The largest dogs attract the attention of others not only with their spectacular appearance, but also good nature. Almost all giant breeds, when properly trained, have a very calm disposition. They are also very easy to train, which allows them to be used not only as loyal and good friends, but also as reliable protectors of a home or territory.
The weight of the largest dogs exceeds 60-70 kg, and their height at the withers ranges from 70 cm and above. These include representatives of a wide variety of breeds. But, as a rule, they all have one thing in common common feature very strong attachment to the owner and a balanced psyche.
Deerhound
Also known as the Reindeer Hound. It was bred specifically for deer hunting. The Deerhound is one of the oldest breeds of large dogs, its history dates back to the 16th century. But it was officially recognized only in 1892.
Appearance:
- Weight about 45 kg.
- Height at withers 70-75 cm.
- Well developed muscles.
- The body is elongated.
- Long slender legs.
- Small head.
- The coat is long and harsh.
Depending on the variety, deerhounds can be gray, sandy, or brown in color.
- Excellent instincts and almost lightning-fast reaction.
- Endurance and ability to work for long periods of time.
- Balanced character without aggression.
- Trusting attitude towards strangers.
- Ability to remember commands.
Buying a Deerhound puppy in Russia is quite difficult. We do not have a club for fans of this breed, so almost all dogs are imported into Russia from Europe. The price of a Deerhound puppy ranges from 30-40 thousand rubles.
Russian greyhound
In photographs of large dog breeds, you can often see another canine giant, its name is Russian canine. Until the 17th century, Russian greyhounds were known as Circassian greyhounds. In Russia in the 20s of the 19th century, they could be found in almost any estate. Sometimes wealthy landowners kept several hundred of these dogs. As a result, their own types of greyhounds began to be created in certain areas.
Appearance
- Narrow build.
- Lean constitution.
- Height at withers is from 70 to 85 cm.
- Long narrow head.
- Small, tightly pressed ears.
- Not wide chest.
- Long saber-shaped tail.
- Wavy and long coat.
The color of Russian greyhounds is very diverse: from white with a transition to fawn to various shades of black.
Behavioral characteristics:
- Aggression towards other animals.
- Calm temperament.
- Sharp mind.
- Kindness towards all family members.
- High level of obedience with proper training.
Buying a Russian greyhound puppy in Russia is not difficult. There are quite a few nurseries specializing in breeding this breed. The price for puppies there ranges from 20,000 to 50,000 rubles.
One of the oldest working breeds. Mastiffs originally served as guard dogs in Tibetan monasteries, and accompanied caravans of nomads in the Himalayas. When keeping this breed, it is very important to pay due attention to its adaptation to human society. Otherwise, the dog becomes overly withdrawn and aggressive.
Appearance:
- Height is from 60 to 70 cm.
- Weight from 60 to 80 kg.
- Very thick, even coat.
- Powerful physique.
- Large head with a well-defined occipital protuberance.
- Medium size eyes.
- The ears are triangular in shape.
- Powerful muscular neck.
The color of Tibetan mastiffs varies from brown to reddish-red. Title with photo of this large breed dogs can very often be found on specialized breeder forums.
Behavioral characteristics:
- Calm, reserved character.
- Appropriate display of aggression.
- Independence in relation to the owner.
- Sharp mind.
- Stubbornness, which without appropriate training develops into aggression.
The Tibetan Mastiff is not recommended for those who do not have experience in keeping large dogs. You can buy cheeks of this breed in specialized nurseries. The price for it, depending on the title of the parents, ranges from 50,000 to 150,000 rubles.
Alabai
The Central Asian Shepherd Dog (or Alabai) is one of the largest and most good-natured breeds. It is not the result of artificial breeding. Historically, it was widespread in Central Asia, where it was used by shepherds for guarding and grazing livestock.
Appearance:
- Massive head with a flat forehead.
- Round eyes set far apart from each other.
- Small drooping triangular ears.
- Powerful body with a short neck.
- Coarse and harsh wool.
Color can vary from white to black.
Behavioral characteristics:
- Innate aggression towards other dogs.
- Independent and willful character.
- Distrust of strangers.
- Boundless devotion to the owner.
There are many breeders of this breed in Russia from whom you can buy a puppy. The price starts from 10,000 rubles.
Leonberger
Leonbergers – large dogs originally from Germany. They were obtained by crossing St. Bernards and Landseers. The purpose of the breed is universal. They can be excellent guard dogs as well as family dogs.
