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20+ Biggest Dog Breeds

By Kerry
Updated on

There are many advantages to having a big breed of dog in your family home… They’re less likely to find a place to hide, they’re harder to lose and easy to spot in a crowded place.

Big dogs with owner

What’s more, their large appearance makes them look more intimidating to a potential burglar, which naturally makes them a good guard dog, even if they aren’t particularly aggressive.

We’ve been doing our homework and have found over 15 of the biggest dog breeds you have ever seen, and we’re going to be showing them here for you and telling you a little about each one.

Here goes!

1. German Shepherd

German shepherd (2)

A fully grown German shepherd weighs on average between 80 and 100 kg (176 and 220 lbs), making it by far the heaviest dog breed in the world. They can grow up to 2 meters long from nose to tail and stand at least 1 meter tall when fully grown.

The German Shepherd is a loyal companion that loves attention and will protect its owner with his life. They also make great search and rescue dogs because of their high energy level, and the fact that they can learn tricks and behavior easily and quickly. 

They are also very intelligent, and this makes them excellent for training. German Shepherds thrive when they are being taught new tricks, and they love nothing more than a long walk with their humans.

They are incredibly loyal, and excellent companions and family members. 

2. Great Dane

Great dane

The Great Dane is an extremely powerful and muscular breed of dog. It has a thick neck and a deep chest but is not as heavy as other giant breeds such as Mastiffs or St Bernard’s. The Great Dane stands around 2.5 meters tall and weighs between 50 and 70 kg.

This dog is known for being friendly, playful, and affectionate. They are also very obedient. They love to play fetch and enjoy running through fields.

3. Saint Bernard

Saint bernard

Saint Bernard is a massive dog breed that originated in Switzerland. They are well suited for cold climates because of their thick fur. They are not recommended for homes without adequate space simply due to their large size.

These dogs can weigh anywhere from 150 to 200 pounds, standing at least 2 feet tall. They are considered to be one of the oldest working breeds of dogs.

4. Boxer

Boxer (2)

Boxers are medium-sized, sturdy breeds of dogs. They come in many different colors including black, brown, red, white, cream, and blue.

Boxers are known for their loyalty and devotion to their owners. They are protective of their family and take pride in their appearance. Their weight averages between 45 and 65 pounds, and they can grow as tall as 25 inches.

5. Bulldog

Bulldog

The bulldog is a large, strong, and aggressive breed of dog. They have been around since ancient times and are still popular today.

They tend to be stubborn and independent. However, they do need regular exercise and mental stimulation. They weigh on average about 100 pounds and can grow up to 3 feet long.

6. Rottweiler

Rottweiler

The rottweiler is a big, stocky breed of dog. They are generally good-natured and obedient. They are intelligent and capable of learning new things quickly.

They are usually calm and easygoing. They are very protective of their family. They are also known for having a low tolerance for strangers. They weigh, on average, between 80 and 120 pounds, and they can grow up to 27 inches tall.

7. Newfoundland

Newfoundland

The Newfoundlander is a large, rough-coated breed of dog. They originate from Newfoundland, Canada.

They are loyal and devoted to their owners. They get along well with children and other animals. They are extremely affectionate and playful. They weigh, on average, around 90 pounds, and they can grow as tall as 27 inches.

8. Leonberger

Leonberger

The Leonberger is an old German dog breed. It was developed from the larger hound type of dog.

This makes it a versatile breed that is friendly towards both people and animals. They are smart and agile. They are great companions for older kids or adults.

They weigh, on average, between 70 and 110 pounds and can grow as much as a whopping 31 inches tall.

9. Irish Wolfhound

Irish wolfhound

The Irish wolfhound is a large, powerful breed of dog. They originated in Ireland and England.

They are very loyal and protective of their family. The Irish wolfhound has a deep bark that sounds almost human. They weigh, on average, approximately 125 pounds, and they grow to be somewhere between 26 and 30 inches tall.

10. Komondor

Komondor

The komondor is a Hungarian herding dog. This breed originated in Hungary and Romania.

