Top Giant Dog Breeds
Best of the World’s Largest Dogs
Giant dog breeds are simply extra-large canines. Like any type of dog, giant dog breeds have their pros and cons. On the positive side, giant dogs are typically very gentle, affectionate and loyal. They tend not to need too much exercise and are not very difficult to train. Potential negatives include a tendency to drool quite a lot and cost more in food and supplies. In addition, many large dogs are more prone to orthopedic problems or health issues like bloat. Perhaps the most unfortunate thing is that extra large dog breeds tend to have a shorter life span compared to the average canine (about 6-10 years compared to the 12-15 years most dogs live). However, those who adore these big beauties feel that it adds up to a small price to pay.
Typically weighing anywhere from 100 to 200 pounds, giant dogs need ample space in their homes for large dog beds and plenty of tail wagging space. When these big dogs are young and not fully trained, they may not know their size and strength. However, with age and proper training, they usually become gentle giants. While plenty of people prefer small dog breeds, many other people feel that giant dogs cannot be beat. Here are some of the largest dogs on earth and the most popular giant dog breeds around.
1. Great Dane
Photo © Sharon Montrose/Getty Images
One might argue that this huge and majestic creature more closely resembles a small horse than a dog. Either way, the beautiful Great Dane is sure to stand out in a crowd. But it is more than looks that makes this breed stand out. The personality of the Great Dane is unforgettable. These dogs are gentle, playful, friendly and incredibly loyal. The Great Dane is a native of Germany that was developed as a boar hunter and, later, a watch dog. Great Danes weighs anywhere from 100-200 pounds and about 28-30 (or more) inches tall.
Photo © Sharon Montrose/Getty Images
One might argue that this huge and majestic creature more closely resembles a small horse than a dog. Either way, the beautiful Great Dane is sure to stand out in a crowd. But it is more than looks that makes this breed stand out. The personality of the Great Dane is unforgettable. These dogs are gentle, playful, friendly and incredibly loyal. The Great Dane is a native of Germany that was developed as a boar hunter and, later, a watch dog. Great Danes weighs anywhere from 100-200 pounds and about 28-30 (or more) inches tall.
2. Mastiff
Photo © Fotosuabe on flickr
Considered the largest of all dog breeds, the English Mastiff’s name seems to fit its best descriptions: massive. This giant dog breed is all brawn and power on the outside, but deep down it is a lovable, mushy companion – and often a bit of a couch potato! These dogs can top the scales at 220 pounds and be 30 or more inches tall. However, it looks like a large percentage of the weight is in their huge heads. Some considerations if you are thinking about getting a Mastiff: You’ll likely need to carry around a “drool-rag” and duck when a head shake comes on. You’ll need to protect people and objects from that massive tail (and protect the tail itself from damage).
Photo © Fotosuabe on flickr
Considered the largest of all dog breeds, the English Mastiff’s name seems to fit its best descriptions: massive. This giant dog breed is all brawn and power on the outside, but deep down it is a lovable, mushy companion – and often a bit of a couch potato! These dogs can top the scales at 220 pounds and be 30 or more inches tall. However, it looks like a large percentage of the weight is in their huge heads. Some considerations if you are thinking about getting a Mastiff: You’ll likely need to carry around a “drool-rag” and duck when a head shake comes on. You’ll need to protect people and objects from that massive tail (and protect the tail itself from damage).
3. Leonberger
Photo © iStockphoto.com/Ingvald kaldhussæter
The Leonberger is a beautiful, massive working dog with a kind and gentle disposition. Though it is not an extremely common breed, the Leo has its own following, and for good reason. This breed is known to bond closely with its family and seems to have a kind of intuition when it comes to human emotions. Because of this, they make excellent family members and also superb therapy dogs. They are gigantic yet gentle with incredibly soft coats. If you love giant dogs with even bigger hearts, have the room for a 120 to 170 pound dog, and can exercise him daily, then you might have found your match. The Leonberger originates from Leonberg, Germany.
Photo © iStockphoto.com/Ingvald kaldhussæter
The Leonberger is a beautiful, massive working dog with a kind and gentle disposition. Though it is not an extremely common breed, the Leo has its own following, and for good reason. This breed is known to bond closely with its family and seems to have a kind of intuition when it comes to human emotions. Because of this, they make excellent family members and also superb therapy dogs. They are gigantic yet gentle with incredibly soft coats. If you love giant dogs with even bigger hearts, have the room for a 120 to 170 pound dog, and can exercise him daily, then you might have found your match. The Leonberger originates from Leonberg, Germany.
4. Bullmastiff
Photo © iStockphoto.com/Lakatos Sandor
The Bullmastiff is a powerhouse that was originally developed for protection. English gamekeepers in the mid-19th century crossed the Mastiff and the Bulldog. The result was a powerful, fearless dog that could stop poachers in their tracks. Today’s Bullmastiff is still a highly capable guard dog, but the breed is most treasured as a companion. Despite it’s powerful and somewhat intimidating appearance, this is a gentle and affectionate dog that forms a solid bond with it’s family members. However, the Bullmastiff’s tough side does instinctively comes out when necessary. Like it’s cousin, the Mastiff, be prepared for slobber. Weighing from 100-130 pounds and 24 to 27 inches tall, there’s plenty to love about these big sweeties.
Photo © iStockphoto.com/Lakatos Sandor
The Bullmastiff is a powerhouse that was originally developed for protection. English gamekeepers in the mid-19th century crossed the Mastiff and the Bulldog. The result was a powerful, fearless dog that could stop poachers in their tracks. Today’s Bullmastiff is still a highly capable guard dog, but the breed is most treasured as a companion. Despite it’s powerful and somewhat intimidating appearance, this is a gentle and affectionate dog that forms a solid bond with it’s family members. However, the Bullmastiff’s tough side does instinctively comes out when necessary. Like it’s cousin, the Mastiff, be prepared for slobber. Weighing from 100-130 pounds and 24 to 27 inches tall, there’s plenty to love about these big sweeties.
