The largest dog breed in the world

The fascination with large dog breeds is growing steadily, especially among people who are captivated by imposing, majestic, yet gentle giant dog breeds. These breeds are distinguished not only by their size but often also by their specific history and characteristics, which make them unique companions.

In this comprehensive blog post, we introduce you to the largest dog breed in the world, as well as 17 other dog breeds that are among the largest in the world, and we explore their individual character traits, facts, and their suitability as pets.

What does "largest dog breed" even mean?

The definition of the largest dog breed includes both height at the withers and the weight of the animals. Dog breeds that reach a shoulder height of over 70 cm and have a weight of 50 kg or more are considered particularly large.

In many cases, these dogs are impressive not only because of their stature but also because of their majestic character. However, size alone does not tell the whole story of these animals' nature. There are slender and elegant breeds like the Irish Wolfhound, which are large but relatively light, as well as massive dogs like the Mastiff, which are among the leaders in both height and weight.

1. Mastiff – The largest dog breed in the world

The Mastiff is considered the largest dog breed in the whole world when looking at both height and weight. Some specimens of these impressive dogs reach a shoulder height of up to 91 cm and can weigh more than 100 kg. Originally from England, the Mastiff served throughout history as a war dog and guard dog. Today, it is known for its calm and gentle temperament. Despite its physical size, the Mastiff is a loyal family dog that lovingly protects its people. However, it requires consistent training and sufficient space to feel comfortable.

2. Great Dane – A record holder among giants

The Great Dane is known for its immense size and friendly character. With a shoulder height of up to 90 cm and a weight of up to 90 kg, the Great Dane is one of the largest dogs in the world. The Great Dane is particularly well-known thanks to dogs like "Zeus," who, at a height of 1.12 meters, entered the Guinness Book of Records as the tallest dog in the world. Despite their imposing appearance, Great Danes are loving and gentle animals that are excellently suited as family dogs. They do, however, require very good training, as they possess a certain level of power due to their body size.

3. Irish Wolfhound – The gentle giant

With a height of up to one meter, the Irish Wolfhound is the largest dog breed if you measure purely by height. This breed, originally bred for hunting wolves, has a gentle and friendly nature despite its impressive size. Irish Wolfhounds are loyal, attentive, and excellently suited as family dogs. Their slender stature makes them not the heaviest, but certainly very impressive dogs.

4. Saint Bernard – The Swiss avalanche rescuer

The Saint Bernard is one of the heaviest dog breeds in the world and can reach a height of up to 90 cm, with a weight of up to 120 kg. Originally known as rescue dogs in the Alps, Saint Bernards are famous today primarily for their friendly and gentle nature. They are ideal as family dogs but require enough space and exercise due to their body size and strength.

5. Leonberger – A majestic dog breed

The Leonberger is a particularly majestic dog breed that is excellently suited as a family dog. With a size of up to 80 cm and a weight of about 75 kg, the Leonberger is an imposing dog. This breed was originally bred as a working dog, serving both in agriculture and as a guard dog. Today, Leonbergers are primarily known for their calm and balanced character. They are particularly child-friendly and very loyal to their family. The thick, long coat of this breed, however, requires regular care.

6. Newfoundland – The gentle water giant

Newfoundlands are known for their swimming abilities and rescue missions. With a size of up to 74 cm and a weight of up to 70 kg, they have a sturdy appearance. These dogs are extremely good-natured and known for their love of water, which makes them excellent rescue dogs. They are loyal and gentle, which makes them well-suited as family dogs.

7. Tibetan Mastiff – The ancient protector

The Tibetan Mastiff, also known as the Do-khyi, comes from the high mountain regions of Tibet and is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. With a body size of up to 76 cm and a weight of up to 68 kg, it is a powerful and confident dog. This breed was traditionally used as a guard dog and is known for its independence and protective instinct. They are, however, only partially suitable for beginners.

8. Anatolian Shepherd Dog – The faithful guardian

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog, also known as the Kangal, is an impressive dog breed that can grow up to 86 cm tall. This breed was originally used in Turkey to guard herds. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is extremely vigilant, independent, and protective of its family. Due to its body size and character, this breed requires an experienced hand.

9. Caucasian Shepherd Dog – The fearless livestock guardian

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is an imposing livestock guardian that was originally bred in the mountain regions of the Caucasus. With a size of up to 75 cm and a strong protective instinct, this dog is particularly popular with experienced dog owners. The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is confident and fearless, which makes it an excellent guard dog.

