25 Largest Dog Breeds in The World With Key Characteristics

What is the world’s largest dogs? Some of the most recognizable and hard-working breeds are the largest dogs. They can be difficult to manage though because many of them still exhibit the strong working instincts and drive they were bred for. Here are some considerations to make if you’re thinking about starting a family.

Dog weight restrictions are common in hotels and apartments; which giant breeds far exceed. Finding a dog sitter or walker who is skilled and qualified can also be much more difficult. Some enormous dogs thrive and are content in cramped quarters.

The cost of caring for giant dogs can be high. Think about how flexible your budget is and whether you can afford huge expenses. Shop around or go to a veterinarian who can accommodate a large dog as not all veterinary offices are set up to safely handle giant breeds.

Top 25 Largest Dog Breeds in the World

One of these breeds might be the ideal choice for your family if you are okay with all of these potential difficulties and still believe that bigger dogs are better.

1. Mastiff

Breed Overview:

• Age: 6 – 12 years
• Height: 70–91 cm
• Weight: 54–77 kg
• Traits: Affectionate, good-natured, dignified, protective, courageous, and calm
• Colors: Brindle, fawn, and apricot

The Mastiff, a sizable breed that has been around for a very long time, is one of the biggest dogs in the entire world. These powerful, patient and devoted dogs were once employed as war dogs, big game hunters, and watchdogs. Mastiffs may weigh an astonishing 230 pounds and stand taller than 30 inches. They are often kind and obedient and have short double coats, large heads, and wrinkled foreheads.

2. Great Dane

Breed Overview:

• Age: 8 – 10 years
• Height: 71–81 cm
• Colors: Black, brindle, fawn, mantle, blue, harlequin
• Traits: Friendly, devoted, reserved, confident, loving, and gentle
• Weight: 45–59 kg

Great Danes will take up the entire sofa, but you won’t mind because they are so tolerant, laid-back, and quiet. They are also the tallest dog breeds there are, especially when standing on their hind legs. When Zeus, a Great Dane, was recognized by Guinness World Records as the tallest dog in the world in 2012, he stood an astounding 44 inches at the shoulder.

He stood over seven feet tall on his hind legs! Great Danes, a breed of dog that is also brindled, have big appetites and big hearts, but those big hearts are also prone to heart problems.

3. Black Russian Terrier

Breed Overview:

• Age: 10 – 11 years
• Traits: Stable, lively, energetic, confident, hardy, and brave
• Height: 68–70 cm
• Weight: 36–59 kg
• Colors: Black, salt, and pepper

Both imposing and sharp, these giant terriers are terriers. In order to produce a potent guard dog, the Soviet government created the Black Russian Terrier in the 1930s. The dogs retain their protective instincts, are fiercely devoted to their families and are frequently wary of strangers. The strength and dependability of these big dogs should go hand in hand.

Read more: Dog Breeds with Dreadlocks

4. Bernese Mountain Dog

Breed Overview:

• Age: 6 – 8 years
• Colour: Black tricolor
• Height: 64–70 cm
• Traits: Intelligent, affectionate, loyal, and faithful
• Weight: 38–50 kg

One of the more well-known giant breeds is the Bernese Mountain Dog, which has an eyecatching tri-coloured coat. They are excellent drafting and carting dogs who were raised on farms in their native Switzerland as hardworking, versatile dogs that thrive in the cold. Bernese Mountain Dogs are well-liked, enormous companion and family dogs who are renowned for their friendly disposition.

5. Komondor

Breed Overview:

• Age: 10 – 12 years
• Colour: Brown, White
• Traits: Steady, affectionate, independent, fearless, gentle, and calm
• Height: 64–69 cm
• Weight: 50 – 60 kg

One of the adorable dog breeds that resemble mops, the Komondor, will draw attention when you walk down the street with it. The appearance is caused by the profusion of white corded hair that was intended to shield it from the elements and predators while it protected sheep.

According to the AKC, Komondor puppies have a fluffy coat that starts to mat and cord between the ages of 8 and 12. They are fiercely loyal and devoted to them.

6. Azawakh

Breed Overview:

• Age: 10 – 12 years
• Height: 61 – 74 cm
• Weight: 15 – 25 kg
• Traits: Attentive, aloof, affectionate, fierce, rugged, and refined
• Colors: Black, brindle, blue fawn, dark fawn, clear sand, and grizzle

The Azawakh is a graceful, lightweight dog native to Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger in West Africa. These dogs are hardy, swift breed of hunters. These canines can weigh up to 55 pounds and stand up to 29 inches tall. They have thin, sparse coats that can be any color— black, brown, red, or a mixture of colors. They just infrequently shed and don’t require frequent bathing or grooming. Azawakhs have a strong sense of independence and intelligence. They can become highly amiable with early socialization and training.