Appearance:
- Convex large skull.
- Very strong jaws with a scissor bite.
- The floppy ears are medium in size and fit close to the head.
- Neck, smoothly turning into withers.
- Wide chest.
- Long, well-fitting coat.
- Height from 65 to 75 cm.
Color can range from lion yellow to sand. Small spots white unacceptable and are grounds for rejection.
Behavioral characteristics:
- Almost complete absence of aggressiveness.
- Kindness towards children.
- Willingness to obey the master.
- Good learning ability and ability to remember.
- Lack of response to loud sounds.
You can buy a Leonberger puppy at a specialized exhibition or in a nursery. Its price is at least 30,000 rubles.
Saint Bernard
St. Bernard is another one of the most big dog in the world, videos of him can very often be found on the Internet. This breed has short-haired and long-haired varieties. These dogs received their name in honor of the monastery of St. Bernard in the Alps. It was there that the monks used these dogs to rescue people caught in avalanches.
Appearance:
- Height from 65 to 75 cm.
- Large and wide head with a convex forehead.
- Drooping upper lips.
- Brown eyes, close to the bridge of the nose.
- Medium sized drooping ears.
- Shiny coat with thick undercoat.
The main color of St. Bernards is red with white markings, but white with red spots is also allowed.
Behavioral characteristics:
- Very high level obedience and devotion.
- Very strong dislike for small breed dogs.
- Strongly developed love for children.
To purchase healthy puppy St. Bernard should be contacted by specialized nurseries and breeders. The price starts from 25,000 rubles.
Diver
The Newfoundland is a large breed of working dog originally from Canada. In Russia he is sometimes called a diver.
Appearance:
- Powerful muscular body.
- Massive head with a wide skull.
- Small triangular shaped ears.
- Strong neck well set on the shoulders.
- Wide back.
- The tail is strong and wide at the base; during swimming it acts as a rudder.
- Wool with water-repellent properties and a soft, dense undercoat.
- Height is from 60 to 70 cm.
- Weight from 55 to 70 kg.
The color of Newfoundlands is rich black or brown without the slightest presence of white hairs or spots.
Behavioral characteristics:
- Complete lack of hunting instincts.
- Reacts quickly in difficult situations.
- Complete absence of aggression towards people.
- Almost complete lack of fear of public transport and traveling by car.
- Outgoing social character.
- Curiosity for everything new and interesting.
To purchase Newfoundland puppies, it is best to contact specialized nurseries. The price for little divers largely depends on the qualities of the parents and starts at 25,000 rubles.
The Great Dane is a giant breed of dog. Can be used as a companion, guard or bodyguard. A friendly breed, but quite often they are not aware of their size and when interacting with people they can knock them to the ground.
Appearance:
- Long narrow head with well developed brow ridges.
- Well developed nose with large nostrils.
- Wide jaws.
- Medium sized, high-set ears.
- Long neck.
- Short and dense coat.
Behavioral characteristics:
- Friendly and kind character.
- Devotion to the owner.
- Constant distrust of strangers.
- Self-confidence.
The price for Great Dane puppies starts from 25,000 rubles. The final cost depends on its breed qualities. It is best to purchase puppies from time-tested nurseries.
English Mastiff
An ancient breed originally from England. When constantly kept in a city apartment, it requires stable physical activity. Disadvantages include constant drooling and loud snoring.
Appearance:
- Volumetric angular head.
- Wide long body.
- Height is from 70 to 80 cm.
- Weight from 60 to 100 kg.
- Wide head with a flat forehead.
- Thin, high-set ears.
- Curved neck of moderate length.
- Life expectancy is no more than 10 years.
The color of English Mastiffs is varied: from apricot to fawn with the obligatory black mask in the muzzle area.
Behavioral characteristics:
- Good nature.
- Calm and obedient disposition.
- Ability to get along well with children.
- In the absence of socialization, a tendency towards isolation and suspicion.
There are quite a few nurseries in Russia where you can buy a mastiff puppy. Minimum price – 40,000 rubles.
Kuvasz
Kuvasz is a herding dog breed from Hungary. He once guarded herds of sheep and other livestock. Currently, it can be used not only as a watchman, but also as a companion for the whole family.
Appearance:
- Head with a well-defined occipital crest.
- Well developed jaws and teeth.
- Dark brown almond-shaped eyes.
