The 5 Largest Dog Breeds

Despite their size, the largest dog breeds are known–in most cases– for being gentle and very friendly. So, they’re known as the “Friendly Giants” and you can read this article to get some information about them.

Which are the largest dog breeds?

These dogs might scare some people from a distance. When they stand on their hind legs they can even be as tall as a person (or taller). Larger dogs are also known for having a pretty calm personality and for being friendly. Among them are:

1. Great Dane

The so-called German mastiff is considered the “Apollo of all breeds” because they are the current largest dog breed. This slow-moving clumsy gait is a friendly dog that requires a lot of care, especially when it comes to their diet.

The Great Dane — in the picture above– has a strong, muscular build, with long legs and a height of up to 36 inches. Their fur color can be light brown, brindle, harlequin (white with black spots), or black.

2. Saint Bernard

This breed’s size can vary between 27 to 34 inches tall. However, in ancient times some of them surpassed 36 inches. This dog is originally from the Swiss Alps, and belongs to the cattle group.

In addition, the Saint Bernard is quiet, gets along very well with children, tends to be dominant around other dogs, and needs a lot of space. Mountain travelers use them as an assistant and they have a hard time with the hot weather due to their thick fur.

3. Newfoundland

The Newfoundland is another one of the largest dog breeds that exist. It’s known for being kind, calm, docile, loyal, and perfect for heavy work. Also, they have a deep bark which is very useful for guarding the house. These large dogs get along very well with children, but sometimes they can be a bit clumsy with their movements and accidentally knock them over while playing.

Males can measure between 28 to 36 inches and these dogs are characterized by having a completely black, water-resistant coat. Unfortunately, they are prone to hip dysplasia due to their enormous weight and size. 

4. Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain dog is another one of the largest dog breeds that can up to 27 inches tall and weigh around 110 lbs (males). This breed is a larger cattle grazing dog that is originally from Switzerland, known for their shaggy fur that comes in three colors: black, brown, and white. 

The Bernese Mountain dog needs a lot of space to move around in, so it’s not recommended for a city apartment. They also need a lot of exercises on a daily basis.  These dogs are very easy to train, they get along great with children, and are very protective over their the family.

5. Tibetan Mastiff

All mastiff breeds are known for their great height. However, the Tibetan is one of the most sturdy dogs that can measure around 26 inches tall.

The Tibetan Mastiff looks quite “fierce” because they have a type of mane that makes them look even bigger. Their fur is thick and mainly black or brown. In the Tibetan culture, people consider them a symbol of social status and wealth. These dogs were bred to help the nomadic shepherds of the Himalayas, and to care for the Buddhist monasteries.

Other honorable mentions are the Bordeaux Mastiff, the Pyrenean Mastiff, Argentinian Mastiff, Yugoslav Shepherd, and the Bobtail.