular pets among the upper class in France.
9. Boxers
- Height: 20-25 inches
- Weight: 65 to 80 pounds
- Coat: Short
- Color: White, Brindle and Fawn
- Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
- Temperament: Bright, Friendly, Devoted, Intelligent, Energetic, Cheerful, Loyal, Fearless, Confident, Playful, Calm and Brave
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: $1,000 – $3,500
- Origin: Germany
Boxer dogs are a popular breed known for their loyalty, playful personality, and protective nature. Originally bred in Germany, Boxers were used as working dogs on farms and later as guard and police dogs.
The first Boxer club was formed in 1895, and the German Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1904. Boxers were brought to United States in the early 1900s and became popular as working dogs and family pets. Today, Boxers are still used as police and military dogs and service animals for the disabled. They are also popular companions for families with children.
Boxers are medium to large-sized dogs with short, smooth coats. They are muscular and have a square-shaped head with short muzzles. Their eyes are round, and their ears are floppy.
10. American Bully
- Height: 17-20 inches
- Weight: 44–132 pounds
- Coat: Short and Smooth
- Color: Black, Tan, Grey, Brown, Blue, White, Fawn, and Red
- Life Expectancy: 8-13 years
- Temperament: Calm, confident, and courageous
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: $2,000 – $10,000
- Origin: United States
American Bully is a relatively new dog breed developed in the United States in 1990s. The breed is a cross between American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier. The resulting offspring were bred for several generations to produce a dog with the physical appearance of a Pit Bull but a gentler temperament.
Several kennel clubs now recognize American Bully as a separate breed, and it has become increasingly popular in recent years.
American Bully is a muscular and athletic dog with a short, smooth coat that comes in various colors. The breed is intelligent and eager to please, making them great companions and family pets.