Biggest Dog Breeds List with Pictures
A little biased but I prefer big dog breeds over small ones, any day of the week. I’ve never actually owned a giant breed myself. My connection to them comes secondhand, through a friend who had one. A Great Dane who walked into the room like he owned the place. He was huge, looked absolutely beastly but still so gentle.
Big dogs don’t seem to carry the nervous energy a lot of small ones do. They have presence. When one is next to you, you feel it in a good way.
But of course, they also come with big responsibilities. More food, more space, and bigger vet bills. So here, we’ll look at the biggest dog breeds out there, what makes each one special, and what you should know before bringing home a dog that might outweigh some of your friends.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Biggest Dog Breeds List Chart
The chart below ranks the 10 biggest dog breeds, so you can compare them side by side at a glance. For each breed, you’ll find its typical height and weight, along with a few key traits like temperament and general lifespan.
| Breed | Approx. Height | Approx. Weight | Personality |
| English Mastiff | 27.5–30+ inches | 120–230+ lbs | Calm, loyal, protective |
| Great Dane | 28–34 inches | 110–175 lbs | Friendly, playful, affectionate |
| Saint Bernard | 26–30 inches | 120–180 lbs | Gentle, patient, loving |
| Irish Wolfhound | 30–32+ inches | 105–180 lbs | Calm, dignified, gentle |
| Leonberger | 25.5–31.5 inches | 90–170 lbs | Affectionate, balanced, social |
| Tibetan Mastiff | 24–26+ inches | 70–150+ lbs | Independent, protective |
| Newfoundland | 26–28 inches | 100–150+ lbs | Sweet, gentle, devoted |
English Mastiff: The Gentle Giant
If you’ve never stood next to an English Mastiff, it’s hard to explain how big they really are. These dogs are enormous, with a huge head, a wide chest, and a body that takes up most of the couch. But the thing people always mention first isn’t the size, it’s how calm they are. They were bred long ago as guard dogs, and that protective streak is still there, but at home they’re mostly big softies.
Height: 27 to 30 inches
Weight: 120 to 230 pounds.
What they’re like:
They’re gentle, loyal, and very attached to their families. They don’t need much exercise, just a few relaxed walks a day. They can be a little stubborn when it comes to training, so start early and be patient. They’re usually great with kids, but because of their size, a bit of supervision helps.
Great Dane: The Apollo of Dogs
Great Danes are the tallest dog breed in the world, and when one stands on its hind legs it can look you straight in the eye, or even look down at you. They’re long-legged and elegant, with a deep chest and a proud way of carrying themselves, which is probably how they got the nickname “Apollo of dogs.” Despite the size, most Danes are friendly, goofy, and completely convinced they’re lap dogs.
Height: 28 to 32 inches
Weight: 110 to 175 pounds.
What they’re like:
They’re gentle, affectionate, and usually great with kids and other pets. They want to be wherever you are, so they don’t do well being left alone for long stretches. Training is easier when you start young, since an untrained 150-pound dog is hard to manage. Like many giant breeds, they have a shorter lifespan, usually around 7 to 10 years.
Leonberger: The Lion-Maned Family Dog
The Leonberger looks like someone crossed a lion with a golden retriever, and honestly that’s not far off from how people describe it. The breed comes from Germany and was meant to be a majestic companion, and it still fits that role well. Leonbergers are warm, patient, and very people-oriented, and many of them love water, so don’t be surprised if yours heads straight for the nearest lake.
Height: Around 26 to 32 inches
Weight: Roughly 90 to 170 pounds.
What they’re like:
They’re friendly, calm, and usually wonderful with kids. They need moderate daily exercise and a lot of company, because they don’t like being left out of family life. That beautiful coat sheds a lot and needs regular brushing. Their lifespan is usually around 8 to 9 years.
Irish Wolfhound: The Gentle Hunter
The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest of the sighthound family, and it has a long history behind it. These dogs were originally bred in Ireland to hunt wolves, which tells you a lot about their size and strength. With their rough, wiry coat and calm expression, they look a bit scruffy and noble at the same time, and they tend to be quiet, easygoing dogs who get along with just about everyone.
