Patrick MacFarland ·
Updated May 6, 2025
If you are interested in dogs that stand out for their impressive size and strength, learning about the largest dog breeds in the world can help you find your perfect companion. These giant canines are known for their remarkable presence and often have calm, gentle personalities despite their size.
You might be amazed by how these breeds combine power, loyalty, and companionship, making them unique members of many families. Exploring the world’s biggest dog breeds can help you decide if a giant dog could be the right fit for your lifestyle.
1. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is known for being the tallest dog breed in the world. Adult males can stand up to 35 inches at the shoulder, which is nearly 3 feet tall. Despite their size, they are calm and gentle around people. You will notice their long legs and lean build, which help them move quickly. Irish Wolfhounds were originally bred in Ireland to hunt wolves and large game. Because of their hunting background, they are strong but not overly aggressive.
2. English Mastiff
The English Mastiff is one of the largest dog breeds in the world. You will notice their size right away, as adult males can weigh up to 230 pounds. These dogs are broad and strong, with a solid body and massive head. They have short coats and often come in fawn, apricot, or brindle colors.
3. Great Dane
When you see a Great Dane, you notice its size right away. These dogs are sometimes called gentle giants. They stand very tall on all four legs and have strong, lean bodies. Great Danes are one of the tallest dog breeds in the world. Some of them have reached over 1 meter at the shoulder. The tallest dog ever recorded was a Great Dane named Zeus, who measured an impressive 1.12 meters at the withers.
4. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is a well-known giant dog breed. This breed first came from the Swiss and Italian Alps. People once used these dogs for mountain rescue work because they are strong and sturdy. As an adult, a Saint Bernard can weigh between 120 to 180 pounds and stand up to 30 inches tall. These numbers make them one of the biggest dog breeds in the world.
5. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is a large and powerful dog. This breed originally guarded livestock in the Himalayan mountains. Adult Tibetan Mastiffs can weigh up to 150 pounds. Their strong body and broad head stand out among other breeds. Males are often larger than females.
6. Neapolitan Mastiff
When you meet a Neapolitan Mastiff, you notice its size right away. This breed is one of the world’s largest, with some dogs standing up to 31 inches tall at the shoulder. Their weight can easily reach over 150 pounds. The Neapolitan Mastiff is known for its loose, deeply wrinkled skin and heavy jowls. These features give the dog a very distinctive appearance. The breed comes from Italy and was once used as a guard dog.
7. Leonberger
The Leonberger is a giant dog breed that comes from Germany. These dogs were first bred in the city of Leonberg. They are known for their impressive size and gentle nature. Adult Leonbergers can weigh between 90 and 170 pounds. They often stand up to 31 inches tall at the shoulder. This makes them one of the largest dog breeds in the world. Their thick, water-resistant coat helps them stay comfortable in cold weather.
8. Boerboel
The Boerboel is a large and muscular dog breed from South Africa. If you are looking for a dog that is both strong and loyal, the Boerboel stands out. Male Boerboels usually weigh between 150 and 200 pounds and can be up to 27 inches tall. Females are often a bit smaller, but still very powerful. Their size makes them one of the largest dog breeds.
9. Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a powerful and large breed known for its strong build. This dog was originally bred in England as a guard dog to protect estates from poachers. A typical Bullmastiff stands around 24 to 27 inches tall and can weigh between 100 and 130 pounds. Their muscular bodies make them look even bigger than they are.
10. Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux is one of the oldest French dog breeds. You might also hear it called the French Mastiff. This breed is known for its large and muscular build. The Dogue de Bordeaux often stands about 24 inches tall and can weigh over 100 pounds. Its head is especially big and broad compared to other breeds. Some consider it to have the largest head among all dogs, which gives it a unique and striking look.
11. Black Russian Terrier
The Black Russian Terrier is a large, strong dog that was originally developed in Russia. You will notice their sturdy build and thick, black coat right away. These dogs were bred for working and guarding. A grown Black Russian Terrier can reach up to 30 inches in height and may weigh more than 100 pounds. They look bigger because of their dense fur and strong muscles.
12. Central Asian Shepherd
The Central Asian Shepherd is a large and powerful dog breed. You might also hear people call it the Alabai. This breed comes from Central Asia and has been around for thousands of years. Males stand at least 28 inches tall, while females are at least 26 inches. These dogs can easily weigh over 110 pounds. Some individual dogs are even larger.
