What are the largest dogs in the world? Dogs can be found in a wide variety of forms and sizes. Still, anyone who has ever had an interest in puppies knows that they can never fail to be adorable, regardless of their physical characteristics. Even when a canine is tall enough to drink from the sink in the kitchen, imagine that he is a lapdog!
Some of the largest dog breeds in the world are indeed equivalent in size to even the largest people. For example, Zeus, the Great Dane, who was virtually the height (and weight!) of a professional basketball player, was one of the world’s largest canine breeds.
Following the Guinness World Records, Zeus held the title of the tallest and the largest dog in the world from 2011 until 2013. Zeus was already 44 inches tall at the age of three, equivalent to three feet and eight inches when measured from the bottom of his foot to the tallest point above his shoulder blade (also known as the dog’s withers).
Zeus stood around the same height as some of the tallest players in the NBA when standing on his hind legs; he measured 7 feet, 4 inches and weighed 155 pounds.
Zeus, a much-loved therapy dog in Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed away recently because his enormous size did not give him an exceptionally high likelihood of living for a remarkably long time. Zeus went unexpectedly just a few weeks before he would have turned six years old, and to this day, he is still considered the largest dog that has ever lived.
Now, a Great Dane named Atlas holds the record for the oldest living dog. This German Harlequin Great Dane is six years old, measures 4 feet and 4 inches in height, and weighs 225 pounds. He was found in Navarre, Florida.
Do you have a soft spot for huge dogs? The following is a list of the top 15 largest dogs in the world.
Largest Dogs in The World, The Great Dane is Number One
1. Great Dane
The Great Dane has long held the title of the breed of dog that is the largest. Not only are they frequently the species with the highest average height, but Great Danes have won the title of largest dog according to the Guinness World Records in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, and now 2021.
Great Danes have a life expectancy ranging from seven to ten years, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC), and males can grow to be up to 32 inches tall and 175 pounds in weight. On average, though, Great Danes live for seven years. When compared, Great female Danes can reach a maximum height of 30 inches and a weight of 140 pounds.
2. Scottish Deerhound
The Scottish Deerhound’s height typically exceeds its weight by a significant margin. This, you guessed it, Scottish breed has the potential to reach a height of approximately 30 to 32 inches in males and up to 28 inches in females. According to the AKC, adult males can weigh anywhere from 85 to 110 pounds, while adult females can weigh anywhere from 75 to 95 pounds.
3. Irish Wolfhound
In contrast to the Great Dane, the Irish Wolfhound, typically a contender for second place in the Guinness Book of World Records, comes in second place here. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), males of this friendly and outgoing dog breed mature to an average height of 32 inches, while females mature to an average height of 30 inches.
4. English Mastiff
Because of their generally pleasant dispositions, English Mastiffs are frequently referred to as “gentle giants,” which refers to their personalities. But they’re also quite large! Adult males generally have a height of at least 30 inches and a weight ranging from 160 to 230 pounds. According to the AKC, females typically have a height greater than or equal to 27.5 inches and weigh ranging from 120 to 170 pounds.
5. Neapolitan Mastiff
The next largest member of the Mastiff family is the Neapolitan Mastiff, a breed originally developed in ancient Rome. Male Neapolitan Mastiffs can grow from 26 to 31 inches tall, while females can reach anywhere from 24 to 29 inches. These dogs are stocky, have short coats, and are well-known for their tendency to drool. Males often weigh close to 150 pounds, while females tend to be closer to 110.
6. Leonberger
The Leonberger is a relatively new large dog breed known for its friendly demeanor and ability to get along well with other canine companions. The American Kennel Club initially acknowledged it in the year 2010. The males of this breed can reach heights of up to 31.5 inches and weigh up to 170 pounds, while the females can reach heights of up to 25.5 inches and weights of up to 29.5 inches. The ladies can also range in weight from 90 to 140 pounds.
7. Newfoundland
As working dogs, Newfoundlands have always been famous for their enormous size and the copious amounts of saliva they produce regularly. The average height of males is 28 inches, and their typical weight is between 130 and 150 pounds. The average height of females is 26 inches, and their average weight is between 100 and 120 pounds.
8. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a working dog known for its impressive appearance, thick coat, and reputation for protecting flocks of sheep and even families. The average size of a dog of this breed is greater than one hundred pounds, with a height ranging from 27 to 32 inches for males and anywhere from 25 to 29 inches for females in terms of height.
9. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernard is one of the most distinguished large-breed dog breeds. Naturally, we owe our success to the Beethoven film franchise. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), male Saint Bernards typically measure between 28 and 30 inches in height and weigh between 140 and 180 pounds. In comparison, female Saint Bernards usually measure between 26 and 28 inches in height and weigh between 120 and 140 pounds.
10. Anatolian Shepherd
The Anatolian Shepherd is a breed of dog with a background in exceptionally muscular flock guardian. Adult males of these huge puppies can grow to a maximum height of 29 inches, while adult females can grow to a maximum height of 27 inches. The average weight of a male might range anywhere from 110 to 150 pounds, while the average weight of a female can range anywhere from 80 to 120 pounds.
11. Black Russian Terrier
Even though we typically consider terriers to be a smaller breed (and even occasionally a toy breed), the Black Russian Terrier unquestionably deserves its place among the world’s largest species. Male Black Russian Terriers are 27 to 30 inches tall, while females are 26 to 29 inches. Their weight ranges from 60 to 60 kilograms (130 to 130 pounds).
12. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is a huge breed of dog known for its affectionate nature despite its many quirks, including that it drools, sheds, and requires frequent grooming. Males reach a minimum height of 26 inches and a maximum weight of 90 to 150 pounds, while females reach a minimum height of 24 inches and a maximum weight of 70 to 120 pounds.
13. Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is a fearsome guardian frequently employed as a guard dog because it is always vigilant and has enough muscle to frighten away any potential invader. Females typically range in height from 23.5 to 26 inches, whereas males typically range in height from 25 to 27.5 inches. The average height range for males is between 25 and 27.5 inches.
14. Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux is not only one of the largest dog breeds but also notorious for its propensity for excessive drooling and excessive shedding of its hair. Males can reach 23 to 27 inches and 110 pounds, while females can reach 23 to 26 inches and 99 pounds.
15. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is another kind and the gentle giant that gets along well with human children and canine companions. These canines make wonderful additions to families. Females of this species can reach a height of 23 to 26 inches, while males of this breed have the potential to reach a height of roughly 25 to 27.5 inches. Males can weigh 115 pounds and females 95.
Those are the top 15 largest dogs in the world you should know!