Learn About All Breeds of Big Dogs Around the World

Big dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and some of the largest breeds can be found on every continent. The Irish Wolfhound, for example, is one of the tallest breeds in the world, with males reaching heights of up to 35 inches.

These massive dogs have been bred for specific purposes, such as guarding, hunting, and companionship. The Great Dane, a popular breed known for its gentle nature, was originally bred for boar hunting.

Some big dogs are naturally more energetic than others, requiring regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. The Leonberger, a breed originating from Germany, needs at least 30 minutes of exercise per day to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Whether you're a seasoned dog owner or just starting out, learning about different breeds can help you find the perfect companion for your lifestyle.

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Large dog breeds are defined as weighing at least 50 pounds and having a minimum height of around 24 inches. This is according to the standardized measurement system created by professional dog breeders.

Giant breeds, on the other hand, are a minimum of 100 pounds, with even greater proportions. Many giant breeds are working dogs, such as herding, hunting, or protection dogs.

The Great Dane is generally recognized as the largest breed in terms of height, but Irish Wolfhounds and English Mastiffs are also worthy contenders.

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The Anatolian Shepherd is a rugged, imposing flock guardian of ancient lineage. Protective and loyal, they're naturally inclined to defend their family and territory.

They're a large breed, with a sturdy build that's well-suited for guarding livestock.

Great Danes are a big breed, with males weighing as much as 175 pounds.

They're elegant, spirited, and friendly, making them a great companion for many families.

The Great Dane is one of the tallest breeds, with some individuals reaching heights of over 3 feet 5 inches.

In fact, the current record-holder for tallest living dog is a 2-year-old Great Dane named Zeus from Bedford, Texas, standing at 3 feet 5.18 inches.

Zeus from Bedford, Texas, holds the record for tallest living dog, but there's another Great Dane named Zeus who holds the record for the tallest dog ever, standing at 3 feet 6.7 inches.

Great Danes typically reach their minimum height of 71cm (28 inches) at around 18 months.

On average, they weigh around 50kg, but some can weigh as much as 175 pounds.

To keep your Great Dane happy and healthy, regular short walks are essential, even if you live in an apartment.

The Germans originally developed the Great Dane, but its exact purpose is a mystery that's still being debated among dog enthusiasts.

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The Giant Schnauzer is a big dog, weighing between 25-48kg and standing between 60-70cm tall, depending on the gender. They have a characteristic moustache and beard.

Their strong and imposing look makes them a natural watchdog who loves to use their voice. For this reason, they can be a bit cautious of other dogs.

Giant Schnauzers require extra training and socialisation due to their natural wariness of other dogs. Vigorous walks are a must for this breed.

They are best suited to a country home with lots of space to explore.

The Mastiff breed is a massive one, with some of the largest dogs in the world. The English Mastiff, for example, is officially the world's biggest dog breed, according to Guinness World Records.

The English Mastiff can weigh up to 343 pounds and stand 37 inches tall at the shoulder, making them a truly massive creature. They're also known for being calm, gentle, and noble dogs, which is a far cry from their fearsome past as fighting dogs.

Some Mastiff breeds, like the Bullmastiff, were originally bred to guard private game preserves and country estates, and they still make great guard dogs today. They respond well to training, but can be stubborn at times, so early socialization and training are a must.

Here are some of the most well-known Mastiff breeds:

The Cane Corso is a muscular and athletic dog that can weigh more than 100 pounds. Originally from Sicily in southern Italy, this Italian Mastiff became wildly popular in ancient Rome.

They are naturally protective of their own people, but can be wary of strangers. This breed has always been a property watchdog and hunter of difficult game such as the wild boar.

After nearly disappearing during World War II, a concerted effort by lovers of the breed helped them rebound and reintroduce them to America in the 1980s.

Mastiff Breeds are known for their massive size, but they don't require as much maintenance as you'd think. They're happy with a leisurely daily stroll and minimal grooming.

Some Mastiff breeds are naturally more laid-back, while others need early socialization and training to behave well. For example, the Bullmastiff can be stubborn if not trained properly.

The English Mastiff holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest dog breed in the world. They can weigh up to 343 pounds and stand 37 inches tall.

Here are some Mastiff breeds you should know about:

If you're looking for a Mastiff breed that's a bit smaller, the Dogue de Bordeaux might be a good fit. They're still a pretty hefty dog, but they mature at around two years old and are more agile and faster than some of the other breeds.

If you're considering getting a Mastiff, you should know their shoulder height is typically between 27.5” – 30”.

Their low energy level means they don't require as much exercise as some other breeds.

When it comes to their personality, Mastiffs are known for being good-natured and docile, making them a gentle companion. They're also powerful, which is something to consider when it comes to space and living arrangements.

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If you're looking for other large breeds to consider, the Great Dane is definitely worth a mention. They can weigh up to 200 pounds and stand as tall as 32 inches.

The Irish Wolfhound is another massive breed, with some males reaching heights of 35 inches. Their short coats require minimal grooming.

