10 Muscular Dog Breeds

For dog lovers, the vast range of muscular dog breeds can be a little daunting when it comes to choosing the right one for your home. But just like getting the perfect job, car or a perfect pair of high heels, getting the right dog can make a whole lot of difference to your life.

Dogs are known to make excellent indoor and outdoor companions, but muscular dogs have a long history of much more rigorous accomplishments. Historically, their strength and stature were used for competitive activities such as dog fights and hunting. They also provided vital assistance for farming tasks such as rounding up and moving herd animals.

Before you consider getting any strong muscled furry four-legged love ball, take a peek through our list of carefully selected options just for you. Here are ten muscular dog breeds you should watch out for the next time you go to visit a dog shelter or kennel.

Rottweiler 

Rottweilers are an intelligent and confident breed with sizes ranging from medium to large. Historically, Rottweilers were used for more arduous tasks such as herding cattle. Nowadays, apart from being pets, they also serve as guard dogs. This furry ball of muscle can be an excellent companion, although constant and extensive training and socialization are required.

• Personality

Despite their sunny disposition, a Rottweiler can be fairly aggressive (especially males who can get quite dominant). This minor nuisance can be corrected which firm but patient training and a guiding hand.

• Maintenance

Training is a must and should start when they are pups. A daily exercise schedule of about 40 min should do the trick – but this could be a bit strenuous for novice dog owners or someone who prefers a more relaxed lifestyle.

• Vital Statistics

Average life span is approximately 8-10 years

Weight ranges from 77lbs to approximately 132lbs

Height ranges from 22 inches to approximately 22 inches

St Bernard 

Do not be deterred by the outward appearance of this ‘giant beast,’ because trust me, they are just a huge ball of furry goofiness. Known as one of the most human-friendly dogs ever, St Bernard was initially bred as a search and rescue dog by the hospice of the Great St. Bernard Pass which is a road pass located on the treacherous mountain range on the Italian-Swiss border.

• Personality

St. Bernard is a child-friendly dog so very suitable for families with children, although they can be a bit too much for babies or very young children. A playful wag of its tail can send a little one down to the ground. But don’t be alarmed, they are kind, gentle, good-natured and surprisingly playful for their size. Although not aggressive, they can be very protective of their owners.

• Maintenance 

The St. Bernard is quite easy to train and adapts to new environments quickly. Although they may be comfortable in a tiny apartment, they need more room to walk around, exercise and stretch their muscles. They love the company of humans and can get easily bored when left unengaged for a long period. A bored St. Bernard is a depressed gigantic train wreck with a destructive streak. On this note, please be warned that if you are a fastidious housekeeper, a St. Bernard isn’t for you. This is unless you don’t mind muddy paws and ornaments being knocked down in your home.

• Vital Statistics

Average life span is approximately 8 –10 years

Weight ranges from 120lbs to approximately 180lbs

Height ranges from 26 inches to approximately 30 inches

German Shepherd 

Apart from being first-class working dogs, German Shepherds are also known to be highly intelligent. Exceptional guides and assistants for the police, military, and disabled persons, they are a breed that is recognized all over the world (probably for their heroic roles in action movies). These fairly large-sized muscular dogs are very obedient and composed compared to others. They are also less fussy and adapt to weather conditions easily.

• Personality 

Playful and full of energy, they are known to get along well with other household pets. Also, they quickly bond with families, especially with the little children. Their strong and protective nature predisposes them to be excellent guard dogs which they manage to balance with being easy-going and approachable. A very versatile breed indeed!

• Maintenance

German Shepards are a smart choice for first-time dog owners and fairly stress-free. Don’t let their composed mannerism fool you as they are very active and need lots of exercises. Daily physical and mental training exercises are a must, as a bored German Shepard would express its frustration by barking and chewing. Early socialization is also very important for easy integration into the family.

• Vital Statistics

Average life span is approximately 10-14 years

Weight ranges from 75lbs to approximately 95lbs

Height ranges from 22 inches to approximately 26 inches

For more options head over to our guide on Dog Food for German Shepherds.

American Staffordshire Terrier 

The AmStaffs are thickset and appear to be quite muscular for their size. A mix of the bulldog and terrier, their imposing appearance and excellence in competitive games has made them targets for some unrepentant criminals.

Unfortunately, their use in illegal dog fights has led to a ban on them by the Breed Specific Legislation. Also, some insurance companies don’t cover households with these dogs please do check your local laws before you adopt these sweet but wrongfully perceived creatures.

• Personality 

Playful and loving dogs, they like to spend time with family members. They are also fiercely loyal and have a tendency to be very courageous. They can be great around children and can specifically serve as a family guard dog. They enjoy being around humans and are responsive to other pets and strangers. Although branded to be aggressive, in reality, this isn’t true. They are rather docile and loyal pets.

• Maintenance 

Adjusts well to indoor living but they would prefer to run around and burn energy. They are highly trainable and as such, should be allowed to test their physical and mental ability.

• Vital Statistics

Average life span is approximately 12 –16 years

Weight ranges from 40lbs to approximately 70lbs

Height ranges from 17 inches to approximately 19 inches

Doberman Pinscher 

This sleek beast with powerful athletic limbs, cropped tail, and distinguishing ears is quite the example of an aristocrat canine. The Doberman Pinscher is one of the most popular and recognized breeds in the world. They are highly sensitive and do not cope well in cold climates. Intelligent and very alert, they are amongst the world’s finest protection dogs.

• Personality 

It is important to note that Dobermans don’t get along well with other dogs and unfamiliar humans. They are also very fearless which strangers may perceive as aggression. With socialization, integration, and correct training, they can be even-tempered and gentle. Their loyalty and trust rank high on its owner scale. They are great family companions and very playful despite their aloof outlooks and cold appearance.

