Last Updated on June 5, 2023 by admin
If you love big, cuddly dogs, then you will be excited to learn about the largest dog breeds in the world. From gentle giants like the English Mastiff to the mighty Great Dane, there are many breeds that come with impressive size and stature. Owning a large breed can bring joy and companionship, but also comes with some extra responsibility. In this article we will highlight some of the largest dog breeds and their characteristics.
Introduction
For those of us looking for a big and lovable pet, the options can be overwhelming. To help narrow down the choices, here’s a list of the 10 largest dog breeds in the world. From the imposing Great Dane to the gentle giant that is the Newfoundland, these breeds are sure to make any home feel complete. Read on to learn more about each breed and why they make such wonderful family pets.
Great Dane
The Great Dane is a breed of dog that is widely recognized as one of the largest dog breeds in the world. Originating from Germany, they were originally used as hunting dogs in the Middle Ages. Great Danes are considered to be gentle giants and can weigh up to 180 pounds and stand 28–30 inches tall.
Although they are the tallest dog breed, Great Danes are also one of the most loyal and loving companions. They have a kind and friendly temperament, making them excellent family pets. They have an even-keeled personality and are often referred to as “the Apollo of Dogs” because of their impressive stature.
Great Danes are known to be easygoing and get along with other animals and children. They require plenty of space to move around, as they do not thrive in cramped environments. They need daily exercise such as long walks or playing fetch to keep them happy and healthy.
Overall, Great Danes make excellent companions for those who can provide enough space for them to move around freely. They’re loyal, loving, and will give you years of companionship if you take good care of them.
Mastiff (English)
The Mastiff (English) is an iconic breed that stands out among the largest of all dogs. Known for its impressive size, the Mastiff is a powerful and imposing breed that can be easily recognized by its large and square head and heavy build. The breed is said to have descended from the ancient Alaunt and Pugnaces breeds, making it one of the oldest known dog breeds in existence. The Mastiff stands tall at around 31 inches and can sometimes be even taller than this, according to the Kennel Club breed standard. Not only does the Mastiff have a majestic look, but it is also known for its loyalty, bravery, and protective nature. This makes them an ideal guard dog and companion for the right owner.
Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff is an Italian breed of large dog that is considered one of the largest dog breeds in the world. The Neapolitan Mastiff was developed in southern Italy as a family and guard dog. This massive breed is characterized by massiveness and loose folds of skin, and they are statuesque with large heads, big ears, and big mouths. It is AKC’s 152nd breed and its impressive size make it a popular choice for those who want an intimidating guard dog. They also make great family pets as they are loyal, protective, and affectionate.
Scottish Deerhound
The Scottish Deerhound is a majestic breed of dog that has been striking admiration in people since ancient times. With an average height of 30 to 32 inches, the Scottish Deerhound is slightly smaller than the Irish Wolfhound but is still considered one of the largest dog breeds in existence. Originally bred to hunt and take down Scottish roe deer, this large and powerful breed was also known as the “Royal Dog of Scotland”.
The Scottish Deerhound is an impressive and athletic dog with a beautiful coat. This affectionate breed loves to run and play and make wonderful family pets. They are loyal and devoted, and their larger than life size makes them an imposing figure in any home.
Despite their size, Scottish Deerhounds are gentle giants. They are usually quite mild-mannered and easy-going, but they are also very brave when it comes to protecting their families. They may not be the best guard dogs, but they will certainly alert you if something is amiss.
The Scottish Deerhound’s large size should not deter anyone from owning one of these beautiful dogs. With some basic training, they can be well-behaved pets that will bring joy to any household.
Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is one of the largest dog breeds in the world. This gentle giant stands out for its graceful stature and impressive speed. Bred in England in the late nineteenth century, the Irish Wolfhound is an Irish breed of large sighthound and competes with the Great Dane for the title of tallest dog breed.
The minimum height at the withers for an adult male Irish Wolfhound is 32 inches (81 cm), but some have been known to reach 36 inches (91 cm). Despite their enormous size, Irish Wolfhounds are big-hearted, gentle and sensitive animals that make wonderful companions.
Owners must plan carefully when considering a large breed such as the Irish Wolfhound, as they can weigh up to 120 pounds (54 kg) and require plenty of food and exercise. They also need plenty of space to move around and can easily knock over furniture if not trained properly.
Irish Wolfhounds are intelligent dogs that are easy to train, as long as their owners remain patient and consistent during training sessions. They also love being active and can excel in sports such as agility, flyball, lure coursing, and tracking.
Despite their intimidating size, Irish Wolfhounds are known for being sweet-natured and loyal companions that form strong bonds with their owners. Although they may not be suitable for small homes or people who lack time for exercise, these gentle giants make wonderful family pets that will be sure to bring lots of laughter and joy into your home.
