The biggest dog breeds are known for their impressive size, which is a result of selective breeding. You might not know that a Great Dane named Zeus was the tallest dog breed in the world at 44 inches. The Guinness World Records notes that Zeus was not only tall, but he was also loved by many.
Although big dogs can seem frightening, most of them are calm, loving, and gentle. Welcome to the world of big dogs, where you get a giant friend and a bit of drool.
Let’s look at these mighty canines, each bringing something unique and interesting to the table.
Biggest Dog Breeds
1. Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux or French Mastiff is a very old and strong dog breed from France. This breed has a strong build and a big head that attracts attention everywhere it is seen.
While they are large and seem serious, they are known for being very kind and faithful to their family. They enjoy being with people and don’t like to be alone for a long time. They seem lazy, but they become alert if there is a threat.
WebMD states that early socialization and training of these dog breeds make sure that they become polite as adults. Because they are so stubborn, it is challenging to train them, but they do well when you are consistent and kind.
Key Features
Known for deep bonds with their owners
Gentle with children
Fiercely protective of their home
Height: up to 23-27 inches
Weight: 100-145 pounds
Life span: 5-8 years.
2. Great Dane
Named as “Apollo of Dogs,” the Great Dane is known for being both elegant and very tall. Although these dogs can reach 34 inches, they are among the most loving breeds you’ll find.
They enjoy playing but also like to relax and often think they’re lap dogs. Despite their large size, Great Danes aren’t very active and enjoy moderate exercise.
They need less grooming because their coats are shorter than many other large dog breeds. Great Danes usually get along well with other animals, especially if they’ve been raised together. However, some may show aggression toward unfamiliar dogs.
They’re generally easy to train, but a few can be a bit stubborn when it comes to learning new things, according to Hills Pet.
Key Features
Friendly with strangers
Low barkers but natural watchdogs
Playful and loving family
Weight: 100-200 pounds
Height: 28-32 inches
Lifespan: 7-10 years
3. Irish Wolfhound
This giant dog breed may look like something out of a fantasy novel, and their temperament is just as noble. Bred in ancient Ireland to hunt wolves, they are now famous for being quiet and forming special bonds with their owners.
Although they are very large, they are still calm and quiet. Most of the time, they avoid rough play and prefer peaceful surroundings.
According to PetMD, these dogs have sensitive feelings and often feel what their owners are going through. They may only live for 6-8 years, but every year of their lives is full of loyalty and graceful behavior.
Key Features
Sweet-natured and calm indoors
They are famous for their loyalty and dignity
Ideal for peaceful homes
Height: 30-35 Inches
Weight: 105-180 Pounds
Lifespan: 6-10 years
4. Leonberger
The fluffiness of this breed comes from its heritage of Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, and Great Pyrenees. With their fluffy mane and calm behavior, these giant dogs are great to have at home.
They are smart and understand our emotions. Additionally, they feel most comfortable when participating in daily family activities.
Leonbergers enjoy swimming and often like to explore outdoors, especially when it’s cold. Because they are friendly and outgoing, they do well as therapy and working dogs.
They’re wonderful with kids, usually get along with other dogs, and can be friendly with strangers when properly socialized. While typically calm and quiet, they do need daily exercise, like a brisk walk or a good hike, to stay happy and healthy.
Key Features
Excellent swimmers
They thrive on human championship
Known for their refined charm and poise
Height: 25.5-31.5 inches
Weight: 90-170 pounds
Lifespan: 8-9 years
5. Mastiff
Simply called “Matiff,” this breed often tops the list for weight, sometimes exceeding 230 pounds!
Despite their impressive size, Mastiffs are really soft at heart. Yes, they are protective, but the majority of the time, they’re calm, steady, and loyal pets that are always near their owner. They are comfortable with a routine and soon fit into family living.
They are not overly lively, so they still need regular walks and regular training. They take a long time to fully grow, and normally act like puppies for several years. According to Britannica, they may be cautious around people they don’t know, but if trained properly, they are rarely aggressive.