7. Saint Bernard

Breed Overview:

• Age: 8 – 10 years
• Height: 70–90 cm
• Weight: 64 – 82 kg
• Colors: Red, white, reddish-brown, and brindle
• Traits: Lively, friendly, gentle, watchful, and calm

One of the most devoted dog breeds in existence, St. Bernard, can be recognized by almost anyone. It is probably because of the widely recognized folktale about this mountain dog saving stranded travelers on a snowy mountainside while wearing a brandy cask around its neck (they actually carried food and water in the packs for rescue). St. Bernard puppies grow enormously quickly. Because the puppies grew too quickly for the schedule of the movie, according to Animal Planet, it took about 100 St. Bernard puppies to play the canine child in Beethoven’s 2nd.

8. Newfoundland

Breed Overview:

• Age: 8 – 10 years
• Height: 69–71 cm
• Weight: 65–80 kg
• Traits: Sweet-tempered, gentle, and trainable
• Colors: Black, black & white, brown, and grey

The Newfoundland, also known as “Newfie” is regarded as a child& favorite. Under the thick coat that gives the breed, its lion-like appearance is a large-boned dog that is gentle and sweet-tempered but fiercely devoted to its family. They win the award for the best babysitter because they are incredibly kind and patient with kids. They also excellent swimmers, so you always have a partner when you want to go swimming.

9. Greyhound

Breed Overview:

• Age: 10 – 14 years
• Height: 71–76 cm
• Traits: Even Tempered, intelligent, affectionate, athletic, quiet, and gentle
• Colors: Black, white, brindle, fawn, blue, and red
• Weight: 27–40 kg

An old breed that was specially bred for sprinting is the greyhound. These hounds are tall and slim, as well as noble and self-reliant. They are the fastest breed of dog, and Alexander the Great and the pharaohs of Egypt both adored them. These slender, nimble canines can reach a height of 30 inches and weigh under 70 pounds. They have shock-absorbing footpads, slender waists, and aerodynamic skulls.

10. Leonberger

Breed Overview:

• Age: 8 – 9 years
• Height: 65–75 cm
• Traits: Loyal, fearless, obedient, loving, companionable, and adaptable
• Weight: 41–64 kg
• Colors: Mahogany, sandy, yellow, and red

A Leonberger, which has a mane resembling a lion, makes an excellent watchdog and versatile working dog. The Leonberger was initially created as a companion dog fo  European royalty, unlike many other giant breeds. They weren’t well-known as an all-purpose farm dog until much later. Nowadays, Leonberger make devoted pets and are excellent cart or draught dogs.

11. The Great Pyrenees

Breed Overview:

• Age: 10 – 12 years
• Height: 70–82 cm
• Traits: Strong-willed, affectionate, patient, fearless, confident, and gentle
• Weight: 50–54 kg
• Colors: White, tan, grey, red, and badger

The size of this majestic breed is impressive, and its (typically) long white coat makes it simple to identify. The breed was created to assist shepherds in their work and to safeguard livestock. The Great Pyrenees are renowned for their tolerance and independence, and they bravely fend off predators.

12. Irish Wolfhound

Breed Overview:

• Age: 6 – 10 years
• Traits: Sweet-tempered, thoughtful, dignified, patient, loyal, and generous
• Colors: Black, white, brindle, fawn, grey, and red
• Weight: 120 pounds
• Height: 32 inches

The Irish Wolfhound was developed as a big-game hunter and is the largest and most regal breed of dog recognised by the AKC. Despite having ancient ancestors, the Irish Wolfhound only started to become well-known in the 15th century as a result of efforts to manage the wolf population in Ireland. Irish Wolfhounds are now regarded as elegant, attractive pets.

13. Anatolian Shepherd

Breed Overview:

• Age: 10 – 13 years
• Height: 71–79 cm
• Traits: Steady, intelligent, bold, independent, confident, and proud
• Colors: White, brindle, blue fawn, silver, red fawn, white, and biscuit
• Weight: 40–55 kg

The Anatolian Shepherd is a strong-willed, devoted, and territorial working dog. This breed, which weighs 150 pounds, was created to guard livestock. These dogs are well-liked as guardian ranch dogs guarding farms today because they would rather intimidate predators.

