Quck answer
There are many big dog breeds in the world, but here are 11 of the biggest:
1. Great Dane
2. English Mastiff
3. Irish Wolfhound
4. Leonberger
5. Saint Bernard
6. Newfoundland
7. Anatolian Shepherd
8. Tibetan Mastiff
9. Boerboel
10. Dogue de Bordeaux
11. Neapolitan Mastiff
These dogs can weigh anywhere from 100 to over 200 pounds and make great companions for those who have the space and time to care for them properly.
Pets
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a robust breed that was originally bred for work. xkunclova/Shutterstock
Some of the largest dog breeds are also among the most beloved dogs in the world. Despite their massive size, they are gentle and have kind hearts. They are commonly known as gentle giants.
Many large dog breeds can weigh as much as 170 pounds (77 kilograms) when fully grown, and they are extremely protective of their families. So what exactly makes a dog breed large or giant? Professional dog breeders have created a standardized measurement system that defines large dog breeds as weighing at least 50 pounds (22.6 kilograms) and having a minimum height of around 24 inches (61 centimeters).
Giant breeds, on the other hand, are a minimum of 100 pounds (45.3 kilograms), and their proportions are even greater. Many giant breeds are working dogs, bred for specific purposes such as herding, hunting, or protection. While some of them may be a handful, many of them are gentle giants like the Great Pyrenees.
Let’s take a look at some of the world’s largest dog breeds according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). Here are eleven breeds listed in alphabetical order, plus a couple of Guinness World Record holders.
Anatolian Shepherd
Anatolian Shepherds are descendants of some of the oldest known domestic canines. K.Bry/Shutterstock
This smart and loyal working dog weighs an average of 150 pounds (68 kilograms) and offers protection to livestock. Although their appearance can be intimidating, they are reserved and prefer to be a threatening presence rather than attacking predators. Anatolian Shepherds are still popular guard dogs on ranches today.
Bernese Mountain Dog
This giant breed with a gentle nature is one of the more popular giant breeds. Bred in Switzerland as a working dog, Bernese Mountain Dogs thrive in cold weather and were used on farms for carting or drafting — basically pulling a cart or wagon. They are good-natured and make excellent family dogs and companions.
Black Russian Terrier
The Black Russian Terrier, also known as Stalin’s dog, is an imposing and intelligent giant terrier. It was developed by the Soviet government in the 1930s as a powerful guard and police dog. To this day, they retain those protective qualities and are very loyal to their families. This breed is not very common in the U.S.
Bullmastiff
The massive Bullmastiff was developed in the 19th century as a guard dog. It is a cross-breed of the English Mastiff and extinct Old English Bulldog. Oleksandr Lysenko/Shutterstock
There are several mastiffs that fit into the giant category. Representing the group here is the Bullmastiff. They were developed in the 19th century to guard private English game preserves and country estates. They respond well to training but can be stubborn, so early socialization and training are a must. Other mastiffs include:
The article features a list of five different breeds of mastiffs, including Standard, French, English, Neapolitan, and Tibetan. Each breed is described with their unique characteristics and traits. Additionally, the article discusses four other giant dog breeds such as Cane Corso, Great Pyrenees, Irish Wolfhound, and Newfoundland, highlighting their history and features. The Great Pyrenees is known for its white, puffy coat and protective nature, while the Leonberger is known for its lion-like appearance and its history as a companion dog for European royalty. Newfoundland dogs are ideal for water-loving people due to their webbed feet and water-repellent fur.
Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are one of the largest dog breeds in the world and were originally bred for rescue work. The breed originated in the Swiss Alps and was often depicted with a small wooden barrel around its neck. Despite their size, they are agile and skilled at search and rescue operations, particularly in snowy conditions.
