The largest dog breed in the world
The fascination with large dog breeds is constantly growing, especially among people who are enthusiastic about imposing, majestic and at the same time gentle giant dog breeds. These breeds are not only characterized by their size, but often also by their special history and characteristics that make them unique companions.
In this extensive blog post, we introduce you to the largest dog breed in the world, as well as 17 other dog breeds that are among the largest in the world, and discuss their individual characteristics, facts and their suitability as pets.
What does “largest dog breed” actually mean?
The definition of the largest dog breed includes both the height at the withers and the weight of the animals. Dog breeds that reach a shoulder height of over 70 cm and weigh 50 kg or more are considered particularly large.
In many cases, these dogs impress not only with their stature, but also with their majestic character. But size alone does not say everything about the nature of these animals. There are slender and elegant breeds like the Irish Wolfhound, which are large but relatively light, as well as massive dogs like the Mastiff, which are among the top dogs in both height and weight.
1st Mastiff – The largest dog breed in the world
The Mastiff is considered the largest dog breed in the world when considering both height and weight. Some specimens of these impressive dogs reach a shoulder height of up to 91 cm and can weigh more than 100 kg. The Mastiff, which originated in England, served as a war dog and guard dog throughout history. Today it is known for its calm and gentle temperament. Despite its size, the Mastiff is a loyal family dog that lovingly protects its owners. However, it needs consistent training and enough space to feel comfortable.
2nd Great Dane – A record holder among the giants
The Great Dane is known for its immense size and friendly character. With a shoulder height of up to 90 cm and a weight of up to 90 kg, the Great Dane is one of the largest dogs in the world. The Great Dane is particularly well-known for dogs such as "Zeus", who, at 1.12 meters tall, entered the Guinness Book of Records as the tallest dog in the world. Despite their imposing appearance, Great Danes are loving and gentle animals that are ideal as family dogs. However, they require very good training as they bring with them a certain amount of strength due to their size.
3. Irish Wolfhound – The Gentle Giant
Standing up to one meter tall, the Irish Wolfhound is the tallest dog breed in terms of height alone. Originally bred to hunt wolves, this breed has a gentle and friendly nature despite its impressive size. Irish Wolfhounds are loyal, alert and make excellent family dogs. Their slim build makes them not the heaviest, but still very impressive dogs.
4th St. Bernard – The Swiss Avalanche Rescuer
The Saint Bernard is one of the heaviest dog breeds in the world and can reach a height of up to 90 cm and a weight of up to 120 kg. Originally known as rescue dogs in the Alps, Saint Bernards are now famous for their friendly and gentle nature. They are ideal as family dogs, but due to their size and strength they need plenty of space and exercise.
5th Leonberger – A majestic dog breed
The Leonberger is a particularly majestic breed of dog that is ideal as a family dog. With a height of up to 80 cm and a weight of around 75 kg, the Leonberger is an imposing dog. This breed was originally bred as a working dog that served both in agriculture and as a guard dog. Today, Leonbergers are known above all for their calm and balanced character. They are particularly child-friendly and very loyal to their family. However, the thick, long coat of this breed requires regular care.
6th Newfoundland – The gentle water giant
Newfoundlands are known for their swimming skills and rescue missions. Standing up to 74 cm tall and weighing up to 70 kg, they have a stately appearance. These dogs are extremely good-natured and known for their love of water, making them excellent rescue dogs. They are loyal and gentle, making them good family dogs.
7th Tibetan Mastiff – The Ancient Protector
The Tibetan Mastiff, also known as the Tibetan Dog, originates from the high mountain regions of Tibet and is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. With a height of up to 76 cm and a weight of up to 68 kg, it is a powerful and confident dog. This breed was traditionally used as a guard dog and is known for its independence and protective instincts. However, they are only suitable for beginners to a limited extent.
8th Anatolian Shepherd Dog – The Loyal Guardian
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog, also known as the Kangal, is an impressive breed of dog that can grow up to 86 cm tall. Originally, this breed was used in Turkey to guard flocks. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is extremely alert, independent and protective of its family. Due to its size and character, this breed requires an experienced hand.
9th Caucasian Shepherd Dog – The Fearless Herding Dog
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is an impressive livestock guardian dog that was originally bred in the mountainous regions of the Caucasus. With a size of up to 75 cm and a strong protective instinct, this dog is particularly popular with experienced dog owners. The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is confident and fearless, which makes it an excellent watchdog.
