Top 10 Biggest Dog Breeds in the World – Gentle Giants [2025]
- Alice
- 26 sep
- 5 minuten om te lezen
Bijgewerkt op: 20 okt
Introduction
Imagine walking down the street and seeing a dog that’s taller than most toddlers, with paws the size of dinner plates. These massive breeds are awe-inspiring, yet behind their giant frames often hides a calm, loyal, and loving nature.
The biggest dog breeds in the world are often referred to as “gentle giants.” While their size can be intimidating, many of them are surprisingly affectionate, protective, and family-friendly. We know this from experience—our own Cane Corso, Pepper, has been part of our family for 7.5 years, and she perfectly embodies what it means to be a giant with a gentle heart.
In this guide, updated for 2025, we’ll explore the top 10 largest dog breeds—their size, temperament, and what it’s like to live with one of these magnificent companions.
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Table of Contents
Top 10 Biggest Dog Breeds in the World
Great Dane
English Mastiff
Saint Bernard
Newfoundland
Irish Wolfhound
Leonberger
Anatolian Shepherd
Tibetan Mastiff
Great Pyrenees
Cane Corso
What Defines the Biggest Dog Breeds?
When we talk about the largest dog breeds, we’re usually referring to dogs that:
Weigh over 100 lbs (45 kg)
Stand more than 28 inches (71 cm) tall at the shoulder
Have powerful builds designed for guarding, pulling, or hunting
Some of these dogs can weigh as much as a grown adult human. But despite their size, many are gentle, patient, and devoted family pets.
Why People Love Giant Dogs
Protective but kind: Many giant dogs are natural guardians.
Affectionate companions: Despite their size, they often think they’re lap dogs.
Majestic presence: Walking one of the biggest dog breeds in the world guarantees attention.
Loyal to the core: These breeds are deeply attached to their families.
Top 10 Biggest Dog Breeds in the World
1. Great Dane – The Tallest of Them All
Weight: 110–175 lbs (50–79 kg)
Height: 28–34 in (71–86 cm)
Nicknamed the “Apollo of Dogs,” the Great Dane is often the tallest breed in the world. Despite their towering size, they’re friendly, gentle, and great with children.
Are Great Danes good family dogs?
Yes, they are affectionate and protective, but they need space.
2. English Mastiff – The Heaviest Dog Breed
Weight: 150–230 lbs (68–104 kg)
Height: 27–33 in (69–84 cm)
The English Mastiff is a true giant—known for being the heaviest dog breed. They are calm, protective, and make excellent guardians.
How long do English Mastiffs live?
Typically 6–10 years, due to their massive size.
3. Saint Bernard – The Alpine Rescuer
Weight: 140–180 lbs (64–82 kg)
Height: 26–30 in (66–76 cm)
Famous for their role in mountain rescues, Saint Bernards are gentle giants with kind eyes. They’re affectionate and fantastic with kids.
Do Saint Bernards drool a lot?
Yes—be prepared for plenty of slobber!
4. Newfoundland – The Water Rescue Dog
Weight: 120–180 lbs (54–82 kg)
Height: 26–28 in (66–71 cm)
Newfoundlands are known for their strength and swimming abilities. With webbed feet and water-resistant coats, they excel at water rescues.
Are Newfoundlands good with children?
Yes, they’re famously patient and protective.
5. Irish Wolfhound – The Ancient Hunter
Weight: 105–180 lbs (48–82 kg)
Height: 30–35 in (76–89 cm)
Once used to hunt wolves in Ireland, Irish Wolfhounds are among the tallest dog breeds. Despite their hunting past, they’re calm and affectionate.
Do Irish Wolfhounds need lots of exercise?
Yes, they need regular activity to stay healthy.
6. Leonberger – The Lion-Like Gentle Giant
Weight: 90–170 lbs (41–77 kg)
Height: 25–31 in (65–80 cm)
With their lion-like manes, Leonbergers are majestic yet loving family dogs. They’re great with kids and thrive in active households.
