In a world where smaller breeds often steal the spotlight, it’s time to put the spotlight on some of the most majestic and affectionate canine companions: large designer dog breeds. These gentle giants not only captivate with their size, but also with their unmatched charm and personality. From the regal Bernedoodle to the endearing Golden Malamute, these breeds seamlessly blend elegance with loyalty, making them irresistible additions to any family. Discover the unique qualities and heartwarming stories of seven large designer dog breeds that consistently capture hearts, proving that sometimes bigger really is better.
If you’re searching for a dog that’s as big in heart as it is in size, large designer dog breeds are the answer! These hybrid dogs combine the best qualities of two parent breeds to create the ultimate companion.
Whether you’re drawn to the charm, loyalty, or intelligence, these dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities. Large designer breeds are often a blend of beauty, brains, and versatility, making them ideal for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and those looking for a dog with a unique, one-of-a-kind appearance.
With their friendly nature, easy trainability, and distinctive traits, these dogs aren’t just pets—they’re family members waiting to bring joy, love, and a touch of glamour to your home. So, are you ready to meet these furry friends? Let’s get into it!
Large Designer Dog Breeds
1. Sheprador (Labrador Retriever + German Shepherd)
The Sheprador is a cross of two of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S., the German Shepherd and the Labrador Retriever. German Shepradors typically come in black, white, red, cream, blue, and grey. Their coat colors can be solid or feature a mix of these colors.
A Lab-Shepherd mix usually grows to medium or large size, typically weighing between 50 and 90 pounds. Shepradors are affectionate and loyal pets for family members of all ages.
However, due to their high energy levels, interactions with small children should be closely monitored to prevent accidental knockdowns.
German Shepradors are prone to weight gain. To keep them healthy, ensure they get at least one hour-long walk daily, along with several shorter walks.
Shepradors require ample exercise and companionship. If they become bored or lonely with excess energy, they are more likely to develop undesirable behaviors such as barking and chewing. According to PetMD, the best way to train Shepradors is through consistent, positive reinforcement, using rewards rather than punishment.
2. Saint Golden (Golden Retriever + Saint Bernard)
The Golden Saint is a mixed breed resulting from a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Saint Bernard. This cross is not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Since both parent breeds are working dogs, these large pups require plenty of outdoor activity. Fortunately, this obedient and eager-to-please canine is relatively easy to train, especially for those with experience.
A highly desirable trait of this breed is its gentle, sociable, and friendly nature. They form strong bonds with the entire family, eagerly engaging in playtime with children.
Their coat coloring can include yellow, black, chocolate, white, brindle, speckled, spotted, and merle. Their coats are typically thick and may have a wavy or straight texture, often resembling the fluffiness of a Saint Bernard with the shine of a Golden Retriever.
Their welcoming demeanor also makes them great with strangers, ensuring they respond well to visiting family and friends.
3. Boxer-Bernese Mix (Bernese Mountain Dog + Boxer)
The Boxer-Bernese Mix, also known as ‘Boxnese,’ is one of the sweetest and most loving nature dogs you’ll ever meet in your life.
The Boxnese typically stands between 22 and 26 inches tall and weighs between 60 and 100 pounds. Resembling a Boxer but with a sturdier build, this mix often features black, brown, and white markings common to both parent breeds.
The American Bull Dane’s best characteristics are its loyalty and intelligence, but it may not be ideal for first-time dog owners.
This strong-willed breed requires regular mental stimulation and exercise to prevent boredom and frustration. Additionally, they are prone to separation anxiety, making them better suited for owners who are home often or can bring their pups to work.
The Boxer-Bernese Mix may be susceptible to health problems like joint dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, gastric torsion, and other health issues.
4. Lab Corso (Cane Corso + Labrador Retriever)
The Labrador Corso is a strong working dog known for its loyalty and protective nature, making it an excellent guard dog.
While their temperament is typically affectionate, playful, and social, their personality can vary depending on which parent breed they take after most.
Since both the Labrador Retriever and Cane Corso are highly intelligent, the Labrador Corso inherits this trait as well. Despite their muscular build and broad chest, they are fun-loving dogs.