- Short muscular neck.
- Wavy white fur.
Behavioral characteristics:
- Absolute courage and ignorance of fear of anything.
- Pride and self-confidence.
- Devotion to the owner.
Kuvasz puppies are quite expensive, the price for them starts from 40,000 rubles. This breed is practically not bred in Russia, so you will have to go to Hungary to get a puppy.
Large dogs can bring a lot of joy to families who love them. Naturally, they, like any other dog breeds, have their pros and cons. TO on the positive side refers to their wonderful character - large dogs, with proper training, are usually very gentle, loyal and good-natured creatures. They are quite easy to train and do not require much physical exercise. As for the disadvantages of keeping such dogs, they include quite high food costs, since such large animals require a corresponding amount of food. Perhaps the most distressing factor is that representatives of large breeds most often have a much shorter life expectancy compared to their smaller relatives.
Despite the present disadvantages and the enormous popularity of small breeds of dogs, many prefer to have a large dog in their home, which will not only be faithful and good friend to all family members, but also a reliable defender and guard of the territory.
In this article we will look at the 10 largest dog breeds in the world. In compiling the rating, we primarily took into account the average body weight of dogs of each breed, as well as height at the withers (withers is the place on the spine between the shoulder blades, the highest point of the dog’s body). The top included dog breeds with an average male weight of at least 40 kg and an average height of at least 60 cm.
10th place: Leonberger is a large breed of dog, bred in 1846 in the German city of Leonberg by crossing St. Bernards, Newfoundlands and Pyrenees Shepherds. The height of males ranges from 72-80 cm, and weight – 54-77 kg. The weight of females is 45-61 kg, the height at the withers is 65-75 cm. The Leonberger is a large and attractive dog type. They have a unique character that has created a reputation as an ideal family dog with a special love for children. Representatives of the breed are characterized as loyal, intelligent, easily trained, sensible dogs with excellent watchdog qualities.
9th place: Moscow watchdog- a large working dog, bred in the 50s of the 20th century in Russia by crossing the following breeds: Caucasian Shepherd Dog, St. Bernard, Russian Piebald Hound. According to breed standards, the preferred height for males is 77-78 cm (minimum height 68 cm), the preferred height for females is 72-73 cm (minimum 66 cm), the minimum weight for males is 60 kg, females - 45 kg. The Moscow Guard is a self-confident, balanced, independent and cooperative dog. It has excellent watchdog and security qualities. These dogs know no fear and never back down.
8th place: Boerboel- a breed of service dogs with excellent guarding qualities, bred in South Africa in the 17th century. This is a large, hardy, powerful dog with good reaction and flexibility. The height of males at the withers is 64-70 cm, females - 59-65 cm, the weight of representatives of both sexes ranges from 70 to 90 kg. Boerboels need constant attention and care, which will consist not only of affection, but also of regular training and physical activity.
7th place: Newfoundland (diver) is a popular giant dog breed native to the northeast coast of Canada. They were originally used as working dogs for fishermen. With their webbed feet, water-repellent coat, and natural swimming ability, Newfoundlands are excellent lifeguards. Males usually weigh 60-70 kg, females - 45-55 kg. Some members of the breed have been known to weigh over 90 kg. The largest Newfoundland record holder weighed 120 kg. The height of male representatives ranges from 69-75 cm, and that of females - 63-68 cm. They are known for their gigantic size, enormous strength and extremely affectionate nature. In addition, they have high intelligence and the ability to make independent decisions.
As for enormous strength, this is not an exaggeration: the strongest dog in proportion to its own weight is a Newfoundland named Barbara Allens Dark Hans, weighing 44 kg, which dragged 2289 kg along a concrete surface in Bothell (USA) on July 20, 1979.
6th place: Tibetan mastiff– one of the most ancient breeds, which served in the monasteries of Tibet as a guard dog, and also accompanied nomads in the Himalayan mountains. Height at the withers: males - 66-81 cm, females - 61-71 cm. Weight of males varies from 60 to 82 kg, females - from 40 to 60 kg. The Tibetan Mastiff is a very calm, reserved, obedient dog that combines the ability to guard the home and be a good friend to the family in which it lives. home distinguishing feature The breed is amazingly clean (somewhat similar to a cat). Interesting fact: a representative of the Tibetan mastiff breed named Hong Dong is the most expensive dog in the world, for which a coal magnate from China paid 1.5 million euros.
