We don’t deserve dogs. They are the most devoted, loyal, cutest, and wonderful creatures in the world. In fact, it’s hard to imagine how our lives would be without those hairballs. Just a mere look at a dog can put a smile on anyone’s face. And cuddling one? Well, that’s a dose of happiness that will carry you for an entire day. And the bigger the dog, the more to love.
As the one and only Ron Swanson once said: “Any dog under fifty pounds is a cat, and cats are useless.” While this statement is a bit harmful (smaller dogs and cats lovers, unite!), one has to agree that there’s something in bigger dog breeds that makes them incredibly loveable. They are just huge furballs that you can’t help cuddle and play with once you see one.
And if you’ve ever been wondering how big a dog can get, this article has the answer. Below, you’ll find the world’s largest dog breeds. Caution! The guide contains pictures of cute and beautiful pets, so prepare to gasp in amazement.
Scottish Deerhound
Height: minimum 30 in for males and 28 in for females
Weight: around 100 lb for males and 80 lb for females
The first thing that comes to mind when looking at Scottish Deerhound is definitely ‘grace.’ After all, there’s a reason why people refer to this breed as the ‘Royal Dog of Scotland.’ But there’s much more to Deerhounds than their magnificent appearance. They’re also one of the largest and most loveable dogs you can get.
While their height and the wiry grey coating make them look a bit intimidating, Deerhounds are actually gentle and mellow dogs. What’s more, they are friendly towards children, quiet, loving, and loyal. As for the training, Scottish Deerhounds can be a bit slow to obey commands. Still, despite this, they quickly learn new things and shouldn’t cause any trouble whatsoever. In other words, Deerhound is an excellent family pet.
Height: 28-31 in for males and 26-30 in for females
Weight: up to 170 lb for males and 130 lb for females
Although not the biggest breed on this list, Leonberger is certainly one of the cutest dogs you can find. Their lion-like look gives them that noble appearance, but don’t let that fool you. Leonbergers are just giant and furry goofballs.
It’s an affectionate, calm, and friendly breed, perfect for any household. In addition, it’s well-known for its patience and intelligence. Anytime Leonbergers become annoyed, they simply walk away instead of becoming aggressive. That’s why you can fully trust them with children.
When it comes to activity and exercise, one thing to know is that Leonbergers love swimming. In fact, they are widely recognized as amazing water-rescue dogs. They are active dogs in general, so if you want to get one, you should prepare for a lot of outdoor activities. And try saying no to this gorgeous face.
Height: 28-35 in for dogs and 26-31 in for bitches
Weight: up to 200 lb for dogs and 160 lb for bitches
With a height of 35 inches and a weight of 200 lb, Saint Bernard is definitely what can be described as a giant dog. Originally bred as rescue dogs by the hospice of the Great Saint Bernard Pass on the Italian-Swiss border (hence the name), Saint Bernards are known for their loyalty, strength, calm behavior, and, of course, their enormous size.
The interesting thing about Saint Bernards is that they have an incredibly developed sense of smell. They are also great when it comes to sensing impending danger, such as avalanches or storms. These two, plus their ability to find and rescue a person buried in snow, allowed them to save over 2,000 people during their three-century service as rescue dogs.
Height: Up to 28 in for dogs and 26 in for bitches
Weight: 176 lb for dogs and 143 lb for bitches
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to have a bear as a pet? Well, getting a Newfoundland is probably the closest thing to it. At least concerning their large and furry appearance. When it comes to temperament, the only bear Newfoundlands resemble is Winnie the Pooh.
They are calm, gentle, mild-mannered, and patient dogs that make excellent babysitters. They are also known for their loyalty. Once a Newfoundland gets attached to its owner, there’s nothing that can break its love and devotion. The only thing an owner might find slightly challenging is the training. Although being incredibly intelligent, Newfoundlands require a calm and balanced approach to training.
And if there’s one thing that Newfoundland love (besides its owners), it is water. It’s a breed that loves to get wet. In fact, Newfies are often referred to as “Saint Bernards of the water” because they are great water rescue dogs.
Weight: up to 170 lb for males and 160 lb for females
Although Tibetan Mastiff’s exact origin remains unknown, some claim that these massive dogs traveled to Central Asia with Attilla the Hun or Genghis Khan. Originally they served as guardian dogs, protecting campsites and livestock, contributing to their fierce and protective behavior.
In fact, Tibetan Mastiffs get a bad reputation among many people claiming they’re aggressive and difficult to train. That’s not entirely true, though. Sure, it’s in their nature to take the initiative, to be independent and untrusting towards strangers. On the other hand, it’s a patient and protective breed you can trust with children.
