Top 10 World’s Largest Dog Breeds

So many people love dogs in this world. Dogs of all sizes. Pet dog owners comprise of both small dogs breeds and big dog breeds. The reason for owning a big dog may be varied. It may be the liking for a big sized animal which gives the  a majestic and awe look. There may be other reasons also. Ultimately it is a question of choice and aesthetics which will differ at every individual level.

ALSO CHECK MORE:-

• Is Dog Health Insurance Worth It? Advice From A Vet
• Teeth Cleaning For Dogs | 6 Secret Professional Tips, Hacks & Products

How Big Is Big?

There is no worldwide accepted or standard size definition of what would constitute the truly big dog breeds. It is generally accepted that dogs in the weight of 45 to 50 kilograms and above fall under this category.

In the western countries, there are accredited Kennel clubs mainly from – United Kingdom, Australia, United States, New Zealand, Canada etc. These kennel clubs classify all types of dogs based on their usage and utility.

There are certain big dog breeds that also come under these clubs. The best example would be Central Asian Shepard dog which is predominantly used in the Caucasian and Central Asian Region as transport as well as military dogs.

A very famous  and popular name in the big dog breeds  is the  – “ Zorba” an English Mastiff  which weighed around 155 kilograms and had an astounding length of almost eighteen feet end to end.

How Long Do They Live?

Unfortunately these very large dog breeds won’t last as long as the smaller ones. They tend to wear out faster. The larger they are, the shorter their life span.

As a veterinarian, my best estimate is that dogs from 100-140 lbs generally live to about 10-11 years old.  Dogs that are larger than 140 lbs may only live to 8-9 years old. Of course, this also depends on any health problems that they may have that could shorten their lives even further.   

10 Of The Most Common Large Dog Breeds

Anatolian Shepherd 

Pros

• Ancient Dog Breed; has been around for centuries
• Can weigh up to 150 lbs 
• It is a Turkish origin breed
• Very smart and protective of its flock whether that’s people or animals
• Stands 28 inches at the shoulder

Cons

• This is not a dog recommended for first time dog owners as they need an experienced leader to control them
• Can be very demanding to own
• Anatolian Shepherds are not recommended for living in an apartment
• Anatolian Shepherds are not easy to train

Conclusion:

Some of the pros of Anatolian Shepherds include the dog’s natural protectiveness towards the owners. Anatolian Shepherds are highly intelligent and capable dogs that are best suited for an environment in which their strong natural protection instincts can be best utilized.

Tibetan Mastiff

Pros

• Very rugged and powerful
• Males can weigh up to 150 lbs, females up to 120 lbs
• Used to be bred extensively in the mountainous areas of Tibet and is a very ancient dog breed
• They only blow their coat once a year and generally don’t shed much at all
• Very mellow and calm with family
• Can be territorial with strangers
• Very suited for colder climates

Cons

• Coat is very dense, requiring constant upkeep to keep it healthy and looking good
• Not at all suited to living in a warmer climate
• At times can be very protective and territorial of its “flock” so needs a strong owner who can keep it in check when needed

Conclusion:

All in all, most Tibetan Mastiffs are “too much dog” for the average household. Very few people really have the facilities or skills necessary to manage this breed and keep him happy.

Pyrenean Mastiff

Pros

• Ancient dog breed (goes back thousands of years) originating from the Pyrenees Mountains in Spain
• Can reach a weight up to 240 lbs
• Usually lives to
• Very calm and gentle
• Highly intelligent and sweet

Cons

• Rare; in 2019 only about 5,000 of these dogs in the world
• Very  massive and not suitable for most dog owners due to its size
• Drools a ton, can be very messy

Conclusion:

This is a beautiful, powerful, and massive dog breed mostly found in Europe. It’s likely to be very expensive to acquire and take care of, but there are many wonderful qualities of this ancient and noble dog breed.

Cane Corso Dog

Pros

• Is massive and powerful
• It weighs at least 100 lbs, and possibly a lot more if the dog gets taller than the standard of 26 inches at the shoulder
• Has a short easy-care coat
• Is calm and quiet indoors as an adult

Cons

• This breed is not recommended for first time dog owners​
• Aggression or fearfulness toward strangers when not socialized enough
• Potential aggression toward other animals
• Snorting, snuffling, wheezing, grunting, loud snoring
• Strong-willed mind of his own, requiring a confident owner who can take charge

Conclusion:

Cane Corsos have tighter skin than other mastiffs and drool less. Some love to dig holes, and most enjoy splashing in water, whether it be a pond or a mud hole, the lawn sprinkler or their water bowl. These are not dainty dogs for fastidious housekeepers! However, these dogs can also be aggressive with strangers and should not be acquired by a novice dog owner.

