What is the biggest dog in the world?
As per the Guinness World Records, the title of longest and biggest dog breed is held by an Old English Mastiff named Aicama Zorba. It is a mind-blowing dog with 343 pounds in weight and approximately 30 inches in height. It is owned by London resident Chris Eraclides, and the American Kennel Club also recognizes this breed. However, apart from the mastiff, there are also several dog breeds that are giant and heavy, including the Great Dane, Chow Chow, and Samoyed.
Today, I’ve made a list of the largest dogs in the world, along with details like weight, height, and temperament. So, keep reading till the end!
- 1. English Mastiff: The Largest Dog in the World
- 2. Great Dane: The Tallest Dog in the World
- 3. Central Asian Shepherd Dog
- 4. Irish Wolfhound
- 5. Doberman Pinscher
- 6. Golden Retrievers
- 7. Saint Bernard
- 8. Chow Chow
- 9. Samoyed
- 10. Australian Shepherd
- 11. Dalmatian
- 12. German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP)
- 13. Belgian Malinois
- 14. Black Russian Terrier
- 15. Cane Corso
- 16. The Great Pyrenees
- 17. Boerboel
- 18. Tosa Inu
1. English Mastiff: The Largest Dog in the World
English Mastiff Dog Breeds Overview
Breed Group: Working Group
Weight: Males- 68-108 kg (150-240 lbs), Females- 54-90 kg ( 120-200 lbs)
Height: 28–36 inches (70–91 cm)
Coat: Short, Straight, Coarse hair
Coat Color: Apricot-fawn, Silver-fawn, Fawn, or Dark fawn-Brindle
Life Span: 6 – 12 years
Temperament: Loving, Affectionate, Gentle and Protective
Also known as the Old English Mastiff, they are 27-35 inches tall and weigh around 200-230 pounds. As you can see from their appearance, they’re pretty fearsome, and that’s because this breed is descended from ancient war dogs. But now, many people like to have them as a family pet and companion. This giant dog breed has high intelligence; that’s why they’re also used for security, police, and military work.
2. Great Dane: The Tallest Dog in the World
Great Dane Dog Breeds Overview
Breed Group: Working Group
Weight: Male: 120–200 lbs (54–90 kg), Female: 99–130 lbs (45–59 kg)
Height: Male: 30–35 inches (76–90 cm), Female: 28–33 inches (71–84 cm)
Coat: Short and thick
Coat Color: Black, Blue, Fawn, Brindle, Harlequin, Mantle, and Merle.
Life Span: 8 – 10 years
Temperament: Friendly, Gentle, Loving
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, a dog named Giant George held the record for the tallest dog from 2010 to 2012. This blue Great Dane weighed around 250 pounds and was three feet and seven inches tall.
The Great Dane is known for being sweet, loving, and playful. Developed initially as guardians to hunt wild boars, this is now one of the most recognizable giant breeds of big dogs. Not only is this breed friendly and social, but they’re also quite loyal to their owners. They’re always alert and will guard their humans in any situation.
3. Central Asian Shepherd Dog
Central Asian Shepherd Dog Breeds Overview
Breed Group: None
Weight: Male: 110–170 lbs (50–79 kg), Female: 88–140 lbs (40–65 kg)
Height: Male: 26–31 inches (65–78 cm), Female: 24–27 inches (60–69 cm)
Coat: Medium length, straight, dense coats
Coat Color: Black, blue, cream, fawn, gold / yellow, red, white
Life Span: 12 – 15 years
Temperament: Strong, curious, adaptable
The Central Asian Shepherd Dog, sometimes called the “Alabai,” is a robust and enduring breed with an extensive history. The breed is renowned for its massive dimensions, strength, and loyalty to its owner. This is why this breed has been used as the guardian of property, livestock, and families throughout the vast expanses of Central Asia.
These large dog breeds are well known for their impressive appearance and instincts to protect. Central Asian Shepherd Dogs have the ability to adapt to diverse conditions and the capacity to flourish in challenging environments.
4. Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhound Dog Breeds Overview
Breed Group: Hound Group
Weight: Male: 120-155 lbs (54-70 kg), Female: 105-135 lbs(48-61 kg)
Height: 32- 36 inches (81- 91 cm)
Coat: Rough, hard coat
Coat Color: White, gray, brindle, red, black, and fawn
Life Span: 6 – 10 years
Temperament: Loyal, patient, generous
Guess who the fastest-growing puppy on this planet is? Yes, it is the Irish wolfhound!
