Some people prefer small lap dogs that they can cuddle in their arms .
For some, however, this is not enough.
The largest dog breeds are impressive and can put others off. Funnily enough, however, they are often much calmer and gentler than the little foot-horns.
How big is the biggest dog in the world? Bigger than a human? Take a look at numbers 13 and 23 to find the answer!
1. The Bernese Mountain Dog
Males: 64 to 70 cm
Bitches: 58 to 66
Bernese Mountain and Cattle Dogs are large creatures. Their long, tricoloured coat gives them a graceful appearance.
In the past, they were mainly used as farm dogs, but today they are popular family dogs. They are friendly and love children.
Most Bernese Mountain Dogs would be useless as guard dogs, as they also greet strangers with a smile.
Reading tip: Would you like to find out more about impressive dog breeds? Take a look at our article entitled „These 6 dog breeds grow up to 2.20 metres tall (with pictures)„.
2. The Dogue de Bordeaux
Males: 60 to 68 cm
Bitches: 58 to 66 cm
The ancestors of the Dogue de Bordeauxwere used as hunting dogs for wild boar as early as the 14th century. Their attentive nature still makes them great guard and watchdogs today.
However, Dogues de Bordeaux are not aggressive dogs, but good-natured and calm.
Since the breed almost became extinct, breeding of these large dogs has increased considerably. Although there are now many of these dogs again, their life expectancy is only up to eight years.
3. The Romanian Bukovina Shepherd Dog
Males: 68 to 78 cm
Bitches: 64 to 72 cm
With a smooth coat up to nine centimetres long, the Romanian Shepherd Dog appears even more massive than it already is.
This large dog breed is mainly used as a herding dog and can skilfully fend off attacks from large predators.
As good guard dogs, they are suspicious of strangers and in most cases are only suitable as companion dogs to a limited extent.
Would you like to get to know more dog breeds from Romania? Then I recommend the article Romanian dog breeds!
4. The Rhodesian Ridgeback
Males: 63 to 69 cm
Females: 61 to 66 cm
The Rhodesian Ridgeback gets its name from the strip of fur on its back that grows in the opposite direction to the rest of its coat.
These South African dogs are true powerhouses and impressive hunters, as they were originally bred to hunt lions.
They are known for not barking much!
5. Russian black terrier
Males: 70 to 74 cm
Females: 68 to 72 cm
Also known as the „black pearl of Russia“, this dog is a true rarity outside its native country.
They were bred to be used as working dogs in all regions of Russia. They are often used by the police or as guard and protection dogs in prisons.
6. The Caucasian Ovcharka
Males: 72 to 75 cm
Females: 67 to 70 cm
This dog breed from Russia is mainly used as a guard and protection dog. No wonder, because burglars think twice when they see this massive dog.
They can reach a weight of up to 100 kilograms!
However, if they are accustomed to living with people as puppies, they can also be loyal companion dogs.
7. The Newfoundland
Males: 69 to 71 cm
Bitches: 63 to 66 cm
Newfoundlands are huge dogswith huge personalities.
They are vigilant and protective, but also good-natured and gentle animals. Even Robert F. Kennedy appreciated Newfoundlands and entrusted his children to them.
8. The Greyhound
Male dog: 71 to 76 cm
Bitches: 68 to 71 cm
With top speeds of up to 72 km/h, the greyhound is one of the fastest animals on land. In fact, only the cheetah is faster.
Due to its slender build, the greyhound can run particularly fast, which is why it is unfortunately often often misused for dog racing for dog racing.
However, their lovable and calm character also makes this dog a gentle family pet.
9. The Kuvasz
Males: 70 to 76 cm
Bitches: 65 to 70 cm
The white, slightly wavy coat makes the Kuvasz look really elegant. Their massive stature combined with their fearless and loyal personality makes them ideal herding and guard dogs.
Kuvasz are recognised as a Hungarian breed, but have their roots in Asia.
10. The Scottish Deerhound
Males: 76 to 81 cm
Bitches: 71 to 80 cm
The name of the Scottish Deerhound derives from its task, as it was originally used to hunt deer.
The large, powerful dog already existed in the Middle Ages.
Today it is a popular and playful family dog.
11.The Tibetan Mastiff
Males: 66 to 76 cm
Bitches: 61 to 71 cm
With its long coat and thick mane around the head, the Tibetan Mastiff is definitely a real eye-catcher.
Originally from the Himalayas, the herding dog copes very well with the cold and guards its family in all weathers.
