10 Largest Dog Breeds In The World

Dogs, our faithful friends, range from tiny, charming teacup poodles to the impressive giants that fill our homes with joy and grandeur. These gentle giants, the largest dog breeds on the planet, are known not just for their impressive stature but also for their kind nature and unwavering loyalty.

These colossal breeds often come with a heritage of being hardworking, contributing significantly in various roles such as guarding, herding, and even rescue operations. They carry with them a strong instinct and drive from their working backgrounds, which sometimes makes them a handful but always fascinating.

In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the 10 largest dog breeds in the world, sharing insights about their unique characteristics and what makes them so special and beloved by dog enthusiasts everywhere.

What Is the Largest Dog Breed in the World?

When we talk about the biggest dog breed in the world, it’s a bit of a competition. It depends on how you measure them: by their height when they stand on all four legs, their height when they stand up on their back legs or their weight. If we consider both height and weight, the Mastiff is usually the top choice!

The Great Dane is often seen as the tallest breed. But the Irish Wolfhound and the English Mastiff are also really tall dogs.

Other big dogs, especially those used for guarding livestock, are almost as big as these giants.

10 Largest Dog Breeds in the World

Meet the gentle giants of the canine world: the largest dog breeds that combine impressive size with heartwarming loyalty.

1. Mastiff

• Height: 27.5 – 30 inches
• Weight: 120-230 pounds

The Mastiff is one of the biggest dog breeds, both in height and weight. A grown male can be taller than 30 inches and heavier than many men. They have a large, muscular body. The longest (and heaviest) dog ever recorded was Zorba, an Old English mastiff from London, UK.

Used in the past for fighting and guarding, their future was once uncertain, but dog lovers helped the breed survive. Despite their tough history, Mastiffs are calm, gentle, and love their families, sometimes thinking they are lap dogs! They can be wary of strangers, though.

Mastiffs are sweet and protective, making great family pets. They respond well to kind training. It’s important to teach them how to behave around new people from a young age. Owning a Mastiff is a big commitment because of their size and strength.

2. Saint Bernard

• Height: 26 – 30 inches
• Weight: 120 – 180 pounds

The Saint Bernard, a famous giant breed, comes from the Swiss Alps. This large and strong dog was originally bred to find and save people lost in snow and caught in avalanches. The heaviest Saint Bernard, Benedictine, weighed an amazing 368.2 pounds (167 kg) and holds the record for the heaviest dog ever.

Saint Bernards are known for being watchful, patient, and especially good with children. Today, they still have a presence that can keep away strangers with bad intentions, but once they know someone is a friend, they are friendly and relaxed. Their biggest wish is to be in your lap, regardless of their size!

Expect Saint Bernard to act like a big, clumsy puppy until they are about three years old. You can choose between a short or long coat, but be prepared for drooling – it’s part of the package with these lovable giants!

3. Irish Wolfhound

• Height: 30 – 32 inches
• Weight: 105 – 120 pounds

The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest dog breed recognized by the AKC. Originally bred for hunting big game, this breed is unique because it’s both tall and sturdy. The Wolfhound became popular in the 15th century in Ireland for controlling wolves. Once known for their hunting skills, today’s Irish Wolfhounds are relaxed and friendly companions.

These large dogs have a muscular build and are fast runners, like Greyhounds. They’re not typically good guard dogs because they’re so calm, but their size alone can scare off intruders. Irish Wolfhounds are gentle with children, but due to their size, they should be watched around little ones.

Owning an Irish Wolfhound is a big commitment. They’re huge and shaggy, and while they become gentle giants as adults, they’re playful and clumsy when they’re younger.

4. Great Dane

• Height: 28 – 32 inches
• Weight: 110 – 175 pounds

Great Danes, often called “gentle giants,” are famous for their tall, elegant look and smooth way of moving. Zeus, a two-year-old grey and brown American Great Dane from Texas, holds the record as the world’s tallest living dog. These recognizable giant breeds were originally bred for guarding and hunting wild boars.

They are known for being loving, a bit goofy, and easy-going, making them great pets. Great Danes are friendly and social, but they also protect their homes and families well.

Like other giant breeds, Great Danes act like puppies until they’re about three years old. They’re hard to move around, eat a lot, and drool a lot! Sadly, like many big dogs, their lives are often shorter than those of smaller breeds.

5. Leonberger

• Height: 25.5 – 31.5 inches
• Weight: 90 – 170 pounds

Leonbergers, bred for both companionship and protection, are a mix of the gentle St. Bernard Newfoundlands and Pyrenean Mountain dogs. These dogs come from Leonberg, Germany, where they were bred to look like the lion. The Mayor of Leonberg himself started this breeding.

