Meet the Biggest Dogs in History: A Comprehensive Guide

The Irish Wolfhound is a contender for the title of biggest dog in history, standing at an average height of 35 inches (89 cm) and weighing up to 180 pounds (82 kg).

This massive breed was originally bred for hunting large game, including wolves and deer. Their impressive size and strength made them a valuable asset to hunters.

The Irish Wolfhound's massive size was likely a result of selective breeding to emphasize their hunting prowess.

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

If you're considering bringing a giant dog breed into your home, be prepared for them to behave like puppies well into their third year. This means lots of energy and mischief!

Their origins lie in Germany, where they were bred as boar hunting dogs and protectors of the wealthy and noble estates. Expect them to be expensive to feed and capable of producing an outstanding quantity of drool!

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

Family loving, goofy and slightly ridiculous, Great Danes have origins in Germany as boar hunting dogs who were also capable of protecting the estates of the wealthy and noble.

Expect Great Danes to behave like puppies well into their third year, and to be awkward to transport and expensive to feed.

As with all giant breeds, they are often short-lived.

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The Leonberger is a gentle giant that hails from the city of Leonberg in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. They have a generous coat and are known for their gentle disposition.

These giant pups can weigh anywhere from 90 to 150 pounds, so you'll need to make some extra space on your sofa. Their size is impressive, but they're not just for show - they're also incredibly intelligent and capable.

In fact, the breed originated from crossing a Newfoundland with a Saint Bernard for four generations, then adding a Pyrenean Mountain Dog to the mix. This unique heritage has given the Leonberger a range of skills, from water rescue to tracking to herding.

The Leonberger stands between 25–31 inches tall and can weigh as much as 170 pounds. This size and strength make them a versatile breed, capable of handling a variety of tasks.

Here are some key stats about the Leonberger breed:

Despite their size, Leonbergers are simply giant family dogs that thrive on companionship and activity. They're perfect for families who want a loyal and loving pet that can keep up with their active lifestyle.

The English Mastiff is one of the largest dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, growing to a height of 30 inches and weighing as much as 230 pounds.

An English Mastiff named Aicama Zorba once held the record for the heaviest dog, weighing 343 pounds in 1989.

The Great Dane is a giant dog, standing 35 inches tall and weighing up to 150 pounds.

Zeus, a Great Dane, holds the record for the tallest dog ever, standing at an impressive 1.12m from his foot to his withers when standing on all fours.

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The English Mastiff is officially the world's biggest dog breed, weighing as much as 200 pounds. They're a gentle giant, perfect for families.

The tallest dog ever recorded was a Great Dane named Zeus, standing at an impressive 1.12m from his foot to his withers when standing on all fours. He's a record-breaker, that's for sure.

The Tibetan Mastiff is another massive breed, known for its thick double coat and independent nature. Early training is vital to turning them into manageable companion dogs.

The longest and heaviest dog ever recorded was an English Mastiff named Zorba, who clocked in at an impressive 343 pounds and a nose to tail length of 8ft 3 in. He's a Guinness World Record holder, and still stands tall.

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The Dogue de Bordeaux is a big, muscular dog, but they're loving and affectionate family dogs. They're prone to stubbornness, so patience is key when training them.

The Tibetan Mastiff is one of the largest and most muscular of all dog breeds, complete with a thick double coat that provides insulation in harsh climates. They're a true giant, with a mane-like ruff around the neck and a distinctive, curled tail.

The English Mastiff is one of the oldest dog breeds still in existence today, and it's also among the largest. They're known for their thick, sturdy builds, lovable droopy faces, and often wrinkled coats.

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a Molosser breed, known for its reddish fawn colouration and smiling, heavily wrinkled face. They're a mixed breed, with a history of farm work, war dog, hunting dog, and even pit fighting.

The Tibetan Mastiff requires early socialization and training, along with plenty of space to roam and exercise. They also require regular grooming to avoid fur matting and tangles.

The English Mastiff can weigh as much as 230 pounds, and grow to a height of 30 inches. They're a gentle giant, making them excellent family dogs.

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The Scottish Deerhound is a large breed of hound that was once bred to hunt red deer by coursing. They are among the tallest of all dog breeds.

They are built similarly to greyhounds, with a lanky body meant for speed. This body type allows them to easily chase down their prey.

Deerhounds can stand as tall as 32 inches and weigh as much as 110 pounds. They are larger and heavier than greyhounds.

The breed is kept alive by enthusiasts who use them for show and in some places, lure coursing.

The Swiss Mountain dogs are quite impressive. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are considered one of Switzerland's oldest dog breeds. They're extra-large pups who often top 100 pounds. Heavy in build, they are renowned for being friendly, kind and energetic.

Some of these dogs can reach incredible weights. The Saint Bernard, a member of the Mastiff family, can weigh as much as 180 pounds. They're also quite tall, reaching a height of 30 inches.

The Akita is a strong and powerful dog breed that originates from the mountainous regions of northern Japan. They were originally developed for hunting bear, deer, and wild boar.

