The Complete Guide to 20 Largest Dog Breeds: What You Need to Know

Dog enthusiasts know that size isn’t everything—but there’s something undeniably special about massive canines that look you straight in the eye and still think they’re lap dogs. The 20 largest dog breeds typically belong to the working dog group, originally developed to assist humans with demanding tasks like sled-pulling, livestock protection, and family security. These breeds are defined by their commanding presence, raw strength, and remarkable intelligence.

Before bringing a big dog home, potential owners should understand what comes with the territory. Large canines mature slower than their smaller cousins, requiring careful attention to joint health during their developmental years. They demand spacious living environments, sizable beds, substantial food bowls, and plenty of room to move freely. Financial preparation is essential—food, supplies, toys, and veterinary care all scale up with their size. Pet insurance premiums will reflect their heft, and training becomes non-negotiable since behaviors like jumping and leash-pulling pose real safety concerns with a 200-pound animal.

Meeting the 20 Largest Dog Breeds by Weight

The Mastiff: The Ultimate Gentle Giant

Weighing up to 230 pounds and standing 30 inches tall, the mastiff represents nobility and loyalty combined. This ancient breed brings together strength, obedience, and familial devotion. Their broad, muscular frames and distinctive facial features make them both impressive and endearing to families seeking a protective yet docile companion.

The Boerboel: South African Guardian

Descending from Dutch and German settlers’ farming companions, the boerboel emerged through deliberate crossbreeding of large guard dogs. Originally deployed for big game hunting and property protection, today’s boerboel maintains the same devotion to family safety and home security that defined its ancestors.

The Tosa Inu: Japan’s Revered Mastiff

Created through selective breeding combining Shikoku Inu with Western breeds like mastiffs and Great Danes, the Tosa Inu commands respect in Japan comparable to sumo wrestlers. This stoic yet deeply affectionate breed serves as an attentive household guardian while remaining initially reserved with unfamiliar faces.

The Saint Bernard: Swiss Alpine Rescuer

Originating from the Swiss Alps, Saint Bernards combine imposing size with kindhearted temperament. Famous for legendary mountain rescue missions, they possess exceptional strength, endurance, and directional instinct. Their patient, friendly nature makes them cherished family companions.

The Great Dane: The Apollo of Dogs

Often called the “Apollo of dogs,” Great Danes reach 32 inches at the shoulder and weigh nearly 200 pounds—often taller than their human companions when standing upright. Despite their regal bearing, they’re affectionate souls that thrive on close human connection.

The Leonberger: German Excellence

This German breed combines thick double coats with powerful, elegant builds reaching 170 pounds. Calm and patient by nature, Leonbergers excel in obedience training, therapy work, and water rescue operations. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them responsive learners.

The Neapolitan Mastiff: Italian Power

Originating from Italy, Neapolitan mastiffs feature distinctive wrinkled skin and massive proportions. Their calm, protective demeanor creates deep family bonds. These low-energy dogs prefer lounging indoors, making them well-suited to families valuing relaxation over constant activity.

The Newfoundland: Canadian Water Dog

Hailing from Canada, Newfoundlands sport water-resistant coats and webbed feet that make them exceptional swimmers capable of water rescue. Gentle, patient, and excellent with children, they earn their reputation as devoted family members—just prepare for significant drool.

The Anatolian Shepherd: Turkish Protector

For centuries, Turkish Anatolian shepherds guarded livestock from predators with their sturdy builds and weather-resistant coats. Fiercely loyal and exceptionally intelligent, they blend serious demeanor with genuine affection toward family members.

The Tibetan Mastiff: Mountain Guardian

From Tibet’s frigid peaks comes the Tibetan mastiff, wrapped in thick, fluffy coats and backed by a distinctive deep bark. Loyal and protective toward family, they maintain dignified reserve with strangers—a trait reflecting their mountain heritage.