10th Borzoi – The elegant greyhound
The Borzoi, also known as the Russian Greyhound, is one of the most elegant and largest dog breeds. With a height of up to 85 cm and a slender body, it is particularly known for its speed and elegance. This breed was originally bred for hunting and is known for its calmness and independence. Borzois are loyal companions, but need a lot of exercise.
11th Pyrenean Mountain Dog – The Gentle Guardian
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog, also known as Patou, was originally bred as a livestock guardian dog in the French Pyrenees. This breed can grow up to 80 cm tall and impresses with its calm and majestic character. Pyrenean Mountain Dogs are particularly alert and protective of their family and herd. They are known to protect herds from predators such as wolves in rural areas. Due to their independent nature and their size, they need a lot of space and clear, consistent leadership.
12th Tosa Inu – The Japanese Fighter
The Tosa Inu is a large and powerful dog breed that was originally bred in Japan. With a height of up to 82 cm and a weight of up to 100 kg, the Tosa Inu is a powerful dog, but impresses with its calm and relaxed nature. This breed was bred as a fighting dog, but with the right training it is a loyal and faithful family dog.
13th Dogo Argentino – The Argentine Hunter
The Dogo Argentino is an impressive breed of dog that was bred for hunting big game. With a height of up to 68 cm and a weight of up to 45 kg, the Dogo Argentino is an extremely muscular and powerful dog. This breed originates from Argentina and was bred specifically for hunting wild boar and pumas. The Dogo Argentino is known for its courage and loyalty. However, it requires consistent training and experienced owners because it has a strong protective and hunting instinct. As a family dog, it is loyal and protective, but it needs a lot of exercise and clear leadership.
14th Akbash – The Shepherd Dog from Turkey
The Akbash is another large dog breed from Turkey that can reach a height of up to 86 cm. This breed was bred as a livestock guardian dog and is known for its alertness and loyalty. The Akbash is an independent dog that requires clear boundaries and consistent leadership.
15th Fila Brasileiro – The Brazilian Guard Dog
The Dogo Argentino is an impressive breed of dog that was bred for hunting large game. With a height of up to 68 cm and a weight of up to 45 kg, the Dogo Argentino is an extremely muscular and powerful dog.
This breed originates from Argentina and was bred specifically to hunt wild boar and pumas. The Dogo Argentino is known for its courage and loyalty. However, it requires consistent training and experienced owners as it has a strong protective and hunting instinct. As a family dog, it is incredibly loyal and protective, but it needs a lot of exercise and clear leadership.
16th Scottish Deerhound – The Proud Hunter
The Scottish Deerhound is an old breed of dog that was originally bred to hunt deer in the Highlands of Scotland. Standing up to 82 cm tall and with a slim build, it resembles the Irish Wolfhound. Deerhounds are known for their calm and gentle nature, but they need a lot of exercise and space to run around.
17th Cane Corso – The Italian Guardian
The Cane Corso is a large and powerful dog from Italy that was traditionally used as a guard and protection dog. With a height of up to 70 cm and a muscular build, the Cane Corso is an imposing dog that is particularly loyal and protective of its family. This breed requires clear and consistent leadership.
18th Komondor – The Hungarian Livestock Guardian Dog
The Komondor is a unique breed, known for its striking, shaggy coat, reminiscent of long dreadlocks. With a height of up to 80 cm, it is one of the largest and most robust dog breeds. Originally used in Hungary as a livestock guardian dog, the Komondor is very alert and protective of its family. Its thick coat protects it from extreme weather conditions and predators. However, caring for this coat requires a lot of attention and patience. The Komondor is a loyal and brave dog that is well suited as a guard dog, but requires experienced leadership.
Conclusion: The largest dog breeds in the world
The dog breeds presented here are impressive not only because of their sheer size, but also because of their special character traits. Large dogs often have a strong protective instinct, but are also loyal and gentle companions. However, they require special care and a lot of space to feel comfortable. The training and management of these dogs should also be in experienced hands, as they need clear rules and consistent leadership due to their strength and temperament.
Whether you're interested in the imposing Great Dane, the gentle Newfoundland, or the fearless Caucasian Shepherd Dog, it's important to consider the individual needs and characteristics of each breed. Large dog breeds can make wonderful companions, but they also require careful planning and preparation to ensure they live happy and fulfilling lives.