English Mastiff 

Pros

• Is massive and powerful
• It weighs around 105 to 115 kilos
• Has a short easy-care coat
• Is calm and quiet indoors as an adult
• Is usually mild-mannered, yet makes an imposing watchdog because of his size and self-assurance
• height above ​76 inches

Cons

• dog breed is not recommended for first time dog owners​
• Aggression or fearfulness toward strangers when not socialized enough
• Potential aggression toward other animals
• Snorting, snuffling, wheezing, grunting, loud snoring
• Serious health problems and a short lifespan

Conclusion:

If you’re considering on acquiring one of these gentle giants, check out this Complete Pet Owner’s Guide to Mastiffs.

Mastiffs tend to be “gassy” dogs, which bothers some people. They also snore, drool, and slobber – big time! Obviously this is not the breed for people who need a tidy household.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Pros

• Large Dog Breed
• It weighs around 55 to 100 kilos
• Has a short easy-care coat
• Is calm and quiet indoors as an adult
• They are mountain, guarding and domestic dogs due to sturdy and muscular bodies
• height above 30 inches

Cons

• dog breed is not recommended for first time dog owners​
• Aggression or fearfulness toward strangers when not socialized enough
• Potential aggression toward other animals
• Serious health problems and a short lifespan

Conclusion:

So if you are looking for a family protector, consider the Caucasian. It is our belief that, as a natural guardian, the Caucasian cannot be beat. After having trained and worked with dogs for over 40 years, I cannot envision a dog that could be any more aggressive and still be a part of the home and family

Great Dane

Pros

• It can weigh 140-175 lbs
• Has a short easy-care coat
• Is a giant mastiff-type, but more elegant in build​​​​​
• Looks imposing, so makes an effective deterrent, yet is usually non-aggressive with people
• Height at the shoulder is 32 inches on average for breed standard
• German origin breed

Cons

• Not recommended for first time dog owners​
• Aggression or fearfulness toward strangers when not socialized enough
• One of the more common of the big dog breeds, there are common health risks to be aware of:
  • Bloat then turning to GDV (gastric dilatation-volvulus) – a twisting of the stomach that is commonly fatal
  • Heart Disease
  • Hip Dysplasia

Conclusion:

Check out the Great Dane Bible for more information.

Great Danes are recommended for those that have experience with the breed. They need to be properly socialized starting at a very young age so they don’t grow up fearful. Gregarious and loyal, they are a very noble and loving breed in the right hands.

Leonberger 

(Photo: Mikkel Bigandt/Shutterstock)

Pros

• It weighs around ​135 to 170 pounds
• Is giant and rugged, with a thick coat
• Is more athletic than most giant breeds
• Loves outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and pulling a cart or sled
• Height around 27 – 31 inches

Cons

• Dog breed is not recommended for first time dog owners​
• Aggression or fearfulness toward strangers when not socialized enough
• Potential aggression toward other animals
• “Separation anxiety” (destructiveness) when left alone too much
• Waiting lists (hard to find) and a high price tag

Conclusion:

For more info, check out this Leonberger Guide to the Breed on Amazon.

Leos can be messy: Their huge paws track in mud; they may drool if stressed; and most play in their water bowls, dunking their heads and coming up slobbering. It is said that their natural look is slightly damp with leaves stuck to their coats.

Newfoundland

Pros

• It weighs usually between 120-150 lbs
• Is heavily-built and powerful, with a thick furry coat
• Would do great in colder climates
• Is responsive to training in a slow, good-natured way
• Average height at the shoulder around 27 – 30  inches

Cons

• Massive coat and size makes for a dog that needs a lot of grooming to keep its appearance beautiful
• Sheds a great deal
• Rowdiness and exuberant jumping when young
• Some stubbornness and/or dominance problems, especially in males
• Fearfulness in some lines, or when not socialized enough
• One of the most common large breed dogs, some health concerns include:
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Elbow Dysplasia

Conclusion:

For a great book about this magnificent breed, check out this guide on Amazon.

Newfoundlands pant a lot, drink a lot (sometimes dunking half of their head into their water bucket), and are champion droolers. If you aren’t willing to constantly be cleaning up after this massive dog and brushing the coat out daily, you should not get one.

Dogue de Bordeaux

Pros

• It weighs around 125 – 150 pounds
• Is massive and powerful
• Has a sleek easy-care coat​
• Is calm and quiet indoors (as an adult)
• Makes an imposing watchdog, being serious and self-assured with strangers, yet generally mild-mannered unless aroused
• height around 27 – 30  inches​​​

Cons

• Dog breed is not recommended for first time dog owners​
• Aggression or fearfulness toward strangers when not socialized enough
• Rowdiness and exuberant jumping when young
• Legal liabilities (public perception, future breed bans, insurance problems, increased chance of lawsuits)
• Fearfulness in some lines, or when not socialized enough

Conclusion:

For more information, check out this Comprehensive Guide to the Dogue de Bordeaux.

The Dogue de Bordeaux has an astonishing talent for snoring and drooling. Slobber towels  should be high on your list of canine accessories with this breed.