THE 20 LARGEST DOG BREEDS IN THE WORLD - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The largest dog breeds in the world could intimidate even the biggest lover of the most popular domestic species. However, they are still loving, loyal, relaxed and good-tempered animals.

Their size has not only served to accompany man, but in some cases they have been bred to hunt bears, survive in extreme conditions or there was even a race that was adopted by the Romans to fight against gladiators.

Great Dane and its owner playing. Image by Aleš Kartal from Pixabay

The largest dog breeds in the world

20- Dogue de Bordeaux

The Dogue de Bordeaux originated in France. In fact, it is among the oldest dog breeds in the nation. It was traditionally used as a guardian and to carry heavy objects.

It can reach a height of 57 to 67 centimeters and a weight of 54 to 65 kilograms. Its head is huge and, compared to its body, it is the largest in the canine world. It is quiet inside the house, but it is energetic and active outdoors. Therefore, you need to take daily walks and enjoy some games.

19- Great Swiss herdsman

The Great Swiss Mountain Dog comes from the Swiss Alps. Interestingly, it is the oldest breed in this region. They were raised as guard, shepherd and to pull heavy carts.

It can reach a height of 60 to 70 centimeters and a weight of 50 to 70 kilograms. He is intelligent, cheerful and sociable; in addition, it has a strong affinity with children and adults.

They need to exercise, so they cannot live in small spaces. They must be in homes that have a fenced yard. Although they are beautiful, they have very strong and deep barks.

18- Russian Black Terrier

The Black Russian Terrier originated in the Soviet Union. Interestingly, it is rarely seen outside of its home nation, although lately it is being exported to other countries. It was bred to be a military or police dog, however, it has become time has decided to act as a guardian.

It can reach a height of 64 to 72 centimeters and a weight of 36 to 68 kilograms. They are characterized by having a very dark coat. In addition, they are perfect if you want to defend yourself against intruders, since their large size will intimidate them.

17- Brazilian row

The Fila Brasileiro is originally from Brazil. It is the product of the cross between an English mastiff, the old bulldog and the St. Hubert dog. However, some believe it comes from the Spanish Mastiff and the Castro Laborero Dog.

It can reach a height of 60 to 75 centimeters and a weight of 40 to 50 kilograms. He is known for his instinct for protection, his extreme caution around strangers, and the speed with which he acts in defending his master.

16- Leonberger

The Leonberger originated in Germany. This breed is the product of the cross between Saint Bernard, Newfoundland and a Great Pyrenees. Interestingly, he was bred as a companion dog, but they are excellent for rescue work, herding, and swimming.

It can reach a height of 70 to 75 centimeters and a weight of 64 to 68 kilograms. It is characterized by having a striking, hairy and waterproof coat. In addition, he is bright, loyal, friendly and playful. A dog of this breed will bring pure love and joy to your entire family.

15- Neapolitan Mastiff

The Neapolitan Mastiff originated in southern Italy. In fact, he is a descendant of the Roman molosser. Unfortunately, they are not ideal for first time owners, as they require training and a long time dedication to socialization.

Interestingly, it tends to sneak up on intruders instead of barking to warn them. Therefore, he is ideal as a guardian, he is also very brave and protective of his home and family. It measures on average between 66 and 79 centimeters tall and weighs between 59 and 70 kilograms.

14- Saint Bernard

The Saint Bernard originated in the Swiss and Italian Alps, they used to work in mountain rescue operations. It is descended from the extinct Alpine Mastiff, which was mixed with the Tibetan Mastiff, Newfoundland, and Great Dane.

On average they weigh between 55 and 80 kilograms. In addition, they used to measure from 80 to 86 centimeters. He is usually very kind, gentle and loving with children and other pets. Although originally used as rescue dogs to find and save travelers, today's "Saint Bernards" are mostly family dogs.

13- Scottish Greyhound

The Scottish Greyhound originated in the Scottish Highlands and was originally used for hunting deer. It can reach a height of 80 centimeters and a weight of 34 to 50 kilograms.

It is characterized by having long legs and large bones. Thanks to this they catch up with their prey, as it runs at an incredible speed. Also, they are very loyal, kind, loving and affectionate. They are even very close to their families and friendly with strangers. Unfortunately, they must be kept away from other animals, due to their strong hunting urges.

12- Komondor

The Komondor originated in Hungary. He was bred as a guard dog and sheepdog. Currently, their country of origin has declared the breed a national treasure.

It can reach a height of 80 centimeters and a weight of 59 kilograms. It is characterized by having a very striking coat. In fact, many consider it to look like a mop.

Although they are very quiet indoors, they should not be raised in apartments. After all, they need to walk outside, especially at night. If you have a large backyard with a fence, you can have one of these canines.

11- Landseer

The Landseer originated between Germany and Switzerland. Its name comes from the British painter Edwin Landseer, since he made many illustrations and paintings where this dog appeared rescuing children from the waters.