• Maintenance

Though they are easy to train, they require at least two hours of exercise daily to build and maintain their muscles. They need lots of outdoor and mental stimulation exercises.

• Vital Statistics

Average life span is approximately 10-12 years

Weight ranges from 60lbs to approximately 100lbs

Height ranges from 24 inches to approximately 28 inches

Find out more about Dog Food for Dobermans here. 

Rat Terrier 

This agile hunting buddy has tons of muscle packed beneath it a somewhat slight frame. A good look at the shoulders and legs would reveal a wide chest which contains a pair of strong durable lungs that keep them going with great stamina.

• Personality 

These feisty and energetic furry creatures are friendly, and very curious, which could come across as somewhat naughty and quite stubborn. Rat Terriers are likely to get on well with other pets but love to hunt pest and vermin. Their devotion is infectious and makes all them lovable.

• Maintenance 

Although they need tons of exercise, they don’t get bored easily when left alone. This makes it easy to train them and a plus for those wanting to experiment with dog parenting for the first-time. They are very sensitive and hate cold weather, so make sure they are warm and heated properly during the winter.

• Vital Statistics

Average life span is approximately 12-18 years

Weight ranges from 10lbs to approximately 25lbs

Height ranges from 10 inches to approximately 18 inches

Alaskan Malamute

The fluffy, playful Alaskan Malamute is a cuddly bubbly four-legged beast you will absolutely fall in love with. Their double coat and extra fat keeps it warm and insulated. Built for stamina and strength, they are not great runners and may tire easily on long strenuous walks.

• Personality 

The Alaskan fits easily into the family settings and are friendly towards other dogs too. They can be a little too friendly towards strangers, which can seem alarming. But rest assured, their loyalty to their owner is unparalleled.

• Maintenance 

Even though they are high energy dogs, they tend to get overweight and so you should never slack with their workout routines. Make sure you keep them cool as warm temperatures or heat gets them sick. The Alaskan Malamute is not suitable for apartment life and needs plenty of outdoor space. Plus they can barely stand solitude for long, so a dog sitter is a must if you have a tight work schedule.

• Vital Statistics

Average life span is approximately 12-15 years

Weight ranges from 75lbs to approximately 100lbs

Height ranges from 23 inches to approximately 26 inches

Boxer

The Boxer is a medium-sized dog, originally bred as guard dogs due to their high levels of vigilance and strong protection instincts. Despite this, Boxers are very playful dogs with an overload of energy.

• Personality 

Boxers flourish in the company of the family. They are very sociable and relate quite well with other household pets but may be aggressive towards other dogs of the same size. Boxers are very high-spirited dogs who would be excellent companions for your children.

• Maintenance

Easy to train but they need lots of exercises to burn off some of the excess energy. Adjusts well to apartment living which makes them great companions for the urban settings.

• Vital Statistics

Average life span is approximately 9-15 years

Weight ranges from 55lbs to approximately 71lbs

Height ranges from 21 inches to approximately 25 inches

You may also like our article on Dog Food for Boxers.

Australian Cattle Dog

Breed by early Australian settlers to herd cattle on their large ranges. The ACD is an intensely focused muscled piece of machinery with incredibly high endurance for pain. Additionally they have highly competitive streak, which makes them excellent for dog sports such as rally and flying disc competitions.

A little warning for families with small children: the ACD during its herding days was known to force the animals to move in the right direction by biting them at the heels hence the name Blue Heeler. This instinctive habit could recur with fast-moving children, but of course, with proper training, this predisposition can be managed.

• Personality 

The Australian Cattle Dog is a very playful breed and could be quite restless when left alone for a long time. This could spark up the typical ‘naughty’ behavior like digging through the trash or going on a chewing spree. Despite their strong independent character, they are inclined to get on well with other dogs.

• Maintenance 

Socialization and integration during the early stages of its life is crucial. Obedience training is a must to have a gripe on the wilful breed. Thankfully they are quite easy to train and 45 min exercise day should be enough. The ACD make the best companion for those with active lifestyles such as joggers or runners.

• Vital Statistics

Average life span is approximately 12-15 years

Weight ranges from 30lbs to approximately 50lbs

Height ranges from 17 inches to approximately 20 inches

Kangal 

A rare but sizeable breed, the Kangal was first used as the guardians of livestock. They’re loose skins provide the perfect camouflage to hide all those ripped physiques. Even though they are muscled, they also have a tendency to be on the lighter side with high-speed capability.

• Personality 

They are quite aggressive and independent but can become calm and gentle with early training and socialization. The Kangal is a great family dog, that likes to work as part of a team. They are usually hostile to strangers and very territorial. But the remain non-aggressive towards family members including other household pets.

• Maintenance 

Enough exercise is needed to keep those muscles in shape – approximately 45 min. to an hour would do. Although they must be trained and managed, this is fairly easy to do and thus are best for active people with busy schedules. But remember they are not recommended for new owners or small-sized families.

• Vital Statistics

Average life span is approximately 13-15 years

Weight ranges from 110lbs to approximately 185lbs

Height ranges from 30 inches to approximately 34 inches

To Summarize

The choice to get a muscular dog (as opposed to other less athletic dogs) comes down to personal preference. More important than outward appearance is how well your chosen breed integrates into your lifestyle as a whole. Factors such as your levels of indoor/outdoor activity, ages of family members and your own temperament must be taken into consideration when making your decision. Although muscular dog breeds generally come with naturally higher energy levels, good training, early socialization and regular exercise will enable these bulkier breeds to settle  comfortably into your home and lifestyle. So get yourself to the nearest shelter and meet your soon-to-be new bestie!