5th place: German dog- The tallest dog breed in the world. The minimum height at the withers for males is 80 cm, for females - 72 cm, the weight of males can range from 54 to 91 kg, the weight of females is 45-59 kg. The record holder of this breed is a gigantic Great Dane from Michigan named Zeus, whose height is 111.8 cm, and standing on hind legs, it reaches 2.2 m in height. The giant's weight is 70.3 kg.
These large dogs combine power and nobility, strength and elegance. Great Danes can be described as kind, affectionate, loyal and obedient dogs.
4th place: Pyrenean Mastiff is a breed of giant dog native to Aragon, Spain. Representatives of this breed, which appeared in southwestern Europe in the company of Asian traders, were initially used as herding dogs. Pyrenean Mastiffs are very large dogs: the height of males is 77-81 cm, females - 72-75 cm. The average weight is 70-81 kg, although males weighing more than 100 kg can often be found. Pyrenean Mastiffs are known to be exceptionally intelligent and reliable dogs. Due to the remarkable qualities inherent in dogs of this breed, today they are often used as bodyguards and security guards.
3rd place: Saint Bernard is a breed of giant-sized dog descended from working dogs from the Italian and Swiss Alps, which were originally bred as rescue dogs. These are very strong, large dogs, whose height is 65-80 cm in females and 70-90 cm in males. According to breed standards, the weight of a St. Bernard should be above 80 kg; the most common dogs are more than 80 cm tall and weigh more than 100 kg. A St. Bernard named Benedictine, who weighed 166.4 kg, went down in history as the heaviest dog. Another St. Bernard named Major F. was recognized as the longest dog in the world, its length was 2 meters 59 cm. The calm, sensitive and friendly character makes St. Bernards ideal companions.
2nd place: Spanish Mastiff is a breed of giant dog native to Extremadura, Spain. Initially, the breed was used to protect livestock from wolves and other predators. The height of a male Spanish Mastiff ranges from 77-88 cm, weight - 80-120 kg, the height of a female at the withers is 72-88 cm, weight - 70-100 kg. This noble giant will be a wonderful friend to all family members and a reliable guard at home.
1st place: English Mastiff is an old English dog breed that holds the status of the largest dog breed in the world. The average height of these giants is 69-91 cm, and weight can vary from 68 to 110 kg for males and from 54 to 91 kg for females. The record holder of this breed is a huge English mastiff named Aikama Zorbo, who was included in the Guinness Book of Records with a height of 94 cm and a weight of 155.58 kg. Aristocratic Mastiffs are known for their strength, courage, poise and peacefulness. They cope well with both the role of a guard dog and the role of a companion dog.
Who owns the title of "The Largest Dog Breed in the World"? In 2004, the Great Dane Gibson from California (USA) received it - his height was 107 cm.
In 2013, this record was broken by another Great Dane named Zeus, whose length from feet to withers was 111.8 centimeters. Does this mean that the Great Dane breed is the largest?
The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes 343 dog breeds, which are classified into 10 groups according to type and use.
There is no official division of dogs based on size.
However, there is a generally accepted division of breeds into large, medium and small. If the dog’s height at the withers is more than 60 centimeters, and its weight as an adult (over 2 years old) exceeds 25 kilograms, then it is considered large.
The largest of the large ones include 10 breeds, which will be discussed below.
Breeds with photos and descriptions
10. Irish Wolfhound
Leonberger
6. Newfoundland
It grows up to 75 cm and gains weight up to 69-70 kg. with infinite patience. Knows family members and treats each of them with respect and friendliness. The dog has a touchy nature, so training is carried out as gently as possible.
Newfoundlands shed all year round. He needs to be brushed once a day, otherwise his long, thick coat gets tangled.
You should not bathe such a pet. It is better to use dry shampoo, as bathing can worsen the condition of the coat. Eyes and ears need to be examined daily as they are susceptible to infections.
Newfoundland
5. Anatolian Shepherd (Kangal, Karabash)
She is rightly included in dog breeds large sizes: Grows up to 82 cm and gains weight up to 65 kg. Brave and not afraid of anything. She is very proud and highly intelligent.
She treats well only the members of the family in which she grew up, she loves children. – a tall dog with well-developed muscles. Has thick and short fur. He is hardy and not afraid of the cold. For short hair, brushing once a week is sufficient. Bathing once a month is enough.
