The Biggest Dogs in the World: Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny teacup breeds to towering giants that can leave you in awe. For dog enthusiasts who appreciate the grandeur and majesty of large breeds, we’ve compiled a list of the top 20 biggest dogs in the world for the year 2024.
These gentle giants not only impress with their size but also with their loyalty, intelligence, and gentle nature.
Biggest Dogs Breeds
1 English Mastiff: Biggest Dogs in the World
“The English Mastiff holds the title for the world’s largest dog breed, with individuals weighing up to 200 pounds. In 1981, a Guinness World Records entry documented an English Mastiff named Zorba weighing 142.7 kg (314 lb) and standing 27 inches tall. Truly impressive!”
2 Saint Bernard: Biggest Dogs in the World
The Saint Bernard is a large and muscular dog breed that can reach heights of 30 inches and weigh up to 180 pounds. As a member of the Mastiff family, it is considered one of the largest dog breeds in the world.
3 Great Dane Biggest Dogs in the World
Great Danes have no upper height limit, but at around 18 months, females should be at least 71 cm (28 inches) tall, and males at least 76 cm (30 inches).
They typically weigh around 50 kg, and they need to be lean and fit rather than overweight, as their long bones require proper support.
Known for being family-loving and somewhat goofy (think Scooby-Doo!), Great Danes originated in Germany as boar-hunting dogs capable of guarding the estates of the wealthy.
They retain their protective instincts, so they’re attentive to strangers and wildlife on your property.
Similar to other giant breeds, Great Danes tend to act like puppies well into their third year. They can be challenging to transport, costly to feed, and produce a substantial amount of drool.
Unfortunately, like many large breeds, they often have shorter lifespans.
4 Irish Wolfhound:
The Irish Wolfhound is unmistakably a giant breed, with an average height of 76 cm (30 inches) and often taller. Unlike most sighthounds, which tend to be lean, the Wolfhound is both tall and broad.
While their history dates back to the 1st century A.D., the modern Irish Wolfhound as we know it today was largely developed in the 19th century by Captain Graham.
He revived the breed by crossing Scottish Deerhounds, Borzoi, Great Danes, and Pyrenean Mountain Dogs.
Once matured, these massive, shaggy-coated dogs are typically gentle giants. However, as puppies and adolescents, they can be boisterous, clumsy, and, frankly, enormous. Despite this, few people seem to stop at owning just one Irish Wolfhound!
5 Tibetan Mastiff:
Tibetan Mastiffs, known as the “guardians of the Himalayas,” have protected monasteries for centuries. Independent in both thought and action, they may choose to disregard their owner’s instructions or training if they feel differently.
Males of this breed can weigh up to 150 pounds and stand 26 inches tall at the shoulders. While they can appear aloof and intimidating, Tibetan Mastiffs can also be affectionate towards their families and, with proper training and supervision, can get along well with children and other dogs.
Their medium-length double coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting.
6 Leonberger:
The German Leonberger was recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 2010.
They are highly regarded as family pets and are known for their excellent relationship with children. Males of this breed can weigh up to 170 pounds and stand around 31 inches tall.
With a waterproof coat, long legs, and a mane resembling a lion’s, Leonbergers thrive on outdoor activities and athleticism.
7 The Biggest Dogs Newfoundland:
Fondly referred to as Newfies, this gentle and cheerful breed adores discovering bodies of water to utilize their webbed feet.
They rank 42nd out of 200 in terms of popularity, largely due to their affection for family, patience with young children, and acceptance of other dogs. Males typically reach an average height of 28 inches and weigh around 150 pounds, while females average 26 inches in height and up to 120 pounds.
8 Anatolian Shepherd Biggest Dogs
Originally bred to help herd livestock, Anatolian Shepherds typically stand at an average height of 29 inches for males and 27 inches for females. They weigh between 110 to 150 pounds for males and 80 to 120 pounds for females.
These natural protectors thrive when given tasks to perform, which is why they tend to be more reserved with strangers and display greater independence compared to other breeds.
9 Neapolitan Mastiff Biggest Dogs
The Neapolitan Mastiff, known for its immense size, is surprisingly quiet and thoughtful. While they may be slow to react, this is not a sign of low intelligence but rather a tendency to carefully consider their actions.
Renowned for their heavy, loose skin that forms dramatic wrinkles, they have a distinctive appearance resembling a dog wearing skin several sizes too big. Despite their massive stature, they often believe they are lapdogs.
Originating from Southern Italy, Neapolitan Mastiffs were originally bred for home protection, with their loose skin serving as a defense against predators, human or animal, attempting to grab hold of them. On average, they stand around 70 cm (27 inches) tall and weigh approximately 60 kg.
Ideally, they should be lean and muscular under their loose skin, with breeders now working to reduce extreme wrinkling for the breed’s health. They have a hard, shiny coat that is surprisingly weather-resistant and comes in various colors including blues, black, fawn, brown, and brindle.
As puppies, Neapolitans are lively and energetic, and while they may slow down as they mature, they remain one of the more active giant breeds. They require regular, moderate exercise and plenty of training to become well-behaved companions.
Additionally, be prepared for a significant amount of drool, as it is a common trait of this breed.
10 Scottish Deerhounds Biggest Dogs
Though not the smallest of the giant breeds, the Deerhound is possibly the lightest in weight. They typically stand around 76 cm (29 inches) tall and weigh about 42 kg, with males being taller and heavier than females.
