In the vast world of canines, there are dogs of all shapes and sizes, each with its own unique set of characteristics, history, and charm. However, there’s something truly awe-inspiring about large dog breeds. Their majestic size, coupled with their diverse personalities, makes them a fascinating subject for dog lovers and enthusiasts alike.
In this article, we delve into the world of the top 10 largest dog breeds in the world. We’ll explore their origins, delve into their unique traits, and discover what makes each of these breeds truly special.
1. Mastiff
The Mastiff, often referred to as the English Mastiff, is a breed of extremely large dog perhaps descended from the ancient Alaunt and Pugnaces Britanniae, with a significant input from the Alpine Mastiff in the 19th century.
This breed holds the record for the world’s largest dog by mass, weighing in at a hefty 343 pounds. Standing at an average of 30 inches tall, these gentle giants have a life expectancy of 6-10 years.
They are known for their dignified and courageous personality. Despite their grand stature, Mastiffs are good natured, calm, easygoing, and surprisingly gentle for their size. They’re a very old breed with a fascinating history; being used in war, for blood sports, and as a guard dog.
2. Boerboel
The Boerboel, also known as the South African Mastiff, is a large, Molosser-type breed from South Africa bred for the purpose of guarding the homestead. These dogs were bred as working farm dogs and are one of the most powerful dog breeds.
Boerboels are typically calm and stable with strong protective instincts. Males can weigh up to 200 pounds and stand up to 27 inches at the shoulder. They are characterized by their blocky heads, muscular bodies, and self-assured nature.
Despite their intimidating size, Boerboels are remarkably agile and move with a confident and powerful gait. They are fiercely loyal, intelligent, and great with families when properly socialized.
3. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is a breed of very large working dog from the western Alps in Italy and Switzerland. They were originally bred for rescue work by the hospice of the Great St Bernard Pass on the Italian-Swiss border.
Saint Bernards are powerful, proportionately tall, strong and muscular, with a powerful head and most importantly very gentle eyes. Adult males can weigh between 140-180 pounds and stand up to 30 inches tall.
They are known for their friendly and welcoming nature, and despite their size, they are great with kids and well mannered in the home. Their high intelligence makes them easy to train, and their serene and patient nature makes them a great fit for families.
4. Great Dane
The Great Dane combines, in its regal appearance, dignity, strength and elegance with great size and a powerful, well-formed, smoothly muscled body. It is one of the giant working breeds, but is unique in that its general conformation must be so well balanced that it never appears clumsy, and shall move with a long reach and powerful drive.
They are known for their responsible, dependable, and protective nature. Males can weigh between 140-175 pounds and stand up to 32 inches tall at the shoulder. Great Danes are considered gentle giants, they are moderately playful, affectionate and good with children. They will guard their home and are generally reliable, trustworthy and dependable.
5. Leonberger
The Leonberger is a giant dog breed. The breed’s name derives from the city of Leonberg in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. According to legend, the Leonberger was ostensibly bred as a symbolic dog that would mimic the lion in the town crest.
They are known for their friendly and playful nature. Males can weigh between 120-170 pounds and stand up to 31 inches tall at the shoulder. Leonbergers are a wonderful family dog and have a special fondness for children. They are incredibly loyal to their families, are eager to please, intelligent and easy to train.
6. Caucasian Shepherd
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a breed of large livestock guardian dog native to the countries of the Caucasus region, notably Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Dagestan. This breed is extremely popular in Georgia, which has always been the principal region of penetration of Caucasian shepherd dogs.
Known for their unmatched bravery and loyalty, these dogs are not only massive in size, but also possess a heart of gold. Males can weigh between 110-220 pounds and stand up to 30 inches tall at the shoulder. They are fearless, bold and kind-hearted, making them excellent protectors of their family.
They have a powerful physique and a strong bone structure. Despite their intimidating size and appearance, these dogs are very gentle and affectionate with their families. They are also highly territorial and have a strong guarding instinct.
7. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is a large Tibetan dog breed belonging to the mastiff family. Its double coat is long, subject to climate, and found in a wide variety of colors.
They are known for their loyalty, protective nature, and aloofness. Males can weigh between 90-150 pounds and stand up to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Despite their intimidating size, Tibetan Mastiffs are quite gentle and good-natured.
They are highly intelligent, independent, and can be stubborn, so early socialization is important. They are not overly active or playful but are very protective and devoted to their family. They are quiet indoors but need a large, securely fenced yard to get a reasonable amount of exercise.
8. Anatolian Shepherd
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a breed of dog that originated in the Anatolia region of central Turkey. It is rugged, large and very strong, with good sight and hearing that allow it to protect livestock.
With males weighing between 110-150 pounds and standing up to 29 inches tall at the shoulder, they are known for their endurance, agility, and perseverance.
As a livestock guardian dog, they are fiercely loyal and protective of their flock. They are intelligent, capable of independent thinking and learning. If socialized properly, they can be calm and friendly, yet are always on alert for any signs of danger.
9. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a large working dog that hails from the Canadian island of the same name. They are known for their sweet-natured temperament and abilities in water rescue due to their large size, strong muscles, and dense coat.
Males typically weigh between 130-150 pounds and stand 28 inches tall at the shoulder. Newfoundlands have a thick double coat that keeps them warm even in icy water. They are excellent swimmers, and their large, webbed feet help them navigate the water efficiently.
Their immense strength was put to use in pulling nets for fishermen and hauling wood from the forest. They are known to be gentle, sweet-natured dogs that are wonderful with children and very trainable. Despite their size, Newfoundlands are very docile and thrive on human companionship and attention.
10. Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff, or Mastino Napoletano, is an Italian breed known for its massive size and protective instincts. This ancient breed was used as a war dog and guardian in Roman times. Today, they are best known as loyal family pets.
Males can weigh between 130-155 pounds and stand up to 31 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a distinctive wrinkled face and a powerful, stocky body. Despite their fearsome appearance, Neapolitan Mastiffs are affectionate and devoted to their families.
They are gentle with children and protective of their home. They are not a breed for everyone; they drool and are very heavy eaters. They also require regular exercise to keep their large bodies healthy and strong. Despite their imposing size, they are not a high-energy breed, but they do require regular moderate exercise.
Conclusion
From the Great Dane to the Neapolitan Mastiff, the world of large dog breeds is diverse and impressive. These breeds require ample care but offer immense love and companionship in return.
If you’re ready for the responsibility, one of these breeds could be the perfect addition to your family. They are more than just pets; they are loyal friends and loving members of our families.
FAQs
The Mastiff is one of the largest breeds in terms of mass.
Yes, many large dog breeds are known for their gentle nature and loyalty, making them great family pets.
Large dog breeds are known for their strength, endurance, and often calm and protective natures.
Yes, large dog breeds often require more space, exercise, and food compared to smaller breeds. They may also have specific health concerns related to their size.
