11 Most Muscular Dog Breeds (with Photos)
When choosing a four-legged forever friend, every dog lover has certain qualities and traits that they prefer more than others. Some love small and cute dogs, while others prefer muscular giants that have a ferocious look about them.
A major appeal of muscular dogs is that they make excellent watchdogs. Even if your giant dog is absolutely loving and friendly, his daunting looks are enough to keep away any trouble. If you are interested in bringing home a muscular dog that will make an amazing companion as well as a watchdog, here are our top 11 suggestions.
11 Most Muscular Dog Breeds
1. American Pit Bull Terrier
Also called Pitbulls and Bullys, American Pit Bull Terriers are one of the bulkiest yet sweetest dog breeds.
Pitbulls were originally bred for strength and were employed in the inhumane game of bull-baiting and eventually worked as farm dogs. The qualities of a working dog can still be seen in these dogs today.
While American Pit Bull Terriers may look ferocious, they are complete sweethearts and super friendly even with strangers, which, admittedly, may not make them the best guard or watchdog. However, most of the time, their sheer presence is enough to keep strangers at bay. Today, these dogs are commonly found participating in legal sports like dock jumping and weight pulling.
Pitbulls make excellent pets as they are lovely, loyal, friendly, and love to please their owners. They are also exceptionally friendly and kind towards children.
Physical Traits
American Pit Bull Terriers have a broad chest with a well-defined muscle structure, making them look quite intimidating. They have a medium height, a rectangular body shape with a body that is slightly longer than it is tall.
They have a large head with wide-set eyes and a broad muzzle. Males can reach a height of 18 to 21 inches and weigh up to 35-60 pounds, while females may grow 17 to 18 inches tall and weigh about 30-50 pounds.
2. Doberman Pinscher
Featuring an exceptionally regal physique, Doberman Pinchers are very muscular and one of the best protection dogs you can find. They were bred as working dogs and trained to serve alongside the police.
Originally bred in 19th-century Germany as guard dogs, this breed has a strong build and daunting features. There is no accurate information on its ancestry, but it is believed that the breed we know today is a mix of Rottweiler, German Pinscher, and Black and Tan Terrier — all of which are evident in the strong frame of the Doberman.
While the breed has an intimidating physical appearance, the dogs are well aware of it and use their build appropriately. They are also impulsive, stubborn, and tenacious. And with firm and consistent training, Doberman Pinschers can be some of the most well-behaved and loyal dogs.
Physical Traits
The medium dog has a muscular square frame and a toned body highlighted by its black and tan coat. They have high energy needs and require regular exercise for their overall development.
Male Doberman Pinschers can grow 26-28 inches tall, while females up to 24-26 inches. Both males and females tend to weigh around 80 pounds.
3. Rottweiler
Originally bred in Germany, Rottweilers are renowned for their strength. They were used to herd livestock, serve as guard dogs, pull carts, and transport goods. But apart from their strength, Rottweilers are also highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train and work alongside police and guard dogs.
Rottweilers have a reputation for being aggressive and trying to establish dominance over any dog of similar size and build. It is thus very important to properly socialize and train Rottweilers from an early age.
They also make amazing pets and are friendly and kind towards children. However, this friendliness is not extended to strangers, which is perfect for a watchdog.
Rottweilers need to burn off a lot of excess energy and also require mental stimulation regularly, failing which they may exhibit behavioral problems.
Physical Traits
One of the largest dogs, Rottweilers have a stocky build with large heads. They have a strong muzzle but their loose upper lips (jowls) do make them look quite drooly.
Male Rottweilers typically grow 24-27 inches tall and weigh up to 130 pounds, while females stand around 22-25 inches and weigh nearly 100 pounds.
4. Boxer
The name “Boxer” does justice to Boxer’s athletic build. Originally bred as hunting dogs the Boxer is a mixed breed with high energy levels as well as high intelligence.
They are friendly, intelligent, loyal, and sweet but wary of strangers, which makes them excellent guard dogs. Boxers also love being accompanied by their humans and are fiercely protective.
Physical Traits
Reaching a height of 25 inches in males and 22 inches in females and weighing 50-80 pounds, Boxers have a medium-sized build with a sturdy frame.
Boxers are also Brachycephalic, so they do struggle with respiratory issues. They have a strong back, broad chest, and naturally folded ears.
5. American Bully
The American Bully is a fairly new breed and is a combination of American Bulldog, American Staffordshire Terrier, Olde English Bulldog, and American Pit Bull Terrier. While this breed may look like a Pitbull, it is an entirely different breed that was developed in the 1980s.
The American Bully may have a fearsome look, but they are lovely animals with high intelligence and are dedicated to their owners. It is this combination of tough on the outside and soft on the inside that has gained them a lot of popularity in recent years.
They are happy and friendly dogs that love being around people and are good towards children and other animals. They are obedient and eager to please their humans but need consistent training and socialization to get the best out of the breed.
Physical Traits
With a square-shaped muzzle and muscular body, the American Bully looks very similar to a Pitbull.
It can grow up to 13-20 inches tall (depending on whether it is a pocket size, standard, or large breed) and weighs nearly 65-100 pounds.