Anatolian Shepherd
4. Pyrenees mountain dog
It has a thick double snow-white coat. The dog's height can reach 80 cm. They are devoted to their owners and love to spend as much time as possible with them. Very affectionate, noble and good-natured. They treat children well.
Mountain dogs make good watchdogs and show aggression when the situation requires it.
Pyrenean mountain dog
3. Scottish Deerhound
It grows up to 85 cm and gains weight up to 50 kg. This is a tall but thin animal. He is always in excellent physical shape. The coat is hard and not long. Color gray with graying.
The Deerhound is easy-going, quick-thinking and needs exercise. He does not show aggression and has a quick reaction. The coat needs to be combed once a week. The mouth is cleaned every other day. Have your ears checked and cleaned regularly.
Scottish Deerhound
2. Hungarian Kuvasz
It grows up to 76 cm in height and gains weight up to 63 kg. It has a thick, wavy coat of medium length that needs to be brushed regularly to prevent it from matting.
The fur is white. Kuvasz is brave and will never give up first in a confrontation. He has his pride. Capable of outbursts of aggression if mistreated. Be wary of strangers.
Hungarian Kuvasz
1. Great Dane
Height reaches 85 cm, and body weight – up to 90 kg. Each paw is equal to the palm of a person. Representatives of the breed are easy-going, patient and good-natured, getting along well with family members. The Great Dane is not picky and does not need frequent bathing. This procedure should be replaced by brushing with dry shampoo.
The main advantages of large pets:
- security qualities;
- sociability and loyalty;
- provides the owner with regular long walks in the fresh air;
- keeps lonely people company.
There are fewer disadvantages, but they are there:
- a big dog needs space;
- Maintaining a large animal will cost more - it needs more food.
There is no doubt that every owner selects a pet according to personal preferences, as well as taking into account his financial capabilities, because every dog needs maintenance and care. The costs of food and transportation of a large dog will be significant. Therefore, you need to purchase an animal not at the first desire or first request of the child, but after carefully weighing your capabilities - physical and financial.
Decide in advance for what purpose you need a pet: as a guard, a hunting assistant, or just a friend. Listen to the advice of breeders, read the material. Carefully study the breeds of large dogs with photographs. Only then make the decision to buy a puppy.
Additionally, we suggest you watch a video about the largest dog breeds:
A dog is man's friend. And the larger it is, the more friend you have. Don't forget that small dogs are easier to live with and don't cause a lot of problems. So, if you want to get yourself a huge best friend, then do not forget about responsibility.
This breed ranks first in the world. Despite the impressive size of Great Danes, their character is docile and calm. Nevertheless, this breed can calmly knock a person to the ground by simply placing his paws on his shoulders. The Great Dane gets along well with children. On average, a dog lives 9 years.
Agree, as soon as the film Beethoven came out on TV screens, all the children immediately wanted this breed. One version says that the ancestors of the St. Bernard were Roman fighting mastiffs. The Romans brought them during their conquests in the Alps. The height of a male dog can reach 70 centimeters. And he weighs as much as 90 kilograms. This dog is very sociable and friendly. The character is stable.
The Englishman receives bronze in our ranking. The first thing you see when looking at a dog is sad eyes and drooping cheeks. But the largest dog in the world of this breed is considered to be the male Zorbro. He weighed 156 kilograms. Mastiffs have an incredible sense of self-esteem, which is accompanied by their own greatness.
The breed got its name in honor of the city of Leonberg. It is located in Germany. The breed was created by crossing a Landseer and a St. Bernard. Next, another breed was added to the blood - the Pyrenees mountain. At the end, we received a shaggy dog, which became the embodiment of the city’s coat of arms. But our country first saw it in 1989.
Another type of mastiff on our list. The Mastino was once considered exclusively a guard dog. He is also a descendant of the fighting dogs that fought with the fighters in Ancient Rome. The dog, by itself, is calm and loyal. He loves his family and children. Tries to dominate over other breeds. The character is fearless, and treats strangers with distrust. When a mastiff is angry, its face becomes even scarier. Dog handlers do not recommend training puppies of this breed to attack a person, since they have already adult dog may become aggressive. And even the simplest training will have to start early in order to avoid future problems.