Height: Around 30 to 35 inches.
Weight: Roughly 105 to 150 pounds.
What they’re like:
They’re sweet, patient, and good with children, though they aren’t great guard dogs because they’re simply too friendly. They enjoy a good run, but they need space to stretch their legs, and a small apartment isn’t ideal for them. They still have a strong chase instinct, so a fenced yard helps.
Saint Bernard: The Mountain Rescuer
Saint Bernards are probably the most famous rescue dogs ever, thanks to their history in the Swiss Alps, where they helped find travelers lost in the snow.
They have a big, heavy build, a wide face with droopy cheeks, and a sweet, soulful look that’s hard to resist. Just be ready for a little drool, because with a Saint Bernard it comes with the territory.
Height: Around 26 to 30 inches
Weight: Roughly 120 to 180 pounds.
What they’re like:
They’re calm, patient, and great with kids and families. They don’t need much exercise, just regular walks, and they don’t handle hot weather well because of their thick coat. They do shed and drool quite a bit, so keep a towel handy. They can be stubborn at times, so early training is a good idea. Their lifespan is usually around 8 to 10 years
Newfoundland: The Water Rescue Hero
Newfoundlands come from the island of Newfoundland in Canada, where fishermen used them to haul nets and even pull people out of the sea. They have webbed feet, a thick waterproof coat, and a natural urge to jump in and save anyone who looks like they might be struggling, even if they’re just splashing around.
Height: Around 26 to 28 inches
Weight: Roughly 100 to 150 pounds.
What they’re like:
They’re often described as the perfect “nanny dog.” They need regular walks and love swimming, but they overheat easily, so hot weather is hard on them. The thick coat needs frequent brushing, and yes, there’s plenty of drool. Their lifespan is usually around 9 to 10 years.
Tibetan Mastiff: The Mountain Guardian
The Tibetan Mastiff is a different kind of giant. This is an ancient breed that guarded monasteries and livestock in the Himalayas, and that guardian instinct is still very much alive.
They’re loyal and loving with their own family, but reserved around strangers, and they take their watchdog job seriously. This is not a dog for first-time owners, but for the right person, it’s an incredible companion.
Height: Around 24 to 30 inches
Weight: Roughly 70 to 150 pounds.
What they’re like:
They’re independent, protective, and a bit stubborn, so they need an experienced owner and early socialization. They tend to be more active at night and can bark a lot, which is worth knowing if you have close neighbors. They shed heavily once a year, and when it happens, you’ll know.
They also do better in cooler climates. Their lifespan is longer than most giants on this list, usually around 10 to 14 years.
Rare Giant Dog Breeds
Not every giant breed is a household name. Beyond the Great Danes and Saint Bernards that everyone recognizes, there’s a whole group of huge dogs that most people have never met in person, and some you could go years without ever seeing at a park.
They’re just as impressive as the famous ones, and often a lot more unusual. Here are a few that deserve a spot on your radar.
| Dog Breed | Origin Country | Average Size | Notable Trait |
| Caucasian Shepherd | Russia/Georgia | 27-30 in, 110-220 lbs | Fierce guardian of livestock |
| Boerboel | South Africa | 24-28 in, 110-200 lbs | Bred as a farm protector |
| Anatolian Shepherd | Turkey | 27-32 in, 90-150 lbs | Independent, protective |
| Pyrenean Mastiff | Spain | 25-31 in, 120-180 lbs | Gentle yet watchful |
| Kuvasz | Hungary | 26-30 in, 100-130 lbs | Loyal protector, fluffy coat |
| Great Pyrenees | France/Spain | 27-32 in, 100-160 lbs | Calm, family-friendly guardian |
Health Concerns in the Biggest Dog Breeds
Big dogs are wonderful, but it’s only fair to be honest about the downsides. A giant breed’s body works hard just to carry its own weight, and that comes with some health risks that smaller dogs rarely face.