5. Newfoundland
Photo © iStockphoto.com/Eric Lam
Newfoundlands are not only loving companions, they are also amazing workers. With their webbed feet and thick, waterproof coats, they evolved into perfect water dogs. They originated in the Canadian province of Newfoundland where, for centuries, they have worked alongside fisherman and saved numerous people from drowning. It’s simply in their nature to assist and protect people, but always with a gentle spirit. It is for these reasons that the Newfie is also an ideal family pet. He will watch over and play with the children, he learns well and seems eager to please. He’s cuddly yet athletic. If you have the room for a 100 to 150 pound dog that’s 26 to 28 inches tall and will never let you down, then a Newfie might be the one for you.
Photo © iStockphoto.com/Eric Lam
Newfoundlands are not only loving companions, they are also amazing workers. With their webbed feet and thick, waterproof coats, they evolved into perfect water dogs. They originated in the Canadian province of Newfoundland where, for centuries, they have worked alongside fisherman and saved numerous people from drowning. It’s simply in their nature to assist and protect people, but always with a gentle spirit. It is for these reasons that the Newfie is also an ideal family pet. He will watch over and play with the children, he learns well and seems eager to please. He’s cuddly yet athletic. If you have the room for a 100 to 150 pound dog that’s 26 to 28 inches tall and will never let you down, then a Newfie might be the one for you.
6. Saint Bernard
Photo © Oni Saints on flickr
The Saint Bernard is a legendary hero of the Swiss Alps. While it is true that they were skilled search and rescue dogs, the tales about barrels of alcohol hanging from their necks are actually folklore. In fact, much of the Saint Bernard’s history is cloaked in legend and the truth is debated by many. The indisputable fact is that Saint Bernards are massive dogs with even bigger hearts. Though they still have the ability to be excellent working dogs, Saints are typically seen as gentle, lovable family companions. The breed was also made famous when it was portrayed as a lovable goofball in the film Beethoven and its many sequels. Most Saint Bernards weight around 130-180 pounds and are about 26-27 inches tall.
Photo © Oni Saints on flickr
The Saint Bernard is a legendary hero of the Swiss Alps. While it is true that they were skilled search and rescue dogs, the tales about barrels of alcohol hanging from their necks are actually folklore. In fact, much of the Saint Bernard’s history is cloaked in legend and the truth is debated by many. The indisputable fact is that Saint Bernards are massive dogs with even bigger hearts. Though they still have the ability to be excellent working dogs, Saints are typically seen as gentle, lovable family companions. The breed was also made famous when it was portrayed as a lovable goofball in the film Beethoven and its many sequels. Most Saint Bernards weight around 130-180 pounds and are about 26-27 inches tall.
7. Dogue de Bordeaux
Photo © StBrecht / Wikimedia Commons
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a huge, lovable, slobbery hunk of dog. This massive canine with a giant head may look fierce, but the breed is usually extremely loyal, goofy and gentle. However, the Dogue is also a quite capable guard dog. Sometimes called the French Mastiff, the Dogue de Bordeaux originated from France and has been around for ages. However, the breed become officially recognized by the AKC only a few years ago. The Dogue de Bordeaux is probably best remembered as the slobbery but lovable giant dog in the film Turner and Hooch, where the breed was accurately presented. Dogues typically weigh about 100 to 150 pounds and are 23 to 27 inches tall.
Photo © StBrecht / Wikimedia Commons
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a huge, lovable, slobbery hunk of dog. This massive canine with a giant head may look fierce, but the breed is usually extremely loyal, goofy and gentle. However, the Dogue is also a quite capable guard dog. Sometimes called the French Mastiff, the Dogue de Bordeaux originated from France and has been around for ages. However, the breed become officially recognized by the AKC only a few years ago. The Dogue de Bordeaux is probably best remembered as the slobbery but lovable giant dog in the film Turner and Hooch, where the breed was accurately presented. Dogues typically weigh about 100 to 150 pounds and are 23 to 27 inches tall.
8. Great Pyrenees
Photo © mikebaird on flickr
The Great Pyrenees is a massive and regal dog that is both powerful worker and gentle companion. Among the oldest of dog breeds, this working dog has a long history of guarding sheep and protecting homes. Pyrs were once beloved by French royalty and nobles. Perhaps this is because of their diligence combined with calm, gentle dispositions. Their beauty and grace was surely a reason as well. Like most puppies and adolescent dogs, young Pyrs are very active. It takes training and patience to end up with a stoic, well-behaved adult dog. Fortunately, the intelligent Pyr is a fast learner. Above all, this dog is a worker that needs plenty of exercise. This breed typically does well with children and other pets and may weigh up to 150 pounds.
Photo © mikebaird on flickr
The Great Pyrenees is a massive and regal dog that is both powerful worker and gentle companion. Among the oldest of dog breeds, this working dog has a long history of guarding sheep and protecting homes. Pyrs were once beloved by French royalty and nobles. Perhaps this is because of their diligence combined with calm, gentle dispositions. Their beauty and grace was surely a reason as well. Like most puppies and adolescent dogs, young Pyrs are very active. It takes training and patience to end up with a stoic, well-behaved adult dog. Fortunately, the intelligent Pyr is a fast learner. Above all, this dog is a worker that needs plenty of exercise. This breed typically does well with children and other pets and may weigh up to 150 pounds.
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