Everything You Need To Know About The Largest Dogs: A Complete Guide

When it comes to choosing a canine companion, many people are drawn to the impressive presence of the world’s largest dogs. These magnificent creatures offer a unique blend of strength, loyalty, and surprisingly gentle temperaments. But before welcoming one of these gentle giants into your home, there’s a lot you should understand about their care requirements and distinctive characteristics.

Why Largest Dogs Are Special

The largest dogs typically belong to the working group—breeds originally developed to pull sleds, guard livestock, protect families, and perform other demanding tasks. According to the American Kennel Club, these dogs are “known for imposing stature, strength, and intelligence.” However, owning one isn’t just about having an impressive pet; it’s a serious commitment that demands preparation and understanding.

Critical Considerations Before Getting A Large Breed

Development & Joint Health

The largest dogs mature slower than smaller breeds, both mentally and physically. This slower development means their joints are particularly vulnerable during growth phases, and injuries occur more easily. Extra caution during puppyhood is essential.

Space Requirements

Large breeds need corresponding living arrangements—spacious bedrooms, oversized beds, bigger toys, and ample room to move freely. Their exercise space shouldn’t be overlooked if you want a healthy, well-adjusted companion.

Financial Commitment

Prepare for significantly higher expenses. Food costs escalate with size, veterinary bills increase due to their mass and potential health concerns, and even pet insurance premiums climb higher for largest dogs. Don’t underestimate the financial responsibility.

Training & Behavior Management

Behavioral training is absolutely critical. Behaviors overlooked in small dogs—jumping on people, leash pulling, excessive enthusiasm—become dangerous when performed by a 200+ pound animal. Professional training from the beginning isn’t optional; it’s essential.

Meet The 20 Largest Dogs Ranked By Weight

1. Mastiff – The Ultimate Gentle Giant

Towering up to 230 pounds and 30 inches in height, mastiffs represent the quintessential gentle giant. With their broad, muscular builds and distinctive wrinkled faces, they’re both impressive and endearing. Known for obedience, docility, and fierce family loyalty, mastiffs have protected families for thousands of years.

2. Boerboel – Africa’s Loyal Guardian

Originating in South Africa, the boerboel blends various large guard dog breeds through strategic interbreeding. These athletic protectors were developed from the Dutch and German settlers’ breeding programs and remain devoted family guardians today.

3. Tosa Inu – Japan’s Respected Mastiff

The Japanese mastiff carries a stoic, patient demeanor while displaying deep family affection. Historically developed from crossbreeding Shikoku Inus with western mastiffs and bulldogs, they’re treated with the same respect as sumo wrestlers in Japan and make excellent watchful guardians.

4. Saint Bernard – The Alpine Rescuer

These Swiss Alps natives combine imposing size with kindness and incredible strength. Their legendary mountain rescue missions showcase not just physical power but exceptional direction sense and endurance. They’re friendly, patient family companions with distinctive droopy jowls.

5. Great Dane – Apollo of Dogs

Often standing taller than their owners when on hind legs, Great Danes reach up to 32 inches at the shoulder and nearly 200 pounds. These German aristocrats are affectionate, thriving on companionship and making popular family members despite their majestic stature.

6. Leonberger – Elegant German Giant

German-bred Leonbergers reach up to 170 pounds with thick double coats and powerful builds carried with grace. They’re remarkably smart, eager to please, and excel at obedience training, therapy work, and water rescue thanks to their calm, patient nature.

7. Neapolitan Mastiff – Italy’s Powerful Protector

With massive size, distinctive wrinkled skin, and calm protective nature, Neapolitan mastiffs form deep family bonds. They prefer lounging over high activity, making them ideal for families wanting a devoted but low-energy companion.

8. Newfoundland – Canada’s Water Dog

These gentle giants feature thick, water-resistant coats and webbed feet that make them exceptional swimmers. Powerful enough to rescue drowning swimmers, they’re also remarkably patient with children and produce copious amounts of drool—come prepared!

9. Anatolian Shepherd – Turkey’s Livestock Guardian

These strong, sturdy Turkish protectors have guarded livestock for centuries with their thick coats and independent intelligence. They’re serious yet capable of gentleness with family members, combining bravery with loyal companionship.

