Just a Bunch of Cute Photos That Prove Large Dogs Are the Best
When you think of the perfect furry friend, you might imagine a pup that's small and cuddly. But some of the most loyal and loving pups aren’t small or even medium in size. They are large — actually, they are some of the largest dog breeds in the world. Don't believe us? Just take a look at these (mostly) gentle giants below.
It’s likely that the top ten and even top 20 largest dog breeds that come to your mind are included on this list, but if you think the Tibetan Mastiff is the biggest dog in the world, you’ll be shocked to see how many other dogs are even more monstrous. A few of the breeds here have a mass that weighs as much as or more than an adult human!
Many of the largest dogs on this list are classified as working dogs by the American Kennel Club (AKC), meaning they have been bred to assist with specific tasks like hauling heavy loads or herding livestock. It’s no surprise these dogs also account for many of the strongest dog breeds and calmest dog breeds. Just when you thought these big dogs couldn’t get any better, they are also among the smartest dog breeds, too. You'll also find that some are hypoallergenic, some are perfect for families with kids and some are good guard pups, but all of them are adorable.
Mastiff
Hauling up to 230 pounds, these homebodies love their families and surroundings, and they'll protect them with their lives if need be. The Mastiff is willing to please as soon as it figures out what you want. Some tend to be shy, and they react by biting.
Weight: 120 to 230 pounds
Height: 27.5 to 30 inches
Boerboel
In their native South Africa, these powerful farm dogs fend off fierce predators like leopards. Because of their strength and dominance, the AKC recommends prior experience owning large breeds before adopting a Boerboel.
Weight: 150 to 200 pounds
Height: 22 to 27 inches
Tosa
According to the AKC, Tosa dogs (Japanese Mastiff) used to be bred for fighting but are now used as watchdogs, a position perfect for their calm, patient and vigilant personalities.
Weight: 100 to 200 pounds
Height: 21.5 to 23.5 inches
Saint Bernard
Known as the friendly giant of the Swiss Alps, according to the AKC, Saint Bernards are gentle and tolerant, especially with children. They don't fawn over strangers and can be used as a watchdog.
Weight: 120 to 180 pounds
Height: 26 to 30 inches
Great Dane
Gentle and loving, this breed is excellent for kids. According to the AKC, Great Danes are alert guards, but not overly aggressive. They're moderately intelligent, but highly stubborn and not easily trained.
Weight: 110 to 175 pounds
Height: 28 to 32 inches
Leonberger
Affectionate might be an understatement — Leos want to be with their families at all times! DogTime states the breed is a mix of some of the other largest dogs— the Newfoundland, Saint Bernard and Great Pyrenees. These sweet companions have the potential to be excellent therapy dogs, but probably not lapdogs.
Weight: 90 to 170 pounds
Height: 25.5 to 31.5 inches
Neapolitan Mastiff
With a droopy face and a tendency to drool, Mastinos may look a little dopey (just think of Hagrid's dog Fang in the Harry Potter movies), but they're really designed to be protective guard dogs. Not for novice pet owners, this 150-pound canine is both massive and powerful.
Weight: 110 to 150 pounds
Height: 24 to 31 inches
Newfoundland
This lovable dog was the model for the nursemaid dog in Peter Pan. According to DogTime, Newfoundlands love children of all ages and are intelligent, with a strong desire to please.
Weight: 100 to 150 pounds
Height: 26 to 28 inches
Anatolian Shepherd
Despite the misleading name, Anatolians are bred as guard dogs, not herders. They can be protective and territorial, but still calm and affectionate with their families, according to PetMD.
Weight: 80 to 150 pounds
Height: 27 to 29 inches
Bullmastiff
Brave, affectionate, and loyal, Bullmastiff dogs can be both great family members and protectors. They're especially willing to please and, despite their large stature, don't require much exercise.
Weight: 100 to 130 pounds
Height: 24 to 27 inches
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Alpine farmers bred Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs for their versatility, combining strength and agility for a true workhorse. Families can appreciate their even-tempered nature — and the undeniably sweet expressions.