One of the tallest dog breeds in the world, these canines have a wire-haired appearance and a strong personality. Initially, they were used for wolf hunting and even in wars to drag men off of horses and chariots. These dogs are highly intelligent and easygoing. Many people, including famous celebrities like Ryan
Gosling owns an Irish Wolfhound. Even though they look tall and fearsome, they’re actually big softies at heart! So, if you want a loving and eye-catching companion, go for this dog breed.
5. Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinscher Dog Breeds Overview
Breed Group: Working Group
Weight: Male: 88-99 lbs (39-44 kg), Female: 71-77 lbs (32-34 kg)
Height: Male: 27–28 inches (68–72 cm), Female: 25–27 inches (63–68 cm)
Coat: Short, smooth coat
Coat Color: Black, blue, red, or fawn
Life Span: 10 – 13 years
Temperament: Intelligent, alert, loyal, confident
You may recognize this dog from its strong appearance, compact build, and hypervigilance. With an overall body length of 102-117 cm, the Doberman Pinscher is also a pretty loyal and friendly dog. They can be great pets but require a lot of space. Also, to keep them busy, they need at least two hours of exercise every day.
These big dogs are extremely energetic, watchful, and obedient, and many people around the globe have this largest dog in their home, such as BTS’s Jungkook, who has a Doberman, Bam (also known as Bahm).
6. Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers Dog Breeds Overview
Breed Group: Sporting group
Weight: Male: 66–75 lbs (30–34 kg), Female: 55–71 lbs (25–32 kg)
Height: Male: 22–24 inches (56–61 cm), Female: 20–22 inches (51–56 cm)
Coat: Long and smooth
Coat Color: Golden, cream, and dark golden (or red)
Life Span: 10 – 12 years
Temperament: Intelligent, kind, friendly
Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dogs in the world!
After all, they’re super cute, adorable, and affectionate. These golden retrievers can bring instant happiness to any place with their positive energy. So, if you’re thinking about a fun-loving and playful dog, get this one!
These large dogs have a sweet temperament and high trainability; they can become excellent family dogs. However, make sure to give them two hours of exercise every day and provide an active lifestyle.
7. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernard Dog Breeds Overview
Breed Group: Working group
Weight: Male: 140-180 lbs (63-81 kg)
Height: Male: 28–35 inches (70–90 cm), Female: 26–31 inches (65–80 cm)
Coat: Dense, insulating double coat
Coat Color: Red and white, brown and white, and brindle and white
Life Span: 8 – 10 years
Temperament: Gentle, friendly, Calm
There’s no need to introduce these giant dogs, as they’re well-known for their appearance and loyal behavior. These dogs are large and muscular, with a height of 30 inches and a weight of 180 pounds. They’re a member of the Mastiff family, which is known to be one of the world’s biggest dog breeds.
Do you know that a St. Bernard named Benedictine holds the world record for the heaviest dog ever?
Yes, this dog displaced Zorba as the heaviest dog of all time and is said to have weighed 162 kilograms (357 pounds).
They’re also famous for their bravery and aptitude for alpine rescue missions. Thanks to their loving, charismatic, and friendly behavior, they’re also seen in many films and television shows
8. Chow Chow
Chow Chow Dog Breeds Overview
Breed Group: Non-Sporting Group
Weight: Male: 55–71 lbs (25–32 kg), Female: 44–60 lbs (20–27 kg)
Height: Male: 19–22 inches (48–56 cm), Female: 18–20 inches (46–51 cm)
Coat: Rough and smooth
Coat Color: Red, black, blue, cinnamon, cream
Life Span: 8-12 years
Temperament: Loyal, quiet, independent
Chow Chow puppies are as cute as their names!
This isn’t the biggest dog in the world, but still it is one of the giant breeds. It is originally from northern China and has a lion-like, powerful appearance. These dogs tend to be reserved and quiet and love lying around and sleeping. So, they don’t demand high activities and exercise routines. Even though they have a bulky appearance, they’re perfect for city dwellings and a modern lifestyle.
9. Samoyed
Samoyed Dog Breeds Overview
Breed Group: Working Group
Weight: Male: 45–66 lbs (20–30 kg), Female: 35–45 lbs (16–20 kg)
Height: Male: 21–24 inches (53–60 cm), Female: 19–21 inches (48–53 cm)
Coat: Profuse double coat, with a longer outer coat of harsh hair and a soft, thick, wooly undercoat
Coat Color: white
Life Span: 12 – 14 years
Temperament: lively, friendly, sociable
Known for their famous “Sammy smile,” the Samoyed is a large Siberian working breed. They have perpetually upturned mouths, pointed ears, a thick double coat, and a classic spitz tail. This breed is squarely built with a sturdy body.
