Top 15 Largest Dog Breeds: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to choosing a canine companion, size can be a crucial factor. Whether you’re looking for a gentle giant or a robust protector, large dog breeds offer a range of qualities and characteristics that make them unique.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top 15 big dog breeds, delving into their sizes, temperaments, and what makes each breed special. This will help you find the right large dog breed for your lifestyle and home.

1. Great Dane Dog

Overview: Known as the “Apollo of dogs,” the Great Dane is one of the most recognizable and imposing dog breeds. They are famous for their towering height and regal presence.

Size & Weight: Great Danes typically stand between 28 to 34 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 110 to 175 pounds. Some individuals can even reach over 36 inches tall.

Temperament: Despite their size, Great Danes are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They are often described as “gentle giants” and are great with families, including children and other pets.

2. Saint Bernard Dog

Overview: The Saint Bernard is a breed with a long history, originally bred for rescue work in the Swiss Alps. They are known for their friendly disposition and large, muscular build.

Size & Weight: Saint Bernards stand about 25 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 120 to 180 pounds. Males are usually larger than females.

Temperament: These dogs are known for their calm, friendly nature. They are incredibly patient with children and make excellent family pets. Their size can be daunting, but they are usually very gentle and loving.

3. Mastiff Dog

Overview: The Mastiff is a breed with an ancient lineage, known for its formidable size and protective instincts. They were originally used as guard dogs and warriors.

Size & Weight: Mastiffs stand between 27 to 36 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 120 to 230 pounds. Their strong, powerful presence matches their massive build.

Temperament: Mastiffs are known for their loyalty and protective nature. They are gentle with their families but can be wary of strangers. Proper training and socialization are essential for a well-rounded Mastiff.

4. Newfoundland Dog

Overview: The Newfoundland is a large, friendly breed known for its swimming ability and gentle disposition. They were originally used as working dogs in water rescue operations.

Size & Weight: Newfoundlands stand between 26 to 28 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 100 to 150 pounds. Their thick, water-resistant coat makes them well-suited for cold climates.

Temperament: These dogs are known for their calm and gentle demeanour. They are excellent with children and other pets, making them a great choice for families. Newfoundlands are also known for their loyalty and intelligence.

5. Irish Wolfhound Dog

Overview: The Irish Wolfhound is one of the tallest dog breeds, originally bred for hunting wolves and large game in Ireland. They have a long, noble history.

Size & Weight: Irish Wolfhounds stand between 30 to 35 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 140 to 180 pounds. Their height is one of their most striking features.

Temperament: Despite their intimidating size, Irish Wolfhounds are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They are good with children and can be very laid-back, making them suitable for various living situations.

6. Bernese Mountain Dog

Overview: The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, sturdy breed from Switzerland, known for its striking tri-color coat and gentle nature. They were originally used as farm dogs.

Size & Weight: Bernese Mountain Dogs stand between 23 to 28 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 70 to 115 pounds. Their muscular build and thick coat make them well-suited for colder climates.

Temperament: These dogs are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They are excellent with children and other pets, making them ideal family companions. They require regular exercise and grooming.

7. Alaskan Malamute Dog

Overview: The Alaskan Malamute is a large, powerful breed originally used for sledging and heavy hauling in Arctic regions. They are known for their endurance and strength.

Size & Weight: Alaskan Malamutes stand between 23 to 25 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 75 to 100 pounds. They have a thick double coat that protects them from harsh weather conditions.

Temperament: These dogs are known for their friendly and independent nature. They are intelligent and energetic, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation. They can be aloof with strangers but are loyal to their families.

8. Tibetan Mastiff Dog

Overview: The Tibetan Mastiff is an ancient breed known for its impressive size and guarding instincts. They were used by nomadic cultures to protect livestock from predators.

Size & Weight: Tibetan Mastiffs stand between 24 to 30 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 70 to 150 pounds. They have a thick, double coat that protects them in harsh climates.

Temperament: These dogs are known for their independence and protective nature. They can be reserved with strangers but are deeply loyal to their families. Proper training and socialization are crucial for this breed.

9. Leonberger Dog

Overview: The Leonberger is a large, versatile breed originally developed in Germany. They are known for their impressive size and friendly disposition.

Size & Weight: Leonbergers stand between 25 to 31 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 90 to 150 pounds. Their large, muscular build and thick coat make them well-suited for various climates.

Temperament: These dogs are known for their friendly and outgoing nature. They are excellent with children and other pets and make great family companions. Regular exercise and grooming are essential for maintaining their health and appearance.

10. Kangal Dog

Overview: The Kangal is a large, powerful breed from Turkey, originally used for guarding livestock. They are known for their strength and protective instincts.

