The dog variety is huge. The list goes from tiny chihuahuas all the way to giant imposing mastiffs. Each dog breed carries their own unique features and distinctive attributes. The sheer difference between the breeds on the opposite sides of the size scale is shocking. It makes you wonder how they belong to the same species. Today, we shall explore the 25 largest dog breeds in the world. But first, let’s discuss the biggest dog through the perspective of size and weight!
Tallest Dog in the World: The Great Dane
The record for tallest dog in the Guinness World Records belongs to a Great Dane called Zeus. Reaching 44 inches at the shoulder, Zeus was truly amazing. When he stood tall on his hind legs, he was over 7 feet! At around 155 pounds, Zeus made his home in Michigan, USA, until he died in 2014. Thanks to his impressive stature, he became famous, and even so, he was seen as warm and loving.
Because of their noble and elegant looks, Great Danes are commonly called “the Apollo of dogs.” Breeding in Germany for wild boar hunting, they have, over time, become devoted companions. They usually measure from 28 to 34 inches at the shoulder and can weigh anywhere from 100 to 200 pounds, placing them among the largest dog breeds. Yet Great Danes are famed for being easygoing and warm, which earned them the nickname gentle giants.
Heaviest Dog in the World: The English Mastiff
With respect to weight, the English Mastiff is the best. The amazing Aicama Zorba was a Mastiff, recorded as the heaviest dog in history at a shocking 343 pounds! Zorba measured over 8 feet long in total, making his weight considerable as well as his size large.
Ancient Romans and Egyptians probably used the ancestors of Mastiffs in warfare and as guardians. At present, Mastiffs are famous for their calmness and loyalty. Irrespective of their great size, they usually are gentle, loving, and make wonderful family companions. Males of the breed typically weight between 160 and 230 pounds, although a number can be heavier than that.
Other Large Dog Breeds
There are other breeds of dogs that are also very large but not as large as the Great Dane and English Mastiff. These include:
1. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are large mountain dogs that were bred primarily for rescue operations in the Swiss Alps. These majestic dogs are among the most loved and famous dog breeds worldwide. Some of them can weigh as much as 180 pounds and be taller than 30 inches. Saint Bernards are powerful, gentle, imposing, and watchful, with a fondness for children, making them ideal for rescue operations and as for home.
Here’s a table highlighting five key things about the Saint Bernard dog breed:
| Characteristic | Description |
| Size | Saint Bernards are a giant breed, with males typically weighing between 140-180 lbs (63-82 kg) and females slightly smaller. |
| Temperament | Known for their gentle and friendly nature, Saint Bernards are affectionate, patient, and good with children. |
| Origin | This breed originated in the Swiss Alps, where they were used as rescue dogs by monks to help locate and save travelers lost in the snow. |
| Coat Type | Saint Bernards have a thick, dense coat, which can be short or long, protecting them from cold weather. Regular grooming is essential to maintain their coat. |
| Exercise Needs | Despite their large size, Saint Bernards don’t require excessive exercise. A few daily walks and playtime are generally enough to keep them healthy. |
Saint Bernards are beloved for their loyalty and calm demeanor, making them great family pets.
2. Newfoundland
This breed known for its swimming skills, may weigh between 150 pounds or even more. They are often involved in water operations and have dense fur and feet that are connected by membranes. These gentle giants are native to Newfoundland Island, Canada, and are widely loved by many.
Here are some characteristics of the Newfoundland dog breed:
| Characteristic | Description |
| Size | Newfoundlands are large dogs, with males typically weighing between 130-150 lbs (59-68 kg) and females slightly smaller. |
| Temperament | Known for their calm, sweet, and patient temperament, Newfoundlands are often referred to as “gentle giants” and are great with families, especially children. |
| Origin | This breed hails from Newfoundland, Canada, where they were traditionally used as working dogs, particularly for helping fishermen and performing water rescues. |
| Coat Type | Newfoundlands have a thick, water-resistant double coat, ideal for cold and wet conditions. Regular grooming is needed to keep their coat in good condition. |
| Swimming Ability | Renowned for their natural swimming skills, Newfoundlands have webbed feet and a strong affinity for water, making them excellent water rescue dogs. |
Newfoundlands are loving, strong, and dependable, making them great companions, particularly for families and those who enjoy water activities.
3. Leonberger
Having a lion-like mane, the Leonberger is a large working dog that can reach a weight of 170 pounds. It is said that they are very gentle and friendly animals. Leonberger comes from Leonberg, Germany, the city it is named after. It is a beautiful animal and often praised as one of the most well-looking dog breeds.
