Top 10 Largest Dog Breeds in the World You Might Want to Know

French Mastiff, also known as Dogue de Bordeaux, is a mastiff breed originating from France. This breed faced near extinction in the early 20th century due to hunting, but efforts from the government and breeders helped in its recovery. French Mastiffs are relatively expensive, with some individuals fetching prices up to $5,000 in the United States, and small ones commonly sold for $3,000. They have an impressive appearance with a short, robust body, standing between 23 - 30 inches (58 - 75 cm) tall and weighing 120 - 145 pounds (54 - 65 kg). Their heads are oversized, wide, heavy, and wrinkled, and the size of the head is the basis for classification. The top-ranked males have a head circumference of about 68 - 75 cm. Their noses, lips, and eye rims are black or red, distinctly different from the surrounding fur. The nose is broad, and the nostrils are wide. The muzzle must occupy at least 1/3 of the head's volume. They have distinctive loose skin around the neck forming prominent wrinkles. Their ears are droopy. The front legs are straight and strong with large bones. The tail is thick, straight, tapering towards the tip, and should not be too long. The coat is short, soft, with shades of fawn to mahogany, and may have black or red markings. White patches are allowed on the chest or feet. They have a lifespan of about 10 - 12 years, tend to snore, and drool. French Mastiffs are challenging to breed due to the large head size, and some cases may require cesarean section during delivery. Mothers have large breasts, and while nursing, they may lie on their bellies, which can pose a risk to the pups. Nursing mothers are fiercely protective. They shed moderately. French Mastiffs are gentle and calm, displaying loyalty, patience, and affection towards their owners. They are courageous and ready to face strangers, making them one of the best guard dog breeds. They can be aggressive towards other dog breeds, especially between males of the same breed. Despite their intimidating appearance, French Mastiffs are gentle with children and family members. They can live in apartments if provided ample playtime, being relatively active indoors but enjoying outdoor play. They need regular exercise and activity.

Black Russian Terrier is a robust medium-sized breed originating from Russia during the former Soviet Union. These dogs are powerful, healthy, sturdy, and vigilant. Recognized in May 1984, they were bred to guard homes. The Black Russian Terriers are larger than typical medium-sized dogs. Males stand 64 - 74 cm, and females stand 64 - 72 cm. The difference is about 3 cm, potentially more if a male develops well. They weigh around 36 - 65 kg, with males being larger and more massive than females. Their body length, proportionate to height, creates a square appearance, with shoulders protruding above the back and the neck slanting gradually toward the tail. The neck should not have excessively loose or oversized skin. Their forelegs are broad, resembling bear paws, with thick, black, firm pads and large black nails. The well-balanced body forms a rectangular shape when lying down. The back gradually slopes down to the buttocks. The front legs are straight and robust. The shoulders are broad, strong, and well-developed with a wide and deep bone structure. The hindquarters should not deviate inward or outward. All four legs are covered with coarse hair, 2 to 4 inches (5 - 10 cm) long. The hind legs are robust with straight, sturdy legs.

The rare Black Russian Terrier is powerful, robust, and vigilant, featuring a well-developed nervous system. Their head is square, constructed healthily, with a broad and lengthy skull. Their beard adds to the squareness of the muzzle. The face is slightly angular but not pronounced. The nose is wide and jet black. They have thick, round lips with black edges and broad, strong jaws. The mouth should be fleshy, and if not, it is considered a fault. The two jaws close tightly, like a pair of scissors. They have medium-sized, widely spaced black eyes. The eye rims should be black and almond-shaped. The triangular ears shake. Erect ears are not acceptable. The length of the ears should reach the outer corner of the eyes. The ears are positioned quite high. The neck should be thick, firm, and robust. The Black Russian Terrier has a harmonious, robust, and powerful appearance. It moves lightly on its feet. The tail is docked and set high. The waterproof coat is black, and white or brown patches are not acceptable. The presence of individuals with gray fur is highly anticipated. The coat can be dense or slightly sparse, with the texture depending on its density.

