If you're looking for a furry friend that's truly massive, you're in the right place. Irish Wolfhounds are the tallest breed in the world, with males reaching up to 35 inches in height.
These gentle giants have a short, dense coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting. Their short coats also make them a great choice for hot climates, as they don't overheat easily.
Irish Wolfhounds are also known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, making them a great addition to any family. They're natural-born companions who thrive on human interaction.
Their average weight is around 180 pounds, making them a sturdy and imposing presence in any room.
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Large Dog Breeds
If you've got room in your home and on your sofa, a large dog breed could be the perfect match for you.
Some common lovable large dog breeds include those you may never have heard of.
You'll need to consider how much time you have for socialising, training, and reinforcing your fences before bringing a large dog breed into your life.
Large dog breeds can weigh anywhere from 77 to 140 pounds, depending on the specific breed.
A giant dog breed can grow up to 28.5 inches tall, making them a significant addition to your family.
Here are some specific weight and height ranges for large dog breeds:
These are just a few things to consider when thinking about bringing a large dog breed into your life.
Size Comparison
Zeus, the Great Dane, holds the record for the tallest dog ever, standing at an impressive 2.26m (7 feet 5 inches) when on his back legs.
You can imagine how intimidating that must be for other dogs - and even people!
The tallest dog in the world is a Great Dane, but what about the longest? Unfortunately, we don't have that information in our records.
However, we do know that Zeus was a Great Dane, a breed known for their massive size.
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Dog Breed Information
If you're considering getting a big dog breed, it's essential to know their temperament, size, and energy levels.
The Great Dane is one of the largest dog breeds, with males weighing up to 200 pounds.
Newfoundland dogs are known for their gentle nature and are often used as therapy dogs.
These massive breeds require plenty of space to move around and exercise regularly to prevent obesity.
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Giant Schnauzer
The Giant Schnauzer is a loyal and trainable breed. They are loving, playful, and make great watchdogs.
Giant Schnauzers are extremely smart, which means they need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They require training, exercise, and socialization from an early age.
These dogs are known for their distinctive moustache and beard, and they love to use their voice to alert their owners to potential threats. They can be a bit cautious of other dogs, so extra training and socialization are a must.
Giant Schnauzers are big dogs, weighing between 55-85 pounds and standing between 60-70cm tall. They need plenty of space to move around and exercise, making a country home with a big yard the perfect fit.
They shed and require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling of their fur. A couple of times a week is a good rule of thumb to keep them looking their best.
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Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is a truly majestic breed. They can weigh between 105-120 pounds, with some individuals reaching up to 120 pounds.
These gentle giants are not only impressive in size, but also in their temperament. They're known for being loving, protective, and calm, making them great family companions.
As one of the tallest dog breeds, Irish Wolfhounds may look intimidating, but they're actually quite sweet-hearted and get along wonderfully with kids.
Their ancestors date back to ancient times, and they were originally bred to hunt big game, including wolves. In fact, they were instrumental in helping control the wolf population in Ireland.
Despite their large size, Irish Wolfhounds are relatively long-lived, with an average lifespan of 5-8 years.
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Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a lovable large dog breed that's perfect for families with kids. They're known for being patient, sweet, devoted, snuggly, good with kids and dogs, muscular, friendly, and protective.
Newfies weigh between 100-150 pounds and live for around 9-10 years. They're often called the Nanny Dogs because of their gentle nature around children.
These powerful working dogs have webbed feet and a water-repellent outer coat, making them well-suited for water activities. They originally worked with Canadian fishermen to pull fishing nets out of icy water and for water rescue.
Newfies are trainable and gentle giants, making them a great option for families who want a large dog that's easy to handle.
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Greater Swiss
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a fantastic breed known for its intelligence, playfulness, and loyalty. They're perfect for families with kids due to their even-tempered nature.
These dogs are a bit on the larger side, weighing between 85-140 pounds and standing between 23.7 to 28.5 inches tall. Their size and strength make them a great asset on farms, where they were originally bred to be versatile workhorses.
One of the best things about Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs is their affectionate personality – they love to be around people and are often described as snuggly and adorable. They're also fiercely protective of their families, making them great companions.
Here are some key stats to keep in mind:
Overall, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a wonderful breed that makes a great addition to any family.
Anatolian Shepherd
The Anatolian Shepherd is a rugged and impressive breed. They're one of the livestock guardian dog breeds, known for guarding livestock from predators.
They're very tall, standing at 27-29 inches high, and quite heavy, weighing 80-150 pounds.
Anatolians need strong owners to train them, as they can be independent and dominating. They're also very loyal and patient, making them a great companion for active families.
If you're considering bringing an Anatolian Shepherd into your home, be prepared for a long-term commitment - they live to 11-13 years.
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Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is a large breed dog that can weigh anywhere from 80 to 115 pounds. They're also known for their intimidating presence, making them great bodyguards.
