In the past, breeders tried to crossbreed large and strong dogs. These qualities were useful for hunting and protection. However, there is no universal height or weight at which the breed is officially classified as “gigantic”. There is only an unofficial opinion that the largest dogs in the world - those weighing 45 kg or more. However, their growth can vary greatly, as some breeds are strong and heavy, while others are tall and thin. The heaviest dog that ever lived is a St. Bernard named Benedictine, he weighed an incredible 166 kg.
Despite the menacing proportions of the body, most of the largest dog breeds are good-natured, calm pets. If you are thinking of making yourself a really big four-legged companion, we are pleased to facilitate your choice by compiling this list.
10. Deerhound
- The maximum height and weight of males is 80 cm and 50 kg.
- The maximum height and weight of bitches is 70 cm and 35-43 kg.
These greyhounds were bred for deer hunting. The predecessors of the dirhound were the dogs of the Scots and the Picts, which helped people in hunting ungulates. For a long time the breed was unknown outside of Scotland and only in 1892 it was officially recognized. Dirhounds are very hardy, differ in instant reaction and very sharp smell. They rarely bark, and are very gullible to people, so they are unlikely to be good guards. But this is a great dog for the hunter.
9. Irish Wolfhound
- The maximum height and weight of males is 86 cm and 55 kg.
- The maximum height and weight of bitches is 86 cm and 48 kg.
A very ancient breed of hunting dogs. The written mention of the Irish wolfhounds first appears in the records of the Roman consul in 391 A.D. Unlike other participants in the top 10 largest dogs in the world, Irish wolfhounds have a diverse range of personalities and are famous for their individualism. They are rarely stupid or aggressive.
8. Komondor
- The maximum height and weight of males is 80 cm and 60 kg.
- The maximum height and weight of bitches is 70 cm and 50 kg.
Hungarian shepherd dogs are one of the largest dogs, whose photo looks like “Oh, a lively mop!”. There is a version that they appeared as a result of crossbreeding of ancient shepherds and wolves. Komondors helped the shepherds, protected livestock and other property. Easily recognizable due to their long cord-like hair, these dogs are one of the national treasures of Hungary. They adapt perfectly to urban conditions and are good guards.
7. Leonberger
- The maximum height and weight of males is 75 cm and 68 kg.
- The maximum height and weight of bitches is 70 cm and 52 kg.
Sometimes these dogs are called the "gentle lion", although the name "Leonberger" comes from the German city of Leonberg. Leonberger is easily recognizable thanks to its luxurious waterproof coat. These dogs are usually very loyal, intelligent, playful, making them ideal companion animals. Unfortunately, Leonbergers do not live long - on average, 7 years.
6. Tosa inu
- The maximum height and weight of males is 82 cm and 100 kg.
- The maximum height and weight of bitches is 65 cm and 90 kg.
Initially, the Tosa Inu was bred in the Japanese principality of Tosa as a fighting dog. Representatives of the breed vary significantly in size. The Japanese breed as a whole weighs from 36 to 61 kg, while breeders outside of Japan have focused on breeding dogs that weigh between 60 and 100 kg. Tosa Inu was crossed with large European dog breeds such as mastiff, St. Bernard, and bull terriers in order to obtain a larger, stronger animal.
5. Caucasian shepherd
- The maximum height and weight of males is 81 cm and 110 kg.
- The maximum height and weight of bitches is 76 cm and 76 kg.
The breed of dogs, popular in Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and the North Caucasus region. "Caucasians" are very wayward and smart, ideal guards, but require a strong hand. It is enough to watch any video with a Caucasian shepherd to understand how dangerous such a whopper can be for an inexperienced dog lover and others.
4. Newfoundland
- The maximum height and weight of males is 71 cm and 120 kg.
- The maximum height and weight of females is -66 cm and 55 kg.
Initially, these furry handsome men were bred as a working dog for fishermen. The huge, smart Newfoundlands are known for their excellent swimming abilities. A relative of Newfoundlands is the longest dog in the world - Boomer (213 cm in length and 90 cm in height). Boomer is a landseer breed derived from Newfoundlands.
3. English mastiff
- The maximum height and weight of males is 80 cm and 156 kg.
- The maximum height and weight of bitches is 70 cm and 91 kg.
In the third position of the rating are “terrible, kind inside” giants. English mastiff is one of the largest dog breeds in the world, in terms of body weight. The first reviews of these massive dogs date back to the 6th century BC. And during the Roman conquest of England, the loyalty and strength of the mastiffs impressed even Caesar. The hardest mastiff in the history of the breed was a male named Aikama Zorbo, who weighed 156 kg.
2. Saint Bernard
- The maximum height and weight of males is 90 cm and 166 kg.
- The maximum height and weight of bitches is 70 cm and 100 kg.
Initially, St. Bernards were bred for mine rescue in the Italian and Swiss Alps. The proportions of Saint Bernard are huge - at the withers they can reach 90 centimeters and often weigh 120 kilograms. And the record holder reached 166 kg. St. Bernards are very kind dogs, they love little children, and really don't like small dogs.
1. Great Dane
- The maximum height and weight of males is 112 cm and 100 kg.
- The maximum height and weight of bitches is 84 cm and 80 kg.
The largest dog in the world is Zeus, who died in 2014. He holds the official record of the Guinness Book of Records. The photo taken during life shows how huge Zeus is compared to people. His height was 112 centimeters. The tallest dog in the world was a kind-hearted creature, and its owners say they will miss Zeus very much. Great Dane, as a rule, are friendly towards animals, as well as familiar people. According to statistics, the average life expectancy of Great Dane is 6-8 years.