Originally bred to hunt and hold down deer, the Deerhound has a documented history dating back at least 500 years. Their original role was catching wolves, which were present in Scotland until at least 1680 and possibly later.
Despite the decline of deer coursing and wolf hunting, the Deerhound remains virtually unchanged from its historical form. They are tall and slender, resembling an oversized greyhound, with a dense, shaggy, somewhat wiry coat. Despite their noble appearance, they can quickly switch to a goofy, silly grin.
Deerhounds are affectionate towards their family and trusted visitors but are often reserved around strangers, without being rude or aggressive.
They take time to mature and can be large, clumsy, and playful puppies for some time. However, once mature, they make excellent family companions, particularly for those experienced with sighthound breeds.
11 Cane Corso Biggest Dogs
With origins tracing back to Roman times, Cane Corsos are highly valued for their protective instincts, intelligence, and affectionate nature.
They are excellent family pets, getting along well with children and other dogs. They show eagerness in training and possess high energy levels. The life expectancy of a Cane Corso is typically between nine and 12 years.
12 Dogue de Bordeaux Biggest Dogs
The “Mastiff of Bordeaux,” as their name translates from French, is characterized by their short coats, expressive eyes, and protective instincts. They typically reach heights of up to 27 inches and weigh an average of 110 pounds or more.
Dogue de Bordeaux dogs are known for their stubborn nature, emphasizing the importance of early training. While they make great family pets, they have a shorter lifespan compared to other breeds, typically around five to eight years.
13 Bullmastiff Biggest Dogs
Bullmastiffs are recognized for their muscular, robust build, weighing up to 130 pounds and standing up to 27 inches tall at the shoulders.
They have a keen appreciation for both physical labor and family bonding and are highly valued for their intelligence and protective instincts. Due to their shorter coats, bullmastiffs necessitate less grooming compared to several other breeds.
READ MORE ABOUT THIS DOG BREED: Bullmastiffs
14 Great Pyrenees Biggest Dogs
Recognized for their white double coats, Great Pyrenees are gentle giants, often weighing over 100 pounds and reaching heights of up to 32 inches.
They freely show affection but are also quick to act when it comes to protecting or guarding their loved ones. Great Pyrenees strike a balance between independence and subordination, typically being receptive to guidance.
15 Bernese Mountain Dog Biggest Dogs
Bernese Mountain Dogs are a popular choice for families, cherished for their friendly demeanor, playful nature, and protective instincts. Females typically stand between 23 and 26 inches tall and weigh between 70 and 95 pounds.
Males, on the other hand, range from 25 to 27.5 inches in height and weigh between 80 and 115 pounds. With a double coat and medium-length hair, they require more grooming compared to some other large breeds.
16 Kuvasz Biggest Dogs
Originally bred in Hungary as livestock guardian dogs, Kuvaszok are known for their loyalty and protective instincts. Males can weigh up to 115 pounds, while females typically reach 90 pounds.
While they are devoted companions, Kuvaszok can be challenging to train, underscoring the importance of early training efforts. They typically live between 10 to 12 years.
17 Tibetan Mastiff Biggest Dogs
Referred to as the “guardian of the Himalayas,” Tibetan Mastiffs have a long history of protecting monasteries. These dogs are known for their independent nature, occasionally disregarding their owner’s instructions or training if they prefer a different approach.
Tibetan Mastiff males can weigh up to 150 pounds and stand 26 inches tall at the shoulders. While they may appear aloof and intimidating, they can also be affectionate towards their families and, with proper training and supervision, can get along well with children and other dogs.
Their medium-length double coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting.
18 Boerboel Biggest Dogs
Originally bred as protectors of farmland and homesteads in South Africa, Boerboels are renowned for their protective nature and love for their families.
Both male and female Boerboels can reach weights of up to 200 pounds. Given their protective instincts, socializing them as puppies is crucial. Boerboels typically live between nine to 11 years.
READ MORE INFORMATION ON THIS DOG BREED: Boerboel
19 Pyrenean Mastiff Biggest Dogs
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is a giant breed known for its immensely strong and heavy body, covered in a thick coat. These dogs typically stand between 65-81 cm (25-31 inches) tall and weigh 36-54 kg.
Despite their large size, they possess a graceful elegance. They are affectionate towards their family but tend to be wary of strangers and unfamiliar dogs. Therefore, they are best suited to experienced owners with ample space who can handle them with care.
Interestingly, this breed is naturally nocturnal, a trait stemming from their original purpose of guarding herds of cattle and flocks of sheep during the night.
20 Tosa inu Biggest Dogs
Also known as Tosa or Tosa Ken, these large dogs can weigh up to 200 pounds. They are affectionate with their families but can be aloof with strangers, making them excellent watchdogs.
While Tosas rarely display aggression toward people, they may react aggressively toward other dogs. Therefore, early socialization with other puppies is crucial if you intend to expose your Tosa to other canines. In terms of big breeds, Tosas can live a relatively long life, typically around 10 to 12 years.
Conclusion
These are just some of the largest dog breeds in the world, each with its unique characteristics and traits. Whether you prefer gentle giants or powerful protectors, there’s a large breed out there to suit every lifestyle and preference.
Regardless of their size, these dogs are all capable of forming strong bonds with their owners and making loyal and loving companions for years to come.