Weight: 85 to 140 pounds
Height: 23.7 to 28.5 inches
Tibetan Mastiff
Potential adopters, be warned: TMs are notorious for not coming when called, plus they have a (destructive) fondness for wood, according to the AKC. That said, the fluffy guard dogs are intelligent and devoted, not to mention seriously adorable.
Weight: 70 to 150 pounds
Height: 24 to 26 inches
Rottweiler
Dignified and slow to anger, Rottweilers are trustworthy around children if raised with them, the AKC states. Their natural guarding instinct is coupled with great courage. They're obedient and moderately intelligent.
Weight: 80 to 135 pounds
Height: 22 to 27 inches
Black Russian Terrier
Not all terriers stay small. These massive guard dogs can back up their bark with a 130-pound frame, as they're protective of their owners and suspicious of strangers. Given those thick double coats, a home in a cold climate is a plus.
Weight: 80 to 130 pounds
Height: 26 to 30 inches
Estrela Mountain Dog
Believed to be the oldest dog breed in Portugal, the Estrela Mountain Dog is an excellent companion and livestock guardian, according to the AKC. No thief is safe around these dogs– they aren’t afraid to protect their owners against any distrustful strangers.
Weight: 77 to 132 pounds
Height: 24.5 to 29 inches
Dogue de Bordeaux
You'll recognize this lovable sidekick from the Tom Hanks movie Turner and Hooch, but off the silver screen, these French mastiffs are just as eager to please. The Dogue de Bordeaux is courageous and loyal but not aggressive.
Weight: 99 to 110 pounds
Height: 23 to 26 inches
Irish Wolfhound
As the tallest breed, Irish Wolfhounds may look imposing, but they're really the definition of a gentle giant. These sweet-hearted pets get along wonderfully with kids.
Weight: 105 to 120 pounds
Height: 30 to 32 inches
Akita
These strong-willed, instinctual, and dominant hunting dogs are not for first-time owners. DogTime states they're naturally protective and defensive of their families. But they're can be suitable for well-behaved children if raised with them (and supervised by adults).
Weight: 70 to 130 pounds
Height: 24 to 28 inches
Cane Corso
Cane Corsi, also called Italian Mastiffs, can be intimidating bodyguards that need lots of exercise and a firm hand. With the right training; however, these fierce canines will bond with their families, including children.
Weight: 80 to 120 pounds
Height: 23.5 to 27.5 inches
Otterhound
Ideally suited for otter hunting, a now out-lawed activity in England, Otterhound dogs are known for their strong sense of smell, swimming ability and powerful chest and shoulders, according to DogTime. These dogs bred in the UK can weigh up to 115 pounds and stand over two feet tall.
Weight: 80 to 115 pounds
Height: 24 to 27 inches
Bloodhound
Just like in the movies, bloodhounds can follow a scent for miles. According to the AKC, their noses are so powerful that their tracking is considered acceptable evidence in court! For the everyday owner; however, these large hounds need considerable exercise and firm obedience training just like any other active breed.
Weight: 80 to 110 pounds
Height: 23 to 27 inches
Kuvasz
An ancient Tibetan breed, the Kuvasz were highly-prized by noblemen who used them for hunting and as guard dogs, according to The Spruce Pets. Today, patient training is more important than a royal bloodline. Modern owners need to teach the innate protectors the difference between a true threat and an unusual event.
Weight: 70 to 115 pounds
Height: 26 to 30 inches
Bernese Mountain Dog
Those fluffy coats are more than just adorable — the Bernese thrive in cold climates, like their native Swiss Alps, according to DogTime. While friendly to others, these dogs tend to bond primarily with one person.
Weight: 70 to 115 pounds
Height: 23 to 27.5 inches
Scottish Deerhound
Dignified Deerhounds love a good nap and a good romp, with their ancestry tied to a strong hunting ability, according to DogTime. In fact, these dogs were once so prized by nobility that no one with a rank lower than an Earl could own one.
Weight: 75 to 110 pounds
Height: 28 to 32 inches
Great Pyrenees
This watchdog makes friends slowly and is very wary of strangers. Because of this, they value their alone time and space, PetMD states. It moves quietly with slow, deliberate movements, but it'll willingly pull carts or carry a pack for you.
