Think Your Dog Is Big? These Giant Breeds Will Leave You Speechless

Size in dogs isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about purpose. Whether they were bred for guarding flocks, hauling sleds, or tracking dangerous game, these dogs needed muscle, height, and endurance. They’re not for the faint of heart (or small apartments), but for the right owner, a big dog brings a huge heart and a whole lot of love.

Here are the 15 largest dog breeds.

Data for this article was sourced from the American Kennel Club (AKC), VetStreet, and PetMD.

1. Great Dane

• Height: Males: 30–34 inches; Females: 28–32 inches
• Weight: Males: 140–175 lbs; Females: 110–140 lbs

Known as the “Apollo of dogs,” Great Danes are among the tallest dog breeds. Their towering stature and gentle demeanor make them impressive yet affectionate companions.

2. Irish Wolfhound

• Height: Males: 32–35 inches; Females: 30–33 inches
• Weight: Males: 140–180 lbs; Females: 115–140 lbs

Irish Wolfhounds are the tallest of all dog breeds, originally bred for hunting wolves. Despite their size, they are known for their calm and friendly nature.

3. English Mastiff

• Height: Males: 30–34 inches; Females: 27–32 inches
• Weight: Males: 160–230 lbs; Females: 120–170 lbs

English Mastiffs are among the heaviest dog breeds, with some individuals weighing over 230 lbs. They are gentle giants, known for their loyalty and protective instincts.

4. Saint Bernard

• Height: Males: 28–30 inches; Females: 26–28 inches
• Weight: Males: 140–180 lbs; Females: 120–140 lbs

Originally bred for rescue work in the Swiss Alps, Saint Bernards are massive dogs with a friendly and patient temperament.

5. Newfoundland

• Height: Males: 28 inches; Females: 26 inches
• Weight: Males: 130–150 lbs; Females: 100–120 lbs

Newfoundlands are powerful swimmers with webbed feet, originally used for water rescues. Their large size is complemented by a gentle and sweet disposition.

6. Leonberger

• Height: Males: 28–31.5 inches; Females: 25.5–29.5 inches
• Weight: Males: 110–170 lbs; Females: 90–140 lbs

Leonbergers are muscular and elegant dogs, bred as working animals and companions. Their impressive size is matched by their friendly and playful nature.

7. Anatolian Shepherd Dog

• Height: Males: 29–32 inches; Females: 27–31 inches
• Weight: Males: 110–150 lbs; Females: 80–120 lbs

Anatolian Shepherds are rugged and powerful, originally bred to guard livestock. Their large frame and protective instincts make them excellent guardians.

8. Tibetan Mastiff

• Height: Males: 26–30 inches; Females: 24–28 inches
• Weight: Males: 90–150 lbs; Females: 70–120 lbs

Tibetan Mastiffs are strong-willed and protective, with a thick double coat suited for cold climates. Their imposing size and aloof nature make them formidable guardians.

9. Boerboel

• Height: Males: 24–27 inches; Females: 22–25 inches
• Weight: Males: 150–200 lbs; Females: 120–160 lbs

Boerboels are powerful and agile, bred in South Africa to protect homesteads. Their substantial build and confident demeanor make them excellent working dogs.

10. Great Pyrenees

• Height: Males: 27–32 inches; Females: 25–29 inches
• Weight: Males: 100–160 lbs; Females: 85–115 lbs

Great Pyrenees are majestic and calm, originally used to guard sheep in the Pyrenees Mountains. Their large size and thick coat make them well-suited for cold climates.

11. Bernese Mountain Dog

• Height: Males: 25–27.5 inches; Females: 23–26 inches
• Weight: Males: 80–115 lbs; Females: 70–95 lbs

Bernese Mountain Dogs are sturdy and affectionate, with a tri-colored coat. Their size and strength were historically used for draft work in the Swiss Alps.

12. Black Russian Terrier

• Height: 26–30 inches
• Weight: 100–130 lbs

These working dogs were bred by the Soviet military for protection duties. They’re muscular and agile, not to mention impressively large under all that black fur.

13. Komondor

• Height: 25–28 inches
• Weight: 80–130 lbs

Also known as the “mop dog,” Komondors have thick corded coats that make them appear even larger. Underneath the dreadlocks is a strong, fast-moving guardian dog bred to protect sheep.

14. Caucasian Shepherd Dog

• Height: 25–30 inches
• Weight: 100–200 lbs

This beast of a dog was bred in the Caucasus Mountains to protect livestock from wolves and bears. It’s one of the most imposing breeds around, with both bulk and attitude to match.

15. Scottish Deerhound

• Height: 28–32 inches
• Weight: 75–110 lbs

Think of them as Irish Wolfhound’s sleek cousins. Deerhounds are tall and elegant, bred to chase and bring down deer. They’re long-limbed, deep-chested, and deceptively powerful.