From the very beginning, this breed was used in Canada as work force. The dog has thick fur. But the most interesting thing is that the breed has membranes. This breed in the CIS is called a diver. This variety was bred in the USSR. The weight of the male reaches 70 kilograms, and his height is 74 centimeters. Friendly dog treats family members with all warmth. The dog also reacts well to children and strangers. The dog's character is perfect for the purposes that were assigned to him - saving people on the water and during a fire. The dog breed loves water and hiking. Also, ambient temperature does not play any role for them.
One of the oldest breeds, dating back about 2000 years. She was specially bred in the Caucasus to protect sheep. The dog has a thick coat with a dense undercoat. Thus, a Caucasian can stay in the cold for a long time. But in America the breed is not very common.
Among Irish hunting breeds, this dog considered the largest. In a way, this is the national pride of the country. It was bred by the Celts, who needed to breed large greyhounds. The wolfhound has a strong and muscular body. Movements are light and swift. In addition to fighting wolves, this breed also participated in deer hunting. Nowadays, the wolfhound has become an ideal pet. Dogs of this breed are a little shy with strangers. They love to play with their family and children. Wolfhounds live for about 8 years.
Large Japanese hunting breed. The dog's ancestors are believed to be mastiffs, which were crossed with Chinese Spitz-types. Akita was used for bear hunting and also as a fighting dog. The male is ready to reach 70 centimeters in height or higher. The average weight is 54 kilograms. As for behavior, they are balanced and easy to train. Akitu is considered a reserved and proud dog. Independent character. Despite this, the dog simply loves to run and play.
The last place in the top is occupied by the hunting greyhound. She was bred to bait animals and hunt deer without weapons. This category is best suited to catching up with an animal on the ground and then killing it. The average height of a male dog is 76 centimeters. The body is elongated with developed muscles. Dirkhounds appeared in Scotland in the 16th century. Enough for a long time these breeds were kept only by the nobility. And today almost everyone can afford to buy it.
Video: Top 10 largest dogs in the world
Do you know which dog breeds are the largest in the world? There is no universal height or weight at which a dog breed is officially classified as large, but some breeds that weigh more than 45 kg are considered giant. Some are very large breeds dogs are strong and ponderous, while others are tall and lean. The heaviest dog ever recorded was a St. Bernard named Benedict, who weighed 166 kg! Despite the menacing proportions of the body, almost all large breeds Dogs are often kind, affectionate animals and make excellent family pets. If you're interested in owning a big dog, check out this list of the 25 largest dog breeds in the world.
25. Caucasian Shepherd
Popular in Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and the North Caucasus, Caucasian Shepherd dogs- strong, muscular dogs. With females reaching approximately 70 centimeters at the withers and males 75 centimeters, these large dogs are definitely not indoor pets.
24. English Mastiff
The English Mastiff is one of the largest dog breeds in the world, especially in terms of body weight. The first mention of these large dogs dates back to the 6th century BC. e. During the Roman conquest of England, the mastiff's loyalty and strength impressed even Caesar. A typical male can weigh up to 115kg, but the heaviest English Mastiff ever recorded was a stunning 156kg dog named Zorba, and he remained the heaviest and tallest dog in the world throughout his life.
23. Newfoundland
Originally bred and used as a fishing dog, the Newfoundland is a huge, clever dog, known for her excellent swimming skills. Newfoundlands are usually black, but brown, white or gray varieties are also found. Some Newfoundland males have been known to weigh over 90 kg, with the largest ever recorded weighing 120 kg.
22. Komondor
The Komondor, often referred to as a "mop dog", is a breed of powerful dog that was used to guard livestock and other property. Easily recognized by its distinctive long, rope-like coat, the Komondor originated in Hungary, where it was declared a national treasure and is now protected and protected from modification. Females reach a height of approximately 70 cm and weigh up to 50 kg, males are slightly larger - 80 cm tall and weighing up to 60 kg.
21. Deerhound
The Scottish Deerhound - or simply Deerhound - is a tall breed of hound bred for hunting red deer. Its antecedents were preserved by the Scots and Picts (tribal people living in modern Britain) and were used to aid in deer baiting. Males can reach 80 cm in height and weigh up to 50 kg. The height of females is usually approximately 70 cm, weight ranges from 35-43 kg.
20. Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff is another popular large mastiff breed. Although not as gigantic as the English Mastiff, this dog's proportions are very impressive - males weigh 60-70 kg, females approximately 50-60 kg. The Neapolitan Mastiff is fearless and selflessly protects its home and family. They are extremely intelligent dogs with a tendency to be independent thinkers.
