Dreaming of a canine companion who will turn heads wherever you go? Look no further than the Top 10 Biggest Dog Breeds! These gentle giants are not only impressive in size, but many boast loving personalities and fascinating histories.
Top 10 Biggest Dog Breeds
1. English Mastiff (Purebred Dog Breed): Renowned for their sweet nature and loyalty, Mastiffs are the world’s heaviest breed, though not the tallest.
Height: Giant (27-30 inches)
Weight: Giant (200-230 lbs)
Color: Varies (fawn, apricot, brindle)
Lifespan: 7-10 years
2. Saint Bernard (Purebred Dog Breed): Beloved for their Alpine rescue work, Saint Bernards are intelligent and calm.
Height: Giant (26-28 inches)
Weight: Giant (180-200 lbs)
Color: Varies (red & white, orange & white)
Lifespan: 8-12 years
3. Great Dane (Purebred Dog Breed): This breed holds the record for tallest dog. They’re playful giants with loving personalities.
Height: Giant (30-34 inches)
Weight: Giant (110-175 lbs)
Color: Varies (brindle, fawn, black)
Lifespan: 8-10 years
4. Neapolitan Mastiff (Purebred Dog Breed): Protective and loyal, these colossal canines possess a strong guardian instinct.
Height: Giant (26-30 inches)
Weight: Giant (150-200 lbs)
Color: Black, mahogany
Lifespan: 7-10 years
5. Irish Wolfhound (Purebred Dog Breed): The tallest sighthound, the Irish Wolfhound exudes nobility. They were once used for wolf hunting in Ireland.
Height: Giant (32-34 inches)
Weight: Giant (105-180 lbs)
Color: Brindle, gray, black, fawn
Lifespan: 7-10 years
6. Leonberger (Purebred Dog Breed): These “Gentle Giants” boast sweet temperaments and remarkable size. They’re both intelligent and eager to please.
Height: Giant (25-31 inches)
Weight: Giant (110-175 lbs)
Color: Varies (fawn & black, red & black)
Lifespan: 8-10 years
7. Tibetan Mastiff (Purebred Dog Breed): An ancient Himalayan guardian breed, Tibetan Mastiffs are powerful and devoted to their families, but wary of strangers.
Height: Giant (24-28 inches)
Weight: Giant (100-160 lbs)
Color: Black, black & tan, brindle
Lifespan: 10-15 years
8. Dogue de Bordeaux (Purebred Dog Breed): This muscular breed, also known as the French Mastiff, has a wrinkled face and a calm demeanor.
Height: Giant (23-27 inches)
Weight: Giant (100-150 lbs)
Color: Varies (fawn, mahogany, brindle)
Lifespan: 10-12 years
9. Giant Schnauzer (Purebred Dog Breed): The largest of the Schnauzers, this breed is intelligent, loyal, and requires regular grooming for its wiry coat.
Height: Large (23-27 inches)
Weight: Large (70-90 lbs)
Color: Black
Lifespan: 12-14 years
10. Newfoundland (Purebred Dog Breed): Famous for their love of water and gentle nature, Newfoundlands were originally bred as working dogs on Canadian fishing boats.
Height: Giant (26-28 inches)
Weight: Giant (100-150 lbs)
Color: Black, brown, gray
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Considering a Giant Breed?
While captivating, owning a giant dog requires careful thought. They need ample space, food, and exercise. Consider these factors:
Living Space: Can you accommodate their size comfortably in your home and yard?
Lifestyle: Are you active enough for their exercise needs? Giant breeds thrive on daily walks and playtime.
Cost: Large dogs mean larger costs for food, vet care, and potentially pet insurance.
Temperament: While known for gentle natures, all dogs require training and socialization.
Want a Smaller Companion?
If a smaller pup suits your lifestyle better, check out our “Top 10 Small Dog Breeds” guide for apartment-friendly cuties
Where to Learn More:
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a great resource for general information about dog breeds, including giant breeds https://www.akc.org/. For more in-depth information on specific giant breeds, consider searching online for Top 10 Biggest Dog Breeds or organizations dedicated to the breed you’re interested in.
FAQs: Top 10 Biggest Dog Breeds
What makes a dog a “giant” breed?
Dogs are considered giants when they typically exceed 27-28 inches in height at the shoulder and weigh over 100 pounds.
What should I consider before getting a giant breed?
Space: Do you have a large enough home and yard? Giant dogs need room to roam.
Lifestyle: Can you provide the exercise they need? Even less active giants require daily walks.
Strength: Be sure you can physically handle them, and prioritize training for good leash manners.
Cost: Food, vet care, and potential insurance costs are higher for bigger dogs.
Popular Giant Dog Breeds:
English Mastiff: Gentle, loyal, and the heaviest breed.
Saint Bernard: Powerful Alpine rescue dogs, known for their calmness.
Great Dane: Tallest breed overall, with playful personalities.
Neapolitan Mastiff: Protective guardians with a wrinkled appearance.
Irish Wolfhound: Tallest sighthound, originally used for hunting.
Newfoundland: Gentle water-lovers with impressive strength.
Leonberger: Lion-like “Gentle Giants” both sweet and smart.
Tibetan Mastiff: Ancient, powerful guardians, best for experienced owners.
Dogue de Bordeaux: Calm French Mastiffs.
Giant Schnauzer: Largest Schnauzer, loyal and athletic.
Are giant breeds good with kids?
Many are known for their gentleness (like Newfoundlands), but due to their size, always supervise interactions with small children. Training is essential for any dog.
Common giant breed health concerns:
Hip dysplasia: Ask breeders about testing to reduce this risk.
Bloat: Learn the signs of this life-threatening condition.
Heart disease: Some breeds are more prone to specific issues.
How much exercise do giant breeds need?
Needs vary, but most require at least moderate daily exercise – walks, playtime, etc.
Where do I find a reputable giant breed breeder?
Health testing: Prioritize breeders who test for genetic conditions.
Facilities: Visit in person – puppies should be clean and socialized.
Avoid puppy mills: Don’t buy online sight-unseen or from pet stores.
Source: Top 10 Biggest Dog Breeds
