10 of the Largest Dog Breeds

Including the Great Dane, Irish wolfhound, and mastiff.

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, from the tiny Chihuahuas to the enormous Great Dane. If you’re someone who loves big dogs, you have many large dog breeds to choose from, in a variety of personalities and coat types. Before bringing home a large breed, consider the amount of space you have. Some large breeds are calm and can do well in small spaces, but others do best in larger homes with yards. Large dog breeds will require more of everything than smaller breeds, so consider the extra costs of food, medications, grooming, and dog supplies before bringing one home.

Here are 10 of the largest dog breeds in the canine kingdom.

Boerboel

At 150 to 200 pounds, the boerboel, also known as the South African mastiff, is stocky, muscular, and powerful. The breed’s exact origins are unknown, but several mastiff-type breeds as well as Victorian bulldogs and local African dogs likely contributed to the breed. A farm guardian in rural South Africa, the boerboel protected livestock from predators and thieves and guarded family.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Working

HEIGHT: 22 to 25 inches (female), 24 to 27 inches (male)

WEIGHT: 150 to 200 pounds

TEMPERAMENT: Courageous, alert, protective

COAT AND COLOR: Short and smooth in brindle, brown, cream, red, reddish brown, or tawny with/without white markings, black mask, piebald, and/or Irish marked

LIFE SPAN: 9 to 11 years

Great Dane

The Great Dane is well-known for their imposing size (males can be 200 pounds), but most people are surprised to learn how friendly and mellow these gentle giants are in real life. Originally, Great Danes were hunting dogs, but the breed morphed into a laid-back, gentle companion that we see today. As with any giant breed, early and consistent training are crucial to prevent any accidental injuries from their sheer size.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Working

HEIGHT: 30 to 34 inches (males); 28 to 32 inches (females)

WEIGHT: 120 to 200 pounds (males); 99 to 130 pounds (females)

TEMPERAMENT: Calm, gentle, friendly, loving, even-tempered, attentive, proud

COAT AND COLOR: Short, smooth coat in black, black and white, blue, brindle, fawn, harlequin, merle, silver, solid white, or mantle

LIFE SPAN: 6 to 8 years

Irish Wolfhound

Though not the heaviest breed, the Irish wolfhound holds the record of being the tallest of all dog breeds. Male Irish wolfhounds can be at least 32 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh as much as 180 pounds. The Irish wolfhound was developed in Ireland as far back as the 5th century. They were originally used by noblemen and kings to hunt elk, boar, and wolves.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Hound

HEIGHT: At least 30 inches (female), at least 32 inches (male)

WEIGHT: 105 pounds (female), 120 pounds (male)

TEMPERAMENT: Courageous, calm, even-tempered

COAT AND COLOR: Medium-length and wiry in black, blue, brindle, creme, gray, red, silver, white or wheaten

LIFE SPAN: 6 to 8 years

Leonberger

The majestic Leonberger originated in the 1800s in the city of Leonberg in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Originally used as a family, farm, and draft dog, the breed was developed using Newfoundlands, Saint Bernards, and Pyrenean mountain dogs. Despite being large and muscular, the Leonberger is surprisingly agile and light on their feet. Although Leonbergers are gentle, friendly dogs, their sheer size and strength make early and consistent training a must.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Working

HEIGHT: Males are 28 to 31.5 inches and females are 25.5 to 29.5 inches at the shoulder.

WEIGHT: Males are 110 to 170 pounds; females are 90 to 140 pounds.

TEMPERAMENT: Fearless, loyal, loving, obedient, adaptable, companionable

COAT AND COLOR: The double coat is medium to long, thick, straight, and water-resistant. The head has a black mask, and over coat colors include lion-yellow, golden, red, reddish-brown, sandy, or yellow-brown.