13. Fila Brasileiro
The Fila Brasileiro is a large working dog breed from Brazil. This breed is also called the Brazilian Mastiff. You will notice its strong, muscular build and loose skin. Males usually stand between 26 and 30 inches tall. They are well-known for their impressive size and powerful appearance. Most Fila Brasileiros have a short, smooth coat that is easy to care for.
14. Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is a large and powerful dog breed that comes from Italy. This breed is also known as the Italian Mastiff. The Cane Corso was originally bred to guard property and help with hunting. A male Cane Corso stands about 25 to 27.5 inches tall, while females are a bit shorter. The weight of a Cane Corso is usually in proportion to its height, giving them a strong and muscular build.
15. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, sturdy breed from Switzerland. You will notice their thick, tri-colored fur and friendly face right away. These dogs usually stand 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 70 and 115 pounds. They have a strong build that suits outdoor activities and farm work.
16. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a gentle giant known for its strength and sweet nature. You will notice its large, sturdy build and thick, water-resistant coat. Most Newfoundlands have black fur, but you might see brown, gray, or Landseer (black and white) varieties. A full-grown Newfoundland usually weighs between 100 and 150 pounds. Adult males can stand up to 28 inches at the shoulder. They are considered one of the largest dog breeds in the world.
17. Akita
The Akita is a strong and powerful dog breed that comes from Japan. You can recognize this dog by its large frame and thick double coat. Akitas are known for their sturdy appearance and upright ears. Males usually weigh between 100 and 130 pounds, while females are a bit lighter. Their height can range from 24 to 28 inches at the shoulder. These dogs have a muscular build and a curled tail.
18. Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a large working dog that was bred for strength and stamina. You will notice its thick double coat, bushy tail, and powerful build right away. These dogs typically stand 23 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder. An adult usually weighs between 75 and 85 pounds, making them a substantial and sturdy breed for their size.
19. Kuvasz
The Kuvasz is a large, strong dog breed that comes from Hungary. You will notice their thick white coat, which helps protect them from harsh weather. These dogs have a noble and impressive appearance. The Kuvasz has a long history as both a guard dog and a companion. In the past, people relied on them to watch over livestock and property. Their bravery and loyalty made them a trusted choice.
20. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is known for its large, strong build. You will often see them weighing over 100 pounds and standing around 23 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder. Their broad chest and sturdy legs make them a powerful working breed.
21. Anatolian Shepherd
The Anatolian Shepherd is a strong and powerful working dog. This breed was originally developed in Turkey to guard livestock. You will notice their large, muscular frame and confident stance. Anatolian Shepherds are known for being vigilant and protective. They are usually calm but can become very alert if they sense a threat. With training, they can be loyal family dogs.
22. Irish Wolfhound (height record)
When you see an Irish Wolfhound, you notice its tall, lean frame right away. This breed often stands between 32 and 35 inches at the shoulder. Some males can even get taller, making it the tallest dog breed in the world. The Irish Wolfhound was originally bred in Ireland to hunt wolves and other large animals. Its long legs help it move quickly and cover a lot of ground. Despite its size, this dog is known for being gentle and calm.
23. English Mastiff (weight record)
The English Mastiff is known for its impressive size and calm personality. You will find that this breed can grow much bigger than most other dogs. English Mastiffs usually weigh between 120 and 230 pounds. Some dogs go beyond this range. The record for the heaviest dog ever measured is held by an English Mastiff named Zorba. Zorba weighed about 343 pounds and stood 37 inches tall at the shoulder.
24. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is one of the largest dog breeds in the world. These dogs come from the mountains along the border of France and Spain. They were bred to protect sheep from wolves and other predators. You can expect a full-grown Great Pyrenees to weigh between 85 and 160 pounds. Some males even reach 32 inches tall at the shoulder. Their thick, white coats help them handle cold weather.
25. Komondor
The Komondor is easy to recognize by its long, corded coat that looks a lot like dreadlocks. This coat helps protect the dog from harsh weather and possible attacks from predators. You will find Komondors are large and strong. They can weigh between 80 and 100 pounds and stand up to 27.5 inches tall at the shoulder.
Patrick MacFarland has been a teacher, a candidate for public office, and a local tour guide. But now he dedicates his time writing full-time, currently at CitizenShipper and VeraContent.
