4. Great Dane

Perhaps the most aptly named of all dogs in the world, Great Danes have the size needed to intimidate strangers and other dogs, but are often known as gentle giants if their owner has properly trained them to be able to interact with people and other canines. They’re the tallest dogs in the world, rising as high as three and a half feet at the shoulder, but a trim body size means they aren’t the heaviest, rarely weighing more than 150 to 160 pounds.

The current record holder for largest dog ever, according to the Huffington Post, is a loveable Great Dane named Zeus, who stands at forty-four inches. They’ve been a reliable species for as long as humans have needed the services of dogs: hieroglyphics looking remarkably similar to Great Danes have been found on Egyptian structures and artwork.

During the Renaissance, these dogs would sleep in their master’s chambers and protect lords against assassination. Today, their utility as work dogs has mostly fallen by the wayside, with other breeds capable of more active work without much of the nutritional demands of these bigger breeds. Unlike other dogs with a high prey drive, furthermore, it’s necessary to condition a Great Dane to be an effective guard dog, since anything short of an immediate threat usually does not register to a dog that has not had training.

They love to be around people, children, and other dogs, and will not bark or act aggressively towards any persons or canines unless trained to do so. In fact, it’s typical for some Great Danes to become afraid of smaller animals if they are not socialized, potentially causing them to act aggressive towards an unfamiliar dog. As such, they’re often called the world’s biggest lapdog, but with proper focus and socialization they can be no less protective or brave than any other dog on this list.