Large dogs can bring lots of fun and joy to a household, and kids especially love them. Despite their size, these “gentle giants” are generally loyal, well-tempered and good-natured creatures. If you are considering a large dog, here are several dog breeds consistently found in the top “biggest dogs” lists, measured by weight, height, and length.
A Great Dane currently holds the record for World’s Tallest Living Dog and Tallest Dog Ever.
Now, onto the list!
1. English Mastiff
According to the American Kennel Club, the largest breed of dog is the English Mastiff, also known as the Old English Mastiff. Mastiffs are considered the heaviest dog breed, but not necessarily the tallest. They can weigh anywhere from 110 lbs to 343 lbs. The height of a mastiff can range from 25 inches at the shoulder to 36 inches.
Zorba, an English Mastiff, went broke records as the heaviest and tallest dog ever in 1989, with a weight of 343 lbs. Zorba measured over 8 feet from nose to tail and was said to be about the size of a small donkey. Currently, Hercules, a 282-lbs English mastiff with a 38-inch neck, cinched the record in 2001 for World’s Heaviest Dog.
2. Neapolitan Mastiff
Neapolitan Mastiffs are fearless and extremely protective companions. They measure approximately 26 to 31 inches at the withers. Usually weighing about 170 lbs, Neapolitan Mastiffs can also reach up to 200 lbs.
3. Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds are said to be the tallest dog breed. Historically, the Irish Wolfhound’s astonishing size, speed, and intelligence made them ideal animals for hunting wolves and boars, though they are quite docile and friendly in nature. With a robust and muscular build, males can attain the stature of a small pony. The Irish Wolfhound can reach up to 7 feet tall when standing on its hind legs and weigh 90 to 150 lbs.
4. Great Dane
Great Danes are considered the second-tallest dog after Irish Wolfhounds. However, from year to year it seems the title of Tallest Dog, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, is held by a Great Dane.
Giant George currently holds the record for World’s Tallest Living Dog and Tallest Dog Ever. George is a 250-pound blue Great Dane from Arizona. He stands 3 feet, 7 inches tall from paw to shoulder. Giant George—who even has his own website—consumes 110 lbs of food each month. He also sleeps on his own queen-sized bed inside the house.
5. St. Bernard
Known for its bravery and aptitude in alpine rescue missions, the average weight of a St. Bernard is between 140 and 220 lbs, and the approximate height is about 27½ inches to 35½ inches. A St. Bernard named Benedictine holds the world record for the Heaviest Dog Ever. Benedictine, who displaced Zorba as the heaviest dog of all time, is said to have weighed 357 lbs.
The Newfoundland is thought to be the strongest of any dog breed, even beating some characteristics of the Great Dane, Mastiff and Irish Wolfhound. Some Newfoundland dogs have been known to weigh over 200 lbs. The largest Newfoundland on record weighed 260 lbs and measured over 6 feet from nose to tail.
Deriving its name from the city of Leonberg in south-west Germany, according to legend the Leonberger was bred as a “symbolic dog: that would mimic the lion in the town crest. These proud and self-disciplined animals stand 28 to 31.5 inches tall and weigh between 120 to 170 lbs.
8. Anatolian Shepherd
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a muscular breed with a thick neck and broad head, commonly used for guarding sheep from wolves, bears, jackals, and even cheetahs. It stands 29 to 36 inches and weighs between 90 and 150 pounds.
9. Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff)
The Dogue de Bordeaux is said to have the largest head in the canine world in proportion to the rest of the body. The average Dogue de Bordeaux measures 23 to 30 inches, and weighs 120 to 145 pounds.
It is important that big dogs get outdoors as much as possible—at least two long walks a day—as their energy requirement can be 25 percent higher than that of small indoor dogs. All that spent energy will require a hefty amount of food to keep your hungry companion fit and healthy, but it is recommended you give your large dog three smaller meals, rather than one large one. This will prevent overeating, as bloat is the number two killer of large dogs after cancer.
Also, know that large dogs are prone to bone and joint problems, and diseases like arthritis, hip dysplasia, and obesity. So before making any final decisions, ensure you will be able to properly care for your new furry friend.