Top Ten Largest Dog Breeds You’d Wish You Own

In the past, big size and strength were often desirable factors to breed into dogs, making them feared protectors and efficient hunters. Consequently, there have been many giant dog breeds created in the world over the centuries.

If you are thinking about becoming the owner of largest dog breeds, check out these 10 of the world’s largest dog breeds you’d wish you own.

1. Scottish deerhound

The Scottish Deerhound, or simply the Deerhound, is a tall breed of hound once bred to hunt the red deer. Its antecedents were kept by the Scots and Picts (tribal people living in today U.K.), and used to help in the hunt for hoofed game. Males can be over 32 inches (80 cm) tall, and weigh up to 110 pounds (50 kg). Females´ height is usually about 28 inches (70 cm), weight ranges from 75 to 95 pounds (35–43 kg).

2. Komondor

Sometimes referred to as ‘mop dog,’ the Komondor is a long-established powerful dog breed that has been used to guard livestock and other property. Easily recognizable thanks to its distinctive long and corded coat, Komondor comes from Hungary where it has been declared one of its national treasures, to be preserved and protected from modification. Females usually reach a height of about 28 inches (70 cm) and weigh in up to 110 pounds (50 kg), males are slightly larger, averaging at 31.5 inches (80 cm) high and weighing up to 130 pounds (60 kg).

3. Caucasian shepherd dog

Popular in Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Northern Caucasian area, the Caucasian shepherds are strongly-boned, muscular dogs referred to as molossers. Measuring about 70 centimeters (28 inches) for females and 75 centimeters (30 inches) for males, these dogs are definitely not lap dogs.

4. Neapolitan mastiff

Neapolitan mastiff is another popular breed of mastiff. Although it’s not as gigantic as the English mastiff, the proportions of this dog are still very impressive – males weigh 130–155 pounds (60-70 kg) and females about 110–130 pounds (50–60 kg). The Neapolitan mastiff is fearless and extremely protective of its home and family. They are unusually intelligent dogs with a tendency to be independent thinkers.

5. Great Dane

The Great Dane is a German breed notable for its giant size. Their height often reaches well over 30 inches (76 cm) and there have been many Great Danes who have held the record for being the world´s tallest living dog. For example, a Great Dane called Zeus (which died September 2014 at the age of 5), stood 112 cm (44 inches) tall. They are generally friendly toward other dogs, other non-canine pets, and familiar humans. Their average life span is 6 to 8 years but some Great Danes have been known to reach 10 years or even more.

6. Bernese mountain dog

Originally kept as a general farm dog that accompanied herders in the Bern region, Switzerland, the Bernese mountain dog is a large, heavy breed with a distinctive tri-colored coat, black with white chest and rust colored markings. The height at the withers is 25–27.5 inches (64–70 cm) and weighs up to 125 pounds (57 kg) for males, females are just slightly smaller. The temperament of individual dogs may vary but generally, Berneses are calm, self-assured and docile dogs, friendly to children as well as to other pets.

7. Boerboel

Bred as a guard dog, the Boerboel is a large, sturdy dog breed from South Africa. Their proportions are formidable – these dogs can be over 27 inches (70 cm) tall and weigh up to 220 pounds (100 kg). Boerboels are very obedient and intelligent dogs with strong territorial instincts. They are loyal, particularly great with kids and tend to be protective of their family and territory.

8. Bully kutta

Also known as Pakistani Mastiff, the Bully Kutta is a descendant of the extinct Alaunt, an ancient dog breed that originated in present day Pakistan. The Bully Kutta is predominantly white in color, however fawn, brindle, brown, black and various bi-colors are also common. These dogs are usually about 35 inches (90 cm) tall and can weigh as much as 210 pounds (95 kg). The breed is generally docile, friendly, and very trainable.

9. Dogue de Bordeaux

Also referred to as Bordeaux mastiff or French mastiff, the Dogue de Bordeaux is one of the most ancient French dog breeds. It is a very powerful and muscular dog that has been put to work in many different capacities, from pulling carts and hauling heavy objects, to guarding flocks and even the castles of the European elite. Dogue de Bordeaux is not as tall as some other breeds on this list but is massive with a powerful build with males weighing in well over 150 pounds (68 kg). One of the distinctive features of the breed is a wide, massive head, claimed to be the largest head in the canine world, in proportion to the rest of the body. Unfortunately, these dogs are prone to numerous diseases and their average lifespan is one the shortest among all breeds, usually ranging around 5 to 6 years.

10. Akbash

Native to western Turkey, the Akbash was bred primarily as a livestock guardian dog and a shepherd dog. It weighs from 75 to 140 pounds (34 to 64 kg) and ranges from about 27 to 34 inches (69 to 86 cm) tall. The Akbash is leaner and sometimes taller than other Turkish livestock guardian dog breeds. They have a smooth-short to medium-full white double coat, sometimes with some light markings on the ears. As for their temperament, the Akbashes tend to be calm but aware. When protecting their charges, they appear to have tremendous power, focus, endurance and perseverance. Their life span is usually between 10 and 11 years.