Biggest Dogs in the World that are too Big - Top 10 2023
by Surya | Updated Mar 30, 2023
Biggest Dogs in the World 2023
There are several dog breeds that can contend for the title of the largest breed in the world, depending on how you measure it, such as height on all four paws, height when standing on hind legs, or weight. The Great Dane is typically recognized as the tallest breed, although Irish Wolfhounds and English Mastiffs are also considered contenders. However, when it comes to height and weight combined, the Mastiff is often considered the largest breed. Great Danes are well-known for their height, and they have been featured in the Guinness Book of Records for their size. While there is no upper height limit for Great Danes, at around 18 months old, females should be at least 71cm tall and males at least 76cm. They usually weigh around 50kg, but it's important for them to maintain a lean and fit physique, as their long bones have a lot of work to do.
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Top 10 Biggest Dog in the World
Rank
Dog Breed
Size
1
Mastiff
160-230 pounds
2
Boerboel
150-220 pounds
3
Saint Bernard
120-180 pounds
4
Great Dane
110-175 pounds
5
Leonberger
90-170 pounds
6
Caucasian Shepherd
77-170 pounds
7
Tibetan Mastiff
70-150 pounds
8
Anatolian Shepherd
80-150 pounds
9
Newfoundland
100-150 pounds
10
Neapolitan Mastiff
110-150 pounds
Big Dog Breeds in the World Top 10
1. Mastiff
In 2021, the largest dog in the world was an English Mastiff called Aicama Zorba, which weighed 343 pounds. Although the American Kennel Club recognizes this breed as a mastiff, the biggest dogs typically stand about 30 inches tall at the shoulder, with females being slightly shorter. Male mastiffs typically weigh between 160 to 230 pounds, while females weigh between 120 to 170 pounds, which is anywhere from half to over two-thirds of the size of the largest dog ever recorded.
2. Boerboel
Boerboels are a breed that typically weighs between 150 and 220 pounds, with no significant difference between males and females. Originally developed to protect farms in South Africa by hunting leopards and baboons, they have gained a reputation for being somewhat aggressive, and therefore require good socialization if you choose to get one as a pet.
3. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernard dogs are expected to weigh between 140 and 180 pounds, while bitches typically weigh between 120 and 140 pounds. Males should stand at a minimum height of 27.5 inches at the shoulder, giving this breed a massive appearance. Originally bred to rescue Alpine mountaineers, Saint Bernard has a friendly appearance with a wrinkled brow and a short muzzle.
4. Great Dane
According to the American Kennel Club's standard, a Great Dane should weigh between 140 and 175 pounds, with females weighing between 110 and 140 pounds. Although there are heavier dog breeds, a Great Dane named Zeus was considered one of the tallest and largest dogs in the world. Zeus stood at a height of 44 inches at the shoulders and measured 7 feet 4 inches tall when standing on his back legs.
5. Leonberger
The American Kennel Club states that male Leonbergers should weigh between 110 and 170 pounds, and females should weigh between 90 and 140 pounds. As one of the largest dogs in the world, they can weigh more than some people and stand at a staggering 30 inches tall at the shoulder. This breed is recognizable by its unique lion-like mane around the neck and chest. They have a water-resistant coat, which makes them useful for water rescue teams. Additionally, their size makes them effective for herding animals and serving as watchdogs.
6. Caucasian Shepherd
The largest dog breed in the world is considered to be the Caucasian Shepherd, which can weigh anywhere from 99 to 170 pounds. Originally from Georgia and Russia, these dogs are commonly used as guard dogs in prisons in the region. They have long, beautiful coats, and in males, the coat often forms a mane and resembles pants around their back legs. Male dogs are usually shorter than females but are more muscular in build.
7. Tibetan Mastiff
On our list of the top ten biggest dogs in the world, the Tibetan Mastiff ranks seventh with males weighing between 90 and 150 pounds and females weighing between 70 and 120 pounds according to the American Kennel Club. With a height of around 26 inches at the shoulders, this breed can make an excellent watchdog due to its intimidating size. However, their independence and tendency to resist a strong pack leader can make them challenging to train.
8. Anatolian Shepherd
Anatolian Shepherds are one of the biggest dog breeds in the world, with male dogs weighing between 110 and 150 pounds and females weighing between 80 and 120 pounds. Originally bred in the Kangal region of Turkey to protect livestock, their gentle disposition also makes them suitable as family pets. These dogs are about 30 inches tall at the shoulder and can run at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. Their skin is tough and can resist a wolf bite without tearing, while their coat keeps them comfortable in both warm and cold weather while repelling moisture.
9. Newfoundland
The male Newfoundland breed should typically weigh around 130-150 pounds while females weigh between 100 and 120 pounds. Unlike other giant breeds, Newfoundlands were initially bred to assist fishermen in their daily activities. This breed also accompanied early explorers on their journeys. Seaman, Lewis and Clark's Newfoundland, is a famous example. Tiempo, a three-year-old Newfoundland, holds the record for being one of the largest, weighing in at 178 pounds.
10. Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan mastiff, a breed often confused with the largest dog in the world, has an average weight of 150 pounds for males and 110 pounds for females. With numerous wrinkles and sagging lips, as well as a distinctive head, this breed has a distinctive appearance. Neapolitan mastiffs are known for their highly protective nature, making them an intimidating presence for strangers. These dogs can trace their origins back to an ancient Roman breed that may have fought alongside soldiers and been featured in events like the Colosseum.
What is the Largest Dog Breed?
The Mastiff is a giant dog breed that is considered the largest in the world in terms of mass. These dogs can weigh up to 220 pounds and stand over 30 inches tall at the shoulder. Originally bred as war dogs and guard dogs, Mastiffs are known for their courage, loyalty, and protective instincts. Despite their large size, they are calm and affectionate towards their families, making them excellent family pets. However, their size and strength require responsible ownership, including proper training and socialization. With their impressive size and gentle disposition, Mastiffs continues to be a popular breed for those seeking a loyal and protective companion
What Is The Biggest Dog In The World?
The tallest dog ever recorded was Zeus, a Great Dane who stood at an impressive height of 1.12 meters from foot to withers when on all fours, and a staggering 2.26 meters (7 feet 5 inches) when standing on his hind legs. The Great Dane is currently considered the biggest dog breed in terms of both height and weight, with an average height of 28-32 inches (71-81 cm) at the shoulder and a weight ranging from 110-175 pounds (50-79 kg). However, some individual Great Danes can grow even larger than this. While other breeds such as the English Mastiff, Saint Bernard, and Newfoundland are also known for their large size, they generally do not reach the same height as the Great Dane.
Biggest Dogs in the World 2023 - FAQs
Boerboels were developed by farmers in South Africa to kill leopards and baboons.
Great Danes should weigh between 140 and 175 pounds.
Male Anatolian Shepherds weigh between 110 and 150 pounds while females weigh between 80 and 120 pounds.
The Newfoundland was produced to help commercial fishermen and was often used by early explorers.
Saint Bernard should weigh between 140 and 180 pounds.