Ever wondered how big a dog can get? These dogs are part of the biggest dog breeds in the world! Giant breed dogs are loving, sweet, gentle souls, with big hearts too. Learn more about some of these amazing giant dog breeds to see if one is right for you.
English Mastiff
Weighing in at up to 170 pounds for females and a whopping 230 pounds for males, the English Mastiff is one big breed. Mastiffs have been used as guard and war dogs for nearly 3,000 years, making them one of the oldest dog breeds as well.
Irish Wolfhound
As big as they are beautiful, the Irish Wolfhound may fool you with its long legs and lanky physique. But, this hunting breed is one of the largest, measuring nearly 34 inches at the shoulder and standing at almost 7-feet tall on their hind legs!
Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is a big breed with a big heart. Their large size comes in handy as search and rescue dogs traversing the Swiss Alps. However, this breed is also right at home on your couch — as long as you have one that’s large enough!
Newfoundland
Another big breed used in search and rescue, the Newfoundland’s giant webbed paws make them at home in the water or on a boat. Their calm, gentle demeanor also makes them great, and giant, family pets, weighing in at nearly 200 pounds.
Dogue de Bordeaux
While the Dogue de Bordeaux is a lesser-known breed, they’re actually an ancient dog breed hailing from France. They’re thought to be a descendant of the Molossus, a historic dog breed that originated in ancient Rome. Slightly smaller than the other breeds on this list, the Dogue de Bordeaux tops out at 140 pounds.
Leonberger
Named after their origin in Leonberg, Germany, the Leonberger is a giant breed with a lion-like appearance including a tawny coat and black-tipped ears. They have been used by farmers for centuries, making great guardian dogs with their large size to help keep predators at bay.
Anatolian Shepherd
Another livestock guardian breed, the Anatolian Shepherd is one big dog. They’re a tall breed, with long legs and a long and slightly-curling tail, reaching nearly 32 inches at the shoulder. Their gentle nature also makes them a wonderful choice for protecting sheep and goats from predators.
Neapolitan Mastiff
A cousin to the English Mastiff, the Neapolitan Mastiff is another giant breed that was historically used to guard armies. Their characteristic large skin folds make it hard for attackers to grab onto vital body parts. These dogs were beloved by ancient conquerors, and one even fought alongside Alexander the Great!
Great Dane
The “Great” in Great Dane means great big size! Another tall, lankier breed, these dogs were originally bred to help protect the estates of German nobility and to hunt wild boar. They reach nearly 35 inches at the shoulder, making them one of the tallest dogs around.
Scottish Deerhound
The Scottish Deerhound rounds out the list as another long and lanky giant breed. While not as big as the Irish Wolfhound or Great Dane, they can still grow up to 32 inches at the shoulder. That long, lanky body also makes them perfect for their historical purpose of chasing down deer.
Some of the biggest dog breeds in the world also make great family pets and loving companions. Now that you know more about some of the largest breeds, check out the other side with some small dog breeds that make great apartment companions.