With origins reaching back to the Bronze Age, some of the world’s oldest domesticated dogs are Anatolian Shepherd Dogs. They are devoted, to guarding herding dogs that are native to Turkey’s Anatolian area. These canines can grow to a height of 29 inches and weigh about 150 pounds. They are independent and reclusive and have thick undercoats that can withstand cold conditions.

14. Bouvier des Flandres

Breed Overview:

• Age: 10 – 12 years
• Traits: Intelligent, loyal, protective, gentle, familial, and rational
• Height: 59–65 cm
• Weight: 27–35 kg
• Colors: Black, salt & pepper, brindle, fawn, black & brown, and grey

Originating from Belgium, this large, shaggy breed dates from the Middle Ages. The Bouvier des Flandres was originally a farm dog, bred to herd cows, pull carts, and guard farm animals.

The Bouvier can be up to 27.5 inches tall and weigh as much as 110 pounds. Affectionate, intelligent, and hard-working, these dogs are easy to train and have distinctive beards and mustaches, plus shaggy waterproof coats.

15. Bullmastiff

Breed Overview:

• Age: 8 – 10 years
• Traits: Powerful, reliable, docile, devoted, alert, reserved, loyal, and loving
• Height: 64–68 cm
• Weight: 50–59 kg
• Colors: Brindle, fawn, and red

The Bullmastiff, a cross between a Bulldog and a Mastiff, was initially bred in 19th-century England to deter poachers from hunting down estates and wildlife reserves. These dogs make wonderful watchdogs and companions since they are bold, strong, and intelligent. The Bullmastiff is a big dog, growing up to 27 inches height and weighing up to 130 pounds. It has a short coat, a huge head, and unusual V-shaped ears.

16. Broholmer

Breed Overview:

• Height: 22-26 inches
• Weight: 90-160 pounds
• Age: 8-12 years
• Colors: Brown, black, and white
• Traits: Calm, even-tempered, protective, loyal, and affectionate

The Broholmer was a guard dog, livestock herder, and big game hunter that was originally bred in Denmark. It was mostly employed as a stag hunter throughout the Middle Ages when it first appeared. The Broholmer stands up to 29.5 inches tall and weighs up to 150 pounds. It is kind, attentive, and affectionate. This breed often gets along well with kids, is athletic and lively, and has a short, simple-to-maintain coat.

17. Borzoi

Breed Overview:

• Age: 7 – 10 years
• Traits: Respectful, intelligent, independent, athletic, quiet, and gentle
• Colors: Black, white, grey, blue, brindle, fawn, silver, and cream
• Weight: 25–40 kg

The Russian word for “Borzoi” (which translates to “swift”) describes a special, attractive dog that is speedy and catlike. These dogs, originally known as Russian Wolfhounds, were bred by the czars for wolf hunting. Borzois can grow to a height of nearly 28 inches and a weight of 105 pounds. These elegant dogs have lovely silky coats and are typically friendly, active, and obedient

18. Doberman Pinscher

Breed Overview:

• Age: 10 – 13 years
• Height: 66–72 cm
• Colors: Black, white, fawn, black & rust, red & rust, and fawn
• Traits: Intelligent, energetic, alert, loyal, fearless, confident, and obedient
• Weight: 40–45 kg

The Doberman Pinscher is a fairly large breed to own, with an overall body length ranging from 102-117 cm. They will require lots of room to move around in and at least two hours of exercise each day to help them expand their enormous amounts of energy.

19. Romanian Mioritic Shepherd

Dog Breed Overview:

• Age: 12 – 14 years
• Traits: Loyal, courageous, and calm
• Weight: 50–60 kg
• Height: 65–70 cm
• Colors: White, piebald, and grey

The Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog, which originated in Romania’s Carpathian Mountains, has long been used to protect livestock. Although independent and headstrong, these dogs are also devoted to their families and loyal to them.

This breed has a maximum height of 29 inches and a maximum weight of 130 pounds. It needs regular maintenance because of its lengthy, shaggy coat. The Russian Mioritic is a loyal friend who is self-assured and protective of others.

20. Bloodhound

Breed Overview:

• Age: 10 – 12 years
• Traits: Stubborn, even-tempered, affectionate, and gentle
• Height: 58–64 cm
• Weight: 36–45 kg
• Colors: Liver tan, black tan, and red

Bloodhounds are unassuming, mild-mannered, and carefree—at least, they are until they become intrigued by a peculiar sight or smell. Then, all bets are off, and the Bloodhound’s most iconic baying, howling, and barking traits come out in a medley.

