12 Largest Dog Breeds In World

Gentle Giants: A Guide to the Largest and Most Lovable Dog Breeds

Large dog breeds often make an impressive statement with their size and stature. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular giants of the canine world:

Understanding Large Dog Breeds

  • Height: Exceed 60 cm (24 inches) at the shoulder.
  • Weight: Surpass 26 kg (57 lbs) with some giants reaching even 45kg (100lbs).
  • Roles: Often bred for working roles (guarding, hunting, herding) but also make wonderful companions.

Top Large Dog Breeds

  1. Great Dane: The undisputed king of large breeds, gentle and patient despite their size.
  2. Doberman Pinscher: Sleek and intelligent, known for their loyalty and guarding instincts.
  3. Cane Corso: Powerful Italian breed, protective and devoted to their families.
  4. Black Russian Terrier: Large, athletic, and intelligent, bred for working roles.
  5. Scottish Deerhound: Tall and lean greyhound, originally used for deer hunting.
  6. German Shorthaired Pointer: Versatile hunting companion, also a great family dog.
  7. Tibetan Mastiff: Ancient breed, independent and strong-willed, known for guarding instincts.
  8. German Shepherd: One of the most popular breeds, versatile, intelligent, and fiercely loyal.
  9. Anatolian Shepherd Dog: Powerful and protective, known for their independence.
  10. Bernese Mountain Dog: Good-natured and patient, perfect family companions.
  11. Irish Wolfhound: Tallest dog breed, gentle and sensitive despite their hunting past.
  12. Great Pyrenees: Large working dog, protective yet gentle and makes a loving companion.

Key Considerations Before Choosing a Large Breed

  • Space: These dogs need ample room to roam, both indoors and outdoors.
  • Exercise: Regular exercise is critical to their physical and mental well-being.
  • Training: Early socialization and consistent training are essential, especially with strong breeds.
  • Cost: Large dogs mean larger costs for food, accessories, and potential vet care.

Key Takeaways

  • Large breeds can make wonderful companions with the right care and understanding.
  • Thoroughly research a breed’s temperament, needs, and potential health issues before committing.
  • If you have the space, time, and dedication for a large dog, the rewards are immeasurable.

Remember: Even gentle giants need training and socialization. A well-adjusted large dog is an absolute joy to have in your life!

What Breeds Are Large Dogs Breed?

There are over 400 dog breeds in the world. Experts divide them into small, medium, and large. Also, cynologists distinguish a separate group of four-legged pets – giant breeds.

Among these dogs, there are real heavyweights, as well as animals that are very tall 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.

According to American Kennel Club (AKC),most often, large dogs are used as guards or hunters. Large pets help a person hunt a large animal and protect the house from intruders.

Despite their formidable appearance, these dogs are usually friendly and calm – they are not prone to displaying unreasonable aggression.

This article contains the breeds of the largest dogs in the world. The basis for the inclusion of animals in the TOP is the height at the shoulders. So, let’s learn what dog breeds you can have if you like to have a large dog breed.

List Of Top Large Dog Breeds

The list of large dog breeds includes dogs with high stature, strong bones, well-developed muscles, and solid body weight.

Thanks to the selection, you can find out the names of the largest dogs in the world and read detailed information about the breeds of interest to compare them with other dogs before buying one.

Largest Dog Breeds

Great Dane

The Great Dane dog is the largest dog breed in the world. The body of the animal is very strong and muscular. Paws are long and strong.

These dogs are considered to be loyal companions because they can understand their owner literally from a half-word. They try to please the owner in everything.

Great Danes are patient with small children and get along well with other pets. These dogs are perfect for both large families and single breeders. They go perfectly with adult human family life.

Training your only pet should be given enough time. Otherwise, the dog can become wayward and disobedient. A well-bred pet always behaves with restraint and non-aggression.

However, if you do not have enough space in your apartment then it is better not to buy a Great Dane dog. They also normally have shorter life spans as compared to other animals.

Brief Detail

  • Origin Country: German
  • Type: Working
  • Weight: Males 120-200 lb; Females 99- 130 lb
  • Height: Males 30-34 inches; Females 28-32 inches
  • Lifespan: 6-8 years
  • Coat Type: Smooth, short coat type
  • Color Options: White, black & white, Black, brindle, silver, harlequin, fawn, merle, mantle, or solid
  • Temperament: Gentle, calm, friendly, even-tempered, loving, proud, attentive, and beautiful dogs. However, they need vigorous exercise to stay fit.

Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman pinscher dog is a deep-chested, medium-large dog with a sleek and sturdy appearance. Doberman pinschers also known as “Dobies” or “Dobes” are loyal, highly intelligent, and fearless.

These characteristics make these pups ideal police, guard, and war dogs, though they’re also excellent companions.

Although they have a reputation as sharp as well as sinister dogs, their devoted fans believe they are the most loyal and loving companions. However, they need daily exercise.