19. St. Bernard
Originally bred to rescue people in the mountains, the Saint Bernard is a giant dog breed popular in the Italian and Swiss Alps. Its proportions are enormous - dogs can reach 90 cm in height and weigh as much as 120 kg. The heaviest St. Bernard ever recorded was named Benedict and weighed an incredible 166 kg. Another St. Bernard, Barry, was known for saving between 40 and 100 human lives in the mountains.
18. Irish Wolfhound
Originally bred as military hounds, the Irish Wolfhound was used for hunting and guarding. The breed is very old; there are suggestions that they were brought to Ireland in 7000 BC. Reaching an average height of 86 cm, it is one of the tallest dog breeds. Their weight, however, is quite average: approximately 55 kg for males and 48 kg for females. Unlike many other breeds, Irish wolfhounds have a high degree of personalization and are most often known for their personal quirks and individualism, but they are rarely stupid or aggressive.
17. Black Russian Terrier
The breed was bred in the USSR in the late 1940s - early 1950s for use in armed forces as service dog. The Black Russian Terrier is believed to be a cross between approximately 17 different breeds. Males reach 72-78 cm at the withers and weigh up to 60 kg, females are slightly smaller and lighter. The Black Russian Terrier is a calm, confident and brave dog. He is very smart and well adapted to learning. The average life expectancy is quite high - up to 14 years, and the breed itself is characterized by excellent health, but is sometimes susceptible to certain hereditary diseases, such as elbow or hip dysplasia.
16. Great Dane
The Great Dane is a breed known for its gigantic size. Their height often exceeds 76 cm, and on numerous occasions Great Danes have held the status of the tallest living dog in the world. For example, a Great Dane named Zeus (who died in September 2014 at the age of 5) reached 112 cm at the withers. They are very friendly to other dogs, pets and people they know. Their average lifespan is 6-8 years, but some Great Danes have been known to live 10 years or more.
15. Leonberger
The Leonberger, often called the "gentle lion", is a giant dog breed whose name comes from the city of Leonberg in Germany. In terms of body proportions, the average height of males reaches approximately 75 cm, and the weight ranges from 64-68 kg, while the height at the withers of females is usually 70 cm, and the weight is approximately 52 kg. The Leonberger is easily recognized thanks to its thick, water-resistant coat. These strong dogs are usually very loyal, intelligent, playful and kind, making them ideal pets. Unfortunately, their average lifespan is approximately 7 years.
14. Tosa Inu
Originally bred in Tosa (formerly a Japanese region) as a fighting dog, the Tosa Inu is a rare, powerful breed of dog. These dogs vary significantly in size. Japanese breed typically weighs between 36 and 61 kg, while non-Japanese breeders have focused on dogs that weigh between 60 and 100 kg and stand 82 cm at the withers. The breed is descended from the Shikoku Inu, a local dog that weighs approximately 25 kilograms. These dogs were crossed with large European breeds dogs such as the Mastiff, St. Bernard, Great Dane and Bull Terrier, with the goal of producing a larger, stronger dog.
13. Bernese Mountain Dog
Originally used as a farm dog that accompanied shepherds in the Bernese region of Switzerland, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, heavy breed with a distinctive tri-color coat: a black and white chest and tan markings. The height at the withers is 64-70 cm, and the weight reaches 57 kg in males, while females are slightly smaller. The personalities of individual dogs may vary, but generally Mountain Dogs are calm, confident and obedient dogs that are friendly towards children as well as other pets.
12. Boerboel
Derived as guard dog The Boerboel is a large, robust breed of dog from South Africa. Their proportions are enormous - these dogs can reach more than 70 cm in height and weigh up to 100 kg. The Boerboel is a very obedient and intelligent dog with strong territorial instincts. They are loyal, especially friendly with children, and tend to be protective of their family and territory.
11. Anatolian Shepherd
The Anatolian Shepherd is a large breed of dog that originated in Anatolia (Turkey) and was brought to America, where it received further development. Perhaps the history of the breed goes back 6,000 years. The height of Anatolian Shepherds can exceed 80 cm, and their weight can reach 68 kg. However, their thick fur makes them look even larger than they actually are. The breed was bred to be independent and powerful to guard the owner's property without human assistance in large spaces, so training the dog as a puppy is essential. They often live 11 years, which is 3-4 years longer than the average lifespan of other breeds of their size.