One of the most notable characteristics of the Akita is its size, making it one of the largest breeds to own. Originally developed for hunting, they are a force to be reckoned with.

The Great Dane is widely recognized as the largest dog breed by the American Kennel Club, at least in terms of height. They originated from a crossbreed between English mastiffs and Irish wolfhounds.

The average Great Dane stands around 28–30 inches tall, but often they can be taller. The world record holder for tallest dog was a Great Dane named Zeus who stood an astounding 44 inches tall.

Great Danes are not the heaviest dogs, reaching around 100–120 pounds, but they are among the tallest. They are known for being gentle and calm around small children and smaller animals.

Despite their mammoth size, Great Danes are known for being affectionate and loving, and are often described as gentle giants. They're especially gentle and calm around small children and smaller animals.

Great Danes require plenty of space to romp around in, as well as snuggle room – they love to be close to their owners. They're also known for their fun-loving nature and love goofy playtime.

The Great Dane is a breed of German origin, and its German name Deutsche Dogge means German mastiff.

The Giant Schnauzer is a breed of dog developed in the 17th century in Germany. They can stand up to 27.5 inches at the shoulder.

This energetic and loyal four-legged friend is an excellent choice for active owners with a larger house and garden. They weigh up to 95 pounds, making them a substantial companion.

If you're looking for a dog that can keep up with your active lifestyle, the Giant Schnauzer is a great option.

The Great Pyrenees is a giant dog, averaging between 27 to 32 inches for a male and 25 to 29 inches for a female. They are known for their gentle nature.

This breed is renowned for being a devoted canine companion, loved for their affectionate personality.

The Cane Corso is a powerful dog, weighing up to 120 pounds, originally bred for guarding, herding, and hunting.

They're known for their strong build and impressive size, which makes them a popular choice as guard dogs.

Training a Cane Corso can be challenging due to their independent nature, so patience and consistency are key.

These dogs are intelligent and active, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

The Anatolian Shepherd is a working dog from Turkey. They can grow to be very large indeed. Their thick, light-colored coat allows them to blend in with the animals they protect. Training and socialization are essential with this breed.

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a big, muscular dog that's loving and affectionate with its family, but can be stubborn at times.

This breed is known for its reddish fawn coloration and heavily wrinkled face, making it a unique-looking dog.

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a Molosser breed with a mixed history, having been used for various tasks such as farm work, war dog, hunting dog, and even pit fighting.

They're an impressively large dog, with an average breed height of 63cm and average weight of 48kg, making them easier to house than many giant breeds.

Despite their size, they mature at around two years old, making them more agile and faster, and requiring more exercise and physical activity.

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a great choice for owners who want a big but still active dog, requiring regular exercise and physical activity to stay happy and healthy.

This breed has a long history, dating back to ancient times, and has been used for various tasks such as guarding, herding, and hunting.

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a true working dog, with a strong instinct to protect and serve its family.

They're not just a guard dog, but also a loyal companion, making them a great addition to any family.

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The Irish Wolfhound is one of the tallest dog breeds in history, with a minimum height of 32 inches for males and 30 inches for females. They can reach heights of up to 34-35 inches and weigh a substantial 140 pounds.

Their ancient origins date back to 7000 B.C., when they were brought to Ireland as war hounds. Originally bred to chase wolves, today's Irish Wolfhounds are relatively quiet and reserved.

Despite their intimidating size, Irish Wolfhounds are known for being intelligent and easy-going. They're a great example of how size and temperament don't always go hand-in-hand.

Big breeds can be measured in different ways, such as height on all fours or weight, and various breeds meet these requirements.

The definition of big can be subjective, depending on whether you're considering height or weight.

Great Danes are known for their tall stature, standing at an impressive height on all fours.

Mastiff breeds, on the other hand, are very heavy, making them a great example of big dogs in terms of weight.

There are 20 giant breeds that fit into these categories, each with their unique characteristics.

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The biggest dogs in history were truly massive, with some weighing over 300 pounds and standing as tall as 35 inches at the shoulder.

The Irish Wolfhound, for example, can weigh up to 180 pounds and reach a height of 35 inches at the shoulder.

The English Mastiff, on the other hand, can tip the scales at 230 pounds and stand as tall as 30 inches.

Zorba, a Mastiff from England, holds the record for the heaviest dog ever recorded, weighing an incredible 343 pounds.

Despite their massive size, these dogs are often gentle giants and can make wonderful companions for the right owner.

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The Great Dane is generally recognised as being the largest breed in terms of height.

They were originally bred in Germany as boar hunting dogs, capable of protecting the estates of the wealthy and noble.

Their goofy and family-loving nature makes them a perfect match for families with room to spare.

Expect them to behave like puppies well into their third year, making them a handful to handle.

Irish Wolfhounds and English Mastiffs are worthy contenders for the title of largest breed in terms of height.

Giant dog breeds like the Great Dane can be expensive to feed and require plenty of space to roam.

Their drool production is outstanding, so be prepared for a slobbery mess.

As with all giant breeds, their lifespan is relatively short-lived.

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