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15 Long Legged Dog Breeds With Big Hearts

By Top Dog Site Editorial Team · Published 2026-08-24

Adult German Shepherd standing outdoors

The practical question behind 15 Long Legged Dog Breeds With Big Hearts is not which dog wins a ranking. It is which candidates genuinely share the named trait, and what an owner gives up in exchange. Here, large guides the selection.

Breed tendencies narrow a search; they do not predict an individual dog. Health, age, upbringing and the match between breeder or rescue placement and household remain decisive.

Quick comparison

Breed or typeSizeEnergyCoat careWhy it is here
Bullmastiffgiantlowlowlarge; estate guarding with quiet physical presence
Irish Setterlargevery highhighlarge; wide-ranging bird work
Bearded Collielargevery highvery highlarge; Scottish livestock herding
Cane Corsogiantmediumlowlarge; farm guarding and property protection
Borzoigiantmediumhighlarge; Russian wolf coursing
Canadian Eskimo Doglargevery highhighlarge; Arctic hauling and hunting
Smooth Collielargemediumlowlarge; flock work and companionship
Giant Schnauzerlargehighhighlarge; cattle driving and property guarding
Black and Tan Coonhoundlargehighlowlarge; night scent trailing and treeing
Samoyedlargehighvery highlarge; Siberian herding, hauling and companionship
Old English Sheepdoglargehighvery highlarge; droving livestock
German Shepherd Doglargehighmoderatelarge; versatile herding, service and protection work
Rottweilerlargemediumlowlarge; driving livestock and guarding property
Weimaranerlargevery highlowlarge; versatile pointing and tracking
Newfoundlandgiantmediumhighlarge; water rescue and draft work

1. Bullmastiff

For the question behind 15 Long Legged Dog Breeds With Big Hearts, Bullmastiff stands out for large. Bullmastiff was shaped for estate guarding with quiet physical presence. Day to day, it usually needs less endurance work than lighter guardian breeds. Expect low exercise demand and low coat maintenance as a starting point, then adjust for the individual dog's age and health. The trade-off is clear: drool, heat sensitivity and immense leverage still create management work. Meet the individual dog, ask about health testing and temperament, and judge whether that compromise fits the household rather than choosing on the label alone.

2. Irish Setter

15 Long Legged Dog Breeds With Big Hearts needs more than a list of attractive names. Irish Setter is relevant here because of its large background. Irish Setter was shaped for wide-ranging bird work. In a household, the practical result is a dog that stays playful and active well beyond puppyhood. Expect very high exercise demand and high coat maintenance as a starting point, then adjust for the individual dog's age and health. The trade-off is clear: slow maturity and daily running needs can exhaust casual owners. Meet the individual dog, ask about health testing and temperament, and judge whether that compromise fits the household rather than choosing on the label alone.

3. Bearded Collie

The case for including Bearded Collie in 15 Long Legged Dog Breeds With Big Hearts rests on large, along with the way the breed was developed to work. Bearded Collie was shaped for Scottish livestock herding. Day to day, it is bouncy, social and built for long working days. Expect very high exercise demand and very high coat maintenance as a starting point, then adjust for the individual dog's age and health. The trade-off is clear: coat and exercise needs are substantial. Meet the individual dog, ask about health testing and temperament, and judge whether that compromise fits the household rather than choosing on the label alone.

4. Cane Corso

For the question behind 15 Long Legged Dog Breeds With Big Hearts, Cane Corso stands out for large. Cane Corso was shaped for farm guarding and property protection. The work behind the breed still shows up at home: it tends to watch first and act deliberately when well bred. Expect medium exercise demand and low coat maintenance as a starting point, then adjust for the individual dog's age and health. The trade-off is clear: size, territorial instinct and dog selectivity are difficult for beginners. Meet the individual dog, ask about health testing and temperament, and judge whether that compromise fits the household rather than choosing on the label alone.

5. Borzoi

For the question behind 15 Long Legged Dog Breeds With Big Hearts, Borzoi stands out for large. Borzoi was shaped for Russian wolf coursing. Day to day, it is usually quiet at home after safe running exercise. Expect medium exercise demand and high coat maintenance as a starting point, then adjust for the individual dog's age and health. The trade-off is clear: independence and pursuit instinct make off-leash freedom risky. Meet the individual dog, ask about health testing and temperament, and judge whether that compromise fits the household rather than choosing on the label alone.

6. Canadian Eskimo Dog

The case for including Canadian Eskimo Dog in 15 Long Legged Dog Breeds With Big Hearts rests on large, along with the way the breed was developed to work. Canadian Eskimo Dog was shaped for Arctic hauling and hunting. The work behind the breed still shows up at home: it is exceptionally powerful and adapted to cold work. Expect very high exercise demand and high coat maintenance as a starting point, then adjust for the individual dog's age and health. The trade-off is clear: scarcity, pack dynamics and intense drive rule out ordinary homes. Meet the individual dog, ask about health testing and temperament, and judge whether that compromise fits the household rather than choosing on the label alone.

7. Smooth Collie

Smooth Collie earns a place in 15 Long Legged Dog Breeds With Big Hearts because its large traits are visible in ordinary life, not just in photographs. Smooth Collie was shaped for flock work and companionship. That background matters because the breed offers Collie responsiveness with easier coat care. Expect medium exercise demand and low coat maintenance as a starting point, then adjust for the individual dog's age and health. The trade-off is clear: vocality and sensitivity still need thoughtful training. Meet the individual dog, ask about health testing and temperament, and judge whether that compromise fits the household rather than choosing on the label alone.

