The Largest Dog Breeds in the World
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from small lap dogs to large working breeds. While all dogs are lovable and make great companions, some breeds stand out for their impressive size. These breeds can weigh over 100 pounds and tower over their smaller counterparts.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the largest dog breeds in the world. These breeds may not be suitable for everyone due to their size, but they are sure to capture the hearts of those who can handle their immense size and strength.
SEE ALSO: Dogs For Apartments: 10 Best Dogs For An Apartment
The Largest Dog Breeds in the World
Below are some of the largest dog breeds in the world that are sure to catch your fancy!
- Central Asian Shepherd Dog
- Bully Kutta
- Akbash
- Japanese Tosa
- Kangal Shepherd Dog
- Leonberger
- Tibetan Mastiff
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Anatolian Shepherd
- Great Pyrenees
- English Mastiff
Central Asian Shepherd Dog
The Central Asian Shepherd Dog, also known as the Alabai or the Volkodav, is a massive dog that is considered one of the largest breeds in the world. They are typically over 30 inches tall at the shoulder and can weigh up to 200 pounds!
This breed originates from Central Asia, where they were bred to be livestock guardians and protectors of the home. They are powerful, athletic dogs with a thick double coat that can withstand extreme weather conditions. Although they are large and intimidating, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog is known for being gentle and loyal to their families.
Bully Kutta
The Bully Kutta, also known as the Pakistani Mastiff, is another breed that is often considered one of the largest in the world. They typically stand around 30 inches tall at the shoulder and can weigh up to 220 pounds!
This breed originated in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan, where they were bred to hunt and guard livestock. They are powerful, muscular dogs with a broad head and a sturdy body. Although they are large and imposing, they are known for being gentle with their families and loyal to their owners. This breed does best in a home with plenty of space and an experienced owner.
Akbash
The Akbash is a breed that is native to Turkey, where they were originally used as livestock guardians. They are large dogs, typically standing between 28 and 32 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing up to 140 pounds.
They have a thick double coat that can come in a variety of colors, including white, cream, and fawn. The Akbash are known for being calm and gentle, but they can be protective of their family and territory. They are intelligent dogs that need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They also require a lot of space, so they are not well-suited for apartment living.
Japanese Tosa
The Japanese Tosa, also known as the Tosa Inu, is a rare breed that originated in Japan. It is a large dog, typically standing between 24 and 30 inches at the shoulder and weighing up to 200 pounds.
The Tosa has a short, thick coat that can be any color, including black, brindle, red, and white. The Tosa was originally bred for dog fighting, but today they are most often kept as family pets. They are loyal and protective of their family, but they can be aggressive towards other dogs. They require a lot of socialization and training to become a well-behaved family.
Kangal Shepherd Dog
The Kangal Shepherd Dog, also known as the Anatolian Shepherd, is a massive breed that originated in Turkey. They can stand up to 32 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 150 pounds.
The Kangal has a thick, double coat that can be any color, including black, fawn, or gray. They were originally bred to protect livestock from predators like wolves and bears, so they are naturally very protective and territorial. They are also very loyal and loving towards their family. The Kangal requires a lot of exercise and space to run, so they are not suited for apartment living.
Leonberger
The Leonberger, also known as the Gentle Giant, is a giant dog that was originally bred in Germany. They can stand up to 31 inches at the shoulder and weigh up to 170 pounds.
They have a thick double coat that can be any color, including black, red, and cream. They were originally bred as working dogs, but they are also popular as family pets because of their gentle and affectionate nature. The Leonberger is very intelligent and easy to train, but they require a lot of socialization and exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is one of the largest dog breeds in the world, with males standing up to 30 inches at the shoulder and weighing up to 160 pounds. They are known for their thick, double coats that can be any color, including black, brown, and tan.
The Tibetan Mastiff was originally bred in Tibet, where they were used as guard dogs and livestock guardians. They are very protective and loyal to their families, and they have a natural instinct to defend their territory. They are also very intelligent and independent, so they require a lot of training and socialization to become well-behaved pets.
Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff is another giant dog breed that stands up to 31 inches at the shoulder and can weigh up to 200 pounds. They have a thick, wrinkled coat that can be any color, including black, brown, and fawn.
