Top 23 largest dog breeds

Key points

•  Mastiffs are the largest dog breed, with males weighing up to 230 pounds.
•  Large dog breeds are frequently known for being protective.
•  Some large breeds require more upkeep than others, making it important to research before making a decision.

Large dog breeds were originally bred to help with herding, hunting, guarding and rescuing. 

Big dogs can come with health risks, like hip dysplasia, heart problems and cruciate ligament tears. An accident and illness pet insurance plan can help pay for things like surgeries and hospital visits for your large pup if it gets injured or sick.  

The 23 largest dog breeds in the world 

The American Kennel Club keeps track of the largest dog breeds in the world, publishing its list annually. These are the largest dog breeds by male weight. 

^{Source: American Kennel Club}

1. Mastiff

Mastiffs rank 37th out of 200 in terms of popularity among American Kennel Club breeds, thanks in part to their affectionate nature and ability to get along well with other dogs and children. Males can weigh up to 230 pounds, while females can reach up to 170 pounds. They have a shorter lifespan than some of the other breeds, averaging between six and 10 years.

2. Boerboel 

Originally bred as protectors of farmland and homesteads in South Africa, Boerboels are still protective guard dogs that love their families. Both male and female Boerboels can reach 200 pounds. Because Boerboels tend to be protective, socializing them as puppies is important. These dogs have a lifespan of nine to 11 years.

3. Tosa inu

Also known as a Tosa or Tosa Ken, these large dogs can reach 200 pounds. Loving with families but aloof with strangers, Tosas can be great watch dogs. Tosas rarely become aggressive with people but may react aggressively towards other dogs, which means socializing them young with other pups may be important if you plan on bringing your Tosa around other canines. Tosas can live a long life in big-breed terms, with their lifespan usually being around 10 to 12 years.

4. Saint Bernard

Immortalized in the classic movie “Beethoven,” Saint Bernards are one of the more popular large dog breeds. Originating in the Swiss Alps, today the breed is known for its intelligence, docile nature and affinity for adults and children alike. Males can weigh up to 180 pounds, while females typically reach between 120 and 140 pounds. These large dogs have a lifespan of eight to 10 years. 

5. Great Dane

Great Danes can reach up to 32 inches at shoulder height and stand over seven feet tall when on their hind legs, making them one of the tallest breeds. Initially developed to hunt wild boars and serve as guardians, this breed loves providing companionship and keeping everyone safe. They can weigh up to 175 pounds, but that doesn’t stop them from trying to lay in their owners’ laps. Good with children and other dogs, Great Danes are an all-around great option.

6. Leonberger

Recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 2010, the German Leonberger receives high marks as a family pet and gets along exceptionally well with children. Males can weigh up to 170 pounds, topping out at around 31 inches tall. Outfitted with a waterproof coat, long legs and a mane like a lion’s, these dogs enjoy being active and athletic outdoors.

7. Neapolitan mastiff

Demonstrating the hallmark skin folds of other mastiffs, the Neapolitan mastiff originated in ancient Rome and remains a popular large dog. Smaller than the standard mastiff, males can weigh up to 150 pounds and females up to 110 pounds. While they are profusely protective of their loved ones — be they adults or children — they can be wary of strangers.

8. Newfoundland

Affectionately known as Newfies, this docile and happy breed loves nothing more than finding a body of water where they can use their webbed feet. They rank 42nd out of 200 in terms of popularity due to their love of family, patience with young children and acceptance of other dogs. Males reach an average of 28 inches in height and 150 pounds, while females average 26 inches and up to 120 pounds.

9. Anatolian shepherd

Initially bred to help herd livestock, Anatolian shepherds stand an average of 29 inches for males and 27 inches for females and weigh between 110 to 150 pounds and 80 to 120 pounds, respectively. These protectors enjoy having jobs to perform; as such, they tend to be less open to strangers and more independent than other breeds.

10. Tibetan mastiff

Known as the “guardian of the Himalayas,” Tibetan mastiffs have guarded monasteries for millennia. Independent in thought and action, Tibetan mastiffs will sometimes overrule their owner’s instruction or training if they decide on a different course. Tibetan mastiff males can weigh up to 150 pounds and — from their shoulders — stand 26 inches high. They can come across as aloof and intimidating, but they can also enjoy their families and may get along well with kids and dogs with training and supervision. Their medium-length double coat requires regular grooming and can easily become matted if left unattended.

11. Dogue de Bordeaux

Translated as the “Mastiff of Bordeaux,” these French dogs feature short coats, expressive eyes and protective tendencies. They reach up to 27 inches in height and an average of 110 pounds and up in weight. Known for their stubborn natures, early training of this breed is essential. While a great family pet, Dogue de Bordeaux dogs have a shorter life span than others — around five to eight years. 

12. Greater Swiss mountain dog

Greater Swiss mountain dogs, also known as “Swissies” can stand 28.5 inches tall from their shoulders and males can weigh up to 140 pounds. Swissies were originally bred as working dogs in the Swiss mountains. They’re great with children and families and relatively agreeable with other dogs if socialized young. 

13. Rottweiler 

Rottweilers are known in films for their intimidating nature, but they are very affectionate with their own families. Male Rottweilers can weigh up to 135 pounds and females up to 100 pounds. This breed is full of muscle, but can be a gentle giant if trained properly. A Rottie’s average lifespan is nine to 10 years.

