Biggest Dogs in the World
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny teacup breeds to large, imposing canines. For those who prefer their furry companions on the larger side, there are plenty of breeds to choose from.
In this post, we will take a closer look at 25 of the biggest dogs in the world. These breeds are impressive not only for their size but also for their strength, loyalty, and affectionate personalities.
Whether you are looking for a gentle giant or a fierce protector, there will surely be a breed on this list that will capture your heart. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of massive canines and explore some of the largest dog breeds.
Great Dane
The Great Dane is a giant breed between 28 and 32 inches tall and weighs 110 and 175 pounds. Males are generally larger than females. Great Danes are often called “gentle giants” despite their size due to their kind and loving nature.
Great Danes were originally bred for hunting and as guard dogs, but they make excellent family pets and are great with children. They have a lifespan of around 7 to 10 years.
English Mastiff
The English Mastiff is one of the largest dog breeds and can weigh between 120 and 230 pounds. They stand between 27 and 36 inches tall. They are known for their massive size and large heads. English Mastiffs have a short lifespan of around 6 to 10 years.
They are a gentle and affectionate breed and make excellent family pets. They are often called “gentle giants” due to their calm and docile nature.
Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is a large breed of dog that stands between 25 and 28 inches tall and weighs between 120 and 180 pounds. They have a thick fur coats and are known for their loyalty and friendliness. Saint Bernards have a lifespan of around 8 to 10 years.
They were originally bred for rescue work in the Swiss Alps and had a strong instinct to protect and help their owners. They make excellent family pets and are great with children.
Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a massive and powerful breed that originated in Italy. They can grow between 24 and 31 inches and weigh 110 and 200 pounds. They have large, wrinkled heads and bodies and are known for their intimidating appearance.
Despite their fierce look, they are known for their calm and loyal temperament. They have a lifespan of around 8 to 10 years, which is typical for a large breed.
Scottish Deerhound
The Scottish Deerhound is a tall and slender breed originally bred for hunting. They can grow up to 32 inches and weigh anywhere between 75 to 110 pounds. They have a wiry coat in various colors, including brindle, blue, fawn, and black.
They have a lifespan of around 8 to 11 years, which is typical for a large breed. They have a gentle and friendly personality and make great family pets.
Bernese Mountain
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, sturdy breed originating in Switzerland. They have a thick, shiny coat with a black, white, and rust tricolor pattern. They can grow between 23 and 28 inches in height and weigh anywhere between 70 and 115 pounds.
They are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, which makes them great family pets. They have a lifespan of around 7 to 10 years, shorter than some other large breeds. They are prone to several health issues, including cancer, hip dysplasia, and bloat.
Leonberger
The Leonberger is a giant dog breed that originates from Germany. These dogs can weigh up to 170 pounds and stand up to 31 inches at the shoulder. They have a thick, water-resistant double coat that can be various shades of gold or red.
This breed was initially bred as a family and farm dog and is known for its intelligence, loyalty, and calm temperament. Leonbergers have a life span of around 8-9 years.
Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a massive dog breed from the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. These dogs can weigh up to 150 pounds and stand up to 28 inches at the shoulder.
They have a thick, water-resistant double coat that can be black, brown, or gray. This breed was originally bred as a working dog and is known for its strength, loyalty, and gentleness. Newfoundland dogs have a life span of around 8-10 years.
Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is a giant breed of dog that originated in Ireland. They have a rough, wiry coat that can be various shades of gray, brindle, or fawn. These dogs can weigh up to 180 pounds and stand up to 34 inches at the shoulder.
This breed was originally bred as a hunting dog and is known for its courage, loyalty, and intelligence. Irish Wolfhounds have a life span of around 6-8 years, shorter than most other dog breeds. Despite their short life span, they are beloved for their gentle and affectionate nature.
Anatolian Shepherd
The Anatolian Shepherd, also known as the Anatolian Karabash, is a large, muscular dog breed originating from Turkey. Males typically stand between 29 to 32 inches (74 to 81 cm) at the shoulder and weigh between 110 to 150 pounds (50 to 68 kg), while females stand between 27 to 29 inches (69 to 74 cm) and weigh between 80 to 120 pounds (36 to 54 kg).
