Let’s talk BIG dogs.
We are not talking about your average large dog here. No, these are the dog breeds that make you do a double-take. The kind of dogs that can block a hallway just by standing in it. Dogs that take up the whole backseat. Dogs that look like small bears. Yes, these are the largest and heaviest dog breeds in the world.
For dog lovers with a soft spot for gentle giants, this list is about to be your happy place. Today, we are breaking down some of the largest dog breeds in the world. The big fellas that turn heads and steal hearts.
Some were originally bred to protect livestock. Others to pull carts, rescue humans, or even to be the big game hunters. But all of them are absolutely majestic breeds.
Largest & Heaviest Dog Breeds In The World
1. Saint Bernard
Let’s start with a classic. The Saint Bernard is probably the most famous giant dog breed out there. And it shows! They are sweet and massive-sized dogs that drool like it is an Olympic sport. ASPCA noted they have lower hanging jaws, which means they have a tendency to drool a lot (keep the towels ready).
Key Giant Traits
Average weight: 120-180 pounds
Towering height and powerful build
A thick double coat is perfect for cold weather
Saint Bernards were originally bred in the Swiss Alps to be rescue dogs. They used to rescue lost travelers. Being a large dog, their massive size and keen sense of direction made them ideal for sniffing people out in the snowstorms. And their gentle nature just makes them perfect family dogs today.
2. Great Dane
Ah, the Great Dane. A true legend. This breed holds the title of the tallest dog breed in the world. You might have heard of the Great Dane called Zeus.
That dog stood at 44 inches tall and landed in the Guinness World Records for being the tallest dog ever, according to the Guinness World Records. That’s taller than most kids!! And that is why they have been nicknamed “Apollo of the Dogs”.
Key Giant Traits
Height: Often over 30 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 110-175 pounds
Long legs, deep chest, elegant gait
Despite their massive size, Great Danes are known as gentle giants. This guard dog is surprisingly laid-back, great with kids, and does not need excessive exercise. Just be ready for a whole lot of dog. PetMD suggests taking them out on walks at least twice daily to keep them active and playful.
3. Leonberger
If you have never seen a Leonberger in real life, prepare to be impressed. These dogs have a regal and lion-like mane and a heart to match. Purina describes them as a large, strong, and muscular dog with a very unusual feature… the webbed feet. This feature makes these dogs excellent swimmers.
Key Giant Traits
Weight: Up to 170 pounds (That’s a lot!!)
Muscular frame and thick, fluffy coat
Majestic breed with a calm personality
Leonbergers were originally bred to resemble a lion (seriously) and were a favorite among European royalty. Today, they are excellent family dogs and loyal working dogs.
4. Anatolian Shepherd
Originally from Turkey, the Anatolian Shepherd is a born protector, a rugged and imposing flock guardian, and comes from an ancient lineage. This giant breed was developed to protect livestock from wolves and other predators.
Key Giant Traits
Average weight: 90-150 pounds
Muscular and sturdy frame
Fiercely loyal dog breed with an independent streak
These dogs are powerful working dogs and extremely protective of their home and family. Early socialization and training are a must for them. But in the right hands, they are one of the best dogs to have on a farm or country estate.
5. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is the ultimate water-loving, gentle giant. With webbed feet and a thick and water-repellent outer coat, this breed was bred by Canadian fishermen for water rescue and pulling fishing nets out of lakes. The AKC describes them as “a strikingly large dog breed with a heavy bone and dignified bearing”.
Key Giant Traits
Weight: 100-150 pounds
Strong swimmers with massive frames
Calm, affectionate, and loyal dogs
They are one of the few dog breeds that actually enjoy diving into icy water to pull someone to safety. And when they are not saving lives, they are lounging with their favorite humans.
6. Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff might not be the largest breed on this list. But in terms of sheer power and weight, it is up there with the biggest dog breeds. This mastiff-type dog breed is a force of nature, a powerful dog, but a calm and sweet one at that… with wrinkly skin.
Key Giant Traits
Weight: 100-130 pounds (but can feel heavier!)
Muscular and blocky build
Originally bred to guard estates from poachers
Bullmastiffs make wonderful guard dogs. And with proper training, they are also caring family members with insane protective qualities. Just make sure you have room on your couch. Or better yet, a whole couch just for them.
7. Irish Wolfhound
If you are looking for the tallest breed other than the Great Dane, the Irish Wolfhound might just top the charts. They are known for their slender build and long legs, which make them appear almost horse-like. They might reach up to seven feet in height if they stand on their hind legs.
Key Giant Traits
Height: 32-35 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 105-120 pounds
Originally bred to hunt wolves (yes, really)
Despite being bred as big game hunters, Irish Wolfhounds are incredibly gentle and calm. They are not aggressive, and their quiet nature makes them great companions for the right house.
8. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain dog is not just big. They are big in heart. Another giant dog breed from the Swiss Alps, these dogs were bred to be working dogs. They used to pull carts and herd livestock. They are an all-rounder: farm dogs good at droving, drafting, herding cattle, protecting, and the good family companions.
Key Giant Traits
Weight: 70-115 pounds
Signature tri-color thick coat
Sweet temperament and loyal nature
They are some of the best family dogs in the world. Friendly, patient, and deeply connected to their humans. They also happen to be the most photogenic giant dog breeds out there!!
9. Scottish Deerhound
Tall, lean, and graceful. The royal dog of Scotland. The Scottish Deerhound might not be the heaviest, but they are definitely among the tallest dogs in the world. Their long legs helped in speed, as they were originally developed for hunting in Scotland. And the Deerhound’s courage was proverbial in all of Britain.
Key Giant Traits
Height: around 30 inches tall.
Elegant, built with a wiry coat
Laid-back, sweet, and easy-going.
This breed is perfect for dog owners who want a quiet, calm, and low-key companion that still turns heads at the dog park. They may look serious, but they are goofy dogs, completely lovable at heart.
10. Cane Corso
Last but not least!! The Cane Corso. Pronounced “KAH-nay Kor-so”. This Italian Mastiff was originally bred for protection and has the muscle to prove it. They have the kind of temperament you can expect from a professional bodyguard.
Key Giant Traits
Weight: Often more than 100 pounds.
Height: 23.5-25 inches
Muscular frame and broad chest
Bold, confident, and fearlessly fight when needed
The Cane Corso is a loyal working dog with serious presence. If you give them early training and proper socialization, they turn out to be calm, protective, and fantastic companions. Just know that they are not for first-time dog owners. They need confident leadership and structure.
Conclusion
The largest and heaviest dog breeds in the world are not just for the sake of being big. Each of them has history, a purpose, and a heart as massive as their frame. Sure, they take up more space. Sure, they may eat a little more (okay, a LOT more).
But these gentle giants bring unmatched companionship, devotion, and let’s be honest… a whole lot of impressive fluff!!
Just be ready with a king-sized dog bed. Or you might find yourself giving up on your own.
So, which giant dog is calling your name?
