20 Largest Dog Breeds In The World
There are more than four hundred dog breeds in the world. Experts divide them into small, medium and large. Cynologists also distinguish a separate group of four-legged pets – giant breeds. Among these dogs there are real heavyweights, as well as animals that are distinguished by their very high growth with a relatively small body weight. The largest dog in the world is a Great Dane named Zeus, listed in the Guinness Book of Records.
20 Largest Dog Breeds
Most often, giant dogs are used as guards or hunters. Large pets help people hunt large animals and protect the house from intruders.
Despite their menacing appearance, these dogs are usually friendly and calm in nature – they are not prone to displaying unjustified aggression.
This article contains the largest dog breeds in the world with photos and names. The basis for including animals in the TOP is the height at the withers.
Great Dane
Country of origin : Germany
Height : 72–90 cm
Weight : 60–80 kg
Age : 9-10 years
The Great Dane is the largest dog breed in the world. The animal’s body is very strong and muscular. The paws are long and strong.
This dog is considered a good companion, as it is able to understand its owner literally from half a word. It tries to please its owner in everything.
Great Danes are patient with children and get along well with other pets. These dogs are great for large families and single breeders alike.
You need to devote enough time to training your pet. Otherwise, the dog may become wayward and disobedient. A properly trained pet always behaves with restraint and is not aggressive.
English Mastiff
Country of origin : United Kingdom
Height : 77–79 cm
Weight : 70–90 kg
Age : 8-10 years
The English Mastiff is a heavyweight dog. In ancient times, they were used to hunt large game.
Despite their menacing appearance, these animals are distinguished by their friendly and calm nature. The dog never shows aggression without reason.
This pet can be acquired by people who are far from sports and an active lifestyle. The Mastiff cannot be considered a fan of active games. It is slow and even passive. It does not tolerate heat well.
A male of this breed named Zobra was included in the Guinness Book of Records as the heaviest dog in the world. His weight was 155.6 kg.
American Mastiff
Country of origin : USA
Height : 65–91 cm
Weight : 65–90 kg
Age : 10-12 years
The American Mastiff is a copy of the English-bred Mastiff in appearance. Its main difference from its fellow is neatness and robust health. At the moment, the breed is considered to be small and rare and is still in its infancy.
In everyday life, these powerful dogs behave peacefully and calmly. A mastiff can only rush into an attack when it senses a real threat. Such dogs become very attached to their owner. They suffer separation from their owner painfully.
The pets are obedient, so they are easy to train. They listen to the trainer very attentively and happily follow all his commands.
Leonberger
Country of origin : Germany
Height : 65–80 cm
Weight : 34–50 kg
Age : 9-11 years
Leonberger is a breed of dog with a truly regal appearance: they are large and fluffy, and the fur of these dogs resembles a lion’s mane.
The pet’s character is balanced. It is always calm and reasonable. In addition, it is extremely patient: it is quite difficult to irritate a Leonberger. Representatives of this breed show aggression only when they feel the approach of real danger. They will always protect all members of the family in which they live.
Very devoted to the owner. Also, these big shaggy dogs love children: representatives of the breed are patient even with a strange child and will happily play with him. They can become good nannies.
Saint Bernard
Country of origin : Italy, Switzerland
Height : 65–90 cm
Weight : 50–91 kg
Age : up to 9 years
The Saint Bernard is a breed of dog that is considered giant. These dogs can work as rescuers.
There have been cases in history where St. Bernards rescued people who had suffered from avalanches. Thanks to their keen sense of smell, they found them under snowdrifts and warmed them with their bodies.
The Saint Bernard is kind and calm. These beautiful and shaggy dogs love people and prefer to always be in their company. They experience loneliness painfully. They become very attached to their owner and are ready to please him in everything.
They are very tolerant towards small children. They do not show aggression towards strangers, so they should not be used as guard dogs.
Komondor
Country of origin : Hungary
Height : 65–80 cm
Weight : 40–60 kg
Age : 12 years
The Komondor is also called the Hungarian Shepherd. The appearance of this dog is very unusual – the dog has very long hair, sometimes hanging down to the ground. Puppies of this breed are quite expensive.
Pets are distinguished by their observation and intelligence. They can act as guards. The dog will protect its family in any situation. Komondors love children and are ready to support any game with them.
The owner of such an animal should put a lot of effort into raising the dog. The respect of this dog must be earned, only then will it unquestioningly carry out all the commands of the owner. Novice breeders are not recommended to purchase the breed.
Newfoundland
Country of origin : Canada
Height : 64–70 cm
Weight : 50–54 kg
Age : up to 10 years
Newfoundlands are large dogs with a good-natured character. It is believed that representatives of this breed have no hunting instinct at all. These dogs love water, so they make excellent rescuers.
Newfoundlands are very calm. They treat even strangers with great trust. The meaning of this dog’s life is serving a person. They are very devoted to their owner and are ready to do everything to please him. They are not at all inclined to show aggression.
They love children, even the smallest ones. They can become good nannies. They are tolerant of other pets, especially if they grew up with them.
