When it comes to dogs, the bigger they are, the more there is to love. Needing plenty of attention, play time, and kibble of course, big dogs steal our hearts with their oversized paws and pounds upon pounds of cuddliness.
From wideset guard dogs to long-limbed herders, here are some of the largest dogs in the world.
Doberman Pinscher
Weight: 70-100 pounds
Height: 24-48 inches
Glossy fur with a magnificent body, the Doberman Pinscher is an outstanding dog breed. Their fierce loyalty, keen intelligence, and protective nature make them one of the best watchdogs.
English Mastiff
Weight: 160-230 pounds
Height: 30 inches
The English Mastiff or simply Mastiff comes from a lineage of the oldest surviving dog breeds. Their massive strength, courage, and intelligence have kept them this long despite almost being wiped off in the World War.
Today, Mastiffs are very loyal, loving, docile, and patient pets who enjoy gentle training. A dog of this size, like all large dog breeds, will keep you on your toes.
Afghan Hound
Weight : 50-60 pounds
Height: 25-27 inches
They may not tip the scale over, but this tall dog breed from Afghanistan is a large dog. Their silky, flowing coat is a sight for sore eyes (it protects them from cold conditions too!) They carry an air of elegance and royalty.
They look like they don’t care, but these pretty giants are very silly and loves getting all the attention
Akita
Weight : 70-130 pounds
Height: 24- 28 inches
This independent-thinking dog hates sharing her humans with other pets. Although they can be dominating, they are very protective, courageous, and loyal to their human companion.
They are respected in Japan, their originating country, and are symbols of good health, happiness, and long life.
Alaskan Malamute
Weight : 70 – 95 pounds
Height: 23-25 inches
Friendly in nature, the Alaskan Malamute are pack animals. They always look up to a “pack leader” and as a family dog, you must be their pack leader.
These strong dogs love being helpful and enjoy warm snuggles as a reward.
Great Dane
Weight: 100-200 pounds
Height: 28- 32 inches
As the name suggests, the Great Dane is indeed massive. Though not of Danish descent, this dog breed is easygoing and fun to have around.
They are patient with children but can’t stand intruders.
Bullmastiff
Weight : 110-130 pounds
Height: 24-28 inches
Loyal and affectionate towards their human owners, the Bullmastiff dog is a poacher’s nightmare.
Although they are not as large as their cousin the Mastiff, they are still one of the largest dog breeds as they are a crossbreed between a Bulldog and a Mastiff.
Saint Bernard
Weight: 140-180 pounds
Height: 28-30 inches
Powerfully built with imposing and massive features, the Saint Bernard dog was first bred in the Swiss Alps. They are very friendly, charismatic, and kind. They are also attentive and patient with kids. They were originally bred to rescue people lost in the snow or buried in avalanches
Leonberger
Weight: 110-170 pounds
Height: 28-32 inches
Despite sporting a lion-like mane, the Leonberger dog is gentle, friendly, and very patient with its human companions.
Originally bred to be a companion for European royalty, the Leonberger dogs are famous for their elegance.
Black Russian Terrier
Weight: 80-150 pounds
Height : 25-30 inches
Powerfully built, these massive and majestic dogs are calm and protective of their human owners but are aloof with strangers. Their coarse black coat keeps them warm even in the coldest places on earth.
These big dogs carry their weight well and have a nimble gait.
Great Pyrenees
Weight : 80-120 pounds
Height: 25-32 inches
Originally bred to protect sheep from mountain wolves, this magnificent dog breed is large and very strong. Today, they are content to be your cute snuggly companions as well as a vigilant watchdog.
Newfoundland
Weight : 130-150 pounds
Height : 28 inches
This massive and powerfully built dog is famous for its sweet personality and its patient and watchful nature. Their webbed feet and water-repellent coats and swimming abilities make them excel at water rescues.
Caucasian Shepherd
Weight: 110-180 pounds
Height : 24-34 inches
A Caucasian Shepherd on his guarding duty should not be messed with as they do take their job seriously. They can be very fierce and fearless when the need arises but on a typical day, they are patient, loving, and kind dogs. And the best part, they are tolerant of other family pets.
Scottish Deerhound
Weight: 85-110 pounds
Height: 30-32 inches
One of the tallest dog breeds in the world, the Scottish Deerhound is known as the “Royal Dog of Scotland”. They look a lot like the Greyhound but they are bigger with a rougher coat. In their heydays, they hunted the giant wild red deer but today, they are content just being part of the family. And they hate being treated as an afterthought.
Irish Wolfhound
Weight : 120 pounds
Height: 32 inches
This magnificent dog is the tallest dog breed according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). They may look cute and harmless but an Irish Wolfhound could take down a wolf in combat. Today, they make very peaceful, gentle, and beautiful pets.
Anatolian Shepherd
Weight : 90-140 pounds
Height: 26-30 inches
Fiercely protective and territorial, the Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are very loyal guard dogs. They will defend their home, family, and other pets with passion. They are smart, devoted, and very patient with their human companions but can be dominating and demanding.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Weight : 80-110 pounds
Height: 23-28 inches
This gigantic dog breed is blessed with a unique tri-colored coat. They are breathtaking but their beauty is not the only good thing about this dog breed. The Bernese Mountain Dogs have a sweet nature and they love to please their owners. They are smart too.
This stunning dog is very helpful as they were developed to help out on farms in Switzerland. Their coat is not only pleasing to the eye, but it also keeps them warm in extreme cold.
Boerboel
Weight: 150- 200 pounds
Height: 22-27 inches
Though this dog breed is not popular in American homes, they are very popular in South Africa. They are very dominating but profoundly loyal to their owners. They protect their home and farms from predators and intruders.
If you are a novice dog owner, the Boerboel will be a lot to handle.
Cane Corso
Weight : 88- 110 pounds
Height: 24-28 inches
The Cane Corso dog breed is a mastiff dog breed of Italian origin. These intimidating-looking dogs are very smart with minds of their own. In ancient Rome, they were military and hunting dogs. Their fierce looks deterred predators from stealing livestock left under their watch.
Today, the Cane Corso spend their energy defending their human companion and can be a handful for an unwitting owner.
Tibetan Mastiff
Weight : 70-150 pounds
Height: 24-26 inches
The Tibetan Mastiff may look like a fierce lion on the outside but they are calm and sweet inside, especially with their family. They are not to be messed with though, as they can be aloof, intimidating, and territorial with strangers. These giants are surprisingly light-footed and agile.
Dogo Argentino
Weight: 88-100 pounds
Height: 24-26 inches
Originally developed in— you guessed it—Argentina, the Dogo Argentino is a pack-hunting dog that was bred to take down big game such as puma and wild boar. Despite its hunting prowess, the Dogo Argentino is also a great family dog. These dogs are athletic and intelligent, so owners need to ensure they get plenty of physical and mental exercise.
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