Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but as any puppy lover knows, they are still cute no matter big or small. Even when a pooch big enough to drink from the kitchen sink thinks he’s a lapdog! Yes, some of the world’s largest dog breeds are comparable in size to even the largest humans, like Zeus the Great Dane, who was basically the height (and weight!) of a professional basketball player.
Zeus was dubbed both the greatest and tallest dog in the world at Guinness World Records 2011 in 2013. At the age of three, Zeus was already 44 inches tall, or three feet, 8 inches, from the base of his foot to the highest point above his shoulder blade (aka the dog’s withers).
And when standing on his hind legs, Zeus was about the height of some of the tallest players in the NBA – 7-foot-4 – and weighed 155 pounds!
Sadly, Zeus – who was a beloved therapy dog in Kalamazoo, Michigan – is no longer with us as his massive size did not guarantee him a particularly long life. Zeus died just before his sixth birthday and to this day has yet to be dethroned as the greatest dog that ever lived.
Now, a Great Dane named Atlas currently holds the record for dogs alive. Hailing from Navarre, Florida, this six-year-old Harlequin German Great Dane weighs 225 pounds and is 4-foot-4 tall.
Do you have a weakness for big dogs? Here are the 15 largest dog breeds in the world.
15 largest dog breeds in the world
1. Great Dane
The Great Dane has long held the record for the largest dog breed. Not only are they often the tallest breed, with Great Danes snagging the Guinness World Records tallest dog title. 20102011, 2012, 2013, 2016and now, 2021.
On average, however, the American Kennel Club (AKC) reports that Great Danes have a lifespan of seven to 10 years, and males measure up to 32 inches and 175 pounds. Comparatively, female Great Danes can reach 30 inches and 140 pounds.
Related: 50 Adorable, Large Dog Breeds
2. Irish Greyhound
Often a finalist in the Guinness Book of World Records, the Irish Wolfhound comes second to the Great Dane. This affectionate and sociable dog breed reaches 32 inches on average in males and 30 inches on average in females, according to AKC.
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3. Scottish Hound
The Scottish Deerhound is generally much larger than its weight. This Scottish breed – you guessed it – can grow to around 30-32 inches in males and 28+ inches in females. In terms of weight, males weigh between 85 and 110 pounds; females, 75 to 95 pounds, depending AKC.
4. Neapolitan Mastiff
The next size is Neapolitan Mastiff, a Mastiff breed that originated in ancient Rome. Stocky with short coats and known for their drooling, male Neapolitan Mastiffs reach 26 to 31 inches while females reach 24 to 29 inches in height. On average, males weigh around 150 pounds while females weigh 110 pounds.
5. English Mastiff
Personality-wise, English Mastiffs are also often described as “gentle giants” due to their naturally gentle dispositions. But they are big too! Males are typically 30+ inches and between 160 and 230 pounds. Females are typically 27.5 inches and taller, weighing between 120 and 170 pounds, depending AKC.
6. Newfoundland
A working dog, the Newfoundland has always been recognized for its large size as well as the frequency with which it drools! The males reach a medium 28 inches, between 130 and 150 pounds; females reach an average of 26 inches, between 100 and 120 pounds.
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7. Leonberger
An affectionate dog breed that generally works well with other dogs, the Leonberger is a new large breed that was first recognized by AKC in 2010. Males of this breed stand between 28 and 31.5 inches tall and weigh between 110 and 170 pounds, while females reach a height of 25.5 to 29.5 inches and weigh between 90 and 140 pounds.
8. St. Bernard
Perhaps one of the most notable large dog breeds is the St. Bernard. Thanks to Beethoven movie franchise, of course! According AKC, St. Bernard males typically stand between 28 and 30 inches tall and 140 to 180 pounds; Female Saint Bernards typically stand between 26 and 28 inches tall and 120 to 140 pounds.
9. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a majestic working dog with a thick coat and renowned for guarding sheep and even families. This raise typically weigh over 100 pounds and males are between 27 and 32 inches tall, while females are usually between 25 and 29 inches.
10. Russian Black Terrier
Although we generally tend to think of terriers as a smaller breed (sometimes even a toy), the Black Russian Terrier is definitely one of the largest breeds in the world. On average, male Russian Black Terriers are 27 to 30 inches tall and females are 26 to 29 inches. They can weigh from 80 to 130 pounds.
11. Anatolian Shepherd
The Anatolian Shepherd is an incredibly muscular herding breed. These huge puppies growing up as tall as 29 inches in males and 27 inches in females. Males weigh between 110 and 150 pounds and females between 80 and 120 pounds.
12. Bernese Mountain Dog
An excellent family dog, the Bernese Mountain Dog is another gentle giant that gets along well with children. and other dogs. In this raise, males are about 25-27.5 inches tall and females are about 23-26 inches. Males can weigh up to 115 pounds and females up to 95 pounds.
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13. Cane Corso
A fierce protector often used as a guard dog, the Cane Corso is always alert and has enough muscle to scare away any intruder. Males are usually between 25 and 27.5 inches tall while females are usually around 23.5 to 26 inches.
14. Tibetan Mastiff
They shed, they drool, and they definitely need a ton of frequent grooming, but Tibetan Mastiffs are as affectionate as they are big. Males reach a minimum of 26 inches, 90 to 150 pounds; females reach a minimum of 24 inches, 70 to 120 pounds.
15. Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux is particularly known for its abundant moulting and abundant drooling, but it is also one of the largest dog breeds there are also. Males measure up to 23 to 27 inches, 110 pounds and up; females measure up to 23 to 26 inches, 99 pounds and up.
Next, 30 adorable brindle dog breeds.