They need plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy, thriving best in homes with fenced yards, though they can adapt when necessary.
Labrador Corsos are generally not aggressive toward those they don’t perceive as a threat. However, they need proper training to distinguish threats and respond appropriately.
5. Irish Greyhound Mix (Irish Wolfhound + Greyhound)
The Irish Wolfhound Greyhound Mix is a hybrid breed created by crossing the noble Irish Wolfhound with the swift and graceful Greyhound.
These cross-breeding dogs are super intelligent and eager to please, making training relatively easy. They respond well to positive reinforcement and thrive on companionship and interaction with their human family.
The Irish Wolfhound-Greyhound mix has a low-maintenance coat with short and dense fur that requires minimal grooming due to low shedding. Occasional brushing helps remove loose hairs and keep their coat healthy.
The Irish Wolfhound Greyhound mix may be susceptible to certain health issues, including bloat, heart conditions, hip dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy.
With their gentle and affectionate nature, they make excellent family pets and devoted dogs.
6. Newfie Saint Mix (Newfoundland + Saint Bernard)
A Newfoundland-St. Bernard mix is a hybrid of two powerful working breeds, combining the strength, loyalty, and gentle nature of both the Newfoundland and the St. Bernard. This large, affectionate dog crossbreed makes an excellent family companion dog.
Newfoundland and St. Bernard mixes are relatively uncommon, but their popularity as companion animals is steadily growing. These gentle giants inherit the best traits from both breeds, making them affectionate, loyal, and excellent family pets.
As adults, they typically weigh between 110 and 165 pounds, making them a true gentle giant. Their big, square heads and expressive, soulful eyes can instantly melt your heart.
Add in their goofy, endearing smiles, and you’ll find yourself completely charmed—turning into a puddle of love at their feet!
Due to their large size, the Newfoundland-St. Bernard mix has high exercise needs. They require plenty of space to run, play, and stay active, making them best suited for homes with large yards or access to open areas.
7. Bull Dane (Bull Terrier + Great Dane)
The Great Dane Pitbull mix, inheriting the Great Dane’s notable size, grows into a large to extra-large dog.
These muscular dogs have a stocky build, rectangular heads, and short, smooth, dense coats that come in various colors and patterns.
Their sleek coats are low-maintenance and don’t need regular grooming. You can brush them weekly to keep the coat clean and healthy.
However, they are susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer. To protect their skin, they should be kept indoors or in the shade on sunny days and ideally wear dog-friendly sunscreen.
Adult Great Danebulls require at least 1–2 hours of daily exercise, including walks, playtime, and other physical activities to keep them healthy and engaged.
Conclusion
Large designer dog breeds offer the perfect blend of size, intelligence, and companionship, making them an excellent choice for families and active owners alike. Many popular designer dog breeds, such as the French Bulldog and Australian Shepherd, along with purebred dogs, can be selectively bred to create a loyal and genetically healthy companion. These energetic dogs often inherit desirable traits from both parents, making them excellent family dogs that thrive in various living situations.
While large designer breeds provide a unique mix of characteristics, there are also other mixed breed dogs to consider, such as the Cavachon (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise Mix), Pomsky (Pomeranian and Siberian Husky Mix), Yorkipoo (Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle Mix), Schnoodle (Miniature Schnauzer and Miniature Poodle Mix), Shih-Poo (Shih Tzu and Poodle Mix), Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever and Poodle Mix), Border Collie-Sheltie ( Border Collie and Shetland Sheepdog Mix), Docker (Dachshund and Cocker Spaniel Mix. Whether you’re looking for a protective guardian, a playful friend, or a devoted companion, large designer dog breeds offer an unbeatable combination of personality, trainability, and affection.
In conclusion, large designer dog breeds have an undeniable charm that captures the hearts of many. These breeds, known for their unique blend of genetics and personality traits, offer companionship that caters to diverse lifestyles. With their striking appearances, loyalty, and affectionate nature, they make wonderful additions to families and individuals alike. While they may require more space and care than smaller breeds, the love and joy they bring into a home are immeasurable. Ultimately, these majestic companions prove that even in the world of designer dogs, size doesn’t limit the capacity to love and be loved.