Top 10 largest dogs in the world (Photos)

In the past, breeders have tried to breed dogs of large size and strength. These qualities were useful for hunting and guarding. However, there is no universal height or weight at which a breed is officially classified as "giant". There is only an unofficial opinion that the biggest dogs in the world - those that weigh 45 kg or more. However, their height can vary greatly, as some breeds are strong and heavy, while others are tall and thin. The heaviest dog that ever lived is a St. Bernard named Benedictine, he weighed an incredible 166 kg.

Despite menacing body proportions, most of the largest dog breeds are good-natured, easy-going pets. If you are considering getting yourself a really big four-legged companion, we are happy to make it easier for you by compiling this list.

10. Deerhound

• The maximum height and weight of males is 80 cm and 50 kg.
• The maximum height and weight of bitches is 70 cm and 35-43 kg.

These greyhounds were bred to hunt deer. The predecessors of the Deerhound were the Scottish and Pictish dogs, which helped people in hunting ungulates. For a long time, the breed was unknown outside of Scotland and only in 1892 was it officially recognized. Deerhounds are very hardy, have an instant reaction and a very keen sense of smell. They rarely bark, and are very trusting of people, so they are unlikely to be good guards. But this is a great dog for a hunter.

9. Irish wolfhound

• The maximum height and weight of males is 86 cm and 55 kg.
• The maximum height and weight of bitches is 86 cm and 48 kg.

A very ancient breed of hunting dogs. Written mention of Irish wolfhounds is first found in the records of the Roman consul in 391 AD. Unlike other members of the top 10 largest dogs in the world, Irish wolfhounds have a diverse range of personalities and are renowned for their individualism. They are rarely stupid or aggressive.

8. Komondor

• The maximum height and weight of males is 80 cm and 60 kg.
• The maximum height and weight of bitches is 70 cm and 50 kg.

Hungarian Shepherd Dogs are one of the largest dogs, the photo of which looks like "oh, live mop!" There is a version that they appeared as a result of the crossing of ancient shepherd dogs and wolves. Komondors helped shepherds, protected livestock and other property. Easily recognizable for their long, cord-like coat, these dogs are one of Hungary's national treasures. They perfectly adapt to urban conditions and are good guards.

7. Leonberger

• The maximum height and weight of males is 75 cm and 68 kg.
• The maximum height and weight of bitches is 70 cm and 52 kg.

Sometimes these dogs are called "gentle lion", although the name "Leonberger" comes from the German city of Leonberg. The Leonberger is easily recognizable for its luxurious waterproof wool. These dogs are generally very loyal, intelligent, and playful, which makes them ideal companion animals. Unfortunately, the Leonbergers do not live long - on average, 7 years.

6. Tosa inu

• The maximum height and weight of males is 82 cm and 100 kg.
• The maximum height and weight of bitches is 65 cm and 90 kg.

The Tosa Inu was originally bred in the Japanese principality of Tosa as a fighting dog. Representatives of the breed vary significantly in size. The Japanese breed as a whole weighs between 36 and 61 kg, while breeders outside of Japan have focused on breeding dogs that weigh between 60 and 100 kg. The Tosa Inu was crossed with large European dog breeds such as the Mastiff, St. Bernard, and Bull Terriers in order to produce a larger, stronger animal.

5. Caucasian Shepherd Dog

• The maximum height and weight of males is 81 cm and 110 kg.
• The maximum height and weight of bitches is 76 cm and 76 kg.

A popular dog breed in Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and the North Caucasus region. "Caucasians" are very capricious and smart, ideal guards, but they require a strong hand. It is enough to watch any video with a Caucasian Shepherd Dog to understand how dangerous such a whopper can be for an inexperienced dog owner and those around him.

4. Newfoundland

• The maximum height and weight of males is 71 cm and 120 kg.
• The maximum height and weight of bitches is 66 cm and 55 kg.

Originally, these fluffy beauties were bred as a working dog for fishermen. Huge, intelligent Newfoundlands are known for their excellent swimming ability. A relative of the Newfoundlands is the longest dog in the world, the Boomer (213 cm long and 90 cm high). The Boomer is a Landseer breed derived from the Newfoundlands.

3. English Mastiff

• The maximum height and weight of males is 80 cm and 156 kg.
• The maximum height and weight of bitches is 70 cm and 91 kg.

On the third position of the rating - "on the face of the terrible, kind inside" giants. The English Mastiff is one of the largest dog breeds in the world in terms of body weight. The first reports of these massive dogs date back to the 6th century BC. And during the Roman conquest of England, the loyalty and strength of the mastiffs impressed even Caesar. The heaviest mastiff in the history of the breed was a male named Aikama Zorbo, who weighed 156 kg.

2. St. Bernard

• The maximum height and weight of males is 90 cm and 166 kg.
• The maximum height and weight of bitches is 70 cm and 100 kg.

Originally, the St. Bernards were bred for mine rescue missions in the Italian and Swiss Alps. The proportions of St. Bernard are huge - at the withers they can reach 90 centimeters and often weigh 120 kilograms. And the record holder reached 166 kg. St. Bernards are very kind dogs, they love small children, and they really dislike small dogs.

1. Danish mastiff

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• The maximum height and weight of males is 112 cm and 100 kg.
• The maximum height and weight of bitches is 84 cm and 80 kg.

The largest dog in the world is Zeus, who died in 2014. He holds the official record of the Guinness Book of Records. The photo taken during his lifetime shows how huge Zeus is in comparison with people. His height was 112 centimeters. The tallest dog in the world was the kindest creature, and his owners say they will miss Zeus very much. Great Danes are generally friendly towards animals as well as people they know. According to statistics, the average life expectancy of Great Danes is 6-8 years.