The Rottweiler: German Confidence

Despite their tough appearance—sleek black coats with tan markings—Rottweilers are intelligent, loyal, and remarkably gentle with loved ones. Originally from Germany, this breed thrives on companionship while demanding regular exercise and proper socialization.

The Bullmastiff: English Estate Guardian

Bred to protect English estates, Bullmastiffs combine muscular power with calm intelligence. These devoted, affectionate companions need consistent training, regular activity, and proper socialization to express their best qualities.

The Akita: Japanese Loyalty

Japan’s Akita breed represents independence, intelligence, and unwavering loyalty. Their thick double coats and natural protective instincts make them excellent guard dogs, though they’re reserved around strangers while remaining deeply devoted to their families.

The Black Russian Terrier: Soviet Strength

Developed in Russia, black Russian terriers feature thick, dense coats and formidable builds. Don’t let their imposing appearance fool you—beneath their tough exterior lies a gentle, affectionate family member requiring consistent guidance and mental stimulation.

The Irish Wolfhound: Gentle Giant from Ireland

Among the tallest dog breeds, Irish wolfhounds balance their majestic stature with kind, calm temperaments. Their shaggy, wiry coats and friendly nature have made them beloved family pets throughout history.

The Great Pyrenees: French Mountain Guardian

From France’s mountain regions comes the Great Pyrenees, draped in thick white coats. These watchful, loyal dogs remain calm and patient—excellent choices for families with children and other pets, though they require regular grooming and exercise.

The Scottish Deerhound: Highland Grace

Originally bred for hunting deer across Scottish highlands, Scottish deerhounds combine slender builds with graceful athleticism. Their gentle, mild-mannered nature and shaggy coats appeal to active families with space for regular running and play.

The Bernese Mountain Dog: Swiss Alps Companion

From the Swiss Alps, Bernese mountain dogs feature sturdy builds and striking tricolored coats. These patient, affectionate companions excel in families, thrive in cooler climates, and need consistent outdoor activity and mental engagement.

The Dogue de Bordeaux: French Mastiff Power

France’s Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff) impresses with muscular builds, wrinkled skin, and broad heads. Despite their intimidating appearance, they’re remarkably good-natured and patient—especially with children—and fiercely devoted to their families.

The Cane Corso: Italian Confidence

Italy’s cane corso combines muscular athleticism with innate confidence and protective instinct. Intelligent and eager to please, they excel with training while remaining gentle with family members, though early socialization with people and other dogs proves essential.

Essential Considerations for Large Breed Ownership

Large breed ownership demands commitment beyond typical pet parenting. Joint development requires careful monitoring throughout their slower maturation period. Nutrition must support their substantial frames, while regular veterinary care addresses size-specific health considerations. Environmental needs include spacious living quarters and adequate outdoor space.

One common question: which large breeds shed least? Breeds like the Cane Corso and Doberman qualify as moderate shedders, offering relatively manageable fur control compared to heavier-shedding alternatives.

Another important timeline: most large breeds reach adult height between 12 to 18 months, though giant breeds like Great Danes, mastiffs, and Newfoundlands may continue growing until age 2 or beyond. These dogs continue filling out well after reaching their maximum height.

Regarding growth prediction, genetics reign supreme. While paw size in puppies provides rough estimates for mixed-breed dogs, this method remains imperfect—genetics ultimately determine adult size.

As for laziness rankings, veterinary experts offer divergent opinions. Some cite Great Danes as nature’s ultimate couch potatoes, while others nominate bullmastiffs for their notably low energy and lounging preferences. Most large breeds share a tendency toward relaxation since they were originally bred for guarding rather than athletic pursuits.

The Bottom Line

Welcoming a giant dog into your family transforms daily life. These remarkable animals offer unparalleled loyalty, protective devotion, and affectionate companionship—provided owners understand and prepare for their unique demands. With proper joint care, appropriate nutrition, regular veterinary attention, and spacious living environments, the 20 largest dog breeds prove to be loving, devoted family members worth every ounce of extra commitment they require.