10. Tibetan Mastiff – Mountain Guardian

Tibet’s majestic mountain dogs feature thick, fluffy coats perfect for harsh climates and incredibly deep protective barks. They’re gentle with families but reserved with strangers, embodying both loyalty and independence in a striking package.

11. Rottweiler – Germany’s Misunderstood Guardian

Despite their tough exterior with sleek black coats and tan markings, rottweilers are loyal, intelligent, and easily trained. Behind their protective instincts lies genuine gentleness with family, though they require regular exercise and proper socialization.

12. Bullmastiff – England’s Estate Protector

Originally bred to guard English estates, these powerful muscular dogs combine loyalty with calm temperament. Intelligent and affectionate with proper training and care, they require consistent exercise and socialization to thrive.

13. Akita – Japan’s Independent Protector

Strong, powerful, and equipped with thick double coats, Akitas blend independence with loyalty. Their natural protective instincts make them excellent guardians, and while reserved around strangers, they form deep bonds with families and make lifelong companions.

14. Black Russian Terrier – Russia’s Confident Guardian

With thick, dense dark coats and confident temperaments, these loyal dogs excel as guardians. Though they appear intimidating, they’re intelligent, trainable, and surprisingly gentle with families when given consistent guidance and proper socialization.

15. Irish Wolfhound – Ireland’s Gentle Colossus

Among the tallest dog breeds, Irish wolfhounds combine thin, athletic builds with shaggy coats and famously friendly, kind natures. Their calm, good-natured temperament and loyalty make them exceptional family companions despite their impressive stature.

16. Great Pyrenees – France’s Mountain Protector

With distinctively thick white coats developed in the French mountains, Great Pyrenees are calm, patient, and gentle guardians. Their loyalty and watchful nature combined with kindness toward children and other pets make them excellent family dogs requiring regular grooming.

17. Scottish Deerhound – Scotland’s Graceful Hunter

Slender yet athletic with shaggy coats in varied colors, Scottish deerhounds offer gentle, mild-mannered companionship. Historically used for hunting deer, they need regular exercise and substantial space but reward families with friendly, loyal devotion.

18. Bernese Mountain Dog – Swiss Alps’ Companion

From Switzerland’s mountain regions, these sturdy dogs feature distinctive tricolored coats and patient, affectionate natures. Excellent with children and other animals, they thrive in cooler climates and require regular outdoor activities and mental engagement.

19. Dogue de Bordeaux – France’s Muscular Companion

The French mastiff combines muscular builds with loose wrinkled skin and broad heads. Despite their intimidating appearance, they’re remarkably calm, gentle-natured, and patient with children—truly loyal family members at heart.

20. Cane Corso – Italy’s Confident Protector

These strong Italian athletes feature muscular builds, short coats, and confident temperaments. Intelligent and eager to please, they’re fiercely protective while remaining gentle with families—though early socialization with people and other dogs proves essential.

Practical Insights: What You Should Know

Which Largest Dogs Need The Least Exercise?

The Great Dane frequently tops veterinarians’ lists for laziest large breeds. “They love to lounge and relax and won’t be running a marathon with you,” says one veterinary consultant. However, others argue the bullmastiff claims that title due to naturally low energy levels and preference for lounging.

Do The Largest Dogs Shed Less?

All dogs shed, but some shed less noticeably. Among largest dogs, cane corsos and dobermans are considered moderate shedders compared to heavier-shedding breeds.

When Do Large Dogs Reach Full Size?

Most largest dogs reach adult height between 12-18 months. Giant breeds like Great Danes, mastiffs, and Newfoundlands may continue growing until age 2 or beyond. These dogs continue filling out well after height growth stops.

Can You Predict Adult Size From Paw Size?

Genetics primarily determine final size, though paw size in puppies offers rough estimates. This system works better with known breeds; mixed-breed shelter dogs present more unpredictability.

Final Thoughts: Making The Right Choice

Owning the largest dogs demands genuine commitment to their unique needs—careful joint development during growth, proper nutrition, regular veterinary care, and spacious living environments. While these magnificent breeds require substantial maintenance, they reward dedicated families with unparalleled loyalty, protection, and companionship. The largest dogs aren’t for everyone, but for the right family, they become irreplaceable members.