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9. Chow chow
> Life expectancy: 8-12 years
> Popularity: 84 out of 197
> Height: 17-20 inches
> Weight: 45-70 pounds
> Temperament: Dignified, Bright, Serious-Minded
The chow chow is a member of the AKC’s Non-Sporting Group and does fine without a lot of exercise. Its deep-set eyes give it a serious look. It comes in a variety of colors, including red, black, and blue. The chow chow is one of two AKC registered breeds with a unique blue-black tongue, the other being the Chinese shar-pei.
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8. Chinese shar-pei
> Life expectancy: 8-12 years
> Popularity: 61 out of 197
> Height: 18-20 inches
> Weight: 45-60 pounds
> Temperament: Loyal, Independent, Calm
Shar-pei have some very distinctive characteristics, including a rough coat and folds of wrinkled skin. They are intelligent but stubborn and need to be trained at an early age. Unfortunately, shar-pei are prone to a range of health conditions, including allergic skin disease, eye disorders, and various bone and joint problems.
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7. Bernese mountain dog
> Life expectancy: 7-10 years
> Popularity: 22 out of 197
> Height: 25-27.5 inches (male), 23-26 inches (female)
> Weight: 80-115 pounds (male), 70-95 pounds (female)
> Temperament: Good-Natured, Calm, Strong
The Bernese mountain dog hails from the Swiss Alps. It was used to herd cattle and haul carts filled with farm produce. The Bernese was the perfect fit for such work because of its muscular build and was known to haul loads weighing more than 1,000 pounds.
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6. Great Dane
> Life expectancy: 7-10 years
> Popularity: 15 out of 197
> Height: 30-32 inches (male), 28-30 inches (female)
> Weight: 140-175 pounds (male), 110-140 pounds (female)
> Temperament: Friendly, Patient, Dependable
The great Dane was developed in England and Germany as a boar hound, its long ears often left shredded by the sharp tusks of the wild boar. Today’s great Danes lead much less hazardous lives and can make for great pets. They are dependable, patient, and friendly. But as their name implies, they are huge. Standing on its hind legs, a great Dane can be taller than its owner.
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5. Neapolitan mastiff
> Life expectancy: 7-9 years
> Popularity: 100 out of 197
> Height: 26-31 inches (male), 24-29 inches (female)
> Weight: 150 pounds (male), 110 pounds (female)
> Temperament: Loyal, Dignified, Watchful
The Neapolitan mastiff, also known as the mastino, has been around since ancient Roman times. This type of dog was bred as early as 700 B.C. The breed’s massive hanging wrinkles and folds of loose skin are among its most recognizable features.
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