Weight: 85 to 100 pounds
Height: 25 to 32 inches
Beauceron
Confidence is everything, and these dogs defy its meaning. The Beauceron has a long, well-chiseled head and dark eyes that show its dominance, and a smart demeanor that makes it an impeccable watchdog.
Weight: 70 to 110 pounds
Height: 24 to 27.5 inches
Bouvier des Flandres
The work ethic of a Bouvier des Flandres is like no other. They’re versatile in that they make for great livestock guardians and workers on the farm, hauling products and even churning butter back in eighteenth century France, according to the AKC.
Weight: 70 to 110 pounds
Height: 23.5 to 27.5 inches
Komondor
Just like the Puli, the Komondor resembles a mop more than a dog. But underneath those thick white cords lies a brave and loyal pup. The unusual appearance has an important purpose, too: It's warm insulation in the sheepdog's native Hungary.
Weight: 80 to 100 pounds
Height: 25.5 to 27.5 inches
Dogo Argentino
This Argentinian breed is primarily a pack-hunter, but a cheerful and friendly demeanor has made it more popular outside of South America. To keep in shape of its muscular build, The Spruce Pets says the breed requires a lot of daily exercise.
Weight: 80 to 100 pounds
Height: 24 to 26.5 inches
Borzoi
Standing at around 28 inches tall, Borzoi dogs can zoom by at 35 to 40 mph, according to the AKC. While they can be stubborn, they are affectionate and enjoy roughhousing.
Weight: 60 to 105 pounds
Height: 26 to 28 inches
Doberman Pinscher
Up to 100 pounds of pure muscle, athletic Dobermans still serve in military and police forces thanks to their quick intelligence and great endurance. And despite past stereotypes, the AKC states the breed's temperament has gradually lost its sharpness, with trustworthiness valued above all else.
Weight: 60 to 100 pounds
Height: 24 to 28 inches
American Bulldog
When you think of a tough dog, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the American Bulldog is one of the first to come to mind. Their stature is small, but their broad and muscular body makes them look big in the most bulldog way.
Weight: 60 to 100 pounds
Height: 20 to 25 inches
Old English Sheepdog
First bred in England, this shaggy, hairy dog was used as a “drover’s dog” to drive sheep and cattle in the beginning of the eighteenth century, according to The Spruce Pets. It is strong but kind.
Weight: 60 to 100 pounds
Height: 21 to 22 inches
Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute isn’t as big as other dogs, but that doesn’t make them any less mighty. These dogs are loyal and broad-shouldered, strong enough to pull a sled in the arctic region like their cousin the Siberian Husky.
Weight: 75 to 85 pounds
Height: 23 to 25 inches
Briard
Often described as a “heart wrapped in fur,” according to the AKC, Briards flaunt a wavy coat of fur topped by a hairdo with a middle part. Its eyebrows give it the elegance and mysteriousness it desires to have.
Weight: 55 to 100 pounds
Height: 22 to 27 pounds
Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is fast, which might make its 85 pound figure a little more intimidating. They come in different shades of wheaten, a color similar to that of wheat.
Weight: 70 to 85 pounds
Height: 24 to 27 inches
German Shepherd
There’s a reason why German Shepherds are often used as service or police dogs – they’re obedient, loyal and courageous. They’re not only big but also fast and have the ability to learn commands, according to DogTime.
Weight: 50 to 90 pounds
Height: 22 to 26 inches
Giant Schnauzer
If you’re looking for the largest dog breeds that don’t shed, the Giant Schnauzer is pretty close to it. Not only does it shed minimally, according to Purina, but it is also an intelligent and loyal companion.
Weight: 55 to 85 pounds
Height: 23.5 to 27.5 inches
Afghan Hound
Have you ever seen a dog who you think could automatically win a beauty pageant? If so, maybe that dog just might have been an Afghan Hound. Don’t get fooled by its tall, regal appearance. This dog, which was first bred in the area that is now Afghanistan, India and Pakistan, is playful and silly.
Weight: 50 to 60 pounds
Height: 25 to 27 inches
Samoyed
Although Samoyed dogs are not that big in size, their thick, fluffy coats make them look bigger (and maybe better). They have delightful smiles, and their soft fur makes petting them oh-so-irresistible.
Weight: 35 to 65 pounds
Height: 19 to 23.5 inches
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