6. Dogo Argentino
Highly athletic and very courageous, the Dogo Argentino animal was bred for its bravery and was commonly used for hunting big games like wild boar. Due to their high intelligence, they are today being used by police and military on search and rescue missions. They also make excellent guard dogs as well as show dogs.
The breed has prominently displayed muscular structure, thanks to their short fur. The Dogo Argentino is also ferocious toward other dogs and animals but is extremely loyal and obedient towards his humans.
With proper training and socialization, this breed can be wonderful companion dogs as they are also very affectionate.
Physical Traits
Featuring a snow-white coat, the Dogo Argentino has a defined frame. They have triangular, pointy ears and long, narrow tails.
Dogo Argentinos are large, standing almost 27 inches tall and weighing up to 80-100 pounds.
7. Cane Corso
Literally meaning “guardian” in Latin, the Cane Corso is a regal Italian Mastiff. The breed, with its imposing personality and protective nature, is a true bodyguard.
Cane Corsos were bred for hunting and protection, the breed has a long lineage of being working dogs. Today, you will find the breed in a variety of fields from farm dogs to guard dogs to family pets.
They are protective and affectionate towards their family, but they are not a suitable breed for first-time pet owners. Cane Corsos are intelligent and easily trainable. However, they need early socialization to help them grow into healthy dogs with stable temperaments.
Physical Traits
Cane Corsos are quite large and have a dominating presence. The dogs are medium-large sized with a broad chest and large, wrinkly heads.
They are imposing with a height of 27 inches and a maximum weight of around 100 pounds.
8. Greyhound
Lean, slender, and graceful, you may not think of the Greyhound as a muscular breed, but these sighthounds pack a lot of strength in their lanky frame.
Renowned for being the fastest dog breed, the Greyhound can reach the speed of a cheetah at 40-45 miles per hour. Despite their incredible speed and powerful legs, however, Greyhounds are absolute couch potatoes and will laze around for hours. They are short on endurance and need less exercise time than dogs of the same size and stature.
The aggressive traits have been completely eliminated in this breed, and what we have today is an animal with a gentle and quiet disposition. However, they still have a strong predatory drive and are not suitable for homes having small pets like rabbits.
Although they are very mild-mannered and friendly, their large frame and stature can make them quite intimidating.
Physical Traits
These lean Hounds have a very slim frame and almost no body fat. Greyhounds have pointy heads and floppy ears and are short-haired. They have a streamlined body with a long head and neck and narrow waist, which gives them a distinctive appearance.
Greyhounds typically grow almost 30 inches tall and weigh about 70 pounds.
9. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Also referred to as African Lion Hounds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks were originally bred in Africa to hunt large game and for protection from lions. They were bred as hunting and guard dogs and can be easily trained.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a threatening presence, but they are excellent companions and have a quiet and gentle disposition. They are tolerant of other dogs but are not very friendly with strangers.
They need to be properly socialized and trained from an early age so that they develop a blanched temperament. Despite their size, the animals are sensitive and do not take criticism and mistreatment well. Positive reinforcement is the best method for training Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
They make amazing pets, watchdogs, and family protectors but require a lot of space. You will also need to make sure they are fenced in as they readily climb over small fences.
Physical Traits
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are strong and muscular giants with an athletic build. They are characterized by a ridge of hair growing in the opposite direction.
They reach a height of 31 inches and weigh up to 70-85 pounds.
10. American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier, also called the AmStaff, was originally bred for ugly sports like bull-baiting and dog fighting. However, the present breed is much more docile and mellow than its ancestors.
Their high energy, loyalty, high intelligence, and easy trainability have made them excellent companions, military dogs, watch dogs, guard dogs, and even movie dogs.
They are amazing with families and children as they have sweet and affectionate temperaments, but they do need to be socialized and properly trained. AmStaffs also have a high exercise requirement and need daily workouts along with mental stimulation.
Physical Traits
AmStaffs have a very stocky and athletic build and are medium-sized dogs with a square head. The broad head, pointy ears, strong jaw, and thick necks give the animal an intimidating look.
With a height of only 19 inches, AmStaffs are 40-70 pounds of sheer muscle.
11. Kangal Shepherd Dog
Originating in Turkey, the Kangal Shepherd is a large breed of dog. They were bred as guard dogs, guarding livestock against wolves and bears. Even today, Kangals make amazing guard dogs and watchdogs.
These gentle giants are also wonderful pets and companion dogs. They are incredibly loyal and very devoted to their humans. However, as they have a long history of working with flocks, they will consider their humans as they flock and someone to look after. This can cause some stubbornness. So, obedience training and early socialization are crucial for Kangals.
Plenty of space and large houses with fenced yards are ideal for raising a happy and content Kangal.
Physical Traits
The Kangal Shepherd is a large and powerful breed that is recognized by its dark muzzle and massive head. Their highly muscular body is also hidden beneath a thick, lush fur, which just makes the dog look even larger.
These large dogs can reach a height of 28-34 inches and weigh up to 145 pounds.
Conclusion
It is commonly believed that muscled dogs are aggressive and must be kept as watchdogs or guard dogs only, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Most muscular dogs, including the ones listed here, are muscled softies.
Many of these muscled beasts are gentle giants who are incredibly loyal and protective of their human families. Their imposing personalities and large frames are perfect for warding off intruders as well as cuddling up!