Kangal Dog, originating from the hunting dogs during the reign of Assyrian King Ashurbanipal, is also known as Sivas Kangal Dog or Anatolian Shepherd Dog. In Turkish, they are called Karabash, translated as the black head. Regarded as a national treasure in Turkey, especially in their native Sivas province, Kangal dogs are highly valued for livestock protection and are sold at a considerable price. The Kangal lineage in Turkey has its roots in the hunting dogs of King Assyria Ashurbanipal. Herodotus described them as large dogs, resembling the hunting dogs of India, bred by the Babylonians. Despite their Middle Eastern origin, some believe they were brought into the Middle East from Central Asia, as related dog breeds, considered relatives of Kangals, appeared in Syria and Iraq. Kangal dogs are said to have been nurtured by the Oghuz Turks, who fled from the invasions of Genghis Khan, bringing them from Central Asia to the Anatolian Plateau in the 11th century. During this time, dogs very similar to present-day Kangals emerged. The first pair of Kangal dogs appeared in England in the late 1960s, Gazi of Bakirtolloköyü and Sabahat of Hayirogluköyü. In the United States, the breed began to be imported in the 1980s.

Kangal Dogs are large, robust dogs with a solid bone structure. Males stand at a height of 30-32 inches (77 - 86 cm), while females stand at 28 - 30 inches (72 - 77 cm). Male weights range from 110 - 145 pounds (50 - 66 kg), and females weigh 90 - 120 pounds (41 - 54 kg). Due to their imposing size and appearance, they are effectively used to protect livestock against predators such as wolves, bears, or other wild dogs. The Kangal's body structure has some notable features, such as a long body compared to its height. Their front legs are half the height of their body. Kangal dogs are used for livestock protection in Turkey. They are very calm, situationally aware, independent, and have a high protective instinct. They tend to be reserved with strangers but are close and friendly with family members, especially children. They are not aggressive or overly hostile. A trained Kangal is sensitive and quickly alerts to danger, ready to attack if necessary. They are effective protectors for both livestock and families, but due to their independent nature and massive size, they are not suitable for inexperienced owners lacking the strength to control them.

Tibetan Mastiff, also known as Tibetan Mastiff, is a mastiff breed raised and trained by the people of Tibet to protect livestock and guard the lives of indigenous people in the Himalayas from wild animals such as wolves, tigers, and bears, as well as to guard monasteries in Tibet. They are characterized as loyal, aloof, especially obedient to one owner. The Tibetan Mastiff is considered the Lord of the Plateau and is described as larger than a wolf, stronger than a lion, and faster than a deer. The Tibetan Mastiff is believed to be the ancestor of some mastiff breeds today. The Tibetan Mastiff has a fairly massive size, standing at least 70 cm for males. They weigh around 64 - 90 kg. Coat: With a double-layer coat, the outer layer is soft and long, while the inner layer is woolly like cashmere. It can adapt to the harshest weather conditions. The Tibetan Mastiff has a distinctive mane-like fur around the neck, resembling a lion's mane. Color: black, black-brown, black-yellow, gray, or yellow. Tail: always curled high over the back. Head: flat, without wrinkles. The body posture is balanced and majestic. It attacks stubbornly, loyal, especially obedient to one owner, absolutely faithful. Tibetan Mastiffs also mature very slowly. Females begin their reproductive cycle from 3-4 years, while males start breeding from 3-5 years and have mating capabilities.

Scientists believe this is the most intelligent hunting dog breed today, once considered extinct by modern zoologists. This breed has existed for 5000 years and is considered to have the oldest ancient genes in the world today. This Tibetan Mastiff was accidentally discovered by two Italian explorers when they arrived in the Jhangihe village in Tibet in the 15th century. In fact, this breed has been domesticated by the indigenous people since ancient times, but it became famous in the 15th century. Explorers often brought Tibetan Mastiffs back home as a precious gift to royalty. In 1820, King George IV of England was given one, King William IV was then given a pair, and Queen Victoria was also given one in 1840. The Tibetan Mastiff is known as a silent but extremely strong and fierce breed. Particularly, this is the only dog breed in the world that is loyal only to its owner, with no one else being able to command or touch them. Tibetan Mastiffs are a favored breed among wealthy individuals in China.

