What is the world's biggest dog breed? From strong English Mastiffs to powerful Bernese Mountain Dogs, there are plenty of giant pups that will hog the whole sofa — and protect their owners. Some dogs are heavier than other due to their bone structure, while other large breeds are tall and slim.
Whether you're looking for a new dog to adopt or are simply curious, get ready to fall in love with these large dog breeds...
1
English Mastiff
The English Mastiff is officially the world's biggest dog breed, weighing as much as 200 pounds. According to the Guinness Book of Records, an English Mastiff dog called Zorba weighed in at 142.7kg and stood 27 inches high in 1981. Impressive!
2
Bernese Mountain Dogs
Bernese Mountain Dogs are large pups, weighing up to 65kg when fully grown. Famed for being affectionate and good-natured, Bernese Mountain Dogs are believed to be one of the least aggressive dogs towards humans — making them excellent family dogs.
The PDSA previously told us: "You'll need to mindful that Bernese Mountain Dogs can be expensive dogs to own, not least because of the amount of food they need! The cost of insurance as well as vet fees are also typically higher, due to their larger breed and some of the health conditions they are prone to."
3
Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher has an overall body length of 102-117 cm, making them pretty large breeds to own. They'll need plenty of space to run around and a minimum of two hours of exercise every day to help burn off their large amounts of energy.
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4
Scottish Deerhound
Thinking of adopting a Scottish Deerhound? These pups are a large breed of hound that were once bred to hunt red deer by coursing. It's among the tallest of all dog breeds, and is also athletic and affectionate.
5
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs
Considered one of Switzerland's oldest dog breeds, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are extra-large pups who often top 100 pounds. Heavy in build, they are renowned for being friendly, kind and energetic.
6
Bloodhound
Friendly bloodhounds are large dogs with long droopy ears, wrinkled skin and an amazing sense of smell. They're super active and need lots of exercise, so make great pets for people who like to get out and about regularly.
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7
Akita
This strong and powerful dog breed originates from the mountainous regions of northern Japan. Originally developed for hunting bear, deer and wild boar, they are among some of the largest breeds to own.
8
Great Dane
Great Danes are huge, powerful and strong dogs that originate from Germany. Despite their size, they are great with children and are particularly protective of their owners.
9
Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a large, strong dog breed that was originally used as a working dog to pull nets for fishermen. Known for their sweet disposition, these gentle pups love children and are incredibly intelligent.
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10
Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers are happy dogs that love their owners and are affectionate. They are large dogs that need more than a two hours' exercise every day, which means they are better suited for owners with a garden and who enjoy an active lifestyle.
11
Leonberger
This large, muscular dog has a generous coat and a gentle disposition that hails from the city of Leonberg in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. These giant pups can weigh anywhere from 90 to 150 pounds, so you'll need to make some extra space on your sofa.
12
Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is a large, muscular dog who can reach a height of 30 inches and a weight of 180 pounds. A member of the Mastiff family, they are one of the world's biggest dog breeds.
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13
Labrador Retrievers
Labrador Retrievers are energetic, beautiful and rewarding pets that will enrich their owners' lives in an instant. With a strong body and sturdy size, the maximum height for a male is 60cm, which puts them in the medium-size dog category.
The Kennel Club previously told us: "They're instinctively friendly and get on with anyone they meet, including people and other dogs! Really, as a breed, they are known as an affectionate and loyal all-rounder."
14
Irish Setter
These friendly, good-sized dogs are typically around 27 inches at the shoulder and weigh 70 pounds (males). They are heavy and large dogs with a thick and heavy coat.
15
Giant Schnauzer
The Giant Schnauzer is a breed of dog developed in the 17th century in Germany, and can stand up to 27.5 inches at the shoulder and can weigh up to 95 pounds.
"A Giant Schnauzer is an excellent choice for active owners with a larger house and garden, who are looking for an energetic and loyal four-legged friend," the Kennel Club previously told us.
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16
Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a giant dog, averaging between 27 to 32 inches for a male and 25 to 29 inches for a female. They are famed for being a devoted canine companion, loved for their affectionate and gentle nature.
17
Cane Corso
This Italian breed, often used as a guard dog, is a powerful dog weighing up to 120 pounds. They were originally bred for guarding, herding and hunting.
18
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Bred in the South African region, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a strong, muscular, balanced and athletic dog. Despite being large in size, they are loyal and protective of their owners and families.