People tend to fear large dog breeds but this is very wrong, despite their massive size and presence, most of these gigantic pups are actually softies at heart. Their history may be linked to the war dogs of old, but civilization has mellowed their temperament, and today, a good number of these hounds warm our couches in different homes as family pets. However, there are still some that are employed in activities like hunting, guarding, herding, and others. For this piece, we are set to muster up 10 of the largest dog breeds in the world. Enjoy the read.
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10 of the World’s Largest Dog Breeds
Below are some of the largest dog breeds you can find in the world right now.
1. English Mastiff
You won’t be wrong to freak out upon the sight of an English Mastiff. Considering its mass, the breed tops the list of large dog breeds with a huge bodyweight of 68 to 110 kg and stands at 27 to 35 inches in height. One of the members of the English Mastiff breed named Zorba made the Guinness Book of Record on the 26th of September 1981 as the longest and heaviest dog worldwide, weighing 142.7 kg with 27 inches in height.
The breed’s beginning is regarded as fearsome in history, especially when you consider its decent. Though it now warms many household sofas in various families and makes friendly family members, the dog’s origin is traceable to the ancient war dogs. When it is not cuddling up to its favorite person, this gigantic pup can function as a military, police, or security dog, thanks to its high intelligence. Notwithstanding the fearsome massive head and large body mass, the Mastiff has a gentle and soft side. The breed’s life expectancy is 6 to 12 years.
2. Irish Wolfhound
An enumeration of the large dog breeds in the world must include the Irish Wolfhound, whose origin is also traceable to formidable roots. The big pup stands between 28 to 35 inches in height and weighs from 53 to 84 kg. Previously, the Irish Wolfhound, which originated from Ireland, was used for hunting wolves, hence, the name. It was also handy during wars when it was used for dragging warriors off chariots and horses; this is an indication of how strong the hound is. However, their strength notwithstanding, this shaggy-looking canine is actually a softie at heart with gentle eyes, making it great for kids and other dogs. Note, they will need a lot of exercise because of their high energy level.
The life expectancy of the Irish Wolfhound is 6 to 10 years. With food and exercise, the breed can live out the years in good health.
3. Saint Bernard
Standing at a height of 27 to 35.4 inches, this member of the large dog breed can weigh from 64 to 91 kg. Their temperament is best described as angelic, which is wrongly taken as the reason behind the dog’s name. However, the pup was actually bred in a Swiss monastery where they protected the sacred enclosure with its massive size. In the Swiss Alps, they functioned as rescue and search dogs and were very welcoming to lost travelers, thanks to their soft eyes, docile temperament, and friendly face. To date, they are among the most loved gigantic canine breeds and are still used globally in rescue and search operations.
Saint Bernards can enjoy life for about 8 to 10 years and are great family additions, especially where there are kids. Their gentle and calm demeanor makes them safe around kids.
4. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland breed of dogs stands between 27 to 30 inches in height and with a body mass that ranges from 60 to 70 kg, they are definitely among the world’s largest dog breeds. This giant of a hound gained popularity for its love for swimming; it is simply great at water sports and serves as an excellent lifeguard. The pup’s limbs are even equipped with webbed feet, which give it the necessary edge while in the water. Newfoundland’s lifeguard history is profoundly ingrained, such that it always runs to the rescue of any family member it sights swimming just to save the person, even though the swimmer may not need help.
They are intelligent, with an extremely friendly disposition, and are just great for cuddling up, thanks to their fluffy looks. The breed was mostly used by fishermen who leveraged their swimming skills. Much like most large dog breeds, Newfoundland dogs have an average life expectancy of 8 to 10 years.
5. Dogue de Bordeaux
One of the oldest French breeds that are yet to go into extinction, the Dogue de Bordeaux is also called the French Mastiff. They spot odd wrinkled looks, standing 20 to 23 inches tall and weighing 54 to 62.2 kg. They are believed to have descended from Molossus – the primeval livestock guardian breed. Over the years, the pups have been put to a plethora of uses – from driving cattle to hunting game during the 12th century and functioning as a formidable war dog, this large dog breed has done it all.
