Top 10 Largest Dog Breeds In The World

Dogs, our loyal companions, come in all shapes and sizes, from petite teacup poodles to the awe-inspiring giants that grace our homes and hearts. Among these canine behemoths, a select few stand out as the largest dog breeds in the world, captivating us with their towering stature, gentle demeanor, and unwavering loyalty.

1. English Mastiff: The undisputed heavyweight champion of the dog world, the English Mastiff boasts an imposing presence, reaching up to 36 inches in height and weighing a staggering 230 pounds. Despite their intimidating size, English Mastiffs are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them surprisingly gentle giants.

2. Neapolitan Mastiff: Originating from southern Italy, the Neapolitan Mastiff exudes an air of regal elegance and strength. With their wrinkled skin, droopy jaws, and muscular build, these gentle giants can reach up to 31 inches in height and weigh up to 200 pounds.

3. Saint Bernard: Renowned for their heroic rescues in the snowy Alps, Saint Bernards are not only large but also incredibly compassionate. These gentle giants can grow up to 30 inches tall and weigh up to 200 pounds, making them a formidable yet affectionate presence.

4. Irish Wolfhound: As their name suggests, Irish Wolfhounds were originally bred to hunt wolves, and their imposing stature is a testament to their prowess. These lean and muscular dogs can reach up to 32 inches in height and weigh up to 180 pounds.

5. Great Dane: Affectionately known as "gentle giants," Great Danes are renowned for their elegant stature and graceful gait. These towering dogs can reach up to 35 inches in height and weigh up to 180 pounds.

6. Leonberger: Bred for companionship and protection, Leonbergers combines the gentle nature of a St. Bernard with the regal presence of a lion. These fluffy giants can reach up to 31 inches in height and weigh up to 170 pounds.

7. Tibetan Mastiff: Hailing from the rugged terrain of the Himalayas, Tibetan Mastiffs are known for their thick fur, protective instincts, and unwavering loyalty. These formidable dogs can reach up to 30 inches in height and weigh up to 170 pounds.

8. Boerboel: Originating from South Africa, Boerboels are muscular and athletic dogs, bred for farm work and companionship. These loyal companions can reach up to 30 inches in height and weigh up to 200 pounds.

9. Dogo Argentino: Known for their muscular build and athleticism, Dogo Argentinos were originally bred for hunting wild boar. These powerful dogs can reach up to 27 inches in height and weigh up to 100 pounds.

10. Cane Corso: With their muscular bodies and distinctive black masks, Cane Corsos exude an air of confidence and strength. These loyal and protective dogs can reach up to 28 inches in height and weigh up to 150 pounds.

Expert Opinions on Large Dog Breeds

According to Sarah Seward Langdon of Smart Earth, giant dog breeds come with giant needs, and oftentimes this can mean more costs. Larger dog breeds generally require more food are prone do health conditions due to their size and can cost more to be professionally groomed.

Additionally. dogs this large leaves little room for bad manners as they are expected to behave better than smaller dogs. It's harder to remove a larger dog from a situation than it is to pick up a smaller dog. Obedience training should be considered to help larger breeds develop basic obedience and social skills.¹

Key Takeaways

The 10 largest dog breeds, each with their unique traits and captivating personalities, represent a testament to the diversity and grandeur of the canine world. While their size demands respect and responsible ownership, their gentle nature, loyalty, and unwavering companionship make them cherished members of our families and communities. Understanding their unique needs and providing them with the care they deserve ensures that these canine giants continue to enrich our lives with their presence.