Here’s a table highlighting five key things about the Leonberger dog breed:
| Characteristic | Description |
| Size | Leonbergers are a giant breed, with males weighing between 110-170 lbs (50-77 kg) and females between 90-140 lbs (41-64 kg). |
| Temperament | Leonbergers are known for their calm, gentle, and loyal nature. They are especially good with families and children, making them excellent companions. |
| Origin | The breed originated in Leonberg, Germany, in the 19th century, and was initially bred to resemble a lion. They were used for guarding and draft work. |
| Coat Type | They have a thick, water-resistant double coat, which requires regular grooming to prevent matting and to manage shedding. |
| Exercise Needs | Leonbergers are active dogs that require regular exercise, such as long walks or playtime, to keep them physically and mentally healthy. |
Leonbergers are gentle giants with a strong, muscular build, but their friendly, easygoing nature makes them wonderful family pets.
4. Boerboel
Boerboel is a large breed of dog originating in South Africa. It is big and powerful, usually used as a guard dog. Boerboel has short hair but strong bones and muscles. It is known for being highly intelligent, strong, and loyal, making it an ideal family guard dog. Boerboel can be territorial and might show aggression towards other dogs and strangers. It’s their natural instinct. Boerboel also faces some restrictions in many countries.
Here are the five key things about the Boerboel dog breed:
| Characteristic | Description |
| Size | Boerboels are a large and muscular breed, with males typically weighing between 150-200 lbs (68-90 kg) and females between 120-160 lbs (54-73 kg). |
| Temperament | Boerboels are confident, loyal, and protective dogs. They are naturally territorial, making them excellent guard dogs, but they are also affectionate with their families. |
| Origin | The Boerboel originated in South Africa, where they were bred to protect farms from predators and intruders. |
| Coat Type | They have a short, dense coat that is easy to maintain. Regular brushing is enough to keep their coat clean and healthy. |
| Exercise Needs | Boerboels are an active breed that requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay fit and prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior. |
Boerboels are powerful, loyal protectors who thrive with families, especially in homes where they can have a job or purpose. Their strong protective instincts make them excellent watchdogs.
5. Tosa Inu
A Tosa Inu is an aggressive fighting dog of Japanese origin. It is one of the few breeds still used in dog fights. Tosa Inu are strong and intelligent, and since they are bred to fight, they are aggressive by instinct. Tosa Inu is the largest dog breed in Japan. They have a short, dense coat, usually red or apricot, and well-built muscles. However, due to being an aggressive fighting dog, they are banned in some countries.
Five key things about the Tosa Inu dog breed:
| Characteristic | Description |
| Size | Tosa Inus are large, powerful dogs, with males typically weighing between 100-200 lbs (45-91 kg), though some can be heavier. |
| Temperament | Tosa Inus are known for their calm, quiet, and courageous temperament. They are protective and loyal but can be aloof with strangers, making them effective guard dogs. |
| Origin | The breed originated in Japan, where they were developed as fighting dogs. They are still used for this purpose in some regions but are also kept as companions. |
| Coat Type | Tosa Inus have a short, smooth coat that is easy to maintain with occasional brushing. |
| Exercise Needs | Tosa Inus need regular exercise to stay healthy and avoid becoming bored or restless, but they do not require overly strenuous activity. |
Tosa Inus are dignified, strong, and protective dogs that are best suited for experienced owners due to their size and temperament. They are loyal companions but require proper training and socialization.
6. Anatolian Shepherd
An Anatolian Shepherd is a powerful and majestic dog, descended from mastiffs and flock guardian breeds. It is a very powerful and and sturdy flock guardian dog with ancient roots. They are territorial, comfident and intelligent making them an ideal guradian dog to have.
Here’s a table highlighting five key things about the Anatolian Shepherd dog breed:
| Characteristic | Description |
| Size | Anatolian Shepherds are a large breed, with males weighing between 110-150 lbs (50-68 kg) and females between 80-120 lbs (36-54 kg). |
| Temperament | Known for being independent, protective, and loyal, Anatolian Shepherds are natural guardians. They are calm with their family but can be wary of strangers. |
| Origin | This breed originated in Turkey, where they were used as livestock guardian dogs to protect flocks from predators like wolves and bears. |
| Coat Type | They have a short to medium-length double coat that is weather-resistant. Regular grooming is needed, especially during shedding season. |
| Exercise Needs | Anatolian Shepherds are highly active and need daily exercise, such as long walks or tasks like guarding, to keep them mentally and physically fit. |
Anatolian Shepherds are strong, independent, and intelligent, making them excellent working dogs, especially in guarding roles. They require confident, experienced owners due to their protective instincts.
What Makes Big Dogs Special?
Large dogs such as Great Danes and Mastiffs have special ways of being friends with their owners. It is understandable why they are so large because they have a very gentle and relaxed demeanor. But this is where problems start because a large dog is a big responsibility. They are bigger and need more food and sometimes more attention because big dogs live shorter and can have certain diseases like hip dysplasia or heart failure.
Conclusion
The largest breed of dogs in the world is fascinating and impressive in size and is popular in many countries. Zeus the Great Dane and Zorba the Mastiff go to show how large dogs can grow, and both are almost unreal in their size. Though they are large in their physical stature, big dogs are equally as large in their affection and thus make excellent pets for those who have the room and time to devote to such a dog.