LIFE SPAN: 7 years

Mastiff

The mastiff, also known as the English mastiff or Old English mastiff, is an ancient breed that was originally used for hunting and guarding. They can be traced back to ancient times with depictions of the breed seed on Egyptian monuments and mentions by Caesar. The mastiff was once quite ferocious, but today’s breed is gentle and friendly, but they retain their courage and protective instincts.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Working

HEIGHT: 30 inches and up (males); 27.5 inches and up (females)

WEIGHT: 160 to 230 pounds (males); 120 to 170 pounds (females)

TEMPERAMENT: Calm, affectionate, protective, loyal, peaceful, sweet-tempered

COAT AND COLOR: Short and sleek in fawn, apricot, or brindle, all with a dark mask on the muzzle, ears, and nose

LIFE SPAN: 6 to 10 years

Neapolitan Mastiff

The Neapolitan mastiff looks extremely intimidating thanks to their massive size, wrinkled skin, and dour expression. It’s not hard to imagine this dog fighting on the war field—something the Neapolitan mastiff did for the Ancient Romans. At home, the Neapolitan mastiff is loving, loyal, and affectionate, but early training and socialization are a must with this breed, which is best for experienced dog owners.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Working

HEIGHT: 24 to 31 inches

WEIGHT: 110 to 150 pounds

TEMPERAMENT: Protective, stubborn, fearless, companionable, loyal

COAT AND COLOR: Short and shiny in black, blue, mahogany, tawny, or brindle

LIFE SPAN: 7 to 9 years

Newfoundland

The Newfoundland originated on the Canadian island of Newfoundland. When European fishermen brought their dogs with them to Newfoundland, a new breed evolved in response to the island’s terrain and climate. On land, the massive Newfoundland pulled carts and hauled wood, and in the water, they worked alongside fishermen hauling nets out from icy water, swimming to deliver lines and serving as rescue dogs. Today, the breed is still well-known for their natural life-saving instincts, both on land and in the water. Docile and sweet-natured, the Newfoundland is truly a gentle giant.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Working

HEIGHT: 26 inches (female), 28 inches (male)

WEIGHT: 100 to 120 pounds (female), 130 to 150 pounds (male)

TEMPERAMENT: Loyal, sweet-tempered, gentle

COAT AND COLOR: Medium-length double coat in black, brown, gray, or white and black

LIFE SPAN: 9 to 10 years

Saint Bernard

The Saint Bernard was developed in the Swiss Alps by monks who used the giant dogs to search and rescue stranded travelers in the snowy mountains. In addition to their massive size—males weigh on average 140 to 180 pounds—the Saint Bernard was well-suited to such work thanks to a thick, warm coat and brave temperament. Today’s Saint Bernard is unlikely to head out into the snow on a rescue mission, but they will keep a watchful eye on the goings-on at home. The breed’s affinity for children is well-known—they're often called “nanny dogs.”

Breed Overview

GROUP: Working

HEIGHT: 26 to 28 inches (female), 28 to 30 inches (male)

WEIGHT: 120 to 140 pounds (female), 140 to 180 pounds (male)

TEMPERAMENT: Gentle, affectionate, protective

COAT AND COLOR: Short to medium-length, smooth or rough double coat in brindle and white, brown and white, mahogany and white, orange and white, red and white, or rust and white with/without a black mask

LIFE SPAN: 8 to 10 years

Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan mastiff developed in isolation in its country of origin, Tibet. Though we don’t have much written information about the breed, most experts agree that it has existed for thousands of years in Central Asia. Once used as an estate guardian, the breed remains protective and takes seriously the job of watching over their property and human family. Because the Tibetan mastiff is very large, naturally wary of strangers, and can be difficult to train, the breed is best left in the hands of a knowledgeable dog owner who is experienced with giant guardian breeds.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Working

HEIGHT: 24 to 26 inches

WEIGHT: 70 to 150 pounds

TEMPERAMENT: Intelligent, protective, strong-willed, tenacious, aloof

COAT AND COLOR: Outer coat is fine, hard, straight, and stand-off; undercoat is heavy, soft, and woolly. In hues of black, brown, blue/grey, or gold.

LIFE SPAN: 10 to 12 years

Tosa Inu

Sometimes called the Japanese mastiff, the Tosa Inu was developed in Japan using a native Japanese breed called the Shikoku and a few Western breeds, including the bulldog, mastiff, German pointer, Great Dane, and possibly others. Originally bred for dog fighting, the Tosa Inu is now mostly seen as a family dog for the right family. This is an expert-level breed best suited for an owner with extensive experience with large guardian breeds.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Molossoid breeds, Mastiff type (FCI)

HEIGHT: 21.5 to 23.5 inches

WEIGHT: 100 to 200 pounds

TEMPERAMENT: Intelligent, courageous, alert, fearless, protective, calm

COAT AND COLOR: Short, hard, and dense in red, fawn, apricot, black, or brindle

LIFE SPAN: 10 to 12 years

Read the original article on The Spruce Pets.