The Newfoundland dog is a breed of dog in the Canada region of the Northern Hemisphere and is used as a rescue dog. Besides the toponym Newfoundland, this breed is also called New-fun-land. It is a breed of dog that is a cross between a native wolf breed and a giant mastiff breed, known for being quite gentle and well-behaved. This is a breed that many families with small children love, similar to the Saint Bernard breed, hence its nickname the Water Saint as they love playing with water. There are two types of dogs originating from various European regions that sailors brought to Newfoundland. The smaller breed became the ancestor of the Labrador Retriever, while the larger breed, the Greater St. John, evolved into what is now called the Newfoundland dog. Today, it is discovered that later imported American dog breeds share the same blood type as the Newfoundland breed. It is one of the largest dog breeds and was initially used as a rescue dog in the North Atlantic. With a double-layered coat, this breed is very suitable and adaptable to the extreme cold in the northern hemisphere, but it also requires careful grooming of its coat.

This is a large, healthy dog with a thick coat. Male dogs are 69 - 74 cm tall, weighing 56 - 68 kg. Female dogs are 63 - 69 cm tall, weighing 45 - 54 kg. Their muscles are robust, healthy, and have endurance. They have a fluffy coat, with a much larger appearance compared to their actual body size. In terms of color, they come in brown, black, yellow, black and white, gray, and often have white markings on the chest, legs, and tail tip. With a double-layered coat, this breed is very suitable and adaptable to the extreme cold in the northern hemisphere, but it also requires careful grooming of its coat. They also care attentively to provide sufficient nutrition during the growing stage, which is an essential factor. In addition, proper exercise and full activity are necessary before completing the developmental stage. The Newfoundland dog is very sensitive, easy to train, and likes to live in large houses. They are good swimmers and home guardians. Just looking at their appearance can make people hesitate, but if provoked, they are ready to show fierceness to defend their loved ones. This breed has a keen sense, is very harmonious with other pets in the family, and even with other mature dogs. Innocent, friendly, loyal, adorable, and rarely attacks unfamiliar dogs.

The Great Dane breed became popular in the late 1600s in Germany with the purpose of protection and home guarding. Until the late 1800s, this mastiff breed continued to be crossbred with various breeds to create the giant Great Dane breed as we know it today. The Great Dane is considered the oldest breed of dog, with evidence suggesting its appearance 5000 - 7000 years ago. To this day, humans have not discovered the ancestral origin of this breed. It is known that in the 19th century, Great Danes were bred by the Germans from the Danish Mastiff breed. Later, the Assyrians brought the Great Dane to Europe through invasions. It is believed that the English Mastiff and Greyhound breeds are the ancestors of the Great Dane.

The Great Dane is a mastiff breed in Germany, recognized as the tallest dog breed in the world, with the Guinness World Record held by a Great Dane named Zeus, reaching a height of 110 cm. The Great Dane is a gentle dog, making it a favored pet for families. In history, the Great Dane was considered the descendant of an ancient Greek hunting dog that migrated to Germany with traders during the Roman era, and after giving birth with the local breed, this breed was born. Although not truly overweight, with its height, the average weight of a Great Dane falls between 59 - 90 kg, ranking it among the largest dog breeds in the world. Despite their maximum weight approaching 100 kg, their bodies are very sleek, sturdy, and well-muscled. The body and height of the Great Dane are well-proportioned, but their heads are slightly small compared to their bodies.

The Leonberger dog is a giant-sized breed. The name of this breed is believed to originate from the city of Leonberg in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. According to legend, the Leonberger has the appearance of an 'iconic dog,' capable of impersonating a lion in the town's crest. It falls under the Working Group in dog shows like Crufts, but not at the World Dog Show. A variety of coat colors are accepted, including all combinations of lion yellow, red, reddish-brown, and sand color. Their nose leather, paw pads, and lips are usually black. Considered coat color 'faults' include brown with brown nose leather, black and brown, black, white or silver, and eyes without brown color. A small white patch on the chest or toes is allowed. The first and most important characteristic of the Leonberger breed is that it is a family dog, and its temperament is one of the most distinguishing features, setting it apart from other breeds. When interacted with and trained, Leonbergers are confident, not sensitive to noise, obedient to family members, friendly with children, calm with strangers, and disciplined when required to protect family or property. Strong, loyal, intelligent, cheerful, and satisfying to the owner.