So, make sure you have enough time to spend time with your pup. And the fun fact is that they are easily trained with consistency.

Brief Detail

  • Origin Country: German
  • Type: Working
  • Weight: 65-100 pounds
  • Height: 24-28 inches
  • Lifespan: 10-12 years
  • Coat Type: Smooth and short
  • Color Options: Fawn or red with rust patches (often small white patches are seen), black, blue,
  • Temperament: Loyal, intelligent, energetic, alert, and attentive
Largest Dog Breeds

Cane Corso

The heirs of gladiator pups, the modern Cane Corso possesses a natural grandeur and strength. They appear to be harsh and even frighten people, but in reality, they are true friends of their owners as well as stay that way their entire lives.

The Cane Corso, the fourteenth breed developed in Italy, is its national treasure and source of pride.

Like the dogs, the Italians’ vivacious personalities were also depicted, along with the devotion of the shepherds and the bravery of the fighter breeds.

Brief Detail

  • Origin Country: Italy
  • Type: Working
  • Weight: Generally 80-120 lb or proportionate to their heights
  • Height: Up to 23.5-27.5 inches
  • Lifespan: 10-12 years
  • Coat Type: Coarse and short
  • Color Options: Gray, black, red, and fawn; brindle is available in all color options, may have a gray or black patch, and might have small markings of white
  • Temperament: Quiet, reserved, calm, gentle, stable, and even-tempered

Black Russian Terrier

They are big working dogs from Russia. They have medium or long coarse fur. This’s a large-boned, athletic dog that stands tall. Black Russian terrier dogs were originally bred to be working dogs with brains.

They have been employed for military and police work as well as have a powerful protective nature. Black Russian terrier dogs need consistent, firm leadership as well as may not be perfect for a beginner dog owner because of their size and intelligence.

Brief Detail

  • Origin Country: Russian
  • Type: Working
  • Weight: Around 80-130 lb
  • Height: Males 27-30 inches; Females 26-29 inches
  • Lifespan: 10-12 years
  • Coat Type: Curly, Medium-long double coat
  • Color Options: Black
  • Temperament: Calm, intelligent, and courageous

Scottish Deerhound

The Scottish Deerhound has a second name – deer greyhound. The breed belongs to the hunting greyhounds.

These unique hunting dogs have such strength, endurance, and the ability to overtake their prey that they allowed their hunters to walk on deer even without weapons.

The agility of the Greyhound, combined with a larger, heavier build, makes the Scottish Deerhound very fast and powerful. That is why this greyhound can overtake and kill a large wild deer.

Lean and light deerhounds reach 80 cm in height with a moderate weight of up to 50 kg. This is a rather rare breed, which is almost no longer used for hunting purposes, becoming a good companion for owners of these dogs around the world.

Brief Detail

  • Origin Country: Scotland
  • Type: Hound
  • Weight: Males 85 -110 lb; Females 75-95 lb
  • Height: Males 30-32 inches; Females 28+ inches
  • Lifespan: 8-11 years
  • Coat Type: Wiry
  • Color Options: Different shades of fawn, gray, or even brindle
  • Temperament: Docile, dignified, friendly, and gentle

German Shorthaired Pointer

The German shorthaired pointer is a medium-large or large sporting dog breed with pointy ears that originated in German. It has a thin body and distinctive liver-brown coloring on its short coat.

Due to their adaptability, German shorthaired pointers are among the top most popular large dog breeds according to the AKC. A German shorthaired pointer is the ideal hunting partner as well as a great family dog.

Brief Detail

  • Origin Country: German
  • Type: Sporting
  • Weight: Males 55-70 lb; Females 45-60 lb
  • Height: Males 23-25 inches; Females 21-23 inches
  • Lifespan: 12-14 years
  • Coat Type: Thins and short
  • Color Options: Liver & white, liver & ticked Solid liver, or liver roan
  • Temperament: Companionable, intelligent, bold, active, and attentive

Tibetan Mastiff

The history of this breed dates back to ancient times when Tibetan monks used mastiffs as guard dogs, and nomads in the Himalayan mountains used their strength and power for various working purposes.

This hardy, calm, and good-natured dog has been accompanying a person for many hundreds of years, being for him both a hardworking assistant and a brave guard.

However, the Tibetan Mastiff has an independent disposition and can feel completely independent and free, he is very self-sufficient and smart.

The weight of these dogs is in the range of 60-80 kg, height – is 60-77 cm. The largest representative of the Tibetan mastiff breed is a male named Lio Chang, his body weight exceeded 120 kg.

Brief Detail

  • Origin Country: China (Tibet)
  • Type: Working
  • Weight: 70-150 lb
  • Height: 24-26 inches
  • Lifespan: 10-12 years
  • Coat Type: Straight, hard, and also stand-off double coat; the undercoat is soft, heavy, and also woolly
  • Color Options: Brown, black, gold, or grey/blue
  • Temperament: Protective, intelligent, tenacious, strong-willed, and aloof

German Shepherds

The German Shepherd consistently ranks at the top of lists of the most devoted, smartest, and easiest to teach pets. These canines’ noble “faces” are frequently seen in news reports, on newspaper pages, and even as the main characters in a variety of TV shows.

