Majestic Giants: 20 Biggest Dog Breeds in The World

From the commanding Dogue de Bordeaux and the majestic English Mastiff to the gentle giants like Saint Bernard and Neapolitan Mastiff, you’ll love to explore the expansive world of these colossal canines.

With weights that impress and heights that astound, these exceptional dogs have rightfully earned their esteemed status among the giant breeds. Prepare to be captivated by their impressive dimensions and remarkable capabilities, including the agile Irish Wolfhound, the dignified Anatolian Shepherd, and the ever-popular Great Dane. Join us on this journey through the realm of giant dog breeds, where you'll discover what makes them truly extraordinary companions. And for those interested, the American Kennel Club officially recognizes these breeds.

1. English Mastiffs

English Mastiffs are a remarkable breed of large dog with a long history. They are gentle giants known for their obedience and protectiveness towards their families. Some males can weigh up to 230 pounds and stand at 30 inches tall, making them both awe-inspiring and lovable. The English Mastiffs are the world's largest breed, with some individuals weighing up to 200 pounds. In 1981, a Mastiff named Zorba set a record with a weight of 142.7 kg and a height of 27 inches. Truly exceptional!

2. Bernese Mountain Dogs

The Bernese Mountain Dogs are affectionate and charming companions from the Swiss Alps. These large dogs have a powerful build and a thick, tricolored coat. They are patient and get along well with children and other animals. They love outdoor activities and need regular exercise and mental stimulation. These dogs are known for their good-natured temperament and make excellent family pets.

3. Saint Bernard

Saint Bernard is a gentle giant with an impressive stature and benevolent disposition. They are considered excellent family dogs. These large dogs have distinctive appearance including substantial cranium, deep-seated eyes, and saggy jowls. Known for their heroic endeavors in dangerous mountain passes, they possess remarkable physical strength, enduring stamina, and an innate sense of orientation. Their affable temperament makes them great for families. They can grow up to 30 inches tall and weigh around 180 pounds, making them one of the most substantial breeds in the canine domain.

4. Boerboel

Having its roots in South Africa, the Boerboel is a sturdy canine recognized for its athleticism and vigilant instincts. "Boerboel" originates from the Dutch word "Boer," signifying farmer. It mirrors their role as steadfast companions to the Dutch and German settlers that established themselves in South Africa during the mid-1600s. Through a process of cross-breeding, the Boerboel amalgamates distinct sizeable guardian breeds. Initially employed for hunting large game and providing security to homesteads and families, the boerboel's current purpose remains dedicated to the guardianship of their cherished ones.

5. Great Dane

Great Danes are colossal, robust canines from Germany. Despite their size, they're amiable with children and prioritize their owners' safety. They're often called the "Apollo of dogs" and are regal, standing up to 32 inches tall and weighing nearly 200 pounds. Great Danes are affectionate and thrive on companionship, making them a beloved family addition.

6. Scottish Deerhound

The Scottish deerhound is a beautiful and gentle breed of dog from Scotland with a shaggy coat and friendly personality. Initially bred for deer hunting, they need plenty of exercise and space to run. These dogs are among the world's tallest but also loving and affectionate.

7. Tosa Inu

The Tosa Inu, also known as the Japanese mastiff, holds a historical role as a combatant dog, originating from Shikoku Island. Within Japan, the Tosa Inu garners considerable esteem akin to sumo wrestlers, earning profound respect and ceremonial treatment. While exuding a composed and patient demeanor, the Tosa Inu doesn't shy away from exhibiting deep fondness for its family. However, it might reveal initial reserve in the presence of strangers. Capitalizing on their vigilant instincts, Tosa Inus excel as diligent sentinels of the household.

8. Leonberger

The Leonberger, a distinguished breed originating in Germany, is an attractive canine characterized by its gentle and pleasant disposition. Leonbergers are predisposed to attain a substantial size, with male individuals potentially reaching a weight of up to 170 pounds. Sporting a substantial frame and a kindly temperament, this breed owes its origins to the city of Leonberg in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. These sizeable dogs, endowed with impressive musculature, can register weights ranging from 90 to 150 pounds, necessitating extra space allocation on your seating arrangements.

9. Neapolitan Mastiff

The Neapolitan Mastiff is an exceptional and robust canine lineage hailing from Italy. Possessing an imposing stature characterized by its deeply wrinkled skin, this breed boasts an unmistakable and singular appearance. Renowned for their serene and vigilant disposition, Neapolitan Mastiffs embody loyalty and unwavering devotion as companions. These dogs are inclined to form profound connections with their families, radiating a warm and affectionate temperament. The Neapolitan Mastiffs' energy levels tend to be modest, aligning with a preference for a tranquil and unhurried lifestyle, often centered around leisurely moments within the home environment.

10. Newfoundland

Newfoundland is a cordial and tender breed that originates in Canada. Distinguished by their substantial dimensions and dense, water-resistant coat facilitating warmth even in frigid waters, Newfoundlands are renowned for their amiable demeanor. Their adept swimming abilities, partially attributed to their webbed feet, render them proficient lifesavers capable of rescuing individuals from drowning. This breed's patience and affinity for children enhance their suitability as valuable family additions. Emerging as a sizable and robust breed, Newfoundlands initially fulfilled roles as working dogs, assisting fishermen by hauling nets.