Dogue de Bordeaux
The Mastiff of Bordeaux is one of the oldest and rarest dog breeds in the world. It is an immense French working dog with a short fawn coat and a powerful guardian. Males can be up to 27 inches high and weigh 110 pounds while the tallest and heaviest Bordeaux, ‘Zorba’, stands at an impressive 206 cm and weighs 343 pounds!
Despite its intimidating size, this gentle giant has a loyal and loving personality – it’s a real softie at heart. It loves being around people, especially its family, and will never turn down an opportunity for cuddles or playtime.
The Dogue de Bordeaux is also known for its short, eye-catching coat which requires minimal grooming. This breed also has a great appetite, so make sure you keep a steady supply of tasty treats to hand!
The Mastiff of Bordeaux is an excellent choice for families looking for a loyal companion that can protect their home without being overly aggressive. With its big heart and imposing stature, this breed will make an excellent addition to any loving home.
Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a giant breed of dog that’s sure to turn heads. Boasting an impressive size, strength, and intelligence, these dogs are some of the most impressive dog breeds in the world.
For starters, the average Newfoundland is a whopping 42 inches long, from snout to tail. That’s three and a half feet! The largest Newfoundland dogs can almost double that length. It’s no wonder these dogs are often referred to as gentle giants.
Not only are they big, but Newfoundlands are also incredibly strong. They have been known to beat out some of the biggest dog breeds in terms of strength, including the Great Dane, Mastiff, and Irish Wolfhound.
But despite their immense power, Newfoundlands are also known for their intelligence and gentleness. These traits made them well-suited for their original purpose: working dogs for fishermen in Newfoundland. Even today, these dogs are popular for activities like carting and drafting.
With their impressive size, strength, and intelligence, it’s no wonder why the Newfoundland is one of the largest dog breeds in the world. If you’re looking for a gentle giant to add to your family, this breed may just be your perfect match!
English Mastiff
The English Mastiff is one of the largest and most beloved dog breeds in the world. Also known as Old English Mastiff, this gentle giant stands at around 31 inches tall and can weigh up to 345 pounds. With its large, powerful frame and loyal personality, the English Mastiff has been a beloved companion for thousands of years.
The English Mastiff is an ancient breed that is believed to have descended from the Alaunt and Pugnaces. They are often described as ‘gentle giants’ because of their naturally sweet temperaments and their willingness to protect their families. This breed is also known for its intelligence, making them easy to train with patience and consistency.
The English Mastiff makes an excellent family pet, as they are incredibly loyal and loving companions. They are also great guard dogs due to their size and protective nature. With proper training and socialization, the English Mastiff can be a wonderful addition to any family.
Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are one of the world’s most beloved breeds, and they’re also one of the biggest. Males can grow up to 64 to 120 kilograms and females up to 54 to 91 kilograms. They’re a very large working dog that originated in the Western Alps in Italy and Switzerland, and were originally bred for rescue missions in the treacherous Swiss Alps.
The Saint Bernard is famous for its giant size, but it’s also known for its sweet nature and calm temperament. Benedictine V Schwarzwald Hof holds the record for being the biggest St Bernard ever recorded by the Guinness Book of World Records, weighing an incredible 315 kilograms. Not only are Saint Bernards great family companions, but they can also make ideal companions if space isn’t an issue.
Leonberger
The Leonberger is one of the largest and most lovable dog breeds around. With a name that derives from the city of Leonberg in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, this gentle giant is a mix of the Newfoundland, longhaired Saint Bernard, and Great Pyrenees. Often called “the gentle giant,” the Leonberger is characterized by his lionlike mane and black mask. Warm-hearted and loving, Leonbergers were bred to be giant family dogs. Here are some reasons why these big dogs make such great companions:
- They’re Eternally Loyal: Leonbergers are incredibly loyal and devoted to their family members. They form strong bonds with their families and will always be there for them no matter what.
- They’re Patient: Leonbergers are renowned for their patience and serenity. They have an almost unlimited capacity for love, which makes them the perfect companion for children or elderly family members.
- They Love Companionship: These dogs absolutely love being around people and need plenty of attention from their owners in order to be happy.
- They’re Gentle Giants: Despite their large size, Leonbergers are incredibly gentle creatures who rarely bark or show aggression towards people or other animals.
- They’re Intelligent: Leonbergers are highly intelligent animals who can learn commands quickly and easily. This makes them easy to train and great family pets!
If you’re looking for a big, loyal companion who loves companionship, then the Leonberger might just be the perfect breed for you!
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the world’s largest dog breeds, you have a lot of options. From the Great Dane to the Mastiff, these breeds can range in weight from 160–230 pounds. Each breed has its own unique traits and characteristics, with some having short lifespans and others having long ones. No matter what kind of pup you’re looking for, one of these gentle giants could be the perfect fit for your family. So if you’re looking for a pooch that will bring joy and companionship into your life, consider one of these big breeds today!