Whats The Biggest Dog Breed – Some of the largest dog breeds are also the best dogs in the world. Despite their intimidating size, they are easygoing and have a big heart. They are known as gentle giants.
Many are extremely protective of their families, and can weigh up to 170 pounds (77 kg) when fully grown! So this begs the question: What is the biggest dog in the world? And is there a difference between large dog breeds and giant dog breeds?
Whats The Biggest Dog Breed
Professional dog breeders created a standardized measurement system, which defines large dogs as weighing at least 50 pounds (22.6 kg) and a minimum height of 24 inches (61 cm).
Dog Breeds That Start With G
Giant breeds weigh a minimum of 100 pounds (45.3 kg), and as you can imagine, their proportions are even larger. Many large breeds are considered working dogs, meaning they were bred for a specific purpose such as herding, hunting or protection. While some of them can be a lot to handle, many are known for being gentle giants like the Great Pyrenees.
So dog lovers, let’s take a look at the largest dog breeds in the world according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). Eleven are listed here in alphabetical order, along with a couple of Guinness World Record holders for good measure.
With an average weight of 150 pounds (68 kg), this smart and loyal working dog provides protection to livestock. Although their appearance can be intimidating, they are quite reserved and prefer to be a threatening presence rather than attacking predators. Anatolian shepherds are still popular today as guard dogs on farms.
This giant with a gentle nature is one of the most popular giant breeds. Bred as a working dog in Switzerland, Bernese Mountain Dogs thrived in cold climates and were used for carting or drafting on farms – basically pulling carts or wagons. They are good natured and make excellent family dogs and companions.
Biggest Dog Breed In The World
Not so common in the United States, this giant terrier is impressive and intelligent. The Black Russian Terrier, aka Stalin’s dog, was developed by the Soviet government in the 1930s as a powerful guard and police dog. To this day they retain those protective qualities and are very loyal to their families.
The giant bullmastiff was developed as a guard dog in the 19th century. It is a cross breed of the English Mastiff and the extinct Old English Bulldog. Oleksandr Lysenko/Shutterstock
There are many mastiffs that all fit into the giant category. Representing the group here is the bullmastiff. They were developed in the 19th century to protect private English game preserves and country heritage. They respond well to training but can be stubborn, so early socialization and training is essential. Other mastiffs include:
Originally from Sicily in southern Italy, this Italian Mastiff became wildly popular in ancient Rome. Then, it almost disappeared during World War II. After being rediscovered in a remote Italian village in the 1970s, the combined efforts of breed lovers led to their recovery and reintroduction to America in the 1980s. They are wary of strangers but protective of their own people.
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The Great Pyrenees dog is known as a gentle giant, but it is fiercely protective and will fight predators to the death. Perry Correll/Shutterstock
Second only to the polar bear, the Great Pyrenees is easily recognizable by its puffy white coat. Despite the appearance, its thick double coat is easy to maintain as it is dirt- and tangle-resistant. This majestic breed is impressive in size and was developed to work with shepherds and guard livestock. Pyrenees are known for their patience and independence, but will fearlessly fight predators.
Young Irish Wolfhounds are known as one of the longest and leanest dog breeds. Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images
The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest breed of dog recognized by the AKC and was originally bred as a big game hunter. While their ancestors date back to ancient times, this giant breed first gained popularity in Ireland by helping to control the population of wolves. In the 1700s, wolves in Ireland were nearly driven to extinction, threatening the larger dogs. They eventually rebounded and are loving, family-friendly companions today.
Big Fluffy Dog Breeds
Also adept at drafting, the Leonberger has a mane like a small lion, hence the French name Leon. However, it originated in Leonburg, Germany, where Heinrich Essig tried to create a breed that looked like a lion, which was part of the city’s crest. Although it later became a working dog, it was first bred as a companion dog for European royalty.
If you are a water person looking for a large dog, the Newfoundland is an excellent choice. This powerful working dog has webbed feet and a water-resistant outer coat. The breed was first developed to work with Canadian fishermen for hauling fishing nets from icy waters and for water rescue. In addition to its enormous size, the Newfoundland is a trained gentle giant.
Saint Bernards definitely come to mind when you think of the largest dog breeds in the world. Dogs were first bred for rescue work. Robert Kirk/Getty Images
Once one of the most popular and famous giants, the Saint Bernard breed originated in the Swiss Alps and is often depicted with a small wooden barrel around its neck. Despite being one of the largest dog breeds in the world, it is agile and adept at finding and rescuing people lost in the snow or buried by avalanches.
Top 10 Biggest Dog Breeds
Similar in appearance to the Irish Wolfhound, the Scottish Deerhound is the royal dog of Scotland and one of the tallest breeds in the world, standing at 30 to 32 inches (76 to 81 cm) tall. This deer hunter was bred to run efficiently. Sensitive and deeply attached to family, it can suffer from separation anxiety, so this giant dog breed can be perfect for a home.
When it comes to Guinness World Record holders for the tallest dogs, the Great Dane has it—two names, Zeus, really. The current record holder is Zeus, a 2-year-old Great Dane living in Bedford, Texas. Zeus has held the record for tallest living dog since March 2022 at 3 ft 5.18 in (1.046 m).
He is not to be confused with the tallest dog who was also a Great Dane Zeus. This Zeus was from Otsego, Michigan and was slightly taller at 3 feet 6.7 inches (1.12 m). He died in September 2014.
There are some larger dog breeds, including the English Mastiff, Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Bull Mastiff, which typically stand about 35 inches tall and weigh up to 230 pounds. But Saint Bernards and Newfoundlands are also big dogs. Saint Bernard males can weigh 140 to 180 pounds and stand up to 30 inches tall. Newfoundlands, also called “Newfies,” typically weigh 130 to 150 pounds and can grow up to 28 inches tall.
Of The World’s Biggest Dog Breeds — Large Dogs
Great Dane Zeus holds the Guinness World Record for the tallest dog ever. Zeus, who died in 2014, was from the Dorlag family in Michigan. Zeus stood 3 feet 6 inches from the ground to his torso.
There are many popular dog breeds in the UK, but the most popular are the Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, Jack Russell Terrier and mixed breeds.
According to dog lovers and enthusiasts, as well as the American Kennel Club, the most popular breed in the world is the Labrador Retriever.
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Top 10 Big Dog Breeds In The World
Although there are still many ‘real’ dogs, small breeds are not for everyone and their small paws may please some dog lovers, there are many dog lovers out there.
Giant dog breeds can seem intimidating, and of course they require more maintenance and more space (and a much bigger bank balance) than a Chihuahua or Shih Tzu, but their large size makes them full-on companions, and when properly socialized and trained, they make the most wonderful family. can become members.
Read on to discover the largest dog breeds in the world and our favorite 10 giant dog breeds!
When it comes to the world’s largest dog breed, there are quite a few contenders depending on whether you stand on all fours, height on hind legs, or weight! The Great Dane is generally recognized as the largest breed in terms of height – but Irish Wolfhounds and English Mastiffs are also worthy contenders. When it comes to height and weight combined, no one will argue with the Mastiff’s claim!
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Many cattle herding breeds also come very close to these canine giants in size – and when they’re taking up room in front of the fire, who’s going to argue with an inch or two!
The tallest dog was a Great Dane called Zeus, standing at an impressive 1.12 meters from his feet to his withers when standing all over.
