Large Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide
Large dogs need a healthy and adequate diet as well as exercise so that they do not become overweight or damage their joints. In general, they are friendly, calm and obedient dogs that with their appearance can impose. Throughout history, these dogs have been widely used for their strength to hunt and protect livestock or territory. The average life expectancy is usually shorter than that of smaller dogs, reaching a range of between 8 and 10 years.
Although it is true that keeping this type of dog is somewhat more expensive, they are excellent pets and get along perfectly with children and other animals. Some of these dogs are considered giant breeds, and can reach a weight of more than 200 pounds.
In this article, we will see the 10 biggest dog breeds in the world and also the records of the tallest dog currently, tallest dog ever, and heaviest dog ever.
10 Biggest Dog Breeds in the World
1. Great Dane
The Great Dane is the most popular and well-known giant dog, so much so that it is considered the largest dog in the world. The males reach about 32 in, the females a little less. Their weight is usually around 135 lb and shows a firm and muscular body. It is an affable, calm and, without a doubt, spectacular dog. Unfortunately, their life expectancy is very short, living between 6 and 8 years.
2. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is one of the most famous giant dog breeds, known from the popular movie "Beethoven". They can measure about 32 inches tall and weigh up to 90 kilograms. They are very resistant to cold, with a great sense of orientation and a tendency to drool a lot. They do not tolerate heat well and love snow. Their life expectancy is between 8 and 10 years.
3. English Mastiff
English Mastiffs are the largest dogs in mass but not in height. They have historically served as guard dogs. Regarding the females, they usually weigh between 120 and 170 pounds and measure between 27 and 30 inch; Regarding the males, they weigh between 160 and 220 pounds and their height is between 27 and 30 inch. As for their life expectancy, it usually ranges from 8 to 12 years.
4. Irish Wolfhounds
Although they don’t hold the tallest dogs records, Irish Wolfhounds are the dog breed with the tallest average height. In fact, an adult male reaches an average size of between 32 and 34 inches and about 120 pounds. However, with respect to their life expectancy it ranges from 6 to 10 years.
5. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a large dog that is easy to train. It is of Canadian origin and is the most popular water rescue dog due to its infinite love of water and its dense fur. It weighs a maximum of 155 pounds if it is a male, since the females are somewhat smaller, and its height is usually between 23 and 31 inches at the withers. They have earned the nickname of Gentle Giants for a reason, they are extremely affectionate with their families. Their life expectancy ranges from 8 to 10 years.
6. Leonberger
Leonbergers have been bred by mixing three of the largest dogs, the Newfoundland, the Great Pyrenees, and the Saint Bernard. It is balanced, large and muscular, being able to measure up to 21 inches at the withers and reach a weight of up to 165 lb. They have a calm temperament, but an imposing presence.
7. Spanish Mastiff
Also called Leonese Mastiffs, these dogs are classified as a giant breed. The weight normally ranges between 110 and 155 pounds in females and from 155 to 220 in males and the height can be between 28 and 31.5 inches. It is considered to be one of the largest breeds, if not the largest, in relation to its height and weight in the world.
8. Anatolian Shepherd
The Anatolian Shepherd is a muscular and well-proportioned dog. Their height at the withers ranges from 29 and 32 inches in males and from 28 and 31 in females and their weight 110 to 143 pounds in males and 88 to 120 in females. Their life expectancy ranges from 11 to 13 years.
9. French Mastiff
Also known as Dogue de Bordeaux, it is a dog that is very attached to its family, showing affection and fidelity, while with strangers it tends to appear neutral or distrustful. Their height is about 26 inches at the withers along with an imposing 145 pounds of weight.
10. Neapolitan Mastiff
It is a very old breed, heavy, stocky and especially loyal. It measures about 27.5 inches at the withers, weighs about 132 pounds and eats more than 3 pounds of food a day. For all these reasons, this is another of the largest dog breeds that exist. Their life expectancy is between 8 and 10 years.
Dog Records
Tallest Dog in the World
The holder of the tallest dog ever in the Guinness World Records is Zeus, a Great Dane who measured 1.118 m (44 in) tall and weighed 70.30 kg (155 lb). When standing, Zeus reached an astonishing 2.23 m (7 ft 4 in) tall. Sadly, Zeus passed away in September 2014 at the age of five. Currently, the record of tallest dog in the world is held by Freddy, another Great Dane who measures 104 cm (41 in).
Heaviest Dog in the World
Although great danes are the tallest dogs in the world, they are not that heavy. The heaviest dog registered is Zorba, an English Mastiff who was 37 inches tall and reached a weight of 343 pounds! He passed away in 1994 at the age of 13 despite his huge size, beating all odds.
Additional Giant Dog Breeds
There are many other giant dog breeds in the world, such as: Great Pyrenees, Tibetan Mastiff, Scottish Deerhound, Cane Corso, Bullmastiff, Black Russian Terrier, Bernese Mountain, Landseer, Kangal, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Abruzzese Mastiff, Komondor, Tosa Inu, Caucasian Shepherd, Fila Brasileiro, Boerboel…
Are you thinking about adding a furry friend to your family but don’t know what breed suits you best? Talk to one of our pet experts and get customized advice, submit a request in our Mavyn website.