Dogs are awesome! Everybody loves them. Women love them. There’s a problem though. Which breed do you get? With hundreds of dog breeds to choose from, which one best suits who you are and what you want in having one?
If a manly dog is what you want, then this list is for you. A couple things first. You won’t find a Retriever on this list. They are a cool family dog, but not manly. Also, there are some super macho dog breeds out there that nobody has ever seen or heard from. They won’t make this list either as I wanted this to be about dogs most of us know and have seen.
CRITERIA: These manly dogs are ranked on size, attitude, loyalty, and intimidation factor. Here we go.
20 Husky
So I’m not picking a specific breed here but Huskies are kinda badass. They are bred for sled pulling so they are usually strong, fast, and determined and it shows when they look at you. The husky easily makes this manly dog list.
Size – 5
Attitude – 7
Loyalty – 6
Intimidation factor – 6
19 Bernese Mountain Dog
This dog makes the list mainly for their size, color, and loyalty. You won’t see many of these but when you do, they stand out because they are big and have beautiful coats.
Size – 9
Attitude – 6
Loyalty – 8
Intimidation Factor – 7
18 Rhodesian Ridgeback
Admittedly, part of why this breed made the list is that I had one as a kid. And she was a badass and a biter. What’s really interesting about the ridgeback is that they will bite first and then bark. The hair on their backs is raised which is pretty cool to see.
Size – 8
Attitude – 8
Loyalty – 8
Intimidation Factor – 7
17 Saint Bernard
This breed makes the list only because of their sheer size. They are huge and hairy which makes them a presence no matter where they are. Very manly.
Size – 10
Attitude – 6
Loyalty – 7
Intimidation Factor – 8
16 Irish Wolfhound
This dog also made the list because of its size. Well that and its name. Wolfhound just sounds manly.
Size – 10
Attitude – 6
Loyalty – 8
Intimidation Factor – 8
15 Basset Hound
The fact that this dog is so low to the ground and yet weighs so much is what makes him a manly dog. They are also cool with their big ears and very distinct hound bark.
Size – 6
Attitude – 8
Loyalty – 7
Intimidation Factor – 6
14 Bulldog
Bulldogs are super cool looking and although most don’t have an attitude, they look like they do. And that goes a long way. This breed also makes the list because women love bulldogs.
Size – 6
Attitude – 8
Loyalty – 6
Intimidation Factor – 7
13 English Mastiff
These guys are huge and have a dignified presence about them. This dog is here mainly because of size but they are also super loyal and protective which is another many trait.
Size – 10
Attitude – 8
Loyalty – 10
Intimidation Factor – 8.5
12 Akita
This was a popular breed some years back, but you don’t see them as much anymore. These dogs are solid in every way. Their intimidating face helped them make this list.
Size – 8
Attitude – 7
Loyalty – 8
Intimidation Factor – 7.5
11 Jack Russell Terrier
What this breed lacks in size more than makes up with his willingness. They are strong, agile, and fearless. It’s a small dog with a big presence.
Size – 3
Attitude – 10
Loyalty – 6
Intimidation Factor – 5
10 Boxer
These are great family dogs. Playful but very protective. Not the meanest breed around but has to make this list if for no other reason than their name.
Size – 7
Attitude – 7
Loyalty – 7
Intimidation Factor – 7.5
9 Rottweiler
Just your typical German working dog with its intimidating look, rich dark colors, and confidence.
Size – 8
Attitude – 8
Loyalty – 8
Intimidation Factor – 9
8 Scottish Terrier
These guys are small but solid and stout. They walk around with a presence and are quite feisty.
Size – 3
Attitude – 7
Loyalty – 7
Intimidation Factor – 5
7 Bloodhound
All hounds are cool, but the bloodhound has to make the manly list. They are big, beautiful, and move in a lumbering but confident way. And they can track people. How manly is that?
Size – 8
Attitude – 7.5
Loyalty – 7
Intimidation Factor – 7
6 Bull Terrier
Made famous by the Budweiser dog, Spuds Makenzie, this is a large terrier breed with a shark-like nose and a super confident attitude. Bull plus terrier equals pure muscle.
Size – 7
Attitude – 8
Loyalty – 7
Intimidation Factor 8.5
5 Great Dane
I’ve never met a mean Great Dane, but you wouldn’t know it by their appearance. They are super tall, heavy, and have a very noble and serious look about them. No way this breed couldn’t make the top five.
Size – 10
Attitude – 7
Loyalty – 8
Intimidation Factor – 9
4 Doberman Pinscher
This is the quintessential guard dog. Intimidating, intelligent, and super obedient makes this a very manly dog. Having two of them will make it look like you rule the world.
Size – 8
Attitude – 8
Loyalty – 10
Intimidation Factor – 10
3 Bullmastiff
Admittedly, mastiffs are some of my favorite dog breeds. This is part of why the bullmastiff makes number three on this list. They are super loyal, big, powerful, and intimidating.
Size – 8
Attitude – 7
Loyalty – 10
Intimidation Factor – 8.5
2 Pit Bull
Ok so this is not my favorite breed, but this list wouldn’t be very accurate if the pit bull wasn’t at the top of the manly dog list. I grew up with them and know that they can be unpredictable, vicious, and stubborn. This helps make them clearly the most intimidating dog breed on the planet. It’s not all bad though. I’ve known some outstanding pit bulls.
Size – 7
Attitude – 8
Loyalty – 6
Intimidation factor – 10+
1 German Shepherd
Overall, I feel this breed is the manliest of all dogs. They are beautiful, loyal, intelligent, protective, and have an element of unpredictability. German Shepherds may not be the greatest dog known to man, but they are close.
Size – 8
Attitude – 8
Loyalty – 9
Intimidation Factor – 9