However, the German Shepherd’s primary duty is to defend its owner, not to perform any acting duties. German Shepherd dogs support search and rescue efforts and work with border, police, and also customs teams.

Additionally, members of this canine breed give their owners a great deal of happiness at home by preserving the owners’ tranquility and property.

Brief Detail

  • Origin Country: German
  • Type: Herding
  • Weight: 60-100 lb
  • Height: 22-26 inches
  • Lifespan: 22-26 inches
  • Coat Type: Medium-length, coarse double coat
  • Color Options: Bicolor, black & silver, solid black, black & tan, black & red, gray, black & cream, and sable. Sometimes liver, white, or blue depending on breed standards.
  • Temperament: Courageous, intelligent, bold, alert, loyal, and protective

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

The Anatolian shepherd dogs are big working breeds from Turkey that have short coats and athletic builds.

According to American Kennel Club,they are also called Kangal shepherds, this dog has a powerful protective instinct as well as a self-sustaining nature.

Brief Detail

  • Origin Country: Turkey
  • Type: Working
  • Weight: Females 80-120 lb; Males 110-150 lb
  • Height: Females 27 inches; Males 29 inches
  • Lifespan: 11-13 years
  • Coat Type: Smooth and short coat
  • Color Options: Brindle, blue fawn, white, liver, fawn, red fawn, biscuit & white, and gray fawn with different masks and markings
  • Temperament: Alert, loyal, and protective

Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs are good-natured dogs and faithful helpers. They get along excellently with every member of the family and the kids. Patience and calmness have turned the Bernese Mountain Dog into an almost ideal pet.

They are not inconsistent in learning and easily learn commands. In addition, they inherited excellent watchdog skills from their ancestors, which they use with pleasure as soon as they get a chance.

Brief Detail

  • Origin Country: Switzerland
  • Type: Working
  • Weight: Females 70-95 lb; Males 80-115 lb
  • Height: Females 23-26 inches: Males 25-27.5 inches
  • Lifespan: 7-10 years
  • Coat Type: Medium-length, thick double coat
  • Color Options: Rust, white, tan, black, and black & white
  • Temperament: Even-tempered, gentle, and loyal

Irish Wolfhound

The Irish wolfhound is a straightforward, shaggy giant who will willingly share with you the secret of the purest and most sincere friendship. Born for dangerous and difficult work, today this challenging giant dog breed has retired a little, without losing his sports skills and hunting instincts.

Nevertheless, do not rush to be fascinated by the brutal and emphasized severe appearance of the Irish wolfhound, and do not try to consider him a ferocious defender of your property.

Under the guise of seriousness and feigned menacing, a smart, sensitive, but completely unsuspicious creature is hiding, which will never allow itself to offend a person.

Brief Detail

  • Origin Country: Ireland
  • Type: Hound
  • Weight: Female105 lb; Males 120 lb
  • Height: Females 30 inches or more, Males 32 inches or more
  • Lifespan: 6-8 years
  • Coat Type: Wiry and medium-length
  • Color Options: Blue, black, creme, brindle, gray, silver, red, white, and wheaten
  • Temperament: Calm, Courageous, and Even-Tempered

Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees dog is a large working dog from France. It has naturally white double hair. It is known for its hard-working nature and sweet personality as well as its muscular, massive stature.

Nevertheless, potential owners of these dogs must know their tendency for nighttime barking as well as the need for exercise and also socialization.

Brief Detail

  • Origin Country: France
  • Type: Working
  • Weight: Males 100-150 lb; Females 85 -110 lb
  • Height: 25-32 inches
  • Lifespan: 10-12 years
  • Coat Type: Dense double coat
  • Color Options: White, with tan, gray, reddish-brown, or badger patches
  • Temperament: Affectionate, gentle, patient, strong-willed, confident, and fearless

FINAL WORDS

With proper care, moderate exercise, and upbringing, large dog breeds delight their owners with their calm, kind, and affectionate nature. Large dog breeds are fairly easy to train. However, before you get such a “giant” four-legged friend, you will have to evaluate the future costs of his food and maintenance.

In addition, a large pet will need a spacious living space or an aviary. The list of breeds from us will allow you to make a choice or simply evaluate the whole variety of species to get your most preferable large dog breed!

Aapt Dubey
Aapt Dubey

Aapt Dubey, a devoted canine enthusiast and experienced dog Owner, brings boundless passion to our team. With a heart full of love for our four-legged friends, Aapt is dedicated to sharing insights on dog care, behavior, and training to make every pup's life happier and healthier at ItsAboutDog.com.

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