The muscular build and extraordinary strength of this French Mastiff are no doubt, the reason it can pull off several tasks that require a lot of strength. Among the lowest on the list of large dog breeds, it has a life expectancy of 5 to 8 years.
6. Leonberger
The Leonberger is a designer dog created by crossing a Newfoundland, a Saint Bernard, and a Pyrenean Mountain Dog. The result is a 26 to 32 inches tall dog with 45 to 77kg in body weight and the appearance of a huge adorable fluffball. Being smart and strong makes them ideal for herding and tracking, which they were mostly used for. The dog can easily become very destructive in a home where the owners failed in obedience training; thus, they are only good for experienced parents that are good with training. Training must commence early as this is a large breed and there is a tendency that it will become too big and untrainable in no time.
However, you will get an excellent family pet in your Leonberger given the right socialization and training. Note, they must be properly supervised when in the company of younger kids. Originating from Germany, the Leonberger dog breed has a life expectancy of about 8 to 9 years.
7. Anatolian Shepherd
The Anatolian Shepherd’s origin can be traced back to 2000 B.C. or thereabouts, This primordial Turkish breed, according to the AKC, was bred originally to guard property and flock and still functions in that capacity in its native Turkey to date. Compared to other breeds, the pup has a longer life expectancy and can live from 13 to 15 years on average. Height-wise, the hound can grow from 26 to 31 inches sporting 41 to 68 kg in body mass.
Due to the major reason it was bred, the Leonberger might not be a good choice for a family pet as it is naturally rugged and forceful. Nevertheless, like most large dog breeds, they are equally very intelligent and may submit to training if you start early socialization.
8. Neapolitan Mastiff
Height for the Neapolitan Mastiff is between 26 to 30 inches, and weight ranges from 54.4 to 90.4 kg. This large dog breed is quite intelligent, originally bred in Southern Italy for protecting homes. Their appearance is quite unusual with a loose heavy skin, which protects them in the event of an attack. They love human company, and this makes them ideal for homes; however, the pup tends to slobber a lot, thanks to their large droopy jowls.
The fierce looks of the Neapolitan Mastiff might put you off but this breed is surprisingly obedient and trainable. It also tends to dominate with its stubborn, fearless, and protective nature. The life expectancy of the breed is about 8 to 10 years.
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9. The Great Dane
For the Great Dane, bodyweight swings between 50 to 90 kg while the height can go from 30 to 36 inches and above. This result of a crossbreed between the Irish Wolfhound and the English Mastiff does not surprise people with its great height given the ancestry. The credit for their creation goes to German nobles who bred them for guarding estates and hunting huge animals like boars.
Today, this member of the large dog breed performs wonderfully as a family dog, thanks to its friendly and playful disposition. Note, the tallest dog in history was actually a 44 inches tall Great Dane named Zeus. The legendary dog is now represented by another Dane (tallest dog alive) named Freddy with a height of 40.7 in. the life expectancy of the Great Dane is 8 to 10 years.
10. Caucasian Shepherd
Originally bred for herding and protecting livestock in the Caucasus mountain region, this Eastern European dog sports about 30 inches in height at shoulder length. The furry giant has a stubborn nature that makes it unsuitable for novice dog owners who are not versed in canine training. Another unpalatable aspect of their nature is their territorial tendencies; they can never allow strangers or other dogs to come to their marked territory. However, they can still make great family dogs when exposed to the right training and socialization.
The origin of the Caucasian Shepherd dog breed can be traced to Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, the Soviet Union, and Circassia with its life expectancy pegged at 10 to 12 years. This sets it aside as one of the large dog breeds with longevity.
Recap Of Large Dog Breeds
- English Mastiff
- Irish Wolfhound
- Saint Bernard
- Newfoundland
- Dogue de Bordeaux
- Leonberger
- Anatolian Shepherd
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- The Great Dane
- Caucasian Shepherd