Scottish Deerhound
The Scottish Deerhound is one of the tallest breeds of dog, standing at 30 to 32 inches (76 to 81 centimeters) tall. This breed is similar in appearance to the Irish Wolfhound and is known for being the royal dog of Scotland. They were bred for deer hunting and are sensitive and deeply connected to their family. However, they can suffer from separation anxiety, so they may be better suited for homebodies.
Guinness World Record Great Danes
The Great Danes hold the record for the tallest dogs in the Guinness World Records, with two named Zeus. The current record-holder is a 2-year-old Great Dane named Zeus from Bedford, Texas, standing at 3 feet 5.18 in (1.046 meters) since March 2022. However, Zeus from Otsego, Michigan, was the tallest dog ever recorded at 3 feet 6.7 inches (1.12 meters) before passing away in September 2014.
Now That’s Interesting
There are different accounts about the Saint Bernard’s iconic wooden barrel. Some say it was a keg of brandy used to provide warmth to travelers crossing through the snow, while others believe it was simply an artistic styling.
Biggest Dog FAQs
What is the largest breed of dog?
There are several large dog breeds, including the English Mastiff, Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Bull Mastiff. These breeds typically stand about 35 inches tall and weigh up to 230 pounds. However, the Saint Bernard and Newfoundland are also huge breeds. Saint Bernard males can weigh anywhere from 140 to 180 pounds and stand up to 30 inches high, while Newfoundlands can weigh between 130 to 150 pounds and stand up to 28 inches tall.
What is the biggest dog ever recorded?
The Great Dane Zeus holds the Guinness World Record for the tallest dog ever recorded, standing at 3 feet 6 inches from the ground to the withers. Zeus passed away in 2014 and belonged to the Doorlag family in Michigan.
What are the four most popular dog breeds in the UK?
The most popular dog breeds in the UK are the Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, Jack Russell Terrier, and mixed breed.
What is the number one dog in the world?
According to the American Kennel Club and dog enthusiasts, the most popular breed in the world is the Labrador Retriever.
FAQ
1. What is the largest dog breed in the world?
The largest dog breed in the world is the Great Dane. They can grow up to 32 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 175 pounds. Despite their size, Great Danes are known for being gentle giants and make excellent family pets.
2. What is the second-largest dog breed in the world?
The second-largest dog breed in the world is the English Mastiff. They can grow up to 30 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 250 pounds. English Mastiffs are known for being loyal and protective of their families.
3. What is the heaviest dog breed in the world?
The heaviest dog breed in the world is the Saint Bernard. They can weigh up to 260 pounds. Saint Bernards were originally bred for rescue work in the Swiss Alps and are known for their gentle and friendly nature.
4. What is the tallest dog breed in the world?
The tallest dog breed in the world is the Irish Wolfhound. They can grow up to 32 inches tall at the shoulder. Despite their size, Irish Wolfhounds are known for being gentle and affectionate with their families.
5. What is the smallest of the biggest dog breeds?
The smallest of the biggest dog breeds is the Bullmastiff. They can grow up to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 130 pounds. Bullmastiffs were originally bred as guard dogs and are known for their protective nature.
6. What is the most muscular dog breed?
The most muscular dog breed is the American Pit Bull Terrier. They are known for their strength and athleticism and have a muscular and lean build. However, Pit Bulls are also known for their loyalty and affection towards their families.
7. What is the most intelligent of the biggest dog breeds?
The most intelligent of the biggest dog breeds is the German Shepherd. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and trainability. German Shepherds are often used as police and military dogs due to their ability to learn quickly and follow commands.
8. What is the most energetic of the biggest dog breeds?
The most energetic of the biggest dog breeds is the Siberian Husky. They are known for their high energy levels and need for exercise. Siberian Huskies were originally bred as sled dogs and are still used for that purpose today.
9. What is the most gentle of the biggest dog breeds?
The most gentle of the biggest dog breeds is the Newfoundland. They are known for their sweet and gentle nature and make excellent family pets. Newfoundland dogs are also known for their strong swimming abilities and are often used in water rescue missions.
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