When it comes to owning a pet dog, we have so many different sizes to focus on. Dogs come from tiny ‘toy dogs’ to the typically larger big dogs. Choosing the right canine for you can be tough work, especially if you never thought about owning a dog before. For many, the idea of owning one of the many larger dog breeds in the world appeals.
Having a big, powerful dog that can look after you and your family can feel amazing. It can also help with everything from hiking trips to simply having a big friend you can roll around with. However, as you might discover, the largest breeds of dogs can be quite daunting just to look at and come across.
With that in mind, let us look at what makes up the largest dog breeds. Out of all of the breeds in the world, the following dog breeds rank among the largest. If you are looking to bring a dog into your life that is large in physical size, then one of these big dogs might be just what you are looking for.
Before we look though, why are big dogs popular?
Why are big dogs such a popular pet?
You might wonder why some people seem so keen to keep large dogs as pets. To some, it can seem dangerous – what if the dog loses its temper with the kids or another pet?
What about diet? Do they not eat you out of house and home? These are the typical accusations aimed at big dogs. However, the majority of pet owners who go for a bigger canine find that larger dogs can be easily controlled. Most of the bigger breeds have been managed for a long, long time to ensure they do not become too aggressive. This means that many of these big dogs have been domesticated to the point where they are no longer fearsome or scary.
With that in mind, many can find that a bigger dog can be ideal. They can offer more sense of protection, and they can generally be a bit more manageable in terms of exercise. Big dogs tend to lack the same exercise and energy needs as a smaller breed of dog. For those who want a home pet who can look imposing without being too trying, then, the following breeds should be considered.
What are some of the largest dog breeds in the world today?
Akita
The first dog that we wanted to add to our list is the humble Akita. Capable of hitting 28” in size and well over 100lbs in weight, the Akita is a big dog indeed. They are very good dogs that must be trained from a young age to get the most out of them. One thing to note is that they make world-class guard dogs – they love to look after their family. Look after the Akita accordingly, and its family will very soon become you and your own.
Excellent dogs, and perfect pets when trained.
American Bulldog
One that might surprise some is the American Bulldog. These are very much big dogs, though, capable of reaching sizes as impressive as 28” in height. They can also exceed 100lbs in weight, so they are proper powerhouse canines. Most find that they are enjoyable dogs to own, though they are very much not something we would recommend for a beginner.
They require lots of time and patience and also need to be given lots of exercises to use up their high energy load. If you want a dog that is powerful and protective, though, start here.
Afghan Hound
Another dog to make our list is the wonderful Afghan Hound. These stand out due to their curly, long hair which is extremely rare for a dog. Add in their long faces and they look very distinct within the animal kingdom. Capable of reaching sizes as large as 27”, though, these are definitely determined by the ‘big dog’ term.
If you want a dog that is loyal and caring for your family, though, these make a wonderful choice. They are great family pets, providing ample entertainment for you and the kids.
Black Russian Terrier
If you want to look for a dog that is very much quite unique in America, go for a Black Russian Terrier. These often exceed 25” and even 30” in height, and can easily weigh beyond 125lbs. They are not really something we recommend for a first-time dog owner, though. The BRT can become quite aggressive with people it does not know, and it takes a leader with authority to calm them down.
They are good dogs who will form a tight bond with their owner, though. If you live in a relatively rural area in America, these make great dogs. Do not dismiss their agility, though; these are fast!
Bloodhound
Next on our list would be a very popular dog -the Bloodhound. Used for its world-class tracking capacity, the Bloodhound has played a role in dealing with many search and rescue missions over the years. Given they can reach a height as impressive as 27”, though, they make a wonderful choice for anyone on the lookout for a big, brave dog.
Keep in mind though that bloodhounds love to drool, so make sure that you keep this in mind. Challenging to train but rewarding once you get them there, these are great animals.
Bernese Mountain Dog
One breed that seems to have really become popular among those who want a thick, furry dog is the Bernese Mountain Dog. They can look like a massive Spaniel in some ways, but they are capable of hitting heights exceeding 28”. This makes them look intimidating, due to their strong and thick frames, and weights that can exceed 100lbs.
Spend time around one, though, and you will find that they are very much dogs you can trust and love. They are very gentle around children, intelligent enough to realize they need to pull their punches.
Belgian Malinois
One breed that has grown quite popular outside of Belgium is the Malinois. These are very strong dogs and can be relied upon to work extremely hard on anything you need them to. They are loyal and loving dogs who want to always look to build a strong level of connection with their owner.
The downside is that few big dogs need the energy and exercise commitment of this breed. If you can give them the time they need, though, they make tremendous dogs.
Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff was a must-include on this list of big dogs. They can usually exceed 100lbs without much issue and they can also normally hit heights as impressive – or daunting – like 28”. They are strong big dogs and they can typically be relied upon to act as your ideal companion and guard.
They do need to be trained from a young age, though, and they are very muscular so they can be hard to overpower if they lose control. Trained properly from a young age, though, they are an absolute credit to the animal kingdom.
Mastiff
Similar to the above in some ways, the Mastiff is a dog that can break the 200lbs mark in weight with ease. In terms of height, they often reach sizes of around 30-32” and can therefore be very large big animals. They are very good to spend time with and they are very strong, though they can be surprisingly lazy at times.