The Neapolitan Mastiff was originally bred in Italy for guarding and protection, and they are still known for being very territorial and loyal to their families. They are also very intelligent and independent, and they require a lot of socialization and training to become well-behaved pets. The Neapolitan Mastiff is a calm and gentle breed, but they are not recommended for families.
Anatolian Shepherd
The Anatolian Shepherd, also known as the Kangal Shepherd, is a large breed that can stand up to 29 inches at the shoulder and weigh up to 140 pounds. They have a thick, double coat that can be any color, including fawn, cream, and brindle.
The Anatolian Shepherd was originally bred in Turkey to guard livestock and protect property, and they are still known for being very intelligent and independent. They are also very calm and gentle dogs, but they require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. The Anatolian Shepherd is not recommended for inexperienced dog owners or families with small apartments.
Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a giant breed that can stand up to 32 inches at the shoulder and weigh up to 160 pounds. They have a thick, double coat that can be white or cream, and they often have markings on their face and ears.
The Great Pyrenees were originally bred in the Pyrenees mountains to guard livestock, and they are still known for their excellent guarding instincts. They are also very intelligent and independent, but they are also very calm and gentle with their families. The Great Pyrenees require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy, and they are not recommended for inexperienced dog owners.
English Mastiff
The English Mastiff is often considered to be one of the largest dog breeds in the world for several reasons. First, they have a massive average weight of 200-230 pounds, with some individuals reaching even higher weights.
Second, they are very tall dogs, often measuring over 30 inches at the shoulder. Third, they have a large, muscular frame, which contributes to their overall size.
Finally, they have a large head and body, making them appear even larger than they already are. When it comes to sheer size, the English Mastiff is often considered the king of the dog world.
Largest Dog Breed in the World by Height
The largest dog breed in the world by height is the Great Dane. These gentle giants can reach up to 32 inches (81 cm) in height at the shoulder and can weigh up to 200 pounds. Other large breeds such as the Irish Wolfhound and the English Mastiff can also reach similar heights, but the Great Dane is typically considered the tallest dog breed in the world.
The Largest Dog Breeds in the World by Weight
- Great Dane
- Mastiff
- Saint Bernard
- Tibetan Mastiff
- Irish Wolfhound
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Newfoundland
- Leonberger
- English Mastiff
- Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Tibetan Mastiff Biggest Dog in the World
The Tibetan Mastiff is often considered to be the biggest dog in the world. They can stand up to 32 inches at the shoulder and weigh up to 180 pounds. They have a long, thick coat that can be black, brown, or tan. They are known for their intelligence, strength, and loyalty, and they were originally bred in Tibet to guard monasteries and other sacred places.
Today, they are still used as guard dogs and are often considered to be excellent family pets. However, their size and strength make them best suited for experienced dog owners. They require a lot of exercise and socialization.
20 Largest Dog Breeds
- Great Dane
- English Mastiff
- Leonberger
- Newfoundland
- Irish Wolfhound
- Saint Bernard
- Kuvasz
- Anatolian Shepherd
- Tibetan Mastiff
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Dogue de Bordeaux
- Scottish Deerhound
- Great Pyrenees
- Cane Corso
- Boerboel
- Newfoundland
- Rottweiler
- Akbash
- Komondor
SEE ALSO: How to Euthanize a Dog With Over-Counter Drugs
FAQs
Q. What is the world’s largest dog breed?
A. The English Mastiff is widely considered to be the world’s largest dog breed. They can stand up to 36 inches at the shoulder and weigh up to 200-230 pounds.
Q. What is the largest ever breed of dog?
A. The Guinness Book of World Records has named the English Mastiff as the largest dog breed ever recorded.
Q. Who is the strongest dog?
A. When it comes to sheer strength, the strongest dog breed is often considered to be the Tibetan Mastiff.
Q. What is the world’s tallest dog?
A. The tallest dog ever recorded was an Irish Wolfhound named Zeus, who measured a towering 44 inches at the shoulder. This massive dog weighed in at a whopping 282 pounds!
Conclusion
There are various large dog breeds in the world, each with its own unique characteristics and qualities. Some, like the Great Dane and Mastiff, have been bred specifically for their size and strength, while others, like Saint Bernard and Newfoundland, have been used for working purposes such as rescue and protection. Despite their size, these dogs can make great family pets with the right training and care. Ultimately, the largest dog breed for you will depend on your lifestyle, living space, and ability to provide proper exercise and care for these magnificent animals.