These dogs have a thick, double coats ranging from fawn to brindle and white, and their life expectancy is around 11-13 years. This breed is known for its loyalty and protectiveness, making it an excellent guard dog. They are also intelligent and independent but may be stubborn and require consistent training and socialization.
Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is a large, heavy-boned dog breed that originated in Tibet. Males stand between 26 to 30 inches (66 to 76 cm) at the shoulder and weigh between 100 to 160 pounds (45 to 73 kg), while females stand between 24 to 28 inches (61 to 71 cm) and weigh between 70 to 120 pounds (32 to 54 kg).
These dogs have a thick, double coats ranging from black to blue-gray and gold, and their life expectancy is around 10-12 years. The Tibetan Mastiff is known for their courage, loyalty, and protectiveness, and they make excellent guard dogs. They are also intelligent and independent but may be stubborn and require consistent training and socialization.
Cane Corso
The Cane Corso, also known as the Italian Mastiff, is a large dog breed from Italy. Males stand between 25 to 27 inches (64 to 68 cm) at the shoulder and weigh between 99 to 110 pounds (45 to 50 kg), while females stand between 23 to 26 inches (58 to 66 cm) and weigh between 88 to 99 pounds (40 to 45 kg).
These dogs have short, dense coats ranging from black to gray and fawn, and their life expectancy is around 9-12 years. The Cane Corso is known for their loyalty and protectiveness, making them excellent guard dogs. They are also intelligent and trainable but may require an experienced owner and consistent socialization to prevent aggression toward other dogs or strangers.
Boerboel
The Boerboel is a large, muscular breed that originates from South Africa. They typically weigh between 110 and 200 pounds and stand around 24 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder. Boerboels have a powerful, broad head, short muzzles, and strong jaws. Their short, dense coats come in tan, brown, or brindle colors. Their lifespan is around 9 to 12 years.
Boerboels were originally bred as farm dogs, protecting their owners and property from intruders, wild animals, and livestock. They are fiercely loyal to their family and can be wary of strangers, making them excellent guard dogs. They are also intelligent and highly trainable, but early socialization and training are necessary to prevent aggressive tendencies. Boerboels require plenty of exercises and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the French Mastiff, is a large, powerful breed that originated in France. They can weigh between 120 and 145 pounds and stand around 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder. Dogue de Bordeaux has a massive head, a short muzzle, and wrinkles on their face. Their short coat comes in fawn, mahogany, or red shades. Their lifespan is around 5 to 8 years.
Dogue de Bordeaux was originally bred for guarding and hunting, and they have an instinct to protect their family. They are affectionate and loyal to their owners but can be suspicious of strangers, making them excellent guard dogs. They require early socialization and training to prevent any aggressive behavior, as well as regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Kangal
The Kangal, also known as the Anatolian Shepherd Dog, is a large breed that originated in Turkey. Kangals have a strong and muscular build, with a broad head and a thick neck. Their short, dense coats come in fawn, brindle, or white shades. They typically weigh between 100 and 145 pounds and stand around 28 to 34 inches tall at the shoulder. Their lifespan is around 11 to 13 years.
Kangals were originally bred to guard livestock, and they have an instinct to protect their flock. They are loyal and devoted to their family but can be reserved or suspicious of strangers. Early socialization and training are essential to prevent any aggressive behavior. They require plenty of exercises, mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy, and a secure and spacious living environment.
Komondor
The Komondor is a large Hungarian breed known for their unique corded coat, made up of dreadlock-like cords that can grow up to 27 cm long. They are muscular and powerful dogs weighing 100 to 135 pounds and standing up to 27 inches tall.
The Komondor was originally bred as a livestock guardians, and they are very protective of their family and territory. They are loyal and intelligent dogs that require a firm and consistent training approach. The average lifespan of a Komondor is between 10 and 12 years.
Caucasian Shepherd
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is an intelligent and independent breed originally bred to guard livestock. Also known as the Caucasian Ovcharka, this breed originated in the Caucasus Mountains of Eastern Europe.
They are one of the world’s largest and most powerful breeds, weighing 110 to 220 pounds and up to 30 inches tall. They are loyal and protective of their family and territory but require extensive socialization and training to prevent aggressive behavior. The average lifespan of a Caucasian Shepherd Dog is between 10 and 12 years.