If you want a protective dog that can look after your family, though, there are not many better options out there. Exceptional dogs who, when pushed, will go to war for their family.
Anatolian Shepherd
One of the bigger dog breeds gaining popularity across the USA is the Anatolian Shepherd. This particular breed was once a common guardian for animal livestock and flocks. They are powerful and strong, but they are surprisingly solitary for a dog. A history of being used to watch over flocks during the evening means that many of these dogs simply do not need company the way other breeds do.
If you want a guard dog that you know doe not need you around all day to live a happy life, then adding an Anatolian Shepherd to your list would be wise. At a height of around 30”, though, they are big doggies.
Caucasian Shepherd
Another Shepherd dog we recommend you look into is the Caucasian Shepherd. These easily exceed 30” and can be as large as 34”, making them among the largest of the big dogs we have listed for you here. They easily exceed 100lbs in weight, too, and can even weigh as much as 180lbs. If you want a definition of a big dog, then, this is it!
They are giant dogs that can become very strong guard dogs due to their fearless nature. Given their size, they fancy themselves in just about any situation. They do, though, need lots of training and care.
German Shepherd
What list of big dogs would be complete without one of the most famous dog breeds worldwide?
The German Shepherd is a true big dog, capable of reaching weights of around 90lbs and sizes of around 25”. While this does make them somewhat ‘small’ compared to some on this list, they make up for it in other ways. Easily trained and sociable around everyone, these are dogs that can be turned into anything from a family guard dog to a law enforcement legend.
Among the most intelligent and versatile dogs in the world, they are big enough to hold their own in almost any situation.
Greyhound
Many do not realize the size of a Greyhound until they are standing right next to one. They are imperious and rapid dogs, known for being used in the racing world on a regular basis. Though they might “only” hit around 30” in size, and weigh less than 90lbs most of the time, they are powerful and fast dogs with a great level of athleticism.
Given they can run at speeds of 40mph, though, you need to be very athletically minded to give a Greyhound the life that it wants and deserves. Natural hunters, need some training to help them avoid being too lively with other pets and animals.
Doberman
The Doberman had to be included on this list. At a small size, they will be around 24” – at their peak they can reach around 50”!
They usually are quite svelte for their size, though, topping out at around 100lbs in weight. They make tremendous guard dogs and are often used in law enforcement, thanks to their intellect and athleticism. The Doberman is a wonderful family dog but they need lots of training to know when to react to a threat and when they should keep their cool. Excellent dogs for families, though, with enough training.
Great Dane
Another must-have on this list of big dogs was the Great Dane. These are dogs that immediately draw admiration for their size and their power. They demand respect when you lay eyes on them. Easily reaching heights in the high 20” region and into the early 30” area, they can top out at 200lbs in weight.
These are powerful and intelligent big dogs who are great with children and can keep their cool in tough situations. They are great friends but cross a Great Dane at your peril.
Great Pyrenees
Another dog that takes the world Great and adapts it into its name, the Great Pyrenees is a world-class big dog. They can, like the Great Dane, top out size-wise in the early 30” region. usually around 80lbs and above, topping out at around 120lbs, they are powerful big dogs that can look after your whole family.
They come from the snowy regions of the world and therefore are dogs that can really look after themselves. They are born protectors and when they become part of your family unit they will defend you from day till night.
Irish Setter
It might not be the right choice for everyone, but the Irish Setter is a wonderful big dog breed. They can usually top out at under 30” in height, but they are quite imposing dogs when you come across one in public. They can look very powerful and even a little scary, but if you give them a ball to play with that fearsome side soon melts away.
They are a breed with incredible energy, though, so make sure you can commit to their energy needs before investing in one.
English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog, to give them their full name, was a must-include in this list of big dogs. They might only reach a height of 25” but they can easily hit 100lbs in weight. They love to go for a nice, relaxing walk and thus can be good if you want a dog that can get you out of the house without needing an intense workout.
They are great at working out the situation and can easily read when something is about to go pearshaped, thus they are good at reacting with a mood relative to the situation being faced.
Saint Bernard
Hitting around 30” in height and well over 150lbs in weight on average, the Saint Bernard is a very big boy indeed. They are revered by many for their excellent power and their appropriate size. They tend to be good for families as they are loyal and also love to be around their family. Give them the time they want from you in terms of attention, and you could be spending time with a truly special animal.
Caring and loving and especially good to have around the place if you have children you want to protect.
Tibetan Mastiff
To finish this list off, we recommend the Tibetan Mastiff. Capable of hitting weights well in excess of 120lbs, they make up for their ‘small’ frame (for a big dog) of around 25-26” with that extra power. They are thick, powerful dogs that carry their weight with a real presence.
They are loving and devoted and will always look out for the people who raise them. That loving nature, though, means that they can confront strangers who should be welcome in your home. It does not take too much to work that part out of their system, though, so keep that in mind.
Which of the big dogs is best for you?
The first thing you should do is work out what kind of space you can afford for a pet dog. If you feel like you need a dog in your life who can get things done in terms of protection and warding off attackers, the above animals all make sense.
Make sure you can afford the cost of ownership and care, though; most big dogs can become quite expensive. Health issues can be worryingly common in larger animals. Generally, though, the above dogs make some tremendous pets for years to come.