8. Giant Schnauzer

Giant Schnauzer earns a place in 15 Long Legged Dog Breeds With Big Hearts because its large traits are visible in ordinary life, not just in photographs. Giant Schnauzer was shaped for cattle driving and property guarding. In a household, the practical result is a dog that is engaged, athletic and naturally watchful. Expect high exercise demand and high coat maintenance as a starting point, then adjust for the individual dog's age and health. The trade-off is clear: coat work, intensity and suspicion require experienced ownership. Meet the individual dog, ask about health testing and temperament, and judge whether that compromise fits the household rather than choosing on the label alone.

9. Black and Tan Coonhound

Black and Tan Coonhound earns a place in 15 Long Legged Dog Breeds With Big Hearts because its large traits are visible in ordinary life, not just in photographs. Black and Tan Coonhound was shaped for night scent trailing and treeing. The work behind the breed still shows up at home: it needs room for nose-led exercise and has a resonant voice. Expect high exercise demand and low coat maintenance as a starting point, then adjust for the individual dog's age and health. The trade-off is clear: baying and roaming are poor matches for close neighbors. Meet the individual dog, ask about health testing and temperament, and judge whether that compromise fits the household rather than choosing on the label alone.

10. Samoyed

Samoyed earns a place in 15 Long Legged Dog Breeds With Big Hearts because its large traits are visible in ordinary life, not just in photographs. Samoyed was shaped for Siberian herding, hauling and companionship. Day to day, it is social, vocal and happiest with family involvement. Expect high exercise demand and very high coat maintenance as a starting point, then adjust for the individual dog's age and health. The trade-off is clear: coat, heat and separation needs make care intensive. Meet the individual dog, ask about health testing and temperament, and judge whether that compromise fits the household rather than choosing on the label alone.

11. Old English Sheepdog

15 Long Legged Dog Breeds With Big Hearts needs more than a list of attractive names. Old English Sheepdog is relevant here because of its large background. Old English Sheepdog was shaped for droving livestock. The work behind the breed still shows up at home: it is social and playful in an imposing coat. Expect high exercise demand and very high coat maintenance as a starting point, then adjust for the individual dog's age and health. The trade-off is clear: grooming, heat and adolescent size create heavy work. Meet the individual dog, ask about health testing and temperament, and judge whether that compromise fits the household rather than choosing on the label alone.

12. German Shepherd Dog

For the question behind 15 Long Legged Dog Breeds With Big Hearts, German Shepherd Dog stands out for large. German Shepherd Dog was shaped for versatile herding, service and protection work. The work behind the breed still shows up at home: it needs purposeful exercise and calm, consistent handling. Expect high exercise demand and moderate coat maintenance as a starting point, then adjust for the individual dog's age and health. The trade-off is clear: poor breeding or weak socialization can magnify anxiety and reactivity. Meet the individual dog, ask about health testing and temperament, and judge whether that compromise fits the household rather than choosing on the label alone.

13. Rottweiler

The case for including Rottweiler in 15 Long Legged Dog Breeds With Big Hearts rests on large, along with the way the breed was developed to work. Rottweiler was shaped for driving livestock and guarding property. In a household, the practical result is a dog that often settles indoors after meaningful exercise and training. Expect medium exercise demand and low coat maintenance as a starting point, then adjust for the individual dog's age and health. The trade-off is clear: great strength and natural reserve demand skilled socialization. Meet the individual dog, ask about health testing and temperament, and judge whether that compromise fits the household rather than choosing on the label alone.

14. Weimaraner

The case for including Weimaraner in 15 Long Legged Dog Breeds With Big Hearts rests on large, along with the way the breed was developed to work. Weimaraner was shaped for versatile pointing and tracking. The work behind the breed still shows up at home: it works closely with people and dislikes a sedentary schedule. Expect very high exercise demand and low coat maintenance as a starting point, then adjust for the individual dog's age and health. The trade-off is clear: separation distress and high exercise needs are common mismatches. Meet the individual dog, ask about health testing and temperament, and judge whether that compromise fits the household rather than choosing on the label alone.

15. Newfoundland

For the question behind 15 Long Legged Dog Breeds With Big Hearts, Newfoundland stands out for large. Newfoundland was shaped for water rescue and draft work. In a household, the practical result is a dog that is typically patient but still needs swimming or steady exercise. Expect medium exercise demand and high coat maintenance as a starting point, then adjust for the individual dog's age and health. The trade-off is clear: coat maintenance, drool, heat and orthopedic risk are substantial. Meet the individual dog, ask about health testing and temperament, and judge whether that compromise fits the household rather than choosing on the label alone.

A safer way to choose

For 15 Long Legged Dog Breeds With Big Hearts, write down the hours available for exercise and training, the amount of shedding or clipping you will accept, the dog's likely adult size, and constraints involving children, other animals, landlords, insurers or local rules. Remove every candidate whose hardest trait conflicts with the household. A quieter or smaller dog is not automatically easier, and a friendly breed is not automatically safe without supervision.

Short answers before you decide

Does breed determine temperament?

No. Breed history influences probability, while genetics, early learning, health and current environment shape the individual. For 15 Long Legged Dog Breeds With Big Hearts, use both levels of information.

Is the first dog in the table the best?

No. The order makes this 15 Long Legged Dog Breeds With Big Hearts list readable; it is not a scientific ranking. The best fit is the dog whose needs the household can meet consistently.

What should I ask a breeder or rescue?

For a 15 Long Legged Dog Breeds With Big Hearts shortlist, ask about health screening, adult relatives or known history, behavior around handling and other animals, recovery after stress, daily exercise, grooming and the placement support offered after adoption.

What should decide it for 15 Long Legged Dog Breeds With Big Hearts

15 Long Legged Dog Breeds With Big Hearts should leave you with a shorter, more realistic shortlist rather than a winner. Compare the difficult traits first. If the household can comfortably manage those, the appealing qualities have room to matter.

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