Deerhound
Country of origin : United Kingdom
Height : 71–81 cm
Weight : 34–50 kg
Age : 8-10 years
Deerhounds are hunting breeds. They are the largest dogs in the sighthound group.
At home, these dogs behave calmly and reservedly – they almost never bark. As a hunter, the deerhound is distinguished by its lightning-fast reaction and endurance.
These dogs are very devoted to their owner. They treat strangers with interest rather than with caution. But if there is real danger, the dog will react immediately.
Representatives of this breed require a professional approach to training . Novice breeders are unlikely to be able to cope with such a dog. You need to train him regularly and for a long time.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Country of origin : USSR
Height : 66–75 cm
Weight : 45–75 kg
Age : 9-11 years
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a large breed of dog. This dog is distinguished by its fearlessness and confidence. It can become an ideal guard dog. In ancient times, “Caucasians” were used as shepherds.
Such dogs possess not only incredible strength, but also excellent intelligence. With quality training, you can raise a good family protector. Representatives of this breed can distinguish a real threat from provocation.
The largest Caucasian Shepherd at the moment is considered to be a dog named Ares. The animal’s height at the withers is 90 cm. At the age of one year, he has already outgrown his father – a rather large “Caucasian”.
Boerboel
Country of origin : South Africa
Height : 59–88 cm
Weight : 45–70 kg
Age : up to 12 years
The Boerboel is a dog that is ideal for the role of a guard. It requires high-quality training and early socialization.
This breed requires timely training, so the best option for the owner is to seek help from specialists. Boerboels are willful and prone to dominance. An improperly trained dog can behave aggressively.
Such pets, despite their menacing appearance, love children very much. They are capable of not only playing with them, but also being good nannies. In any case, leaving a small child with a Boerboel for a long time without supervision is not worth it.
Moscow watchdog
Country of origin : Russia
Height : 72–78 cm
Weight : 60–90 kg
Age : 10-12 years
The Moscow Watchdog is an excellent guard and protector. It has a calm disposition. It is suitable for keeping in an aviary. This breed of dog is one of the largest in the world.
Such a dog can become a favorite of the whole family. It gets along well with children, treats them with great patience. It gets along well with other pets. These dogs are very devoted to their owner. Such a dog will attack a stranger who poses a real threat immediately – its reaction is instantaneous.
The Moscow Watchdog needs quality training. An improperly trained dog can become disobedient and stubborn.
Kuvasz
Country of origin : Hungary
Height : 66–76 cm
Weight : 35–50 kg
Age : 10-12 years
The Kuvasz is a dog that is excellent for the role of family guard. Its character is balanced and calm.
Such a dog needs to be trained and educated from an early age. The owner must be very patient: the pet takes a long time to perceive information and does not learn new commands right away. If the owner has no experience in communicating with dogs, it is better to turn to professionals.
Guards by nature, Kuvasz are always on the alert. They do not like strangers and are wary of them. But the animal will never attack without a good reason.
Irish Wolfhound
Country of origin : Ireland
Height : 76–86.5 cm
Weight : 50–72 kg
Age : 10-11 years
The Irish Wolfhound is a large dog. The distinctive feature of these animals is a special type of fur on the muzzle – a rather long and hard “beard”.
Despite its impressive size, this dog has a good-natured and calm disposition. It is balanced and very patient. Wolfhounds are capable of showing emotions: they will rejoice and be sad together with their owner.
If your pet has done something wrong, you shouldn’t yell at it, let alone hit it. This can have a negative impact on the animal’s psyche.
Wolfhounds get along well with other pets, including cats.
Black Terrier
Country of origin : USSR
Height : 66–74 cm
Weight : 45–65 kg
Age : 10-12 years
The Black Terrier is a dog that is ideal for the role of a service dog. It has a very high level of intelligence and, if necessary, can make independent decisions without waiting for the owner’s command.
These pets require regular training. Without proper training, they can become uncontrollable. In order for the terrier to obey a person unquestioningly, you need to become an authority for him.
They are calm towards other pets, perceiving them as part of the family. They are capable of becoming caring nannies, although this large dog should not be left unattended with a baby for a long time.
Great Pyrenean Mountain Dog
Country of origin : France
Height : 65–80 cm
Weight : 45–60 kg
Age : 10-12 years
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is a cattle breed and is distinguished by its high level of intelligence.
This dog is very receptive to new information, but is difficult to train. The owner must become a leader and authority – only in this case will the pet follow his commands.
Training should be constant. Otherwise, the animal may become stubborn and wayward. These dogs are capable of making decisions on their own, without waiting for an order.
With proper training and early socialization, the Great Pyrenees will be an excellent companion and family favorite.
Bullmastiff
Country of origin : United Kingdom
Height : 61–73 cm
Weight : 45–60 kg
Age : 8-10 years
The Bullmastiff is a large dog with a balanced character. Such pets are not prone to displaying causeless aggression. They are distinguished by their imperturbability, even primness. Ideal guards.
