When it comes to selecting a canine companion, size is a crucial factor for many dog lovers. Larger dog breeds are often associated with gentle temperaments, loyal natures, and impressive guarding abilities. In this article, we’ll delve into the top 20 largest dog breeds in the world, exploring their key features, histories, and unique characteristics. These giant breeds are sure to capture your heart with their imposing yet affectionate presence.
20. Cane Corso
- Size: 23.5-27.5 inches tall
- Weight: 88-110 pounds
- Lifespan: 9-12 years
- Temperament: Loyal, protective, intelligent
- Originally Bred: Guarding and hunting dogs
The Cane Corso is a muscular and athletic breed, known for its protective instincts and loyal nature. Cane Corsos are powerful and intelligent dogs, originally bred in Italy for guarding property and hunting. Their protective nature and loyalty make them excellent guard dogs and companions. They require firm training and socialization to ensure they are well-behaved and balanced pets.
19. Dogue de Bordeaux
- Size: 23-27 inches tall
- Weight: 99-110 pounds
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
- Temperament: Loyal, protective, affectionate
- Originally Bred: Guarding and pulling carts
Also known as the French Mastiff, the Dogue de Bordeaux is a powerful and loyal breed, known for its protective nature. The Dogue de Bordeaux, or French Mastiff, is one of the oldest French dog breeds. Known for their strength and loyalty, these dogs were originally bred to guard properties and pull heavy loads. Despite their formidable appearance, they are known to be affectionate and loyal to their families.
18. Bernese Mountain Dog
- Size: 23-28 inches tall
- Weight: 70-115 pounds
- Lifespan: 7-10 years
- Temperament: Friendly, gentle, loyal
- Originally Bred: Working dogs in Swiss farms
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large and friendly breed, known for its striking tricolor coat and gentle disposition. Bernese Mountain Dogs are beloved for their beautiful coats and gentle nature. They were originally bred as working dogs in the Swiss Alps, used for pulling carts and herding cattle. These dogs are known for their friendly and loyal nature, making them excellent companions for families.
17. Scottish Deerhound
- Size: 28-32 inches tall
- Weight: 75-110 pounds
- Lifespan: 8-11 years
- Temperament: Gentle, friendly, loyal
- Originally Bred: Hunting deer
The Scottish Deerhound is a graceful and gentle giant, known for its hunting prowess and friendly nature. Scottish Deerhounds are elegant and athletic, originally bred for hunting deer in the Scottish Highlands. Despite their hunting background, they are known for their gentle and friendly temperament, making them excellent pets for those who appreciate their unique appearance and history.
16. Great Pyrenees
- Size: 25-32 inches tall
- Weight: 85-160 pounds
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Temperament: Calm, patient, protective
- Originally Bred: Livestock guardians
The Great Pyrenees is a majestic and protective breed, known for its thick white coat and guarding abilities. Great Pyrenees dogs were originally bred to protect livestock in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain. Their calm and patient nature, combined with their protective instincts, make them excellent guard dogs. Their thick white coat also makes them well-suited to cold climates.
15. Irish Wolfhound
- Size: 30-34 inches tall
- Weight: 105-180 pounds
- Lifespan: 6-8 years
- Temperament: Gentle, friendly, patient
- Originally Bred: Hunting wolves and large game
The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest breed of dog recognized by the AKC, known for its gentle and friendly nature. Irish Wolfhounds are among the tallest dog breeds in the world. They were originally bred for hunting wolves and large game in Ireland. Despite their imposing size, these dogs are known for their gentle and friendly disposition, making them wonderful companions.
14. Black Russian Terrier
- Size: 26-30 inches tall
- Weight: 80-130 pounds
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Temperament: Intelligent, confident, protective
- Originally Bred: Military and working dogs
The Black Russian Terrier is a large and intelligent breed, known for its versatility and working abilities. Black Russian Terriers were developed for the Russian military and police, combining the best traits of several breeds. Known for their intelligence and versatility, Black Russian Terriers are excellent working dogs and loyal companions.
13. Akita
- Size: 24-28 inches tall
- Weight: 70-130 pounds
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
- Temperament: Loyal, independent, brave
- Originally Bred: Guard and hunting dogs
The Akita is a large and powerful breed from Japan, known for its loyalty and bravery. Akitas are revered in Japan for their loyalty and bravery. They were originally bred for guarding and hunting, and their strong-willed nature requires an experienced owner. Akitas are incredibly loyal to their families and are known to be very protective.