Size & Weight: Kangals stand between 28 to 32 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 90 to 150 pounds. They have a muscular build and a thick coat that helps them in their guarding role.

Temperament: These dogs are known for their loyalty and protective nature. They are intelligent and independent, requiring proper training and socialization. They are typically reserved with strangers but are deeply devoted to their families.

11. Akita Dog

Overview: The Akita is a large, powerful breed from Japan, known for its noble appearance and strong guarding instincts. They were originally used for hunting large game.

Size & Weight: Akitas stand between 24 to 28 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 70 to 130 pounds. They have a muscular build and a thick coat that helps them in cold climates.

Temperament: These dogs are known for their loyalty and independence. They are protective of their families and can be reserved with strangers. Proper training and socialization are important for this breed.

12. Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Overview: The Anatolian Shepherd is a large breed from Turkey, originally used for guarding livestock. They are known for their strength and independence.

Size & Weight: Anatolian Shepherds stand between 27 to 32 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 80 to 150 pounds. They have a muscular build and a thick coat that protects them from harsh weather.

Temperament: These dogs are known for their protective and independent nature. They are loyal to their families and can be reserved with strangers. Proper training and socialization are crucial for this breed.

13. Dogue de Bordeaux Dog

Overview: The Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the French Mastiff, is a large, powerful breed from France. They are known for their impressive size and guarding abilities.

Size & Weight: Dogue de Bordeaux stands between 23 to 27 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 110 to 145 pounds. They have a muscular build and a short coat that is easy to maintain.

Temperament: These dogs are known for their loyalty and protective nature. They are affectionate with their families and can be reserved with strangers. Proper training and socialization are important for this breed.

14. Scottish Deerhound Dog

Overview: The Scottish Deerhound is a large, elegant breed from Scotland, originally used for hunting deer. They are known for their impressive size and graceful appearance.

Size & Weight: Scottish Deerhounds stand between 28 to 32 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 75 to 110 pounds. They have a slender, muscular build and a wiry coat that protects them from the elements.

Temperament: These dogs are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They are good with children and other pets and make excellent family companions. Regular exercise and grooming are essential for maintaining their health and appearance.

15. Boerboel Dog

Overview: The Boerboel is a large, powerful breed from South Africa, originally used for guarding farms and livestock. They are known for their strength and protective instincts.

Size & Weight: Boerboels stand between 24 to 28 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 110 to 220 pounds. They have a muscular build and a short coat that is easy to maintain.

Temperament: These dogs are known for their loyalty and protective nature. They are good with their families and can be reserved with strangers. Proper training and socialization are crucial for this breed.

Choosing the Right Large Dog Breed for Your Home

Factors to Consider: When selecting a large dog breed, consider factors such as your living space, the breed’s exercise needs, and the time you can dedicate to training and grooming. Large dogs often require more space and exercise than smaller breeds.

Space & Exercise Needs: Large dogs generally need more space to move around and more exercise to stay healthy. Ensure you have enough room in your home and yard to accommodate a large dog.

Health Considerations: Large breeds are prone to certain health issues, such as joint problems and heart conditions. Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy diet are essential for maintaining their health.

Care and Maintenance of Large Dog Breeds

Diet & Nutrition: Large dogs require a balanced diet that supports their size and activity level. Consult your veterinarian for recommendations on the best food for your dog’s needs.

Grooming Requirements: Many large breeds have thick coats that require regular grooming. Brush your dog’s coat regularly to prevent matting and reduce shedding.

Exercise & Training: Regular exercise is crucial for large dogs to maintain their health and prevent behavioral issues. Training should be consistent and positive to ensure your dog becomes a well-behaved and balanced companion.

Conclusion

Choosing a large dog breed can be a rewarding experience, providing you with a loyal and loving companion. Each of the breeds listed above offers unique qualities and characteristics, making them suitable for different types of families and lifestyles. By understanding their needs and characteristics, you can find the perfect large dog breed to fit your home.

FAQs

What is the largest dog breed? The Great Dane is often considered the largest dog breed in terms of height, with some individuals standing over 36 inches tall.

Do large dog breeds require more exercise? Yes, large dog breeds generally require more exercise than smaller breeds to maintain their health and prevent behavioral issues.

Are large dog breeds good with children? Many large dog breeds, such as Saint Bernard and Newfoundland, are known for their gentle and patient nature with children.

How long do large dog breeds live? The lifespan of large dog breeds varies, but they generally have a shorter lifespan than smaller breeds, ranging from 8 to 12 years.

What are some common health issues in large dog breeds? Common health issues in large dog breeds include joint problems, heart conditions, and certain cancers. Regular veterinary care and a healthy diet can help manage these risks.