As you know, dogs are domesticated wolves, that is, in the process of their socio-cultural development, people decided that they needed a domesticated animal that would be useful for humans. However, nowadays there are many breeds of dogs: both small and large; with thick long and short wool; who need more or less attention, etc. If you are surprised by our top and you want to read more about dogs, you can buy book reports on a highly specialized topic. We’ve already ran by the list of the smallest dog breeds, so why not going over a list of their over-sized companions? From the famous face of the French Mastiff, to the Goliath sized Great Dane, here is our list for the top 10 largest dog breeds still alive today.
10. Dogue de Bordeaux
To start the list off we present you the Dogue de Bordeaux, commonly known as the French Mastiff. They are prized for their rich, autumn coat, and loving demeanor. This breed of dog is friendly, lovable, and massive; reaching heights around 2.5 feet or just shy of 1 meter and plumping itself up to 100 pounds or about 45 kilograms. This amazingly passive dog got its start of fame after one co-starred with Tom Hanks in the movie, Turner and Hooch back in 1989, and has been a rapidly growing breed of choice ever since. The Dogue de Bordeaux would become recognized by the AKC in 2008.
9. Scottish Deerhound
The “royal dog of Scotland”, a noble, dignified dog, bred to assist in hunting and bringing down the Scottish roe deer. Considering what it was bred for, it would have to be relatively large, growing to heights or 2.5 feet or about 1 meter, with the heftier sized Deerhounds weighing in around 110 pounds or about 50 kilograms. Affectionate and gentle with people, the wiry coated dog makes a wonderful pet, usually being non-aggressive to all people, children and strangers alike. The AKC would first recognize the Scottish Deerhound in 1886.
8. Kuvasz
Possessing a lush, white coat, the Kuvasz is largely considered to be highly territorial and is overly protective of their owners. Fiercely independent and equally as difficult to train, this lovable lummox reaches heights of roughly 2.5 feet or about a meter tall, and can reach maximum weights of around 115 pounds or around 52 kilograms. Probably the oldest of the three ancient dog breeds from Hungary, the Kuvasz has a long rich history dating back being the 15th century, but would become recognized by the AKC much later, in 1931.
7. Black Russian Terrier
Noble, intelligent and assertive dogs, the Black Russian Terrier are a relatively new dog breed, first being recognized in 2004 by the American Kennel Club, or AKC. Sturdy build and solid work dogs, the Black Russian Terrier grows to heights of roughly 2.5 feet or just shy of a meter tall, and bulking up to weights of around 140 pounds or 64 kilograms. The breed at first suffered from many health problems, but over time the black Russian terrier would have its problems bred out and is considered to be a very healthy breed that was fully recognized not that long ago by the AKC, in 2004.
6. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a sturdy, large, work dog, bred in – go ahead, guess – Newfoundland, Canada. Originally used to help pull the nets of fishermen, the breed is very capable of working both water and land. A large dog all around, it can reach reported heights of again, 2.5 feet or a little less than a meter tall, and able to bulk up to weights around 150 to 160 pounds, or about 68 to 73 kilograms. Loving, loyal, and an overall pretty easygoing dog, the Newfoundland still requires some basic, daily, exercise to keep him from porking out. The AKC would officially recognize this breed over a century ago, back in 1886.
5. Leonberger
The Leonberger is a breed originating from Germany, as a mix between a long haired Saint Bernard, and the Newfoundland; possessing traits of both breeds. The Leonberger stands at 2.5 feet or roughly 1 meter, can weigh as much as 170 pounds or 77 kilograms and are a working class dog with large amounts of energy, and a strong fondness for being around familiar people. The long, semi-puffy coat also makes the Leonberger water-resistant.
4. Saint Bernard
Enjoying the luxurious lifestyle of a family dog, the Saint Bernard was originally bred as a rescue and guard dog for Switzerland’s Great Saint Bernard Hospital. Bred to be large and intimidating, today they are more of a giant lovable teddy-bear. As most giant dog breeds, the Saint Bernard stands to be around 2.5 feet or almost a meter in height, and weighs close to 180 pounds or about 82 kilograms. The Saint Bernard was officially recognized by the AKC over 100 years ago, in 1885.
3. Irish Wolfhound
Originally used as an Irish war dog and their use as a wolf hunter, the Irish Wolfhound was tasked with ripping men from chariot or horse alike. Today, though, they are an extremely loyal and obedient companion, albeit a rather large one. Standing just shy of 3 feet, or 1 meter and weighing up to as much as 180 pounds or 82 kilograms, this ancient breed from Ireland would come close to being extinct during the 19th century. Now considered a highly intelligent and lovable dog, they became recognized by the AKC in 1897.
2. Great Dane
Coming in the #2 spot, we give you “Marmaduke”, well, at least his breed, the Great Dane. Large, stout, and majestic, and evenly as gentle. Easily recognizable for its large size, reaching heights of 2 feet 10 inches, or roughly 1 meter tall and weighing in at a muscular, 200 pounds or 90 kilograms, this large dog was bred first in Germany to hunt wild boar; though the breed today has had the ferocity bred out of it, making it one of the many gentle giants on our list. They would first get its AKC recognition it 1887.
1. Old English Mastiff
Easily one of the oldest of ancient dog breeds, the Old English Mastiff towers over most dogs, coming in at just under 3 feet or 1 meter tall. It is as large as it is tall, though, and is considered to be the heaviest of all dog breeds, reaching weights of 220 pounds or right around 100 kilograms. This dog gets the number one place, because it is considered to be the all around largest breed in the world, with a record holding mastiff, Zorba, holding the Guinness world record, weighing in at an astounding 323 pounds, or just shy of 150 kilograms! The Mastiff would come to be recognized back in 1885.