12. Bullmastiff
- Size: 24-27 inches tall
- Weight: 100-130 pounds
- Lifespan: 7-9 years
- Temperament: Loyal, protective, affectionate
- Originally Bred: Guard dogs
Bullmastiffs are powerful, yet gentle giants, known for their guarding abilities and affectionate nature.
Bullmastiffs were originally bred to guard estates and properties. They are known for their protective nature and affectionate demeanor, making them excellent family pets. These large dogs are both powerful and gentle, embodying the true spirit of a gentle giant.
11. Rottweiler
- Size: 22-27 inches tall
- Weight: 80-135 pounds
- Lifespan: 8-10 years
- Temperament: Confident, protective, loyal
- Originally Bred: Herding and guard dogs
Rottweilers are known for their strength, loyalty, and protective nature, making them excellent guard dogs and companions.
Rottweilers have a long history of being used as herding and guard dogs. Their strength and loyalty make them formidable protectors. Despite their tough exterior, Rottweilers are known to be affectionate and loyal to their families.
10. Tibetan Mastiff
- Size: 24-30 inches tall
- Weight: 70-150 pounds
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Temperament: Independent, protective, aloof
- Originally Bred: Guard dogs in Tibetan monasteries
The Tibetan Mastiff is an ancient breed, known for its impressive size and thick coat, which makes it well-suited to harsh climates. Tibetan Mastiffs are one of the most ancient and largest dog breeds in the world. They were originally bred to guard monasteries in the Himalayas, which explains their thick, weather-resistant coats. These dogs are fiercely independent and protective, making them excellent guard dogs.
9. Anatolian Shepherd
- Size: 27-29 inches tall
- Weight: 80-150 pounds
- Lifespan: 11-13 years
- Temperament: Protective, loyal, independent
- Originally Bred: Livestock guardians
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a powerful and protective breed, originally bred to guard livestock in Turkey. Anatolian Shepherds are known for their strong guarding instincts and independence. Originally bred in Turkey to protect livestock from predators, they are highly protective and loyal to their families. Their independent nature requires a firm and experienced owner.
8. Newfoundland
- Size: 26-28 inches tall
- Weight: 100-150 pounds
- Lifespan: 9-10 years
- Temperament: Gentle, patient, strong swimmers
- Originally Bred: Water rescue dogs
Known for their swimming ability and lifesaving skills, Newfoundlands are gentle giants with a sweet disposition. Newfoundlands are among the best swimmers in the canine world, originally bred for water rescues. Their gentle and patient nature makes them excellent companions, particularly for families with children.
7. Neapolitan Mastiff
- Size: 24-31 inches tall
- Weight: 110-150 pounds
- Lifespan: 7-9 years
- Temperament: Protective, loyal, calm
- Originally Bred: Guard dogs
With its distinctive loose skin and formidable presence, the Neapolitan Mastiff is a powerful guard dog.
Neapolitan Mastiffs are easily recognizable by their loose, wrinkled skin and massive size. Originally bred as guard dogs, they are fiercely loyal and protective of their families. Despite their imposing appearance, they are calm and affectionate with their loved ones.
6. Leonberger
- Size: 25.5-31.5 inches tall
- Weight: 90-170 pounds
- Lifespan: 8-9 years
- Temperament: Gentle, friendly, loyal
- Originally Bred: Companions and working dogs
The Leonberger is a majestic and friendly giant, known for its impressive size and lion-like mane.
Leonbergers were bred to resemble lions, hence their name. These large dogs are known for their friendly and gentle disposition, making them great companions for families. They were originally bred as working dogs and companions, showcasing their versatility.
5. Great Dane
- Size: 28-34 inches tall
- Weight: 100-200 pounds
- Lifespan: 7-10 years
- Temperament: Friendly, gentle, affectionate
- Originally Bred: Hunting and guard dogs
Often referred to as the “Apollo of dogs,” the Great Dane is one of the tallest dog breeds in the world, known for its elegance and affectionate nature.
Great Danes hold the record for being the tallest dog breeds, with some individuals standing over 34 inches at the shoulder. Despite their impressive stature, they are known for their friendly and gentle nature, making them excellent family pets.
4. Saint Bernard
- Size: 26-30 inches tall
- Weight: 140-180 pounds
- Lifespan: 8-10 years
- Temperament: Gentle, friendly, patient
- Originally Bred: Alpine rescue dogs
Famous for their roles as rescue dogs in the Swiss Alps, Saint Bernards are gentle giants with a friendly and patient nature.