11. Akita Inu

The Akita Inu is a breed known for its loyalty and bravery, with its roots tracing back to Japan. Boasting a robust and formidable physique, they are equipped with a dense double coat that effectively shields them from cold weather conditions. Although they might display reserve in the presence of strangers, their loyalty and affection are undeniably directed toward their own families. Originating from northern Japan's mountainous expanse, this robust stature and strength breed was initially bred for tracking bears, deer, and wild boar. They secure their place among the most giant species, a testament to their formidable attributes.

12. Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees stands as a colossal canine. Hailing from the French mountain ranges, the Great Pyrenees exemplifies a blend of gentleness and protectiveness. Adorned with a distinctively dense and plush white coat, this breed benefits from its insulating properties, keeping them warm even in colder climates. The Great Pyrenees earns distinction for its vigilant loyalty, rendering it a commendable choice for guarding responsibilities. To maintain their well-being, Great Pyrenees necessitate regular exercise and meticulous grooming.

13. Cane Corso

Originating from Italy, this breed was purposefully bred for guarding, herding, and hunting. The Cane Corso exhibits a well-defined musculature and an athletic frame. They sport a concise coat. Cane Corsos are loyal and confident, positioning them as adept guard dogs. Their intellect and malleability render them responsive to training, further enhanced by their desire to please. Early interactions with humans and fellow canines significantly contribute to their development and well-being.

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14. Rottweiler

Originating in Germany, the Rottweiler presents a robust physique complemented by a lustrous black coat adorned with tan markings. Recognized for their unwavering loyalty and innate protective instincts, Rottweilers emerge as exceptional guard dogs, combining their intelligence with ease of training. Beyond their imposing external demeanor, Rottweilers possess the capacity for gentleness and affection within their family circle. They actively flourish within the realm of companionship, cherishing moments spent with their human companions. Sustaining their overall well-being necessitates regular exercise and ample opportunities for social interaction.

15. Dogue de Bordeaux

The Dogue de Bordeaux, alternatively recognized as the French Mastiff, is a committed and faithful canine lineage originating in France. Characterized by a substantial and robust physique, these dogs exhibit loose, creased skin and a broad head. The Dogue de Bordeaux breed is celebrated for its composed and kind disposition, positioning them admirably as cherished components of families. They are excellent family dogs. Their inclination toward protection and unwavering commitment to their beloved ones further underscore their role. Despite their imposing exterior, these dogs typically exhibit good-naturedness and patience, particularly in their interactions with children.

16. Irish Wolfhound

The Irish Wolfhound emerges as a magnificent and tender giant originating in Ireland. Claiming their position among the loftiest canine breeds, they possess a lean and agile physique. Their notoriety is attributed to their wiry and tousled coats, and they are celebrated for their pleasant and benevolent disposition, rendering them excellent additions to families. Characterized by a calm and amiable demeanor, Irish Wolfhounds are distinguished by their loyalty and steadfastness.

17. Russian Terrier

Originating in Russia, the Black Russian Terrier emerges as a robust and self-assured breed characterized by a dense and substantial coat commonly found in black or dark gray shades. They are good as guard dogs. Despite their imposing appearance, Black Russian Terriers exhibit a capacity for gentleness and warmth within their family setting. Sustaining their overall health and happiness mandates regular physical activity and opportunities for mental engagement.

18. Anatolian Shepherd

The Anatolian Shepherd is a robust and vigilant breed hailing from Turkey. Sporting a solid frame and a dense coat that aids in enduring various climatic conditions, Anatolian Shepherds are distinguished by their unwavering loyalty and courageous demeanor. Throughout centuries, they have fulfilled the role of safeguarding livestock from predatory threats. Their exceptional intelligence and self-reliance position them as outstanding guardians. While their disposition may lean toward seriousness compared to other breeds, they possess the capacity for gentleness and warmth within their familial circles.

19. Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan Mastiff is a robust and impressive canine that originates in the elevated terrains of Tibet. Adorned with a dense and plush coat, this breed effectively insulates against chilly weather conditions. Revered for their steadfast loyalty and vigilant protective tendencies, Tibetan Mastiffs are recognized for their resonant and profound barking qualities that establish them as adept guard dogs. While typically displaying tenderness and affection toward their families, their disposition towards strangers is marked by reserve and detachment.

20. BullMastiff

Originating from England, the Bullmastiff is a resolute and faithful canine featuring a robust and muscular physique. Initially developed to safeguard English estates, Bullmastiffs are distinguished by their vigilant and protective tendencies. Their intellect, coupled with a composed demeanor, enables them to exude a sense of calm, and they often demonstrate a capacity for gentleness and affection within their familial circles. To maintain their well-being and proper conduct, Bullmastiffs necessitate regular physical activity and opportunities for social interaction. Through appropriate training and attentive care, they have the potential to emerge as devoted and affectionate companions.

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