Airedale Terriers are super-smart and brave dogs that are very protective of their families. Like most terriers, they can be stubborn, but they're also patient with kids. The coarse coat is fairly easy to keep groomed, with the AKC recommending weekly brushing.

Height: 23 inches
Weight: 50 to 70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years

Consistently among the most popular dog breeds, Golden Retrievers are loyal and smart. They're especially great choices for active owners, because they require a good deal of daily exercise and like to play—and as extroverts, they're known for being extra gentle with kids and other dogs.

Height: 21.5 to 24 inches
Weight: 55 to 75 pounds
Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years

Labrador Retrievers are about as loyal and lovey-dovey as they come, which is why they are the second most popular dog breed in the U.S. Their coat comes in three colors—black, chocolate, and tan—and because they need loads of exercise, they're ideal for owners who love to be active outdoors.

Height: 21.5 to 24.5
Weight: 55 to 80 pounds
Life expectancy: 11 to 13 years

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, a.k.a "Swissies," are friendly, but they also make excellent watchdogs. Originally bred in the Swiss Alps, they're sturdy and athletic, making them perfect companions for hiking and camping trips.

Height: 23.7 to 28.5 inches
Weight: 85 to 140 pounds
Life Expectancy: 8 to 11 years

Lively Otterhounds are very affectionate and love to swim! Potential pet parents should note that they're quite vocal, so they might not be a fit in all homes.

Height: 24 to 27 inches
Weight: 80 to 115 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 13 years

Gorgeous Afghan Hounds are fairly strong-willed, so they need an experienced pet parent. But they're loyal and playful pets for owners with the time and patience for grooming their silky coats and providing plenty of exercise. They have one of the longer life spans among large breeds.

Height: 25 to 27 inches
Weight: 50 to 60 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 18 years

Don't let the sweet face and friendly personality of American English Coonhounds fool you: Originally bred to hunt clever raccoons, they're athletes through and through and need loads of exercise and training to be good house pets.

Height: 23 to 26 inches
Weight: 45 to 65
Life Expectancy: 11 to 12 years

Alaskan Malamutes love to get on an owner's good side, but they require training from a young age to develop good habits that will make them joyful pets.

Height: 23 to 25 inches
Weight: 75 to 85 inches
Life Expectancy: 10 to 14 years

The Borzoi is a glamorous, graceful, and devoted breed that requires consistent training. These dogs love a good chase, so you'll need a fenced-in yard to prevent these hounds from taking off after a passing squirrel or cat.

Height: 26 to 28 inches
Weight: 60 to 105 pounds
Life Expectancy: 9 to 14 years

With a loving expression and faithful personality, American Bulldogs are athletic dogs that enjoy hard work and even harder play! This breed has loads of energy, so it requires firm training and early socialization to channel its personality in a productive manner.

Height: 20 to 25 inches
Weight: 60 to 100 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

The Australian Cattle Dog is a smart, strong herding breed that needs exercise and training to keep out of trouble. Though full of energy, these canines are not too fond of strangers, so timid pet parents need not apply. Confident leadership and direction is key—and they may still outsmart you at times!

Height: 17 to 20 inches
Weight: 35 to 50 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years

Doberman Pinschers are fast and brave dogs that aim to protect, making them an exceptionally faithful and loving pet.

Height: 24 to 28 inches
Weight: 60 to 100 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

Loving and good with kids, Boxers are great pets for active families. Boxers love to act silly, and as the athletes they're named after, they need a fair amount of exercise. To help them be the best version of themselves, they should be exposed to and socialize with people of all ages and other dogs from an early age.

Height: 21.5 to 35 inches
Weight: 50 to 75 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

Of course, Bloodhounds are known for their super-sensitive sniffers, so they need long walks to keep them happy. The friendly and gentle breed enjoys being around others, including fellow dogs and children.

Height: 23 to 25 inches
Weight: 80 to 110 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 11 years

Though protective, loyal, and calm, Anatolian Shepherds are not the dog for inexperienced pet parents or first-time dog owners. They need plenty of training and a strong leader to handle their controlling personality.

Height: 27 to 29 inches
Weight: 80 to 150 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years

The tallest of the breeds, calm and loving Irish Wolfhounds make wonderful friends to have around. Because of their size, however, they're not the right pet for every family—so make sure you have adequate space for a giant hound in your home.

Height: 30 to 32 inches
Weight: 105 to 120 pounds
Life Expectancy: 6 to 8 years

The Bouvier des Flandres is a gifted herding breed that requires an experienced pet parent who can devote plenty of time to training and providing a job to do. Though trainable, this watchdog needs a fair amount of mental stimulation and guidance to thrive.

Height: 23.5 to 27.5 inches
Weight: 70 to 110 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

Regularly ranked as one of the smartest dog breeds, Border Collies love to keep busy—but they're down to cuddle after a long day. Needless to say, these pups need a pet parent who will help them stay active.

Height: 18 to 22 inches
Weight: 3o to 55 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

The Bracco Italiano, or Italian Pointing Dog, is one of the oldest pointing breeds. While best suited for hunting tasks, these dogs are trainable and can be gentle when need be.

Height: 21 to 27 inches
Weight: 55 to 90
Life Expectancy: 10 to 14 years