10. Borzoi – The elegant sighthound

The Borzoi, also known as the Russian Wolfhound, is one of the most elegant and largest dog breeds. With a size of up to 85 cm and a slender body, it is particularly known for its speed and elegance. This breed was originally bred for hunting and is known for its calmness and independence. Borzois are loyal companions but require a lot of exercise.

11. Great Pyrenees – The gentle guardian

The Great Pyrenees, also known as the Patou, was originally bred as a livestock guardian in the French Pyrenees. This breed can grow up to 80 cm tall and impresses with its calm and majestic character. Great Pyrenees dogs are particularly vigilant and protective of their family and herd. They are known for protecting herds in rural areas from predators like wolves. Due to their independent nature and size, they require plenty of space and clear, consistent guidance.

12. Tosa Inu – The Japanese fighter

The Tosa Inu is a large and powerful dog breed that was originally bred in Japan. With a size of up to 82 cm and a weight of up to 100 kg, the Tosa Inu is a powerful dog that nonetheless impresses with its calm and relaxed manner. This breed was bred as a fighting dog but, with appropriate training, is a loyal and faithful family dog.

13. Dogo Argentino – The Argentine hunter

The Dogo Argentino is an impressive dog breed that was bred for hunting big game. With a body size of up to 68 cm and a weight of up to 45 kg, the Dogo Argentino is an extremely muscular and powerful dog. This breed originates from Argentina and was specifically bred for hunting wild boar and pumas. The Dogo Argentino is known for its courage and loyalty. However, it requires consistent training and experienced owners, as it has a strong protective and hunting instinct. As a family dog, it is loyal and protective, but it requires plenty of exercise and clear guidance.

14. Akbash – The shepherd dog from Turkey

The Akbash is another large dog breed from Turkey that can reach a height of up to 86 cm. This breed was bred as a livestock guardian and is known for its vigilance and loyalty. The Akbash is an independent dog that requires clear boundaries and consistent guidance.

15. Fila Brasileiro – The Brazilian guard dog

The Dogo Argentino is an impressive dog breed that was bred for hunting big game. With a body size of up to 68 cm and a weight of up to 45 kg, the Dogo Argentino is an extremely muscular and powerful dog.

This breed originates from Argentina and was specifically bred for hunting wild boar and pumas. The Dogo Argentino is known for its courage and loyalty. However, it requires consistent training and experienced owners, as it has a strong protective and hunting instinct. As a family dog, it is incredibly loyal and protective, though it requires plenty of exercise and clear guidance.

16. Scottish Deerhound – The proud hunter

The Scottish Deerhound is an ancient dog breed that was originally bred for hunting deer in the Highlands of Scotland. With a size of up to 82 cm and a slender stature, it resembles the Irish Wolfhound. Deerhounds are known for their calm and gentle nature, but they require plenty of exercise and space to run.

17. Cane Corso – The Italian guardian

The Cane Corso is a large and powerful dog from Italy that was traditionally used as a guard and protection dog. With a size of up to 70 cm and a muscular physique, the Cane Corso is an imposing dog that is particularly loyal and protective of its family. This breed requires clear and consistent guidance.

18. Komondor – The Hungarian livestock guardian

The Komondor is a unique breed, known for its striking, shaggy coat that resembles long dreadlocks. With a body size of up to 80 cm, it is among the largest and most robust dog breeds. Originally used in Hungary as a livestock guardian, the Komondor is very vigilant and protective of its family. Its dense coat protects it from extreme weather conditions and predators. Grooming this coat, however, requires a lot of attention and patience. The Komondor is a loyal and brave dog that is well-suited as a guard dog, though it requires experienced guidance.

Conclusion: The largest dog breeds in the world

The dog breeds presented here impress not only with their sheer size but also with their special character traits. Large dogs often have a strongly developed protective instinct but are at the same time loyal and gentle companions. However, they require special care and plenty of space to feel comfortable. The training and management of these dogs should also be in experienced hands, as they require clear rules and consistent leadership due to their strength and temperament.

Whether you are interested in the imposing Great Dane, the gentle Newfoundland, or the fearless Caucasian Shepherd Dog, it is important to consider the individual needs and characteristics of each breed. Large dog breeds can be wonderful companions but require careful planning and preparation to enable them to lead a happy and fulfilled life.