Introduction

Small dogs are celebrity darlings, are cute, portable and it may be easier to keep one. But there are many a dog lovers for whom size and weight should be max! Giant dogs can be both of jolly and fierce nature and the costs associated with bringing one up can be tremendous as compared to smaller breeds. There are individual dogs of certain breeds which tend to be above average and make it to the list of largest living dogs, but in individual capacity. The largest living dog is a Great Dane, but as a breed, Great Danes may not be the largest. Presented below is a list of top 10 largest dog breeds in the world.

10) The Neapolitan Mastiff

Starting off with the Neapolitan Mastiff, these lovely dogs can have an average height of 30 inches and can weight up 165 pounds. These mastiffs are massive due to such a combination of height and weight and are dangerous appearance wise. However they have a gentle nature and are very protective of their masters, often being cautious of strangers. A good training since childhood is necessary for them otherwise they do not socialize well.

9) Leonberger

Leonbergers or “gentle lions” can weigh up to 170 pounds and have an average height of 30 inches. They are of German origin and are a cross breed of St. Bernard and Newfoundland, which are again among the largest dog breeds. Lionbergers are sweet, calm, socialize well with small children and animals and are a family loving breed. They were originally kept as a status symbol, but later acquired the role of a guardian with them being used for search and rescue mission all over the world. The breed was on the verge of extinction after the Second World War, but was later revived.

8) Boerboel

This large dog of South African origin is fierce, sturdy and was historically kept to guard farms from animals like hyenas and big cats. Boerboels are a calm breed, are loyal to their masters and show confidence even when chasing away the big cats. They have an average height of 27 inches and can weigh up to 170 pounds. The breed is banned in certain countries because of its aggressive nature which can turn out to be dangerous.

7) Central Asian Ovcharka

Also known as the Aziat, Central Asian Ovcharka is of central Asian origin and is found in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and other nearby countries. The breed has earned reputation of being a guardian of animal flocks protecting them from wild wolves even in Russia. Full of strength and great power, they weigh over 175 pounds and can be as tall as 32 inches. They are less aggressive as compared to dogs like Boerboel and socialize well to become family dogs upon good training.

6) Anatolian Shepherd

Anatolian Shepherds have an average height of 29 inches and can weigh up to 150 pounds. With a life span of around 12 years, they are of Turkish origin and are family loving dogs. These dogs are very protective of their families and even other pets in the family and often cautious of strangers. They have a thundering loud bark and love to walk in open fields rather than congested roads.

5) English Mastiff

The heaviest dog in the world is an English Mastiff, but the breed’s average weight is around 180 pounds and average height is 30 inches. They have massive heads and black masks and are gentle by nature. They are noble, protective, royal, family loving and socialize well with children with not even a slightest hint of aggression with family members.

3) St. Bernard

This lovely breed is large, but unlike most of its counterparts of the same size, it was initially bred to rescue people& flock animals in Italy and Switzerland and not for hunting or fighting. St. Bernards have an average height of 31 inches can often weigh over 200 pounds. They did not have the long furry coats when bred initially, but since they were a native of the Alps where avalanches are common, they developed their coats. They are jolly family loving dogs, can get along well with children and other pets in the family.

3) Spanish Mastiff

Making it to the fourth position are the Spanish Mastiffs. They are the largest of the flock guardian breeds and can be as heavy as 200 pounds with a height of about 33 inches. Properly trained Spanish Mastiffs are good family dogs, calm and protective. Inherently lazy, they can come to life when their flock or family members are in danger.

2) Great Dane

The tallest living dog in the world is a Great Dane. They can be very tall up to 34 inches with their legs being as high as 7 feet and can weigh up to 200 pounds. They are sleek and can run very fast, but do not have the hunting attitude like others dogs in the list. They are friendly and very protective of their families and socialize extremely well with people and other animals as well.

1) Pyrenean Mastiff

Topping the list are the Pyrenean Mastiffs which have been developed from the Spanish Mastiffs originally. They are extremely large with a heavy and tall body. They weigh over 220 pounds and have an average height of 32 inches. These mastiffs are of Spanish origin and were developed to protect animal flocks though they do not have the attacking attitude. Lazy as they are, they scare away predators by their sheer size and protective attitude. They are calm, jolly and do not bark or shown aggression until it’s the only option left.

.