The Saint Bernard, known for its distinctive white coat, can weigh up to 180 pounds.

The Akita is a muscular, double-coated dog of ancient Japanese lineage famous for their dignity.

Their double coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, which can be a challenge for some owners.

Akitas are known for their loyalty and protective nature, making them excellent companions for families who value these traits.

They are generally calm and gentle, but can be wary of strangers, which makes them great watchdogs.

Their size can range from 70-130 pounds, making them a significant addition to any household.

Akitas are often described as having a regal presence, which is likely due to their dignified history and breeding.

The Alaskan Malamute is an immensely strong, heavy-duty worker of spitz type.

They're an affectionate breed, which is a great trait for families with kids or for people who want a loyal companion.

This breed is built for endurance and can handle the toughest tasks, making them a valuable asset for outdoor enthusiasts.

Their strong work ethic and high energy level require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Their heavy-duty build means they need plenty of space to move around and stretch their legs, so a large yard or regular long walks are a must.

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The Beauceron is a large breed that's both powerful and remarkably smart.

This breed is known for its versatility, making it a great companion for active families.

Its imposing appearance can be intimidating, but don't let that fool you - they're also spirited and loving.

Their intelligence and trainability make them a favorite among dog owners who enjoy learning and growing with their pets.

A Beauceron's energy level is moderate to high, making them a great fit for families who enjoy outdoor activities.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a big, powerful breed that's perfect for active families. They can weigh up to 115 pounds and stand at around 58-70cm tall.

Their gentle nature makes them an excellent family dog and companion. They're well-loved for their good-natured personalities.

Originating from Switzerland, Bernese Mountain Dogs were bred as working dogs, specifically for carting or drafting. This means they're built for hard work and can thrive in cold weather.

They require experienced owners who have the time and space to train them, due to their big size and protective nature. Early and ongoing socialization is also crucial to ensure they're safe and calm around other dogs.

The Irish Wolfhound is a tall dog breed, with some individuals weighing about 120 pounds.

They're actually the tallest dog breed, according to the AKC, which is quite impressive.

Originally, they were bred to help control the wolf population in Ireland, and it's amazing how they've come full circle from being almost extinct in the 1700s to being loving family companions today.

Their ancestors date back to ancient times, and it's fascinating to think about their rich history.

The Scottish Deerhound is the royal dog of Scotland and is one of the tallest dog breeds in the world.

This big dog weighs in at 110 pounds, which is a substantial amount of weight for a dog of its size.

Standing at 30 to 32 inches tall, the Scottish Deerhound is an impressive sight to behold, with its tall stature making it a standout among other breeds.

Additional reading: Tallest Dogs Breeds

The Leonberger is a large breed that originates from Leonberg, Germany, where it was first bred to resemble a lion, a nod to the town's crest.

It has a small, lion-like mane, which is where it gets its name from. This distinctive feature makes it stand out from other breeds.

Leonbergers were initially bred to serve as companion dogs for European royalty, showing that they have a long history of being loyal and affectionate companions.

They are also adept at drafting, which means they can be used for tasks that require strength and endurance.

The Black Russian Terrier is a giant breed, weighing in at about 130 pounds.

They're incredibly intelligent, which makes them a great breed for active families who want a loyal companion.

Their imposing size and protective qualities make them natural guard dogs, inherited from their original purpose as a powerful guard and police dog.

Despite their tough exterior, they're very loyal to their families and make great companions for those who appreciate their unique characteristics.

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The Great Pyrenees is a majestic breed that's second only to a polar bear in terms of its puffy white coat. Its thick double coat is a breeze to maintain, as it's dirt- and tangle-resistant.

This breed is truly impressive in size, weighing over 100 pounds, which is roughly 45.4 kilograms. Originally, Pyrenees worked alongside shepherds to protect livestock.

Pyrenees are patient and independent dogs, but they're also fearless when it comes to fighting off predators.

The Anatolian Shepherd is a rugged and imposing dog, standing at 71-81cm in height.

This breed has its roots in protecting livestock from predators and assisting people in moving livestock across the Central Anatolian Plateau.

They are a giant livestock guarding and droving breed, recognized by both UK and US Kennel Clubs.

Their nomadic lifestyle meant they had to make their own call on what constituted a threat and take appropriate action.

Anatolian Shepherds are big, heavy, and athletic dogs, requiring large, securely fenced properties to live and train.

They are a tough breed to live with and train, making them suitable for experienced owners only.

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The Borzoi is a large dog, standing at 68-74cm tall, with a weight of 34-41kg. They have a gentle nature, making them affectionate with family.

As a sighthound, Borzois are not safe around small furry animals. This is a crucial consideration if you have other pets in the household.

Despite their gentle nature, Borzois can be aloof with strangers, and may alert their family to suspicious presence. This makes them great watchdogs, but may require some getting used to for new acquaintances.

Early socialisation with other pets is essential for a Borzoi to coexist peacefully in a multi-pet household.