Pyrenean Mountain
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog, also known as the Great Pyrenees, is a large breed originating in the Pyrenees Mountains of France and Spain. They are muscular dogs weighing 85 to 160 pounds and standing up to 32 inches tall. Pyrenean Mountain Dogs are intelligent, independent, and protective of their family and territory.
They were originally bred to guard livestock, and their protective instincts can make them suspicious of strangers. They require early socialization and consistent training to prevent aggressive behavior. The average lifespan of a Pyrenean Mountain Dog is between 10 and 12 years.
Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a large and powerful breed known for its strength, endurance, and loyalty. These dogs were originally bred as sled dogs in the harsh Arctic climates of Alaska, and they are still used for this purpose today. Males typically weigh between 75-100 pounds and stand 24-26 inches tall, while females weigh between 65-85 pounds and stand 22-24 inches tall.
Their thick, double-layered coat is designed to protect them from the cold and requires regular grooming. Alaskan Malamutes are generally healthy dogs with a 10-12 years lifespan.
Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is another sled dog breed well-known for its endurance and energy. These dogs were originally bred in northeastern Asia to pull sleds over long distances, and they have since become popular as pets due to their friendly and sociable nature.
Siberian Huskies are generally healthy dogs with a 12-14 years lifespan. Their thick coat is designed to keep them warm in cold climates, requiring regular brushing to keep them clean and healthy. Males typically weigh between 45-60 pounds and stand 21-23.5 inches tall, while females weigh between 35-50 pounds and stand 20-22 inches tall.
Alaskan Klee Kai
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a relatively new breed developed in the 1970s in Alaska. These dogs were bred to be companions rather than working dogs, and they are known for their playful and affectionate personalities.
Alaskan Klee Kais are generally healthy dogs with a lifespan of 12-16 years. Males typically weigh between 10-15 pounds and stand 13-15 inches tall, while females weigh between 7-12 pounds and stand 10-13 inches tall. They have a thick coats in various colors, including black, white, gray, and red.
However, they are prone to specific health issues such as luxating patella and heart problems, so choosing a reputable breeder and keeping up with regular vet checkups is essential.
Akita
The Akita is a large and powerful dog breed originating from Japan. Adult males can stand 26 to 28 inches tall and weigh around 100 to 130 pounds, while females typically stand 24 to 26 inches tall and weigh between 70 and 100 pounds. They have a thick double coat, which can come in various colors, including white, brindle, and fawn. Their lifespan ranges from 10 to 12 years.
Akitas are known for their loyalty and protective nature, but they also require a firm and consistent hand in training. They are intelligent and independent but can also be stubborn and dominant if not adequately trained. They make excellent watchdogs but may require socialization to prevent aggression toward other dogs or strangers.
American Akita
The American Akita is a larger and more robust version of the Akita developed in the United States. Adult males can stand 26 to 28 inches tall and weigh around 100 to 130 pounds, while females typically stand 24 to 26 inches tall and weigh between 70 and 100 pounds. They have a thick double coat, which can come in various colors, including white, brindle, and fawn. Their lifespan ranges from 10 to 12 years.
Like the Akita, American Akitas are known for their loyalty and protective nature. They are intelligent and independent but can also be stubborn and dominant if not correctly trained. They make excellent watchdogs but may require socialization to prevent aggression toward other dogs or strangers. However, they are generally larger and more muscular than the Japanese Akita and may require more exercise and activity.
Presa Canario
The Presa Canario, or the Canary Mastiff, is a large dog breed from the Canary Islands. Adult males can stand at 23 to 26 inches tall and weigh around 100 to 160 pounds, while females typically stand at 22 to 25 inches tall and weigh between 85 to 130 pounds. They have a short, coarse coat, which can come in various colors, including brindle and fawn. Their lifespan ranges from 9 to 11 years.
Presa Canarios are known for their loyalty and protective nature, and they require a firm and consistent hand in training. They make excellent watchdogs and guard dogs but require regular exercise and activity to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Bullmastiff
They are intelligent, strong-willed, and may be aggressive towards other dogs or strangers if they need to be properly socialized.
The Bullmastiff is a large breed originally developed in England in the 19th century to guard estates. They have a short, dense coat in fawn, red, or brindle shades. Males typically weigh between 110-130 pounds and stand at a height of 25-27 inches, while females are slightly smaller, weighing 100-120 pounds and standing at 24-26 inches. Their lifespan is around 8-10 years.