The World's Largest Dog Breeds: 16 Giant Dogs (2023)

Giant dogs are among the most hard-working and well-known breeds. But because many of them retain the strong working and driving instincts they were bred for, they can be very difficult to handle. Here are some things to keep in mind if you're considering adding one to your family.

maturation

Giant dogs have long been giant puppies, and they still are.matures slowlyboth mentally and physically. When giant dogs are young, their joints can be easily injured, so it is important to be very careful with their exercise.

plaza

The bigger the dog, the bigger everything has to be, tootoys, bowls and beds. While some giant dogs live happily in small spaces, you should have ample space for the things they need. It is also important to remember that not everyone and not everywhere will be friends with giant dogs. Many vacation rentals and hotels have weight limits for dogs that far exceed giant breeds. It can also be much more difficult to find a specialized and qualified babysitter or dog walker.

Cost

Giant dogs can beexpensive to care for.When the dog is bigger, the beak usually is too. Before adding a giant dog breed to your family, consider how flexible your budget is and whether you'll be able to afford the giant dog.I think for large breed dogsToys and other supplies are often more expensive than those for smaller dogs. Giant dog medications are also getting more expensive. Unfortunately, not all vet clinics, especially in urban areas, are equipped to handle giant breeds safely, and you may need to shop around or go to a vet who can take a giant dog for x-rays, surgery, etc.

education

All dogs, regardless of size, need exercise, but it's especially importantessential for giant breeds. Bad behaviors that people might find "cute" when they happen to small dogs, like jumping, surfing, and pulling, aren't nearly as appealing when your dog is a giant. These are dogs that outnumber many humans when fully grown, so it's important to start training giant dogs from a young age. Training should always be fun and positive. If you are thinking of adding one of these giants to your life, check this outSTAR. puppy programto start training on the right foot.

If you're okay with all of these potential challenges and still think bigger is better when it comes to dogs, then one of these breeds might be the right choice for your family.

larger dog breeds

anatolian shepherd

Imposing and protective, theanatolian shepherdIt is a territorial, intelligent and loyal working dog. Weighing in at 150 pounds, this breed was developed to protect livestock. These are dogs that tend to intimidate rather than attack predators, making them popular as ranch guard dogs protecting farms today.

Serra de Aires-Hund

With a striking tricolor coat thatSerra de Aires-HundIt is one of the most popular giant breeds. They thrive in cold climates and were developed as versatile farm working dogs in their native Switzerland and excel at pulling and hauling. Known for their affable temperament, Bernese Mountain Dogs are popular giant companions and family dogs.

black russian terrier

These giant terriers are as imposing as they are intelligent. theblack russian terrierit was developed by the Soviet government in the 1930s to create a powerful watchdog. Dogs retain these protective traits, being fiercely loyal to their families and tending to be aloof around strangers. These large dogs must be powerful and have a reliable temperament.

bullmastiff

The best watchdog thatbullmastiffIt is known as the "ranger's night dog". The breed was developed in the 19th century to protect English game reserves and country estates. The Havanese is very docile and responds well to training, but early socialization and training of the puppy is extremely important.

fat burgundy

Another powerful watchdog, thefat burgundyKnown for its expressive face and eyes, it has the relatively largest head of any breed. These dogs are sensitive and loyal, but they are also known to be stubborn, making early training extremely important.

Rohrkorso

Watchful and intimidating dog thatRohrkorsoIt is a loyal and strong breed. The ancestors of the Cane Corso are believed to date back to the watchdogs of the ancient Greeks, but at one point the breed nearly became extinct. The first Cane Corso was imported into the United States in 1988. Due to their guarded and protective tendencies, early socialization and training is essential.

german mastiff

One of the most famous giant breeds,great daneThey were developed as guards and for hunting wild boar. This is a laid-back giant breed that makes popular companion dogs. Great Danes are very friendly and outgoing, but they are also very loyal and attentive guardians of their home and family.

great pyrenees

This majestic breed is impressive in size and is easily recognized by its (usually) large white coat. The breed was developed to work with herders and protect livestock. Known for her patience and independence,great pyreneesfight fearlessly against predators.

irish hound

tall and majestic,airish houndIt is the largest breed of dog recognized by the AKC and was originally bred as a big game hunter. While its ancestors date back to ancient times, the Irish Wolfhound gained popularity in the 15th century as a way to control the wolf population in Ireland. Today, Irish Wolfhounds are considered worthy and attractive companions.

leonberger

Wearing a lion's mane, aleonbergerIt is a solid watchdog and versatile working dog. Unlike many other giant breeds, the Leonberger was initially developed as a companion dog for European royalty. Only later did they become known as versatile farm dogs. Today, Leonbergers make loyal pets and excel at cart-pulling jobs.

fett

With a broad, wrinkled forehead, thefettIt is a dignified, brave and docile breed. Known for their devotion and loyalty to their families, Mastiffs are naturally wary of strangers, making early socialization important. After World War II, only about 14 Mastiffs survived in all of England. The population of the breed was later determined in collaboration with breeders in the United States. Mastiffs are emotional and sensitive and thrive on positive reinforcement training from a young age.

Neapolitan grease

Back to ancient Romeneapolitan dogsThey are huge and powerful dogs. These dogs are visually striking with their loose folds and folds of skin all over their bodies, easy to spot, and very protective of their families. Like other highly protective breeds, Neapolitan Mastiffs thrive on consistent positive reinforcement training.

New Earth

This powerful working dog is a natural in the water. The breed has webbed feet and a waterproof outer coat and was originally developed to work with Canadian fishermen hauling fishing nets out of cold water and performing heroic aquatic rescues. These gigantic water dogs are still used in water rescues around the world. In addition to its enormous size, theNew EarthIt is known for its smoothness and ease of training.

Saint Bernard

One of the most famous giant breeds, theSaint BernardIt comes from the Swiss Alps. The massive and powerful run was originally developed to locate and rescue people lost in the snow and buried by avalanches. The friendly and charismatic expression of the Saint Bernard earned him popularity on film and television and he was beloved by dog ​​lovers.

Scottish Deerhound

Known as the Royal Hound of Scotland, this giant dog is one of the largest dog breeds in the world. Bred for hunting, theScottish DeerhoundHe is very brave and was born to run. It is a sensitive breed that bonds closely with its family and may have a difficult time being left alone. With a strong prey drive, the Scottish Greyhound should only be walked in a fenced area or on a leash.

mastim tibetano

An intimidating ancient racetibetan mastiffsThey consider themselves willful and independent. Extremely protective, these dogs are considered guardians of the Himalayas, as they were used to protect monasteries in Tibet. Not a breed for beginners, these noble dogs are known to make their own decisions about a situation and respond accordingly, regardless of training.