They are known for being hardworking and intelligent. They are also quite athletic and fast. They are easily trained. They can weigh up to 130 pounds and can grow to be over 28 inches tall.

11. Scottish Deerhound

Scottish deerhound

The deerhound is a small, swift hunting breed of dog. They were originally bred to hunt down game such as rabbits, squirrels, and hares.

They are highly energetic and trainable. They are excellent guard dogs. They are also great watchdogs. They weigh on average 75 to 85 pounds and can grow to be anywhere between 18 and 24 inches tall.

12. Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese mountain dog

The Bernese mountain dog is a large, heavy-set breed of dog. They got their name because they live near the Alps. They have a lot of energy and love to play. They are typically gentle and docile. They make wonderful pets.

They weigh approximately 50 to 65 pounds.

13. Boerboel

Boerboel

The Boerboel is a large to medium-sized, sturdy breed of dog. They come from South Africa. They are good with children but should not be left alone with them. They are very active and require lots of exercise.

They are very protective of their families. They are also very vocal. They weigh between 45 and 60 pounds.

14. Anatolian Shepherd

Anatolian shepherd

The Anatolian Shepherd is a large, strong breed of dog. They came from Turkey. These dogs are used to working in harsh conditions. They are very independent and need plenty of space.

They are very loving and loyal. They are also very stubborn. They weigh about 100 pounds.

15. English Mastiff

English mastiff

The English mastiff is a massive, powerful breed of dog that originated in England. They are generally quiet and laid back. However, they will protect themselves when they feel threatened by barking loudly.

They are very loyal and protective. They are also very courageous. They weigh approximately 200 pounds.

16. Neapolitan Mastiff

Neapolitan mastiff

The Neapolitan mastiff is a large, powerful, working breed of dog. They originate from Italy. They are extremely loyal and protective of their owners. They are also very brave. They weigh approximately 150 pounds.

17. French Mastiff

French mastiff

The French mastiff is a large breed of dog that originated in France. They are very smart and obedient. They are also very devoted to their owners. They are very protective of their homes.

They are very calm around strangers but become aggressive towards those who threaten them or their homes.

18. Italian Mastiff

Italian mastiff

The Italian mastiff is a large working breed of dog that originated from Italy. They are very affectionate and friendly. They are also very intelligent. They are very protective and territorial.

They are very devoted to their family members. They are also very protective of their property.

19. Tibetan Mastiff

Tibetan mastiff

The Tibetan mastiff is a large and powerful breed of dog that originates from Tibet. They are very intelligent and trainable. They can be easily trained.

They are very playful and friendly. They are very loyal and protective of their families.

20. Labrador Retriever

Labrador retriever (2)

Labradors are among the most popular purebreds in the United States. They are active, energetic, and eager to please. Their intelligence and trainability make Labs ideal for families who want a pet that can help them with household tasks.

Their size varies greatly depending on the weight of the dog. A typical adult Lab will weigh between 30 and 45 pounds. Larger ones may reach 60 pounds, while smaller ones might only be 10 pounds.

21. Golden Retriever

Golden retriever (2)

The golden retriever is a member of the spaniel group of dogs. This means that they share similar characteristics like floppy ears, short legs, and a soft coat. They were originally bred to retrieve ducks and waterfowl.

As with all retrievers, this breed is highly trainable and intelligent. They are often used as therapy dogs due to their gentle nature. These dogs are also excellent watchdogs.

They weigh, on average, between 25 and 35 pounds.

Wrap Up

So, there you have it – a list of over 15 different big dog breeds. You’ll be sure to find one you like the look and sound of.

All you have to do is to ensure that you have enough space for them in your family and that you, the owner, are a good match for the dog. Owners of big dog breeds often need to be quite assertive.

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About the author

Kerry

Kerry White is an avid dog lover and writer, knowing all there is to know about our furry friends. Kerry has been writing for PetDT for three years now, wanting to use her knowledge for good and share everything she can with new dog owners.Kerry has two dogs herself - a German shepherd called Banjo and a chocolate labrador called Buttons. Kerry knows more than anyone how adjusting to new life with a puppy can turn your life upside down, and she wants to ease some of the burdens through her articles.