14. Bullmastiff

Known for their muscular and stocky appearance, bullmastiffs can weigh up to 130 pounds and stand up to 27 inches at their shoulders. They enjoy hard work as much as family time and are prized for their intelligence and guarding capabilities. Given their shorter coats, bullmastiffs require less grooming than some of the other breeds on this list.

15. Great Pyrenees

Known for their white double coats, Great Pyrenees are gentle giants who routinely weigh more than 100 pounds and stand as high as 32 inches. This breed displays affection freely, but will also spring into action if they need to protect or guard those they love. Great Pyrenees sit at the crossroads of independent and subordinate, making them generally willing to take directions.

16. Akita

Akitas were originally bred in Japan, where they’re known as family protectors and symbols of good health and happiness. Although not as tall as other large dogs, Akitas are muscular, but you may not be able to see it at first under their dense, thick coats. Akita’s typically have red and white or black and white coats. Male Akitas can weigh up to 130 pounds, while females can get up to 100 pounds. 

17. Black Russian terrier

While you may not think of a terrier when considering the largest canines, these Soviet-bred dogs weigh between 80 and 130 pounds and are up to 30 inches tall. Black Russian terriers make great family pets due to their guarding nature and aloofness with strangers. Bred as protectors, they are also prized for their intelligence and courage.

18. Irish wolfhound

Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1897, the Irish Wolfhound is the tallest of the breeds, with males sometimes exceeding 32 inches and weighing an average of 120 pounds. They live an average of six to eight years and are praised for their affectionate, agreeable nature.

19. Otterhound

Like the name implies, Otterhounds were originally bred to hunt otters in England, which is now an illegal practice. Otterhounds are affectionate and energetic dogs that love the water — they have webbed toes which helps make them expert swimmers. Male Otterhounds can weigh up to 115 pounds, while females don’t get quite as big, typically weighing no more than 80 pounds. These big dogs can live a long life, with their lifespan typically being around 10 to 13 years. 

20. Kuvaszok

Kuvaszok were originally bred in Hungary as guardian dogs for livestock. Males can weigh up to 115 pounds and females 90 pounds. Kuvaszok are loyal dogs but can be challenging, so early training is important. These dogs typically live up to 10 to 12 years old.

21. Bernese mountain dog

A popular option for families, Bernese mountain dogs are known for their friendly demeanors, playfulness and protective natures. Females range between 23 and 26 inches high and between 70 and 95 pounds. Meanwhile, the males fall between 25 to 27.5 inches tall and 80 to 115 pounds. With a double coat and medium-length hair, they require more grooming than some of the other largest dogs.

22. Scottish deerhound

One of the more social large breeds, Scottish deerhounds can grow sad being left alone and prefer the company of those they love. They enjoy running, making a secure fenced yard or a sturdy leash necessary. Scottish Deerhounds are amongst some of the tallest dog breeds, with males measuring up to 32 inches from their shoulders to the ground. Although they share DNA with greyhounds, Scottish deerhounds have much larger frames and males can easily weigh up to 110 pounds. 

23. Cane Corso

Tracing their history back to Roman times, cane corsos are prized for their protective nature, intelligence and affection. They make ideal family pets and interact well with children and other dogs, displaying an eagerness to accept training and high energy levels. A Cane Corso’s life expectancy is between nine and 12 years. 

Things to consider with large dog breeds 

Here are some things to consider when getting a large dog.

• How much space you have. Large dogs need more space than smaller dogs, so you’ll want to consider if you have a big enough yard or home for a large breed. 
• How expensive the breed will be to take care of. The average cost of owning a dog is $4,512 per year, according to our analysis. Vet care for large breeds will be different, as they’ll have different needs than smaller dogs. If your large dog gets sick or injured, a pet insurance accident and illness plan can help reimburse you for some of the medical costs. 
• How much training it will need. Most large dogs were originally bred to be working breeds. This means they may be high energy or need a “job” to do. Consider how much training will cost for your large dog before getting one. 

At what weight is a dog considered a big dog breed?

Dogs that weigh at least 50 pounds and have a shoulder height of at least 24 inches are considered a large breed, although some may raise the number to 70 pounds. When considering these figures, it’s important to remember that a dog who weighs 50 pounds but is overweight is not a large breed dog. 

Who is the world’s biggest dog? 

Zeus the Great Dane currently holds the title for the world’s tallest living dog, coming in at 41 inches tall at his shoulders and standing 88 inches on his back legs. To maintain his stature, Zeus eats 12 cups of dog food each day.

Largest dog breeds FAQS

What are all the giant dog breeds?

To be considered a giant dog breed, the average weight must exceed around 90 pounds. Breeds you can expect to find in this classification include the Saint Bernard, Great Dane, Irish Wolfhound, Newfoundland and Mastiff, among others.

When does a dog stop growing?

According to the American Kennel Club, several factors affect when a dog stops growing, including its breed. Small breed dogs are 75% fully grown by six months and 100% grown by 12 months, whereas large breed dogs take longer. Large and giant breed dogs do not reach full maturity until at least 18 months old, although for some this can extend to 24 months.

What is the #1 biggest dog?

The standard mastiff is the number one biggest dog, with males weighing up to 230 pounds and females up to 170 pounds. Though large in stature, mastiffs are considered gentle giants who love their families and protect them unquestionably.

What is the chunkiest dog in the world?

In 1987, Zorba the Old English mastiff clinched the title of heaviest dog in the world, weighing in at 343 pounds and measuring over eight feet long. Zorba enjoyed a long life, passing away in 1992 at the age of 11.