Discover the world of the heaviest dog breeds, where size meets majesty in an awe-inspiring blend of power and grace. These colossal canines, unparalleled in their stature, command attention and evoke wonder. From the noble Saint Bernard to the mighty Mastiff, each breed boasts a unique history and purpose, often serving as guardians, rescuers, and steadfast companions. Delve into the fascinating details of these gentle giants, exploring their impressive weights and discovering what makes them stand apart in the canine kingdom. Join us on this journey to meet the extraordinary breeds that redefine the concept of ‘big’ in the dog world.
Giant dog breeds have captivated dog lovers for centuries, not only because of their enormous size but also because of their gentle nature and loyalty. Whether you’re imagining a Great Dane gently curled up by the fire or a Neapolitan Mastiff guarding your home, these dogs have earned the nickname “gentle giants” for a reason.
But what makes them so special, aside from their towering height and massive weight? Their protective nature, loyalty, and the deep bond they form with their families set them apart from many other breeds. For those considering adding a giant breed to their family, or for dog lovers curious about the largest dogs on Earth, this article will take you through the 9 heaviest dog breeds you need to know.
Here, we will explore the breeds that are not only the biggest dog breeds but also the most majestic companions you could ever ask for.
9 Heaviest Dog Breeds
Now, in this section, you will get to rich history and the traits that make these largest dog breeds stand out in the dog world. Whether it’s their calm nature, loyalty, or imposing presence, each of these breeds has something remarkable to offer.
Along with this, we’ve included a table for each breed, showcasing their weight range, height range, and lifespan to give you a complete picture of what it’s like to welcome one of these majestic dogs into your life.
1. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is one of the largest dog breeds in the world and is known for its imposing presence. Despite its size, this breed is often regarded as a gentle giant due to its calm and affectionate nature.
Originally bred in ancient Ireland for hunting large game, the Irish Wolfhound is a powerful and loyal companion. Their imposing stature can be intimidating, but they are known for their loyalty and calm demeanor, making them excellent family dogs and even guard dogs.
According to the American Kennel Club, these dogs are not just tall, but their majestic build, often reaching up to 32 inches at the shoulder, makes them a sight to behold. Their combination of strength, loyalty, and gentle nature sets them apart as a true heavyweight in the canine world.
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Height |
32 inches minimum (male) |
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30 inches minimum (female) |
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Weight |
120 pounds (male) |
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105 pounds (female) |
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Life span |
6-8 years |
2. Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a true heavyweight among dog breeds, known for its intimidating appearance and calm, protective nature. These dogs have an impressive presence, standing tall with a muscular build and an unmistakable thick double coat.
Originally bred in Italy, this breed was used as a guard dog due to its loyalty and protective instincts. As a fighting dog in history, they were known for their strength and courage. Despite their imposing size, Neapolitan Mastiffs are gentle and affectionate with their families.
As per Pageant Dog, their loyalty and protective nature make them ideal companions and excellent guard dogs, standing proudly as one of the heaviest dog breeds.
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Height |
26-31 inches (male) |
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24-29 inches (female) |
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Weight |
150 pounds (male) |
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110 pounds (female) |
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Life span |
7-9 years |
3. Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux also known as the French Mastiff, is a true heavyweight among dog breeds, known for its immense strength and imposing presence. This breed, originally bred in France, is deeply loyal and protective, making it an excellent family companion and guard dog.
With a strong-willed nature, the Dogue de Bordeaux has historically been used to fearlessly fight and protect, showcasing its courage and determination. Known for its expressive face, this breed has a calm, yet confident demeanor.
According to the American Kennel Club, the Dogue de Bordeaux’s ability to carry heavy loads and its majestic appearance are part of the reason it is revered as one of the largest dog breeds.
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Height |
23-1/2 to 27 inches (male) |
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23 to 26 inches (female) |
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Weight |
At least 110 pounds (male) |
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At least 99 pounds (female) |
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Life span |
9-11 years |
4. Scottish Deerhound
The Scottish Deerhound is a breed that stands out in the heavyweight category due to its sturdy build and immense strength, which has been valued since ancient times. This breed is known for its calm nature and loyalty, making it a beloved companion.
While the Scottish Deerhound is immensely strong, it carries itself with grace and composure, even with its high average height. Originally bred for hunting large game, this breed has an imposing presence that commands respect.
As per the Fer, the Scottish Deerhound’s ability to remain calm and composed, combined with its powerful physique, makes it one of the largest dog breeds with a unique, gentle demeanor.
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Height |
30-32 inches (male) |
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28 inches & up (female) |
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Weight |
85-110 pounds (male) |
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75-95 pounds (female) |
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Life span |
8-11 years |
5. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a remarkable breed known for its massive size and majestic presence. With a history that dates back to ancient times, this breed was originally used to guard country estates and protect livestock.