Often referred to as Sammies, this biggest dog breed was originally bred to herd reindeer and haul sleds. These canines are smart, fun-loving, and always full of energy; that’s why they require vigorous exercise. Make sure to give them a lot of attention and love, and they’ll be all yours!
10. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherd Dog Breeds Overview
Breed Group: Herding Group
Weight: Male: 55–70 lbs (25–32 kg), Female: 35–55 lbs (16–25 kg)
Height: Male: 20–23 inches (51–58 cm), Female: 18–21 inches (46–54 cm)
Coat: Double coat that is of medium length and can be either straight or wavy
Coat Color: Black and white, red, blue merle, and red merle
Life Span: 13 – 15 years
Temperament: intelligent, protective, active
Australian Shepherds are also affectionately called Aussies. These dogs were bred as herding and working dogs on the American Frontier, but they can also be family pets. These furry friends are highly intelligent and quick learners. So, be prepared to provide them with more than an hour of active exercise, and that too on a daily basis.
11. Dalmatian
Dalmatian Dog Breeds Overview
Breed Group: Non-Sporting Group
Weight: Male: 33–71 lbs (15–32 kg), Female: 35–53 lbs (16–24 kg)
Height: Male: 23–24 inches (58–61 cm), Female: 22–23 inches (56–58 cm)
Coat: Short and dense
Coat Color: White background with black or brown spots
Life Span: 10 – 13 years
Temperament: Energetic, friendly, active, sensitive
Which movie name comes to mind just after seeing a picture of a Dalmatian dog? 101 Dalmatians!
However, you don’t have to own all 101 Dalmatian puppies. Just bring one to your home, and that’s more than enough. Initially bred to guard horses and coaches, these dogs are very protective. These dogs can prove that they can also be both loving house dogs and athletic running partners with the right care.
There are two kinds of Dalmatian dogs: Short Fur Dalmatians and Long Haired Dalmatians. Read our previous blog on long-haired Dalmatians to learn everything in detail.
12. German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP)
German Shorthaired Pointer Dog Breeds Overview
Breed Group: Sporting Group
Weight: Male: 55–70 lbs (25–32 kg), Female: 45–60 lbs (20–27 kg)
Height: Male: 23–25 inches (58–64 cm), Female: 21–23 inches (53–59 cm)
Coat: Short and smooth
Coat Color: Solid liver, liver and white, liver roan, or liver and ticked
Life Span: 12 – 14 years
Temperament: Intelligent, bold, co-operative
The German Shorthaired Pointers are quick-learning and highly energetic dogs that are always ready to do something. These canines are loyal and protective towards their family, so anyone can be easily intimidated by their appearance.
GSPs were first bred in Germany in the late 1800s as a hunting breed. This is why these canines are still considered to be one of the most accomplished hunting and sporting breeds in the world. However, these large dogs might become aggressive and destructive if they don’t get enough time to play or an extensive exercise routine.
13. Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois Dog Breeds Overview
Breed Group: Herding group
Weight: Male: 55-66 lbs (24-29 kg)
Height: Male: 24-26 inch (60-66 cm), Female: 21-24 inch (53-60 cm)
Coat: Short and straight
Coat Color: Mahogany, red, red sable, fawn, fawn sable, black, brindle, cream
Life Span: 10 – 14 years
Temperament: Smart, obedient
Belgian Malinois are obedient canines known for their strong, protective, and territorial instincts. This is why they serve as police dogs and also work in drug and bomb detection searches and rescue tracking. It is considered as the biggest breed dog in the world.
Apart from this, Belgian Malinois are also friendly and have a good temperament, but still, it’s recommended to give them the proper training and early socialization. These canines forge an unbreakable bond with their owners, as they consider them members of their pack. This is the biggest dog breed, so they need a spacious home to live in.
14. Black Russian Terrier
Black Russian Terrier Dog Breeds Overview
Breed Group: Working Group
Weight: Male: 100–150 lbs (45–68 kg), Female: 80–130 lbs (36–59 kg)
Height: Male: 26–28 inches (66–72 cm), Female: 27–28 inches (68–70 cm)
Coat: Double coat
Coat Color: Black
Life Span: 10 – 11 years
Temperament: Confident, energetic, stable
The Black Russian Terrier, also known as the BRT or the “Black Pearl of Russia,” is a powerful dog breed known for its strong presence and protective personality. These canines are courageous, confident, and alert around strangers.