The Leonberger is a giant dog breed in Germany, also known as the 'German Lion Dog.' It is a breed thriving in mountainous regions, hailed as the healthiest breed among German dogs. The Leonberger has its origin as a hybrid between Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and Great Pyrenees, created by the breeder Heinrich Essing in the 18th century to produce a breed resembling a lion. The Leonberger became an emblematic guard dog for European nobility, having been raised by many royal figures such as King Napoleon II of France, Queen Elizabeth of Austria, Emperor Umberto of Italy, and more. The Leonberger is called the 'lion dog' because of its physique resembling a lion, with a large, muscular body. Besides its brave nature, the Leonberger is also very friendly and affectionate, intelligent, and loyal. With an average weight ranging from 59 - 79 kg, the Leonberger is one of the largest dog breeds in the world.

St. Bernard, also known as Saint Bernard, is a giant breed born in the Western Alps region, where Italy, Switzerland, and France meet. St. Bernard is a crossbreed between the native Swiss breed and the mastiff, dating back to the early 2nd century AD when the Romans invaded the Alps. Originally, St. Bernard was bred primarily for rescue purposes, especially in high mountain and icy terrain. St. Bernard is particularly famous for the image of a giant rescue dog, wearing a strong alcohol barrel (used for revival and warmth) around its neck in cold, snowy mountain areas. The Saint Bernard breed is quite ancient, originating from the Alpine region between Italy and Switzerland, resulting from the crossbreeding of Tibetan Mastiffs, native Swiss dogs, and Great Danes. St. Bernards were used to protect military bases, aid in search and rescue missions for the lost and injured. After border conflicts ended, they were bred on farms for hauling, protecting livestock, herding sheep, and guarding property. Monasteries also kept them for protection and rescue during avalanches.

The St. Bernard breed gained global fame in the mid-17th century when it participated in rescue efforts during a snowstorm near the Hospice, saving over 2000 lives. These giant dogs often carried a barrel of strong liquor around their necks to revive and warm victims buried in snow. They had the ability to exhale to locate people lost under snow, as well as warn of storms and avalanches. Today, St. Bernard dogs are still primarily used for rescue purposes in high, cold, snowy mountain regions. Alongside this, they are also employed for farm guarding and accompany monks on alms rounds. With their intelligent, courageous, friendly, and especially child-loving nature, St. Bernards are kept as family pets in the United States, where they play with children. In this aspect, St. Bernard is very similar to the Newfoundland breed. With their massive size, St. Bernards weigh on average from 60 - 110 kg, making them one of the largest dog breeds in the world.

Alaskan Giant Dog, known for its extremely large size, falls into the category of giants among dog breeds. On average, they can reach a height of 80cm and weigh over 50kg. In some healthy individuals, their maximum height can reach up to 1m, and they can weigh up to 80kg. The Giant Alaskan has a broad chest and four large legs with well-developed muscles, making it convenient for movement in harsh weather conditions such as snow. However, due to different breeding conditions in each region, the sizes of Alaskan dog breeds will vary. While Giant Alaskan Dogs bred in polar countries like Europe and the US can grow tall up to 1m, similar dogs in tropical regions tend to be much smaller. Additionally, the fur of Alaskan dogs in tropical regions will not be as fluffy as those raised in polar regions.

English Mastiff, commonly known as Mastiff, is a famous mastiff breed and the originator of many large dog breeds in the list we encountered above. There are various theories about the ancestors of this breed, but the most common one is the hypothesis of an extinct Molosser breed, originating from the Middle East and Tibet. These Molosser dogs arrived in Europe during the Roman Empire, used by Roman generals in battles, as gladiator combatants, or in dog fights against lions, tigers, bears, and more. Unlike the Great Dane, heavy due to height and bones, the English Mastiff is heavy due to its robust and muscular build. They are large, stocky dogs, with a dignified appearance, always appearing docile but surprisingly intelligent and agile. In the US and the UK, English Mastiffs are often used by police and military forces. Along with the German Shepherd, the English Mastiff is one of the two most versatile dog breeds favored by police and military forces. With an average weight of up to 68 - 113 kg, the English Mastiff is undoubtedly the largest giant dog breed in the world.