| Health Issue | Common in Which Breeds? | Symptoms to Watch For | Preventive Measures |
| Hip Dysplasia | Mastiff, Saint Bernard, Leonberger | Limping, stiffness | Controlled exercise, joint supplements |
| Bloat (GDV) | Great Dane, Irish Wolfhound | Distended stomach, restlessness | Smaller, frequent meals, avoid heavy exercise after eating |
| Heart Problems | Great Dane, Irish Wolfhound | Fatigue, coughing | Regular vet check-ups, early detection |
| Arthritis | All large breeds | Difficulty standing, slow movement | Weight management, joint care |
| Short Lifespan | Irish Wolfhound, Great Dane | Rapid aging | Balanced diet, vet care, low-impact exercise |
| Skin Issues | Newfoundland, Saint Bernard | Hot spots, infections | Grooming, keeping coat dry |
Large Dog Breeds With Long Hair
There’s something about a big dog with a flowing coat that’s hard to resist. Long-haired giants look like they walked out of a storybook, and they’re usually as soft and warm as they look. The trade-off is grooming, regular brushing, and a fair amount of shedding.
- Newfoundland: Thick, waterproof coat that needs frequent brushing.
- Leonberger: That lion-like mane looks great but takes real upkeep.
- Tibetan Mastiff: A huge double coat that sheds heavily once a year.
- Bernese Mountain Dog: Silky tri-colored coat and a very sweet nature.
- Great Pyrenees: A thick white coat that handles cold weather well.
- Old English Sheepdog: Shaggy and lovable, but it needs a lot of grooming
Large Dog Breeds Short Hair
If you love big dogs but don’t want to spend your weekends brushing, short-coated breeds are the easier choice.
A quick weekly brush is usually enough, and they’re simpler to keep clean. Just don’t assume short hair means no shedding, because many of these dogs still leave tiny hairs everywhere.
- Great Dane: Sleek, smooth coat and very little grooming.
- English Mastiff: Short coat, but plenty of drool to make up for it.
- Rottweiler: Dense short coat that’s easy to maintain.
- Doberman Pinscher: Fine, close coat that barely needs attention.
- Cane Corso: Short, stiff coat and a strong, imposing build.
- Rhodesian Ridgeback: Short coat with the signature ridge of hair along the back.
Large Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed
First, a reality check, no dog is completely shed-free, and “hypoallergenic” is more of a hope than a guarantee. But some large breeds shed very little, which is great if you’re tired of dog hair on every piece of clothing.
These dogs usually have curly or wiry coats that hold onto loose hair, so they need regular grooming to prevent mats, and that often means professional trims.
- Giant Schnauzer: Wiry coat, loyal, and quite energetic.
- Standard Poodle: Curly coat, very smart, and surprisingly athletic.
- Irish Wolfhound: Rough coat that sheds only lightly with regular brushing.
- Bouvier des Flandres: Thick, tousled coat that needs steady grooming.
- Black Russian Terrier: Dense curly coat, calm and protective.
- Komondor: Famous for its long corded coat that looks like a mop.
FAQs
What is the biggest dog breed in the world?
It depends on how you measure. The Great Dane is generally considered the tallest breed, and the English Mastiff is usually named the heaviest. Either way, both are true giants.
Are giant dog breeds good with kids?
Many of them are, and some, like Newfoundlands and Saint Bernards, are known for being especially patient. The main concern is size: a friendly giant can knock over a small child without meaning to, so supervision and early training are important.
How much do giant dog breeds eat?
A lot more than you’d expect. Depending on the breed and activity level, a giant dog can eat several cups of food a day, and the cost adds up quickly. Large-breed formulas and smaller, spread-out meals are usually recommended, and your vet can help you set the right amount.
Do big dogs need a big house or yard?
Not always. Many giant breeds, like Mastiffs and Great Danes, are fairly calm indoors and do fine in smaller homes as long as they get daily walks. What matters more is having enough room for them to stretch out comfortably and a safe place to exercise.
How long do giant dog breeds live?
Usually not as long as smaller dogs. Most giant breeds live about 6 to 10 years, though some, like the Tibetan Mastiff, can live longer. Good nutrition, a healthy weight, and regular vet checkups can help your dog live as long and comfortably as possible.