These dogs are naturally protective and willful, so it's essential to establish dominance early on to avoid any potential issues. They're also muscular and energetic, requiring regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
Cane Corsos are highly trainable and eager to please, making them a great fit for first-time dog owners. However, they do require a firm hand and consistent training from an early age.
Here are some key stats to keep in mind when considering a Cane Corso:
- Weight: 80 to 115 pounds
- Height: 24 to 27 inches
Their lifespan is relatively long, ranging from 9 to 12 years, making them a long-term companion for many families.
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Tosa
The Tosa, also known as the Japanese Mastiff, is a gentle giant with a calm and patient personality.
These characteristics make them well-suited for their role as watchdogs. They're naturally vigilant, always keeping an eye out for potential threats.
Tosas are quite large, weighing between 90 to 170 pounds and standing between 25.5 to 31.5 inches tall.
This size and build make them a formidable presence, but their calm nature ensures they're not aggressive unless provoked.
Here's a quick rundown of the Tosa's size:
- Weight: 90 to 170 pounds
- Height: 25.5 to 31.5 inches
Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a massive and powerful breed, weighing between 110 to 150 pounds and standing 24 to 31 inches tall.
These gentle giants have a droopy face and a tendency to drool, but don't let their appearance fool you - they're designed to be protective guard dogs.
Their loose skin makes it hard for predators to grab hold of them, and they're surprisingly quiet dogs, despite their intimidating size.
As puppies, Neapolitan Mastiffs are very bouncy and active, but they slow down as they mature.
To keep them happy and healthy, they need a decent steady walk and plenty of training.
Here are some key facts about the Neapolitan Mastiff breed:
- Weight: 110 to 150 pounds
- Height: 24 to 31 inches
Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a gentle giant, weighing in at 100 to 130 pounds and standing 24 to 27 inches tall. They're known for being brave, affectionate, and loyal, making them great family members and protectors.
Bullmastiffs are originally from England, bred in the 19th century to guard private game preserves and country estates. They respond well to training, but can be stubborn at times, so early socialization and training are a must.
One of the best things about Bullmastiffs is their willingness to please, which makes them relatively low-maintenance in terms of exercise needs. They don't require a lot of physical activity, but they do need mental stimulation and socialization.
Here are some key characteristics of the Bullmastiff breed:
- Weight: 100 to 130 pounds
- Height: 24 to 27 inches
These gentle giants are also known for their sensitive and docile nature, despite their large size. They're natural protectors of their family, but they're not typically aggressive unless provoked.
Dogue de
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a breed that's hard to resist, thanks to its friendly and loyal nature. It's a large dog, weighing in at 99 to 110 pounds.
You'll want to make sure you have plenty of space for one of these gentle giants, as they reach a height of 23 to 26 inches.
Akita
The Akita is a muscular, double-coated dog of ancient Japanese lineage famous for their dignity and loyalty. They're known for being protective of their family, but gentle with their loved ones.
Akita's have a thick double coat that sheds heavily, so be prepared for regular grooming.
Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is an immensely strong, heavy-duty worker of spitz type. This means they're built for endurance and can handle tough tasks.
They're affectionate, which is great news for families who want a loyal companion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered an XXL dog?
Dogs weighing 50-100 pounds are considered large breeds, while those over 100 pounds are classified as giant breeds, with some breeds reaching up to 230 pounds. If you're curious about the specific weight ranges for large and giant breeds, keep reading for more information.
What dog weighs 200 pounds?
The English Mastiff can grow to an average weight of 200 pounds, making it one of the heaviest dog breeds. Learn more about this gentle giant and its impressive size in our breed profile.
What is the tallest breed of dog?
The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest breed of dog recognized by the AKC, standing out with its majestic size. Originating from ancient times, this breed was bred for big-game hunting and gained popularity in 15th-century Ireland.
What dog is bigger than a cane Corso?
The Presa Canario is larger than the Cane Corso, weighing up to 140 pounds compared to the Cane Corso's 120 pounds. This larger breed boasts a unique appearance with cat-like paws and a massive square-shaped head.
What is the largest hound dog breed?
The Irish wolfhound is the largest hound dog breed, standing at a minimum of 32 inches for males and 30 inches for females. It surpasses even the Great Dane in height, making it the tallest dog breed overall.
Sources
- 43 Best Large Dog Breeds To Fill Your Home With Extra ... (worldanimalfoundation.org)
- The Mastiff (dogtime.com)
- DogTime states (dogtime.com)
- According to DogTime (dogtime.com)
- according to PetMD (petmd.com)
- Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs (gsmdca.org)
- Cane Corsi (thesprucepets.com)
- according to DogTime (dogtime.com)
- Largest Dog Breeds (akc.org)
- tallest dog ever (guinnessworldrecords.com)
- longest and heaviest dog (guinnessworldrecords.com)
- giant terrier (europetnet.com)
- 18 of the World's Biggest Dog Breeds (purina.co.uk)
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