The Great Pyrenees has a strong, protective nature, making it an excellent guardian of both family and property. With its thick double coat, this breed is perfectly suited for cold weather conditions, and its calm demeanor contrasts with its imposing stature.
This breed’s loyalty and protective qualities make it an outstanding family companion. As per the American Kennel Club (AKC), it’s clear that the Great Pyrenees’ combination of beauty, strength, and loyalty makes it stand out among the largest dog breeds.
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Height |
27-32 inches (male) |
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25-29 inches (female) |
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Weight |
100 pounds and up (male) |
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85 pounds and up (female) |
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Life expectancy |
10-12 years |
6. Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is a breed that commands respect with its giant dog stature and powerful build. Originally bred in Italy as a working dog, this breed has a strong history of guarding livestock and property.
Despite its imposing appearance, the Cane Corso is known for its calm demeanor and loyalty to its family. With a natural instinct for protection, it stands out among the tallest dog breeds for its intelligence and trainability.
The breed’s mountain dog lineage gives it the endurance and strength needed for demanding tasks. Its loyalty, combined with its protective nature, makes the Cane Corso a reliable and affectionate companion.
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Height |
25-27.5 inches (male) |
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23.5-26 inches (female) |
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Weight |
In proportion to height |
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Lifespan |
8-12 years |
7. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is a true heavyweight among dog breeds, known for its imposing presence and calm yet protective nature. This giant dog was originally bred to guard livestock against predators in the cold Himalayan regions, a task it excelled at due to its immense strength and natural guarding instincts.
This breed’s ancestors date back centuries, often seen in the company of European royalty and revered for its noble qualities. The Tibetan Mastiff’s thick double coat, combined with its proportionately largest head, makes it look even more imposing.
While its primary role was protection, it has also shown a loyal and gentle side, making it a devoted companion to its family. Whether braving icy water or simply guarding the home, the Tibetan Mastiff’s strength and protective qualities ensure it remains a revered breed.
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Height |
Minimum 26 inches (male) |
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Minimum 24 inches (female) |
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Weight |
90-150 pounds (male) |
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70-120 pounds (female) |
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Lifespan |
10-12 years |
8. Greyhound
The Greyhound, often considered one of the fastest dog breeds, carries a calm, loyal nature that sets it apart from other majestic breeds. While not as massive as the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Saint Bernard, the Greyhound still carries a strong presence with an average weight of 65-70 pounds for males.
This breed, originally bred for hunting and racing, possesses both power and agility. Known for their serene temperament, they are wonderful companions, balancing strength with gentleness. Despite its athleticism, the Greyhound shares a similar devotion to family as the Anatolian Shepherd, making it a reliable and loving addition to the home.
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Height |
28-30 inches (male) |
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27-28 inches (female) |
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Weight |
65-70 pounds (male) |
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60-65 pounds (female) |
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Lifespan |
10-13 years |
9. Bulldog
The Bulldog stands out in the dog world not for its size, but for its unwavering loyalty and unique charm. While smaller in stature compared to breeds like the Great Dane or the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, the Bulldog carries an imposing presence with its muscular frame and sturdy build.
Known for being a loyal working dog, it has historically been used for various tasks, including bull-baiting. Despite its fierce past, the modern Bulldog is calm, affectionate, and enjoys being around family.
With its relaxed nature and devotion, this breed is a beloved companion, making it stand out in both small and large households.
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Height |
14-15 inches |
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Weight |
50 pounds (male) |
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40 pounds (female) |
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Lifespan |
8-10 years |
Conclusion
In short, the “heavyweight” dogs discussed above showcase a unique blend of power, loyalty, and protection. While smaller dogs may suit some households, these breeds—ranging from the world record-holder Great Dane to the big game hunter instincts of the Mastiff—are a testament to the sheer strength and imposing presence of powerful dogs.
Whether it’s the largest breed like Saint Bernard or an extremely protective guardian, early socialization plays a crucial role in their behavior. These magnificent breeds truly stand as symbols of strength and loyalty in the canine world.
In conclusion, the heaviest dog breeds, such as the English Mastiff, Saint Bernard, and Newfoundland, demonstrate the incredible diversity within the canine world. These breeds, known for their impressive size and weight, often serve as gentle giants, combining their massive frames with calm and affectionate temperaments. While their size can be imposing, these heavy breeds typically require careful handling, proper training, and ample living space. Understanding the inherent needs and characteristics of these breeds is crucial for potential owners to ensure a harmonious and fulfilling companionship. Ultimately, their loyalty and presence make them cherished members of families worldwide.