BRT has a sturdy and muscular build with an all-black coat. Initially bred to guard and protect livestock, these canines are today a part of the domestic dog breed category around the globe. Due to their heavy coats, these dogs require regular grooming and maintenance. So, if you can provide enough exercise, love, and attention, the Black Russian Terrier can be the perfect biggest dog to adopt.
15. Cane Corso
Cane Corso Dog Breeds Overview
Breed Group: Working group
Weight: Male: 99–110 lbs (45–50 kg), Female: 88–99 lbs (40–45 kg)
Height: Male: 24–28 inches (62–70 cm), Female: 23–26 inches (58–66 cm)
Coat: Short, but double-layered
Coat Color: Black, lighter and darker shades of gray, lighter and darker shades of fawn, and red
Life Span: 10 – 12 years
Temperament: Calm. quiet, loyal, intelligent
Cane Corso is actually an Italian breed of mastiff, and you can guess that from their heavy, muscular bodies. These canines were initially bred as companion dogs and guard dogs around the 1980s.
These canines are protective and affectionate, making them great family dogs. The popularity of the Cane Corso breed can be determined by the fact that they have appeared in several movies and television shows, including “Game of Thrones,” “Atlanta,” “Colombiana,” and “The Borgias.”
Read More : Cane Corso Price Details: How Much Does a Cane Corso Cost?
16. The Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyreness Dog Overview
Breed Group: Working group
Weight: Male: 100–160 lbs (45–73 kg), Female: 85–110 lbs (39–52 kg)
Height: Male: 28–32 inches (70–82 cm), Female: 26–29 inches (65–74 cm)
Coat: long, coarse
Coat Color: White, gray, tan, reddish-brown
Life Span: 10 – 12 years
Temperament: Patient, gentle, confident
The Great Pyrenees, also known as the Pyrenees or Pyr, is another large dog breed known for its unique appearance and personality. These cute canines have long, coarse, and slightly wavy coats, mostly available in white, pale yellow, or gray colors. The Great Pyrenees are quite loyal and dedicated pets who always try to remain close to their family.
Initially bred as a guardian breed to protect sheep, goats, and livestock, today, many people have it as a family dog. These dogs have calm and composed temperaments, but proper training and early socialization are still recommended. Also, this biggest dog breed is prone to several health issues, including elbow and hip dysplasia, knee problems, and neurological disorders.
17. Boerboel
Boerboel Dog overview
Breed Group: Working
Weight: 150 to 200 pounds
Height: 22 to 25 inches (female), 24 to 27 inches (male)
Coat: Short, smooth
Coat Color: Brindle, brown, cream, black mask, and red
Life Span: 9 to 11 years
Temperament: Courageous, alert, and protective
The first thing we notice after looking at the Boerboel dog breed is how large and intimidating it looks, and after this, we immediately think that this biggest dog in the world could be perfect as a guard dog. This is true, but one more thing to add is that they’re also quite loving, possessive, and caring around kids.
This large dog breed demands regular exercise and training; hence, they are fit for a house with a spacious yard. Also, these canines require regular grooming. Make sure to keep them on a leash, as these dogs become extremely alert around other dogs and strangers.
18. Tosa Inu
Tosa Inu Dog Overview
Breed Name: Tosa Inu
Breed Group: Molossoid breeds, Mastiff type (FCI)
Weight: 100 to 200 pounds
Height: 21.5 to 23.5 inches
Coat: Short and dense
Coat Color: Red, apricot, black, fawn, and brindle
Life Span: 10 to 12 years
Temperament: Intelligent, courageous, and fearless
Tosa Inu is the biggest, most massive, and most powerful dog in the world. In general, they behave calmly and quietly, but in the presence of strangers or other animals, they become highly aggressive to protect their family.
Unfortunately, Tosa Inu isn’t fully recognized by the American Kennel Club, but the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognized and classified this dog breed as a molossoid breed. Also, these canines are hyperactive and energetic and thus need regular exercise and training sessions to keep them healthy and happy.
Final Words
So, this is the blog about the biggest dog breed in the world, along with other largest and tallest dog breeds. Big dog breeds come with bigger responsibilities. The largest dog breed demands plenty of care, training, and space to play and perform outdoor activities.
If you can give extra care, maintenance, and commitment to big dogs, you can go ahead and select your favorite biggest dog in the world and have a memorable time with them.
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