This enormous dog breed is scent-driven, like some long-nosed dog breeds. They take a little longer to mature than other breeds, which could be a problem because Bloodhounds can be a little rambunctious and clumsy when they catch a whiff of something alluring.

21. Boerboel

Breed Overview

• Age: 10 – 12 years
• Height: 64–70 cm
• Traits: Intelligent, territorial, loyal, confident, obedient, and dominant
• Weight: 60–79 kg
• Colors: Black, brindle, fawn, piebald, cream, mahogany, brown, and red

This broad and blocky giant dog breed, also called the farmers dog, has historical roots that go back to the 1600s. Because of its intimidating size at the time, the Boerboel was perfect for defending homes and farms. However, they don’t behave like hyper dogs that jump up and down at the slightest provocation; instead, they are remarkably composed and self-assured.

22. Dogue de Bordeaux

Breed Overview:

• Age: 5 – 8 years
• Traits: Even-tempered, devoted, loyal, companionable, courageous, and vigilant
• Height: 60–67 cm
• Weight: 54–65 kg
• Colors: Fawn, mahogany, and red

The Dogue de Bordeaux, another strong guard dog, is renowned for its expressive face and eyes and has the largest proportionate head of any breed. Although these dogs are sensitive and devoted, they are also renowned for being independent, which makes early training crucial.

23. Akita Inu

Breed Overview

• Age: 10 – 14 years
• Traits: Faithful, composed, receptive, stubborn, intelligent, loyal, and courageous
• Colors: White, brindle, sesame, and red fawn
• Height: 58–66 cm
• Weight: 32–45 kg

This Japanese breed is the representation of health, happiness, and long life in its native country, making it a good choice if you’re looking for a dog with a spiritual connection. In fact, Japan reveres the Akita so much that they have a national monument dedicated to it.

New parents frequently receive a statue of an Akita. Akitas have an interesting habit of keeping themselves clean and are almost odourless, which is great if you intend to share your couch with a large dog breed. The Akita is one of the most expensive and largest dog breeds in the world, which isn’t so great.

24. Briard

Breed Overview

• Age: 10 – 12 years
• Traits: Intelligent, loyal, fearless, obedient, protective, and faithful
• Height: 56–65 cm
• Weight: 23–34 kg
• Colors: Black, white, tawny, grey, black & grey, black and tawny

Over a thousand years ago, the long-haired French Briard was first bred to guard and herd sheep. These dogs have stunning wavy coats, are intelligent and independent, and are robust and protective. Briards can weigh up to 100 pounds and stand up to 27 inches tall. They get along well with kids and are energetic, athletic canines that require frequent exercise.

25. Alaskan Malamute

Breed Overview

• Age: 10 – 12 years
• Height: 56–61 cm
• Colors: Gray & white, seal & white, white, and chocolate
• Traits: Friendly, devoted, affectionate, dignified, loyal, and playful
• Weight: 32–38 kg

Over a thousand years ago, the long-haired French Briard was first bred to guard and herd sheep. These dogs have stunning wavy coats, are intelligent and independent, and are robust and protective. Briards can weigh up to 100 pounds and stand up to 27 inches tall. They get along well with kids and are energetic, athletic canines that require frequent exercise.

Some Considerations You Should Follow for Large Dog Breeds

• Consider your living situation. If you live in a small apartment or home, a large dog breed may not be the best fit.
  Conversely, if you have a lot of space inside and outside your home, then a large breed may be just what you’re looking for.
• Think about your lifestyle. Do you like to go on long walks or runs? Do you have kids or other pets in the home? A high-energy breed may not be the best match if you’re looking for a low-key companion. Conversely, if you have an active lifestyle, then a high-energy breed may be perfect for you.
• Consider your budget. Large dog breeds can vary greatly in price, depending on their pedigree and size.

Final Thoughts

There are many large dog breeds in the world, ranging from the Malamute to the Mastiff. We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about the top 25 largest dog breeds, some of which may reach heights of over 2.5 feet and weighs more than an adult male.

Numerous dogs were bred for their power, stamina, or resistance to frigid weather. If you have enough space, they may make wonderful family pets and companions. Many big puppies, like powerful English Mastiffs and Bernese Mountain Dogs, may take up the entire sofa and guard their owners. Some dogs weigh more than others due to variances in bone structure, whilst other huge breeds are tall and thin.