The great capacity of the dog to adopt new morphological characteristics in a few generations has surprised the human being, who has carried out all kinds of crosses that have resulted in small breeds or giant breeds.
Do you wonder what are the biggest dogs in the world? How big are they and what characteristics do they have? In this article on our site we show you the largest dog breeds that exist, you can't miss them! They will surely surprise you.
1. Mastiff
The German Bulldog or Great Dane is the most popular and well-known giant dog, so much so that it is considered the world's largest dogThe males reach about 80 centimeters at the withers , the females somewhat less. His weight is around 62 kilograms and he shows a firm and muscular body. It is an affable, calm and, without a doubt, spectacular dog. Unfortunately, their life expectancy is very short, living between 6 and 8 years.
This breed stands out for having members in the Guinness World Records, such as the late "Giant George". A giant, good dog who avoided dogs and was afraid of water. He was 110 centimeters tall and weighed 111 kilos. However, this beautiful dog is not the largest Great Dane that has ever existed, since, according to the Guinness World Records, the largest dog in the world was Zeus, also a German Bulldog who measured 111 centimeters at the withers. Currently, the record is held by Freddy, another Great Dane who measures 104 cm at the withers.
two. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is one of the most famous giant dog breeds, known from the popular movie "Beethoven". His face inspires kindness and he is one of the favorite dogs of families around the world. It can measure about 80 centimeters at the withers and weigh up to 90 kilograms Despite Appearing to be a heavier dog than the previous one, the German Mastiff has truly gigantic specimens in its history, which is why it has the medal for the largest.
You will need a lot of space and an owner who fully understands this dog's needs, as well as good handling and basic positive training knowledge, as he has inordinate strength.
3. Neapolitan mastiff
The oldest Neapolitan Mastiffs were brought from India to Greece at the request of Alexander the Great around 300 BC. It is a very old breed, heavy, stocky and especially loyal. It measures about 70 centimeters at the withers, weighs about 60 kg and eats more than 1.5 kg of food per day. For all these reasons, this is another of the largest dog breeds that exist.
The Neapolitan Mastiff will need large doses of food and frequent baths. In addition, we must have space to exercise and advanced knowledge of training, so it is not a recommended breed for beginners.
4. Leonberger
Of German origin, the Leonberger is a beautiful dog with long, brown fur. It is balanced, large and muscular, being able to measure up to 80 centimeters at the withers and weigh up to 75 kgHe has a calm temperament, but a commanding presence.
This dog stands out for the characteristics of its coat, which is double-layered and longer on the tail, head and front legs. Likewise, it has a black mask, which is another of the peculiarities of the breed, a fawn color pattern. He is a faithful, docile and very familiar dog.
5. Bullmastiff
The bullmastiff is a British breed believed to derive from the English mastiff and the English bulldog. With an imposing appearance and a dark face, it is a very intelligent guard dog. Moderately active and very faithful, it obeys the rules of the whole family (even the little ones), so it is not a dog that follows only one person.
Now, focusing on size, this is another of the largest dog breeds in the world because it is about 60-68 centimeters talland weighs between 50 and 60 kg He has a tendency to obesity, so it is essential to take care of his diet. Its hygiene is easy to maintain, washing once a month and brushing every two or three days will suffice.
6. Tosa inu
Also known as the tosa ken, the tosa inu can weigh up to 100 kilograms and measure a minimum of60 centimeters at the withers Although it is difficult to imagine due to its large size, it is a reserved and quiet dog, especially with strangers. At the same time, it is a faithful dog that will put up with the pranks of the little ones and will adapt to play with other dogs as long as it has been properly socialized.
7. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a large dog that is easy to train. She is of Canadian origin and is the most popular water rescue dog for her infinite love of water and her dense coat. It weighs a maximum of 70 kg if it is male, since females are somewhat smaller, and its height is usually around between 60 and 80 centimeters at the withers
The Newfoundland, this giant dog with a good-natured appearance, is known precisely for his loy alty and affection. Although it is not among the 5 best breeds for beginners, we can say that it can be the perfect companion for someone who has not lived with dogs before, as long as they are well informed about the breed, use positive reinforcement and are constant in their education. and training.
8. Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
The name itself indicates the origin of the Czechoslovakian wolfdog: it is a hybrid between the German shepherd and wolves, although its genetics is mainly canine. It measures about 65 centimeters in height at the withers and its weight is usually 25 kg It has strong hunting impulses and requires an experienced owner who understands their behavior and attitude.
9. Brazilian Row
The Fila Brasileiro is a mix between a Mastiff and a Dogo, a dog with a good sense of smell and incredible strength. In ancient times it was used to hunt down slaves who escaped from their masters' estates. The weight is over 55 kg and the size is around 70 centimeters at the withers
10. Dogue de Bordeaux
Of French origin, the Dogue de Bordeaux is a dog that is very attached to his family, showing affection and fidelity, while with strangers he tends to appear neutral or distrustful. The height is about 65 centimeters at the withers along with some imposing 65 kilograms in weight.
Incredibly tame and protective of children, the Dogue de Bordeaux is not only one of the largest dog breeds, it is also one of the most family-friendly.
eleven. Tibetan Mastiff
Guardian and defender dog of Chinese origin, the Tibetan Mastiff or Tibetan Mastiff has a bark similar to that of a lion. Used by the ancient Assyrians as a war dog, it was widely used by the Roman conquests throughout the Mediterranean.
Incredibly powerful, the Tibetan Mastiff measures up to 80 centimeters at the withers and weighs about 70 kilograms Although he is a loyal and good dog Even with children, we must take precautions with people that the dog may consider strange due to its tendency to territoriality.
12. Komondor
The komondor is a dog that comes from Hungary. He has a unique look, as his hair falls down in a kind of dreadlock. Independent and stable, this dog measures about 75 centimeters at the withers and weighs up to 60 kgKnowledge of dog training or mental stimulation are essential for all those who want to adopt a dog of this breed.
13. Scottish Deerhound
The Scottish deerhound, also known as the deerhound, is a giant dog breed endemic to the United Kingdom and it is estimated that it was one of the predecessors of the greyhound, due to certain morphological similarities. In the Middle Ages, this dog was used to hunt deer and was a very exclusive dog, belonging only to the highest classes.
Measures around 76 centimeters at the withers and can weigh around 45.5 kilograms. He is a calm, affectionate, sociable and very gentle dog.
14. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is a very ancient dog that is suspected to originate from the first Egyptian sighthounds. It is another of the largest dogs in the world since it can measure up to 86 cm at the withers and weigh up to 54kg.
This is a giant dog with an elongated, stylized body and a coat characterized by long, strong, hard, wire-like hair. Due to these characteristics, it is necessary to carry out care such as frequent brushing and regular visits to the dog groomer. As for his character, he stands out for being docile and very peaceful.
fifteen. Caucasian Shepherd
With a lush mane and friendly gaze, the Caucasian Shepherd also ranks on the list of the world's largest dogs. Males can measure up to 75 cm at the withers and weigh up to 50 kg This can is not usually afraid of anything and is usually very protective of his family, so it is essential to socialize him correctly and have some knowledge or experience in dog training.
Its coat, in addition to its size, is its main characteristic and requires a lot of care to keep it in perfect condition. It has a woolly undercoat, which allows it to withstand very low temperatures.
16. Pyrenean Mountain Dog
With its solid white or spotted coat and its imposing size, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog has made many people fall in love with it. To this beautiful appearance is added a loyal and protective character, traits that have led it to be an excellent shepherd dog.
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog can measure up to 80 cm in height at the withers and weigh up to54 kg . In this breed, although there may be, the difference between males and females is not so noticeable.
17. Giant Schnauzer
Yes, there is a type of schnauzer classified as a giant dog, and with good reason! It measures up to 70 cm at the withers and can weigh up to 47 kg Physically, it It closely resembles the medium and small schnauzer, but with a much larger size. Thus, it has the characteristic mustache and that coat of hard, wired and thick hair that characterizes this breed so much.
The Giant Schnauzer is an intelligent, active, loyal and very brave dog. It is usually relatively easy to educate and train, but it is necessary to use positive reinforcement, as in all dogs, and to be constant.