It is also called Do Khyi in the local language.
12.The Kangal Shepherd Dog
Males: 70 to 80 cm
Females: 63 to 75 cm
This huge dog from Turkey is known above all as an excellent guard dog with a high degree of independence and very good general health.
Although they tend to be wary of strangers, with the right training they can make loving companions or family dogs .
The imposing size of the Kangal developed naturally and was not deliberately bred.
13. The Irish Wolfhound
Males: from 79 cm
Bitches: from 71 cm
Although not the largest dog in the world, the Irish Wolfhound „Wölfi“ is the largest dog in Germany. He reached a shoulder height of 1.11 metres.
This dog breed is balanced and friendly, but very active. They are not for couch potatoes !
14. The Saluki
Males: 58 to 71 cm
Females: 55 to 68 cm
This greyhound from Persia is tall, but also very slender.
They are keen runners and need several hours of exercise a day. They are friendly towards people, but mistrustful of other greyhounds.
15. The Leonberger
Males: 72 to 80 cm
Bitches: 65 to 75 cm
The Leonberger has been around since 1846, when the town council crossed several dog breeds to create a dog reminiscent of the coat of arms of the town of Leonberg.
Despite their massive appearance, Leonbergers are friendly and lovable dogs that can bring a lot of joy to families.
16. The Landseer
Male: 72 to 80 cm
Bitches: 67 to 72 cm
The naming of this dog breed is a real speciality. Landseer was a painter who immortalised the giant dog in many of his paintings.
Landseers are dogs that love the water. They originally helped fishermen with their work
17. The Mastiff
Males: 70 to 91 cm
Females: 70 to 91 cm
The Mastiff is a truly huge dog and is not only large but also heavy. For health reasons, however, it should not exceed 90 kilos.
As this dog sometimes underestimates its strength, it must be socialised at an early age. However, a well-trained Mastiff is a loving companion dog.
18. The Pyrenean Mountain Dog
Males: 70 to 82 cm
Bitches: 65 to 75 cm
Although the Pyrenean Mountain Dog is a massive dog, it has a high life expectancy of up to twelve years.
It is not a beginner’s dog, as its independent nature is designed to protect its herd. Its owner should have a dominant personality in order to be able to assert himself.
19. The Borzoi
Males: 75 to 85 cm
Bitches: 68 to 78 cm
This large dog breed is known as the Russian greyhound.
The name „Borzoi“ is said to derive from the Russian word for „fast„, as this dog is a talented racer.
It has endless energy and needs plenty of exercise, but is also a good-natured family dog.
20. The Akbash
Males: 74 to 89 cm
Bitches: 71 to 80 cm
This dog breed already existed in Turkey in the 15th century, where they were mainly used as herding and guard dogs.
This is still reflected in their personality today, as Akbash are independent and loyal.
21. The Cane Corso Italiano
Males: 62 to 70 cm
Bitches: 58 to 66 cm
Due to their muscular appearance, Cane Corsos are often seen as aggressive dogs. However, as with most dog breeds, they are in fact loving companion dogs as long as they are treated correctly.
Cane Corsos were originally used as signalling dogs that conveyed messages. They are loyal and peaceful.
22. The St Bernard
Males: 70 to 90 cm
Bitches: 65 to 80 cm
This popular family dog from the Alps is known for being gentle and good-natured.
To this day, they are often used as rescue dogs in snowy areas, where they save many lives every year.
St Bernards are not only one of the largest dog breeds, but also one of the heaviest!
23. The Great Dane
Males: 76 to 90 cm
Bitches: 71 to 84 cm
If you ask yourself; „How big is the biggest dog in the world?“, this is your answer.
The Great Dane „Zeus“ broke the world record at 1.12 metres. The world’s largest dog needed over 13.5 kilograms of food per day.
When standing, Zeus was taller than a human! He then reached 2.23 metres!
FAQ
What is the largest dog breed in the world?
The Great Dane is considered to be the largest dog breed in the world with a height at the withers of up to 90 cm (males). Similarly large dog breeds are the Irish Wolfhound and the St Bernard.
Which is the heaviest dog breed in the world?
The heaviest dog breed in the world is the English Mastiff, also known simply as the Mastiff. The body weight of a normally developed male dog can exceed 100 kg. The Spanish Mastiff and the St Bernard are also very heavy.
Which of the largest dog breeds is healthy?
Almost all large dogs can develop joint problems in the course of their lives. Apart from this, the Kangal Shepherd Dog and the Kuvasz, for example, are usually in good health.