These dogs were used as farm dogs, guards, and companions for rich and noble people. They still fit these roles well today. Leonbergers are known for their calm and patient nature, and they love being around the whole family.

They are big and strong but also graceful and elegant. Leonbergers are friendly and smart, making great watchdogs. They need regular brushing, plenty of space to play, and lots of love!

6. Newfoundland

• Height: 26 – 28 inches
• Weight: 100 – 150 pounds

‘Newfies,’ well-known as one of the giant dog breeds, are especially famous for their love of water. Their love for water makes sense, as the Newfoundland breed comes from the island of Newfoundland, Canada. There, they were used for pulling sleds and carts, as well as for water-related tasks.

Newfoundlands are large, strong dogs with a noble look. They’re known for their sweet nature and have a reputation as patient and watchful “nanny dogs” for children. Their thick, oily coat is weatherproof, which helps them survive in cold, windy, and wet conditions. Plus, their large, webbed feet make them excellent swimmers and help them move on slippery surfaces.

Nowadays, they’re still involved in water sports and carting, but they’re also loved as big, friendly pets. If you enjoy outdoor swimming, having a Newfoundland will make it even more fun.

7. Scottish Deerhound

• Height: 28 – 32 inches
• Weight: 75 – 110 pounds

The Scottish Deerhound, known as the ‘Royal Dog of Scotland,’ is a large, grand hound breed. Among the tallest dog breeds, the Deerhound was specifically bred for hunting the giant wild red deer.

Tall and slender, this breed looks like a bigger version of a Greyhound, with a dense, shaggy, and somewhat wiry coat. They carry an aristocratic demeanor but can quickly show a goofy, silly grin. Deerhounds are affectionate with their families and people they know, but they tend to be reserved around strangers, though never aggressive.

These dogs take a while to grow up, acting like big, clumsy, and playful puppies for quite some time. However, once mature, the Scottish Deerhound becomes a fantastic family pet, especially for those experienced with sighthounds.

8. Neapolitan Mastiff

• Height: 24 – 31 inches
• Weight: 110 – 150 pounds

The Neapolitan Mastiff, hailing from southern Italy, is a symbol of regal strength and elegance. Characterized by their wrinkled skin, droopy jaws, and muscular physique, these large dogs are surprisingly quiet.

Historically used as a guard dog since ancient Roman times, the Neapolitan Mastiff’s impressive appearance effectively deters intruders. Though cautious around strangers, they are gentle, calm, and loyal to their families.

They have a hard, shiny coat that is also weather-resistant. As one of the more active giant breeds, Neapolitan Mastiffs need regular, steady walks and plenty of training to be good companions. And if you’re considering this breed, be prepared for a lot of drool – it’s a part of their charm!

9. Great Pyrenees

• Height: 25 – 32 inches
• Weight: 85 – 100 pounds

The Great Pyrenees is a powerful and large working dog with a thick coat, bred originally for protecting sheep from wolves and other predators in snowy mountain regions.

Today, these dogs are known for their calm nature and vigilant protection of homes and families. Often described as ‘majestic,’ the Great Pyrenees are strong and imposing mountain dogs. They are particularly noted for their constant barking, a trait that comes from their role as guardian dogs, where they were tasked with keeping livestock safe and alerting to any threats.

Despite their usually calm demeanor, the Great Pyrenees can quickly become active and move with surprising grace and speed when they perceive a threat. Their lush, weatherproof coat is typically all white or white with beautiful markings in shades of gray, tan, reddish-brown, or badger.

10. Black Russian Terrier 

• Height: 26 – 30 inches
• Weight: 80 – 130 pounds

Black Russian Terriers, at a glance, might remind you of giant schnauzers, but they are much larger and more muscular. These dogs are known for their strength, heavy bone structure, and their coarse, all-black coat. Black Russian Terriers (BRTs) are celebrated for their bravery, confidence, and intelligence.

Originally bred for guarding and protection, they tend to be reserved with strangers. These robust guard dogs from the Siberian steppes are impressively tall.

Their tousled, all-black coat is thick enough to withstand the extreme cold of some of the chilliest inhabited places on earth.

Conclusion  

The world of large dog breeds is filled with gentle giants and noble protectors. From the majestic Bernese Mountain Dog, known for its friendly nature and striking tricolor coat, to the towering Pyrenean Mountain Dog, a steadfast guardian of flocks, each giant dog breed brings a unique blend of size, strength, and temperament.

Bernese Mountain Dogs, with their affectionate demeanor and the calm yet vigilant Pyrenean Mountain Dog, are perfect examples of how these colossal companions enrich our lives.

Whether you’re looking for a loyal family pet or a dedicated protector, these large and giant dog breeds offer something special for every dog lover.