Like any other dog breed, Tibetan Mastiff requires a specific approach. Socialization at the earliest stages is key, and it’s vital to develop mutual respect through firm and consistent training. If bred the right way, Tibetan Mastiff will make a wonderful companion for any household.
Weight: 90-150 lb for dogs and 80-130 lb for bitches
One look at the magnificent Irish Wolfhound is enough to fall in love with this breed. Similar in appearance to Scottish Deerhound, Wolfhounds are even bigger, with the tallest ones reaching the size of a pony. But despite being the tallest breed in the world, Irish Wolfhounds are one of the most gentle and friendly dogs.
Smart and patient, Wolfhound is a perfect family dog. They are great with children and are willing to do anything for their owners. In terms of training, Irish Wolfhounds are quick learners that require a firm but gentle approach. However, keep in mind that it’s a breed that requires space to run around and stretch out. They originate from the green plains of Ireland, after all.
Height: 30-34 in for dogs and 28-32 in for bitches
Weight: up to 200 lb for dogs and 130 lb for bitches
Great Dane is a noble and giant dog breed. Dubbed as the “Apollo of Dogs,” Great Dane is an embodiment of dignity and strength. Reaching up to 34 inches, Great Danes are one of the largest dogs in the world. But don’t let their massive size intimidate you. They are a gentle and affectionate breed that loves being around people.
Regarding training, Great Danes are intelligent and learn everything fast. They don’t require excessive activity, and a daily walk should be enough to fulfill their exercise needs. What’s interesting is that it’s a breed that prefers to stay inside rather than wander around a yard, as it loves the comfort of home.
Height: 24-28 in for males and 23-27 in for females
Weight: 85-110 lb for males and up to 105 lb for females
Bernese Mountain Dogs are considered one of the most beautiful dog breeds, and one glance at them is enough to understand where this claim comes from. Its striking tri-colored furry coating and cute face combined with great size create an absolutely gorgeous mix.
Not only this, but Bernies are also intelligent and social dogs. It’s a breed that immediately gets attached to all family members, showing its love to children and adults alike. What’s even cuter, Berners tend to mature slowly, meaning they retain their puppy-like cheerfulness for quite some time.
On the other hand, this means raising one requires patience, time, and love. If you can provide these three factors, Bernie will become your friend for life.
Height: up to 30 in for dogs and 29 in for females
Weight: 110-130 lb for dogs and 99-110 lb for bitches
Famous for their thick and black curly coating, Black Russian Terriers are strong and massive dogs with the temperament of a Yogi bear. They are a smart, calm, and social breed that loves being around their household - playing and cuddling with any family member they come across.
However, as goofy as they can be, Black Russian Terriers are intelligent, very observant, and protective, making them a fantastic guard dog. To be honest, their size should be enough to scare any thief. Reaching up to 30 inches, Black Russian Terrier is a well-built breed, and its thick coating makes it look even larger.
Overall, Black Russian Terriers are amazing and loyal dogs that require humans to live happily. That alone makes them a perfect match for any family who wants a calm and well-behaving dog.
Weight: up to 145 lb for dogs and 12 lb for bitches
Dogue de Bordeaux, otherwise known as the French Terrier, is another representative of gentle giants. They are family dogs who love spending time with their family and treating any form of separation as punishment. The most distinctive feature of Dogue de Bordeaux is definitely its massive and wrinkled head, which gives French Mastiff that noble appearance.
As for temper, French Mastiffs are calm and gentle with children. They are also very intelligent and learn quickly despite the tendency to be a bit stubborn at times. When it comes to daily exercise, a long walk should be sufficient for the dog to stretch its legs and stay in shape.
There are many large dog breeds competing for the title of the biggest dog breed in the world. What’s more, this article only scratches the surface as there are many other breeds that deserve to be mentioned, such as Akita, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, or Caucasian Shepherd Dog. The list goes on and on, and there is no clear winner.
That’s because every dog is different. For instance, we can consider the Irish Wolfhound the tallest breed, but there are Saint Bernards or Great Danes that can sometimes reach even larger sizes. Also, is height the only factor we should consider when talking about giant breeds? In terms of bulk, nothing can match a Newfoundland or Tibetan Mastiff.
Long story short, it doesn’t matter which breed someone considers the biggest. What matters is that all those big dogs, despite their often intimidating look, are wonderful furballs you can fall in love with at first sight.
