10 Of The World’s Largest Dog Breeds You’d Wish You Own

There have been many giant dog breeds created in the world over the centuries. Though there is no universal height or weight at which a breed is officially classified as a big dog breed, some groups define giant dog breeds as those heavier than 100 pounds (45 kg). Their height and weight can vary greatly, though some extra large dog breeds are stout and heavy while others are tall and lean. The heaviest dog ever recorded was a St. Bernard named Benedictine who weighed an incredible 366 pounds (166 kg). However, despite their threatening body proportions, most of the biggest dog breeds often tend to be mildly tempered, relaxed animals and make excellent family pets. If you are thinking about becoming the owner of a large dog, check out these 25 of the world’s largest dog breeds you’d wish you own.

NO 1. CAUCASIAN SHEPHERD DOG

Popular in Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Northern Caucasian area, the Caucasian shepherds are strongly-boned, muscular dogs referred to as molossers. Measuring about 70 centimeters (28 inches) for females and 75 centimeters (30 inches) for males, these dogs are definitely not lap dogs.

NO 2. ENGLISH MASTIFF

The English mastiff is one of the largest dog breeds in the world, especially in terms of body mass. The first mentions of these massive dogs date back to as early as the 6th century BC. During the Roman conquest of England, the loyalty and strength of mastiff impressed even Caesar. A typical male can weigh up to 250 pounds (113 kg), but the heaviest mastiff ever recorded was a jaw-dropping 343-pound (156 kg) dog called Zorba who was the world´s heaviest and longest dog during its time.

NO 3. NEWFOUNDLAND

Originally bred and used as a work dog for fishermen, the Newfoundland is a huge, intelligent dog famous for his excellent swimming abilities. Newfoundlands are usually black but can also be brown, white or grey. Some Newfoundland males have been known to weigh over 90 kg (200 lb.) with the largest on record weighed 120 kg (260 lbs).

NO 4. KOMONDOR

Sometimes referred to as ‘mop dog,’ the Komondor is a long-established powerful dog breed that has been used to guard livestock and other property. Easily recognizable thanks to its distinctive long and corded coat, Komondor comes from Hungary where it has been declared one of its national treasures, to be preserved and protected from modification. Females usually reach a height of about 28 inches (70 cm) and weigh in up to 110 pounds (50 kg), males are slightly larger, averaging at 31.5 inches (80 cm) high and weighing up to 130 pounds (60 kg).

NO 5. SCOTTISH DEERHOUND

The Scottish Deerhound, or simply the Deerhound, is a tall breed of hound once bred to hunt the red deer. Its antecedents were kept by the Scots and Picts (tribal people living in today U.K.), and used to help in the hunt for hoofed game. Males can be over 32 inches (80 cm) tall, and weigh up to 110 pounds (50 kg). Females´ height is usually about 28 inches (70 cm), weight ranges from 75 to 95 pounds (35–43 kg).

NO 6. NEAPOLITAN MASTIFF

Neapolitan mastiff is another popular breed of mastiff. Although it’s not as gigantic as the English mastiff, the proportions of this dog are still very impressive – males weigh 130–155 pounds (60-70 kg) and females about 110–130 pounds (50–60 kg). The Neapolitan mastiff is fearless and extremely protective of its home and family. They are unusually intelligent dogs with a tendency to be independent thinkers.

NO 7. ST. BERNARD

Originally bred for mountain rescue, the St. Bernard is a giant dog breed popular in Italian and Swiss Alps. Its proportions are enormous – the dogs can be up to 36 inches (90 cm) tall and weigh as much as 265 pounds (120 kg). The heaviest St. Bernard ever recorded though was called Benedictine and weighed an incredible 366 pounds (166 kg). Another St. Bernard, Barry, was famous for saving somewhere between 40 and 100 human lives in the mountains.

NO 8. THE IRISH WOLFHOUND

Originally developed from war hounds, Irish wolfhounds have been used for hunting and guarding. The breed is very old; there are suggestions it may have been brought to Ireland as early as 7000 BC. Standing at least 34 inches (86 cm) tall, they are one of the tallest of all dog breeds. Their weight, however, only averages about 120 pounds (55 kg) for males and 105 pounds (48 kg) for females. Unlike many other breeds, Irish wolfhounds have a varied range of personalities and are most often noted for their personal quirks and individualism but they are rarely mindless or aggressive.

NO 9. RUSSAIN BLACK TERRIER 

A breed created in USSR during the late 1940s and the early 1950s for use as a military/working dog, the Russian black terrier is believed to be a cross of about 17 different breeds. Males stand 72 to 78 cm (28 – 30 inches) at the withers and weigh up to 60 kg (130 pounds), females are slightly smaller and lighter. The Russian black terrier is a calm, confident, courageous and self-assured dog. He is highly intelligent and adapts well to training. His average lifespan is quite long – up to 14 years, and it is a generally healthy dog but they are sometimes prone to certain hereditary diseases such as hip or elbow dysplasia.

NO 10. GREAT DANE

The Great Dane is a German breed notable for its giant size. Their height often reaches well over 30 inches (76 cm) and there have been many Great Danes who have held the record for being the world´s tallest living dog. For example, a Great Dane called Zeus (which died September 2014 at the age of 5), stood 112 cm (44 inches) tall. They are generally friendly toward other dogs, other non-canine pets, and familiar humans. Their average life span is 6 to 8 years but some Great Danes have been known to reach 10 years or even more.