The largest dog breed in the world depends on how you measure. In terms of height, the Great Dane wins; the dog Zeus was the tallest dog ever at 1.11 meters at the shoulder. In terms of weight, the English Mastiff is the champion. A male named Aicama Zorba weighed a staggering 156 kilograms, which is heavier than many professional rugby players.
Large dogs often have a reputation for being dangerous, but in reality, many of these breeds are known as gentle giants. They are often calmer than small yappers, although you do have to watch out for their wagging tails, which can easily knock coffee cups off a table.
Here are the 10 most impressive colossi of the canine kingdom.
1. English Mastiff
If you look purely at mass, no dog beats the English Mastiff. These dogs are gigantically broad and heavy. They descend from ancient war dogs, but today they are enormous cuddle bugs that love nothing more than sitting on your feet. They do have one downside: they snore and drool with the best of them. A male easily weighs 100 kilos.
2. Great Dane
Where the Mastiff is broad, the Great Dane is tall and elegant. This breed is known as the “Apollo of dogs.” They often tower over their owners when they stand on their hind legs. Famous fictional dogs like Scooby-Doo and Marmaduke are based on this breed. Despite their size, they often think they are lap dogs.
3. Irish Wolfhound
This is, on average, the tallest dog breed in the world. They have a rough, wiry coat and an athletic build. Originally, they were bred in Ireland to hunt wolves away from livestock and to pull riders off their horses in wartime. Today, they are introverted, sensitive dogs that are absolutely not suitable as guard dogs because they greet everyone friendly.
4. Saint Bernard
The most famous rescue dog in the world. Monks in the Alps used these dogs to find travelers who were lost in the snow. The story of the rum keg around the neck is a myth, by the way (alcohol would only worsen hypothermia). They are extremely strong, good-natured animals, but they require a lot of space and coolness.
5. Newfoundland
This “bear” of a dog comes from Canada and is the ultimate water enthusiast. They have webs between their toes and a waterproof coat, making them excellent swimmers. They are often used as water rescue dogs: one Newfoundland is strong enough to tow a boat full of people to shore. Due to their gentle character, they are also called the “nanny dog” (think of Nana from Peter Pan).
6. Leonberger
The Leonberger is a German creation, literally bred to look like a lion. It is a mix between the Saint Bernard, the Newfoundland, and the Great Pyrenees. The result is a beautiful, golden-brown dog with black masks. They are ideal family dogs that love children and water, but you will need a powerful vacuum cleaner for all the hair.
7. Anatolian Shepherd (Kangal)
This is not a dog for beginners. The Kangal comes from Turkey and is bred to protect sheep flocks from wolves, bears, and cheetahs. They have the most powerful bite of all dog breeds in the world (stronger than a lion). They are not pets that learn commands for fun; they are independent guardians who take their territory dead seriously.
8. Dogue de Bordeaux
Also known as the French Mastiff. They became world-famous through the movie Turner & Hooch starring Tom Hanks. They are slightly smaller than the English Mastiff but have the largest head in proportion of all dog breeds. They are loyal, calm dogs that protect their family well, though they are unfortunately not known for a very long lifespan.
9. Tibetan Mastiff
This is one of the most expensive and oldest dog breeds in the world. With their massive mane of hair, they look more like a lion than a dog. In Tibet and China, they are used to guard monasteries and homes. They are extremely independent and can be very reserved toward strangers. A puppy of this breed was once sold in China for more than 1 million euros.
10. Scottish Deerhound
The Deerhound closely resembles the Irish Wolfhound but is built slightly more slender and elegant. As the name suggests, they were used in the Scottish Highlands for hunting deer. Because only the nobility was allowed to own these dogs, it is also called the “Royal Dog of Scotland.” Indoors, they are quiet “couch potatoes” who love to sleep.