10. Tibetan Mastiff
Originally bred by the nomadic peoples of Tibet, China, Nepal and Central Asia, the Tibetan Mastiff is an ancient breed of large, muscular dog with thick, usually dark fur. Its name is misleading - it is not a mastiff. Best name for the breed it would be Tibetan mountain dog. Males can reach 83 cm in height and weigh between 45 and 72 kg, but larger individuals are quite common. As a herd guard in Tibet, the breed is able to withstand predators such as wolves and leopards.
9. Dogo Argentino
Bred in Argentina primarily for hunting, the Dogo Argentino is a huge, muscular dog with white, very short hair. Females can reach up to 76 cm in height and weigh more than 55 kg.
8. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is another large dog breed that was developed in the Swiss Alps. The dog has a strong body and great physical strength, and is at the same time agile enough to perform the general farm duties for which it was originally used. Among all the Swiss Mountain Dogs, this breed is considered the oldest and largest: males often weigh more than 72 kg and reach almost 76 cm in height. The Greater Mountain Dog is a kind, intelligent and sociable dog, full of enthusiasm and tends to become strongly attached to people and children.
7. Bully Kutta
Also known as the Pakistani Mastiff, the Bully Kutta is a descendant of the nearly extinct Alan, ancient breed dogs, which were bred in the territory of modern Pakistan. Bully cutta has a predominantly white color, however, there are brown ones with stripes, just brown and black individuals. These are very large dogs - usually approximately 90 cm in height and weighing up to 95 kg. The breed is obedient, friendly and highly trainable.
6. Dogue de Bordeaux
Bordeaux or French Dogue is one of the most ancient French breeds dogs. This is a very strong and muscular dog that was bred to work in a variety of jobs, from pulling carts and carrying heavy loads to guarding flocks and even the castles of the European elite. The Dogue de Bordeaux is not as tall as some of the other breeds on this list, but it is large and strong, with males reaching weights of over 68 kg. One of distinctive features breed - a wide, large head, which is considered the largest head in the canine world, in proportion to the rest of the body. Unfortunately, these dogs are susceptible to a huge number of diseases, and their average life expectancy is almost the shortest of all breeds, usually around 5-6 years.
5. Kangal
The Kangal is another livestock guardian and large dog breed that originated in Turkey. Size standards for the breed vary widely: for example, the American standard is a height of 76-81 cm and a weight of up to 66 kg for males, and a height of 71-76 cm with a weight of up to 54 kg for females. The dog is not as massive as similar breeds, making it faster and more agile than other larger dogs. Kangal can reach speeds of up to 50 km per hour. This is a calm, controlled, independent, strong and reliable dog that, when properly trained, is very friendly towards people, especially children.
4. Landseer
The Landseer is remarkably similar to the Newfoundland, and some kennel clubs even believe that the breed is simply a black and white version of them, but the International Federation of Kennel Clubs recognizes the Landseer as a separate breed. Not surprisingly, the body proportions are also very similar to those of the Newfoundland, with males reaching a height of 80 cm and weighing more than 80 kg. Landseer is known for his extraordinary kindness, gentleness and calmness. This large breed of dog loves to swim and is known to save drowning people. The Landseer is also faster and more responsive than the Newfoundland, making it easier to train.
3. Akbash
Native to western Turkey, the Akbash was bred to be a livestock guardian dog. This medium to large dog breed weighs between 34 and 64 kg and stands between 69 and 86 cm in height. The Akbash is leaner and taller than other Turkish livestock guard dog breeds. They have a smooth white coat, sometimes with small spots on the ears. In terms of personality, the Akbash tends to be calm but intelligent. Protecting his herd, he is distinguished by endurance and perseverance. Their lifespan is usually 10-11 years.
2. Cane Corso
Closely related to the Neapolitan Mastiff, the Cane Corso is another Italian breed that is highly regarded as an excellent hunter and herder. Quite muscular, but less massive than most other mastiff breeds. It is also slightly smaller than the Neapolitan Mastiff, reaching a height of approximately 70 cm at the withers and weighing 40-50 kg. The average lifespan of the breed is 10-12 years.
1. Kuvasz
The Kuvasz is the oldest Hungarian dog breed that was originally used to guard livestock. It is a large dog with a dense white coat that ranges from straight to wavy. It is not as muscular or large as the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, but is large enough and agile enough to help the shepherd protect the flock. The Kuvasz is a large and intelligent dog and is often characterized as having a good sense of humor.