Saint Bernards are iconic for their work in rescuing lost travelers in the snowy Alps. These large dogs are incredibly patient and gentle, often referred to as gentle giants. Their friendly nature makes them wonderful companions for families.
3. Tosa Inu
- Size: 21.5-32 inches tall
- Weight: 100-200 pounds
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Temperament: Reserved, loyal, protective
- Originally Bred: Dogfighting
The Tosa Inu, or Japanese Mastiff, is a rare breed known for its strength and calm demeanor. Bred for dog fighting, these dogs are now more commonly kept as companions.
Tosa Inus are among the largest dog breeds in the world, with a history steeped in the tradition of dog fighting. Despite this background, they are known to be calm and composed, making them suitable pets for experienced owners who understand their needs.
2. Boerboel
- Size: 24-28 inches tall
- Weight: 150-200 pounds
- Lifespan: 9-11 years
- Temperament: Confident, intelligent, territorial
- Originally Bred: Farm dogs and guardians
Originating from South Africa, the Boerboel is a robust and powerful breed, traditionally used for guarding homes and farms. The Boerboel, with its strong build and fearless demeanor, is a formidable guard dog. This breed’s name means “farmer’s dog” in Afrikaans, highlighting its origins as a farm protector. Boerboels, a giant dog breed, are incredibly loyal and form strong bonds with their families, making them both excellent protectors and companions.
1. Mastiff
- Size: Up to 30 inches tall
- Weight: 120-230 pounds
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
- Temperament: Gentle, protective, loyal
- Originally Bred: Guard dogs and hunting large game
The Mastiff is renowned for its massive size and gentle demeanor. These giants are known for their loyalty and protective instincts, making them excellent guard dogs and family pets. The Mastiff is one of the largest dog breeds in the world, with a history that dates back thousands of years. These dogs were originally bred for guarding properties and protecting families from intruders. Despite their intimidating size, Mastiffs are often referred to as gentle giants due to their calm and affectionate nature.
Conclusion
These 20 giant dog breeds each bring their unique characteristics and histories, from the gentle Saint Bernard to the imposing Mastiff. Whether you’re seeking a loyal guardian or a gentle giant to complete your family, there’s a breed on this list that can meet your needs. Remember, owning a large dog comes with responsibilities, including providing ample space, proper training, and regular veterinary care to ensure a healthy and happy life for your furry friend.
By understanding the needs and temperaments of these large dogs, you can ensure a harmonious relationship with your new canine companion. These gentle giants are not just big dogs; they are big-hearted friends who will offer you unconditional love and protection for years to come. Whether you choose the regal Great Dane or the majestic Bernese Mountain Dog, these giant breeds are sure to bring joy and companionship into your life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the world’s largest dog breed?
The world’s largest dog breed is the English Mastiff. Males can weigh between 160 to 230 pounds, with some even surpassing 250 pounds. They are known for their imposing size and gentle temperament. The Guinness World Record for the heaviest dog ever recorded is held by an English Mastiff named Aicama Zorba, who weighed an astounding 343 pounds. Despite their size, Mastiffs are often described as gentle giants.
What is the largest, most powerful dog breed?
The Kangal Shepherd Dog is considered one of the largest and most powerful dog breeds. Originating from Turkey, these dogs are known for their immense strength, powerful bite force, and protective nature. They can weigh between 110 to 145 pounds and stand around 30 to 32 inches tall. Kangals were originally bred to protect livestock from predators like wolves and bears, showcasing their power and bravery.
What is the most royal dog?
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is often regarded as the most royal dog breed. Named after King Charles II of England, who adored these small, elegant dogs, they have a long history of association with European nobility. Their regal appearance, combined with a gentle and affectionate temperament, made them popular lapdogs in royal courts. Today, they continue to be cherished for their aristocratic charm and loving nature.
What is the most expensive dog?
The Tibetan Mastiff holds the title of the most expensive dog breed. In 2014, a Tibetan Mastiff puppy was sold in China for a staggering $1.95 million, setting a world record. These ancient and rare dogs are prized for their lion-like appearance, thick double coats, and guarding abilities. The high cost reflects their rarity, lineage, and status as a luxury pet among the wealthy elite.
Who is the tallest dog now?
The tallest dog currently is a Great Dane named Zeus, who stands 44 inches tall at the shoulder. Zeus, who lives in Bedford, Texas, USA, was recognized by the Guinness World Records in 2022. When standing on his hind legs, Zeus reaches an impressive height of over 7 feet. Despite his towering stature, Zeus is known for his friendly and gentle demeanor, embodying the typical nature of Great Danes.