Looking for a big dog? We’ve compiled a list to help give you some options. There are many breeds of big dogs but we narrowed it down to some of the most popular. Before we give you our list of the top 10 biggest dog breeds, we wanted to clarify what we classified as big in our search.
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What qualifies as a big dog?
Generally speaking, dogs can be divided into four main categories- small, medium, large, and giant (or extra large). Some people like to take things a step further and put dogs into subcategories (such as toy, teacup etc.), but considering all dogs can be bigger or smaller than another dog of the same breed, we find that four categories is enough to make a generic classification for this purpose. So for right now we will be discussing the giant breeds, which typically means breeds that are at least 99 pounds when they are fully grown. The breeds listed below are some of the largest dogs in the world. In no particular order…
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Bernese Mountain Dog
Strong and powerful working dogs, yet also very mild tempered and good with families. They can grow from 25-27.5 inches in height for a male and 23-26 for a female. Males weigh 80-115 lbs and females 70-95lbs. Life expectancy is about 7-10 years.
Great Dane
This massive breed is generally considered the tallest in the world. With astoundingly long legs and large features, these dogs can be a lot to handle. Anyone interested in this breed need to make sure they have LOTS of extra space in their home, otherwise they will have a very cramped living space. Males can grow to a jaw-dropping 32 inches tall and generally weigh 100-120 pounds. Females still boast impressive numbers reaching up to 30 inches tall and weigh 100-120 pounds. If one is specifically looking for a giant dog, this is as big as it gets.
Irish Wolfhound
These massive dogs are probably the only breed to contend with the Great Dane for title of the biggest dog in the world in terms of height. Adult males can grow up to 32 inches and can weigh up to 180 pounds! Females are considerably smaller but still enormous dogs. These dogs were used for hunting for centuries, but they still have a lovable temperament when it comes to their family. They generally have a muscular build which is hidden behind their longer coat of fur. The Irish Wolfhound and Great Dane are the two tallest breeds on this list and in the world.
Cane Corso
Where the Great Dane has the height, the Cane Corso has the girth. With a much more muscular and stockier physique, these dogs can appear imposing. Males can range from 25-27 inches in height and 99-110 pounds in weight. Females come a little short at 23-25 inches and weigh 85-99 pounds.
Newfoundland
While the Great Dane is superior in height and weight, Newfoundlands are bulkier and have thicker fur which can actually make some Newfoundlands appear to be bigger than some Great Danes. Newfoundlands are gentle giants, and with their mild mannered temperament they make great family dogs and are good with children. Don’t let their size fool you, this breed is one of the friendliest breeds around.
Saint Bernard
Similar to the Newfoundlands, Saint Bernards are intimidating to look at but very friendly dogs. They are playful and make great family pets. The heaviest dog on record was a Saint Bernard, weighing an impossible 315 pounds! But generally this breed weighs 140-180 pounds for males and 120-140 pounds for females. Males boast a good height as well growing up to 35 inches tall while females can get up to 31 inches tall.
Leonberger
Continuing the streak of incredibly large but incredibly loveable dogs is the Leonberger. Another gentle giant, they make great family pets and are easygoing and serene in temperament. Their big coats can make them appear even larger than they already are. Males range from 120-170 pounds in weight and 28-31 inches at the shoulder. Females can go from 90-140 pounds and 25-29 inches tall.
Mastiff
Though not quite as tall as the Great Dane, the Mastiff could make an argument for the biggest dog in the world due to its weight and sheer size. These dogs are powerful and absolutely imposing with their large bodies and enormous and hard heads. When it comes to weight and body size, the Mastiff rules. Males can grow to be an insane 230 pounds while females can get to 210 pounds. Shoulder height can reach up 31 inches in a fully grown adult. If someone is looking for a bulky or sturdy dog, this is it.
Akita
The Akita is another large and powerful dog with a strong stature. They are standoffish to strangers and protective, so they make excellent and effective guard dogs. A female will weigh from 70-100 pounds, while males come in at 100-130 pounds. Height at the shoulder ranges from 24-27 inches. This is a strong and beautiful breed that can make great use of its size.
Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a giant dog with a thick gorgeous coat of light colored fur that can make it appear gigantic. They are generally pretty low maintenance dogs for their size, and are mild mannered for the most part but they can be protective of family members. Their height ranges from 27-32 inches at the shoulders. Females can grow to be over 85 pounds while males can get to well over 100 pounds. This breed is elegant and majestic for its size, and with a big beautiful white coat they are beautiful specimens.
Honorable Mention
Neapolitan Mastiff
This immensely beefy breed can be quite intimidating, especially to strangers. The Neapolitan makes a great guardian for their owners. Adult males can grow to 150 pounds with their thick frame. Females are closer to 110 pounds fully grown. Their sturdy body gives them a wider build with big muscular shoulders. Their saggy skin makes their heads look even larger.
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