The dog will not tolerate bad treatment, especially from strangers. Therefore, if the animal considers that a stranger has come too close and is behaving aggressively, the pet will react immediately.
Bullmastiffs need training, otherwise they can become unmanageable.
Representatives of this breed do not get along well with other pets, constantly trying to take a leading position.
Tosa Inu
Country of origin : Japan
Height : 54–65 cm
Weight : 38–50 kg
Age : about 9 years
Tosa Inu are the only representatives of the molosser breed bred by Japanese specialists.
The dog is distinguished by great physical strength. For this reason, the dog needs high-quality training and education. For a novice breeder, the best option is to contact a dog handler. Socialization of the animal should be done from an early age.
People who already have other dogs in their families should not buy such a dog. Tosa Inu are very jealous of their pets and always try to take the position of leader in the house.
Akita Inu
Country of origin : Japan
Height : 64–75 cm
Weight : 36–50 kg
Age : 8-10 years
Akita Inu are one of the most loyal dogs in the world. They will always be devoted to their owner. They were originally used for hunting.
These pets are distinguished by their activity and energy. It is believed that they bark very rarely, preferring to snort instead. They are characterized by good nature and peacefulness. They are calm with other animals. They can become good nannies for children.
Akita Inu are suitable for both large families and single people. However, for a person who prefers a passive lifestyle, such a pet should not be acquired. These dogs are overly active and require long walks and regular exercise.
Russian Borzoi
Country of origin : Russia
Height : 65–80 cm
Weight : 35–48 kg
Age : 10-12 years
The Russian Borzoi is a very ancient breed. In Russia, it was used for hunting as early as the 17th century. The animal’s appearance is distinguished by its majesty and grace.
These animals have hunting instincts even if the greyhound has not been used to hunt wild animals. That is why other small breed dogs may be perceived as prey. You should not leave a greyhound on the street unattended.
Sometimes these pets can be stubborn and willful. That is why quality training is very important. The dog must know all the basic commands.
Representatives of this breed are calm towards strangers, so they are not suitable for the role of guards.
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Country of origin : Turkey
Height : 66–76 cm
Weight : 46–68 kg
Age : 10-13 years
The Anatolian Shepherd is a guard dog that knows its business well. The breed is quite ancient, having formed almost without human participation.
These pets are loyal to only one person. They are wary of strangers and are unlikely to be the first to make contact. They are strongly attached to a certain territory. They can be not only bodyguards, but also guards of things, houses, apartments.
The character is distinguished by calmness. These shepherds rarely show their emotions. They usually treat other pets calmly. They show patience with children.
The largest dog in the world in the Guinness Book of Records
At the moment, the tallest dog in the world is considered to be a Great Dane named Zeus. This fact is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. The pet’s height was 1.118 meters, and its weight was 70.3 kg. The height of the dog standing on its hind legs is 2.23 meters.
This giant dog belonged to a family from Michigan (USA). His owner, Denise Dorlag, said that her big dog ate quite a lot – every two weeks he was fed 13.6 kg of food. Thanks to his height, he could drink water straight from the tap.
Despite his impressive size, Zeus had a friendly and calm disposition. He got along well with both people and other pets. The dog was a therapy dog – he regularly visited patients at a nearby hospital, providing them with moral support with his presence. The Great Dane died in 2014 at the age of five.
Pros and Cons of Large Breed Dogs
Buying a pet is a very important step. The choice of a dog depends on several factors: the owner’s capabilities and his living conditions.
A large dog needs increased control from the owner and a spacious home. For this reason, such a dog should not be acquired by a person with little free time and a small apartment.
- Among the main advantages of animals belonging to large breeds, we can highlight:
- Excellent performance of the security function;
- Calm and balanced character (subject to quality training);
- Great physical strength and endurance.
Large dog breeds require constant attention from their owners – they need proper training and regular exercise. Most often, walks with such pets should be long and active.
When choosing a pet, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of each breed separately. Some are lazy and do not like active games, others are not suitable for the role of guards, due to their friendly attitude towards strangers.
- The disadvantages of large dogs include:
- The need for high-quality and regular training;
- Tendency to develop joint diseases;
It is believed that the life expectancy of such pets is shorter than that of representatives of small breeds.
Who are large dog breeds suitable for?
Large dog breeds are suitable for sporty and active people. They will happily keep their owner company during a morning jog or training on the sports ground.
Businessmen and people busy with their careers should not buy such a dog, as they will not be able to pay enough attention to it. If the pet does not receive proper training, it may become aggressive and disobedient.
Large dogs are suitable for both large families and single people. Some breeds can become good nannies. These dogs usually get along well with other pets, especially if they grew up with them. Although there are exceptions, for example, bullmastiffs and tosa-inu. They do not tolerate the presence of other animals in the house.
Walking with such a dog is a separate topic. You should be prepared for the fact that in public places you can encounter a negative reaction – the large size of the animal often causes fear and concern of others. You should not argue with them, the main thing is to take precautions – the pet must be muzzled and on a leash. The best option is to walk the dog in places where there are not many people.