It can reach a height of 67 to 80 centimeters and a weight of 54 to 68 kilograms. It looks a lot like Newfoundland but has a black and white coat. It is considered elegant, resistant and agile. He is unusually sweet, serene, and gentle; in addition, he is extremely obedient and easy to train.

10-English Mastiff

The English Mastiff originated in the United Kingdom. They used to participate in bloody sports that included bears, bulls, and lions. Currently they are used for therapy, searches and rescue. It can reach a height of 70 to 80 centimeters and a weight of 80 to 120 kilograms.

They are characterized by being loving, gentle and loyal. It is excellent for families with children, especially if they enjoy playing in the yard. In addition, they will require daily walks and a lot of training. Unfortunately, if they are alone for a long time, it will become destructive and anxious.

9- Tosa inu

The Tosa Inu originated in Japan. It is the result of crossing as Mastiffs, Bull Terriers, Saint Bernard and Great Dane. It can reach a height of 81 centimeters and a weight of 36 to 61 kilograms. They are incredibly robust and muscular, fortunately not aggressive towards people.

Thanks to his wrinkled forehead and sad brown eyes, his face looks quite cute. However, keep in mind that they were explicitly bred for fighting. He is very affectionate and kind to children, but will tend to protect them at all costs. That is, he will take any other child as an enemy.

8- Anatolian Shepherd

The Anatolian Shepherd originated more than 6,000 years ago in the Anatolian region of Turkey. It was bred and used to protect flocks without their owners nearby. It can reach a height of 71 to 81 centimeters and a weight between 40 and 65 kilograms. Interestingly, his thick layers of fur make him look even bigger.

Their fur is beige with a black mask, but you can see them in all sorts of colors. He is intelligent, independent, calm and loyal, although he is very reserved for strangers. Also, they have a strong protective instinct when it comes to their family.

7- Doge of Tibet

The Tibetan bulldog is native to the northeast Himalayas, specifically Tibet. It was created by ancient nomads to be the guardians of their flocks and to fight off attacks from large predators such as wolves and leopards.

It can reach a height of 84 centimeters and a weight of 45 to 73 kilograms. Interestingly, he is kind, patient, and loving. In addition, they are considered obedient or agile dogs. Unfortunately, while they can get along well with the people it grows up with, keeping it in a home with young children is not recommended.

6- Akbash

The Akbash is native to Turkey and has been created to be a guard dog. It can reach a height of 71 to 86 centimeters and a weight of 41 to 64 kilograms.

He is calm but is always focused and mindful when protecting his family or home. However, it requires serious training and socialization early in life.

It is slimmer and taller than the other large Turkish cattle guard dog breeds. Its fur is white but it may have some spots on the ears.

5- Kangal

The Kangal is native to Turkey. It can reach a height of 72 to 86 centimeters and a weight of 41 to 66 kilograms. She has a solid cream-colored cloak and a black mask. It is much more agile and faster than the other large dogs. In fact, it reaches a speed of 50 kilometers per hour.

If you socialize him properly, he will be very friendly with all members of the family. He is an independent and powerful dog that is calm and controlled. Although he can be very protective of his family.

4- Irish Wolfhound

The Irish Wolfhound originated in the Irish Republic. They were bred by the Celts to hunt wolves, deer, and other large prey. In time, it was adopted by the Romans and related to the Great Dane and the Scottish Greyhound.

It has a height at the withers of 81 to 86 centimeters and a weight of 47 to 54 kilograms. They are characterized by being extremely docile and friendly. Therefore, they adapt to other animals and children. Fortunately, they are easy to train, but they are individualistic. After all, they have been bred to hunt alone and away from their owners.

3- Alangu

The Alangu, also known as the Pakistani Mastiff, originated in India. He was bred to hunt and fight. In fact, it looks like the ancient war dogs of Mesopotamia and Central Asia.

It is mainly white, but can be seen in shades of black, brindle brown and bicolor. It can reach a height of 71 and 89 centimeters and a weight of 70 to 90 kilograms. He is friendly, docile and obedient; therefore, it is an excellent companion and guardian. Unfortunately, it is not the ideal dog for families with young children.

2- Newfoundland

The Newfoundland originated in Canada. Unlike many large breeds, it was not bred to be a guard dog. Its main mission was to help the fishermen, especially to transport the nets, pull the carts and save the people who fell into the sea. In fact, they are still used in water search and rescue operations.

It can reach a height of 72 and 90 centimeters and a weight of 45 to 70 kilograms. He is very intelligent and kind in nature. In addition, he is incredibly loving to his families and protective of children.

1- Great Dane

The Great Dane originated in Germany and is the product of the cross between an Irish Hound and an English Mastiff. Its height at the withers is between 74 and 100 centimeters. On the other hand, it is not the heaviest among dogs, since it is around 50 and 100 kilograms.

He is gentle, loyal, elegant and noble; but it requires a lot of attention, training and love. He is usually friendly with pets and acquaintances, especially with children. However, it is a watchdog so they should not be taken lightly.