Remember to have a towel ready near you because these big dogs love to give sloppy kisses.
Key Features
Great family guard dogs
Excellent with children
Quiet and rarely aggressive
Weight: 120-230 pounds
Height: 27.5-30 inches
Lifespan: 6-10 years
6. Neapolitan Mastiff
When you love dogs that stand out with character, rolls, and authority, the Neapolitan Mastiff is sure to impress you. This dog breed is famous for its wrinkled skin and sharp stare.
But who are they really? Quiet, loving, and very faithful. These pets are always ready to protect their owners, yet they’re also very gentle towards them.
They move slowly and have little energy, so they are best suited for homes with lots of room and not much activity. Regularly wiping the skin fold of this giant breed will help keep infections at bay.
Key Features
Natural home protectors
Love a calm home life
Require early training to manage size
Weight: 110-150 pounds
Height: 24-31 inches
Lifespan: 7-9 years
Training tip: Try early socialization of your pet so they can differentiate between friends and enemies.
7. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are well-known for their ability to save lives, so they are often called the “nanny dogs” of canines. Originally bred for water rescues, they have webbed feet and a natural love of swimming. Their sweet temperament has earned them the nickname “gentle giants.”
Newfies are calm, loving, and often happiest when they’re near children or helping with chores. Their thick coats require regular grooming.
Newfoundlands are social creatures that don’t do well when left alone for extended periods. They are calm on the outside, but they are also strong and heroic when emergencies occur.
Key Features
Natural lifeguards
Calm with kids and pets
Height: 26–28 inches
Weight: 100–150 pounds
Lifespan: 9–10 years
8. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are like walking teddy bears — warm, gentle, and always ready to help. These dogs are mountain rescuers turned cuddle companions. They’re built for cold weather and cozy evenings by the fire.
Saint Bernards are extremely patient, which makes them ideal around young children. They require moderate exercise but plenty of space to stretch out indoors.
Omlet mentions that training should begin early to manage their size, and their thick coats demand regular brushing to prevent matting. Their slobbery kisses are legendary, as is their gentle demeanor.
Key Features
Calm and affectionate
Love kids and family environments
Drool-prone but endlessly lovable
Height: 26–30 inches
Weight: 120–180 pounds
Lifespan: 8–10 years
9. Bernese Mountain Dog
With its tricolor coat and loving eyes, the Bernese Mountain Dog is impossible not to adore.
Originally from the Swiss Alps, this working dog is strong, dependable, and deeply affectionate with its family. They are incredibly loyal, known for their eager-to-please nature, and are happiest when involved in household routines. Their double coat means they thrive in cooler climates.
They do best with early training and need both mental and physical stimulation to stay content. Berners are excellent with kids and often act like gentle guardians.
Key Features
Fantastic with children
Very trainable
Adaptable to different lifestyles
Height: 23–27.5 inches
Weight: 70–115 pounds
Lifespan: 7–10 years
10. Cane Corso
With Roman war-dog ancestry, the Cane Corso looks tough — and is, but only when needed.
This Italian guardian is muscular, intelligent, and fiercely loyal. Ideal for experienced owners, they thrive when given tasks and structure. Cane Corsos are confident, protective, and require early socialization and training to reach their full potential as steady family protectors.
They’re very active and enjoy mental challenges, making them a great fit for active households. VCA states that their devotion is unmatched, and they form strong bonds that last a lifetime.
Key Features
Excellent home protector
Deeply bonded to their owner
Highly trainable and alert
Height: 23.5–27.5 inches
Weight: 88–110 pounds
Lifespan: 9–12 years
Conclusion
Even if big dogs take up a lot of space on your couch, their loyalty, gentleness, and emotional intelligence keep them close to your heart. From the noble Irish Wolfhound to the water-loving Newfoundland, these biggest dog breeds prove that size doesn’t just matter; they can offer a lot of love, safety, and friendship for a lifetime.
If you’re thinking of adopting a big breed, ensure you’re ready for the responsibilities — but also get ready for the kind of love that only a giant heart can give.
