Today, I’ve prepared for you the list of the biggest dog breeds out there, along with some crucial info if you want to consider becoming a pet parent to them.
Without further ado, meet the 12 biggest dog breeds above – who knows, maybe one of them is your next pet!
Biggest Dog Breeds
English Mastiff
Main Information
- Height: Up to 30 inches
- Weight: 150-250 pounds
- Color: Apricot, brindle, fawn
- Lifespan: 6-12 years
The English Mastiff is probably one of the first associations you get when you hear “the biggest dog breeds.”
The name alone sounds a bit scary, doesn’t it?
But this giant dog breed is actually a good family dog that loves spending time with children.
Also, its fearsome nature makes him great when it comes to guardianship. To develop this side, it’s vital to socialize this dog with many new people and places!
Newfoundland
Main Information
- Height: Up to 29 inches
- Weight: 120-170 pounds
- Color: Black, grey, brown, black-and-white
- Lifespan: 8-10 years
The Newfoundland is a big dog breed with an equally giant heart that has a strong desire to please the family.
They’re known for their intelligence and may be one of the best dog breeds for training, though are not used to being alone.
So, if you want to own this breed, make sure they get enough exercise and that there are always people around them.
Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff)
Main Information
- Height: Up to 27 inches
- Weight: 100-110 pounds
- Color: Fawn, mahogany
- Lifespan: 6-8 years
The Dogue de Bordeaux (also known as French Mastiff, literally translated as “Mastiff of Bordeaux”) is an ancient breed that was bred as early as in 14th century France.
However, it has become popular around the world as a pet much later and was officially recognized by AKC (American Kennel Club) in 2008.
Except for being strong and imposing in size, these dogs are well-known for the need to be surrounded by a big family.
Great Dane
Main Information
- Height: Up to 32 inches tall
- Weight: 120-200 pounds
- Color: Black, fawn, brindle, black-and-white
- Lifespan: 7-10 years
There’s a good reason why the Great Dane is also known as the “Gentle Giant.”
The Great Dane was originally bred for hunting purposes, though their loyalty prevailed.
So, if you are in search of a family doggo who is gentle (and tall and giant, but in the best way possible) and loves children, consider owning a Great Dane.
Great Danes need your love and affection, but know to give it back to you equally well!
Saint Bernard
Main Information
- Height: Up to 31 inches
- Weight: 140-180 pounds
- Color: Black and white, red, mahogany
- Lifespan: 8-10 years
A Saint Bernard dog can get over 30 inches at the shoulder. Pretty massive, huh?
These large dogs came straight from the Swiss Alps and were used for search and rescue operations. Therefore, Bernard is pretty agile. Combined with their intelligence, they’re excellent dogs for training.
Oh, and their short muzzle will surely win you over!
Anatolian Shepherd
Main Information
- Height: 29 inches
- Weight: 100-150 pounds
- Color: Fawn, brindle, white
- Lifespan: 13-15 years
The Anatolian Shepherd can weigh up to 150 pounds and stands up to 29 inches at the shoulder. But is this giant dog breed as dangerous as its size suggests?
Well, yes and no.
A tall Anatolian Shepherd is a great guard dog, but its profound loyalty also means that these dogs are especially protective of people they love.
Around children and family, the Anatolian Shepherd will be quite calm.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Main Information
- Height: 27 inches tall
- Weight: 80-115 pounds
- Color: Black-and-white, mahogany
- Lifespan: 6-8 years
The Bernese Mountain is a breed known around the world for its distinctive tricolored coat.
They’re big, tall, and strikingly beautiful, and some of them weigh less than other giant dog breeds on this list.
Their large size is not the only reason behind them being good guard dogs – they also possess an excellent instinct, both in search and security-type situations.
Neapolitan Mastiff
Main Information
- Height: Up to 31 inches
- Weight: 110-150 pounds
- Color: Black, mahogany, gray
- Lifespan: 8-10 years
Italy has its representative amongst the best known big dog breeds in the world – the Neapolitan Mastiff.
They look like doggie do-gooders in spite of being one of the biggest dog breeds. Their loose, wrinkled face mitigates their imposing size (they can weigh up to 150 pounds and be up to 31 inches tall).
This dog is easily trainable, though it needs some time to get used to any novel surroundings.
Irish Wolfhound
Main Information
- Height: Up to 35 inches tall
- Weight: 115-140 pounds
- Color: White, gray, brindle, fawn, black
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
The Irish Wolfhound is arguably the tallest dog breed, even though they do not weigh as much as some other large dog breeds on the list.
It was bred as a hunting dog and is oftentimes used for that purpose, but make no mistake: the Irish Wolfhound is not a good guard dog!
They’re friendly around strangers, and it’s highly unlikely they’ll be aggressive if needed.
Scottish Deerhound
Main Information
- Height: Up to 32 inches tall
- Weight: 80-110 pounds
- Color: Fawn, brindle, grey, mahogany
- Lifespan: 8-11 years
The “Royal Dog of Scotland” pretty much requires royal treatment, too.
If you are ready to treat them like that, you’ll get one of the most determined dog breeds in the world.
This tall and big dog is energetic, and it’s a real challenge to cope with their training needs. They require an experienced dog owner who is physically active.
If you can give them that, you’ll make a deep connection with a loyal and giant doggo, always ready to play. Besides, you’ll improve your shape, too!
Great Pyrenees
Main Information
- Height: Up to 32 inches tall
- Weight: 100-160 pounds
- Color: White, tan, reddish-brown
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
With 32 inches at the shoulder and considerable weight, the size of this dog breed already signals its power.
This breed is amongst the most muscular ones in the world. Paired with their Zen-like calmness, they’re an excellent breed both for action and home.
Although this breed does have a double coat, they don’t require a lot of grooming – a weekly brushing and an occasional bath will do.
Leonberger
Main Information
- Height: Up to 31 inches tall
- Weight: 120-180 pounds
- Color: Reddish, mahogany, red
- Lifespan: 8-9 years
The German Leonberger is a breed that originated as a result of mixing some of the biggest breeds in the world that are all on our list, such as the abovementioned Pyree.
Nimble and strong, a Leonberger is always eager to play and run. Prepare for exercise on a daily basis.
That said, it’s not as physically demanding to train them as some other breeds because they’re extremely smart.
Final Thoughts: Which Large Breed Is Perfect For You?
What do you prefer: An action-filled day with Great Danes, or enjoying a peaceful afternoon in the mountains with the Great Pyrenees?
Oh, and did any of the biggest dog breeds on this list surprise you?
All of them are special and unique in their own way and will make a great (both literally and figuratively) companion.
I hope this guide was fun and informative. Do share it with someone who may also love seeing these big doggos!