Do Leonbergers shed a lot?
Yes, their thick coats require regular grooming.
7. Anatolian Shepherd – The Protector
Weight: 90–150 lbs (41–68 kg)
Height: 27–29 in (69–74 cm)
Bred in Turkey to guard livestock, Anatolian Shepherds are independent and protective. They need experienced owners who can handle their guarding instincts.
Are Anatolian Shepherds good with strangers?
They are wary and protective—early socialization is key.
8. Tibetan Mastiff – The Ancient Guardian
Weight: 90–160 lbs (41–73 kg)
Height: 24–30 in (61–76 cm)
Known for guarding Himalayan villages, Tibetan Mastiffs are powerful and independent. Their thick double coats make them look even larger.
Are Tibetan Mastiffs easy to train?
Not really—they’re stubborn and need firm leadership.
9. Great Pyrenees – The Mountain Guardian
Weight: 85–160 lbs (39–73 kg)
Height: 25–32 in (64–81 cm)
The Great Pyrenees is a beautiful, white-coated guardian bred to protect sheep in the mountains. They’re calm, affectionate, and natural watchdogs.
Do Great Pyrenees bark a lot?
Yes, they are very vocal protectors.
10. Cane Corso – The Italian Guardian
Weight: 90–120 lbs (41–54 kg)
Height: 23–28 in (58–71 cm)
The Cane Corso, an ancient Italian mastiff, was bred to guard property and hunt large game. With their muscular build and confident presence, they’re powerful protectors but also deeply loyal family dogs. They need consistent training, early socialization, and firm leadership to thrive.
Our Experience:We share our lives with a Cane Corso named Pepper, who is now 7.5 years old. Pepper has been both a loving family member and a reliable guardian. Despite her imposing size, she is affectionate at home and incredibly gentle with the children, but she’s also alert and protective when strangers approach. Living with Pepper has taught us that while Cane Corsos can be strong-willed, with proper training and care they become the most loyal and trustworthy companions you could wish for.
Are Cane Corsos good family dogs?
Yes, with proper guidance, they’re affectionate and protective companions.
Care Tips for Giant Dog Breeds
Space matters: Big dogs need room to move comfortably.
Diet is key: Their size requires a carefully managed diet to prevent obesity.
Exercise: Most giant breeds need daily walks and playtime.
Vet care: Larger dogs often have shorter lifespans—regular checkups are essential.
Best Products for Giant Dogs
FAQs – Biggest Dog Breeds
What is the biggest dog breed in the world?
The English Mastiff is generally considered the heaviest.
Are giant dog breeds good family pets?
Yes, many are gentle giants, but they need space and training.
Do the largest dog breeds live long lives?
Sadly, giant breeds usually have shorter lifespans—6–12 years.
How much do giant dogs eat?
They can eat 6–10 cups of food daily, depending on activity.
Are giant dogs good with kids?
Yes, breeds like the Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, and Cane Corso are famously patient and protective.
Do big dogs need more exercise than small dogs?
Not always—some giant breeds are surprisingly calm indoors.
Conclusion – Living with Gentle Giants
From the towering Great Dane to our own protective Cane Corso Pepper, the biggest dog breeds in the world may look intimidating, but their hearts are often as big as their bodies.
Owning one of these giants requires space, dedication, and proper care—but in return, you’ll gain a loyal, protective, and affectionate best friend.
For us, Pepper has been the perfect example. At 7.5 years old, she continues to show her gentle, affectionate side at home while being a steadfast guardian when it matters most. Living with a Cane Corso has proven to us that with love, patience, and consistency, these giant breeds are not only majestic but also the most devoted family companions.
Thinking about welcoming a gentle giant into your home? Make sure you’re ready for the commitment, and you’ll discover a bond like no other.
Written by Alice
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