We all know and love dogs, but have you ever seen some of the world’s strangest and most massive dog breeds? From the Neapolitan Mastiff to the Tibetan Mastiff, these furry giants are sure to make a big impression.
There are some massive dog breeds out there! Some of them are so big, they’re almost like small ponies. While others are so big they could probably take on a lion!
If you’re curious to see what these dogs look like, keep reading. You won’t believe your eyes.
27. English Mastiff
Weight of the English Mastiff: 140 to 250 lbs
Height of the English Mastiff: 28 to 30 inches
The English mastiff is a very large dog breed. They are one of the heaviest dog breeds in the world. Male English mastiffs can weigh up to 250 pounds, while females can weigh up to 220 pounds.
They are known for being calm, loyal, and loving dogs. They make great family pets and are good with children. However, because of their large size, they may not be suitable for everyone.
If you are considering getting an English mastiff, be sure to do your research. Make sure you have the space for a large dog, and that you are prepared to handle a dog of this size. English mastiffs require regular exercise and proper nutrition to stay healthy. They also need plenty of socialization to prevent them from becoming bored or destructive.
26. Saint Bernard
Weight of Saint Bernard: 120 to 240 lbs
Height of Saint Bernard: 26 to 28 inches
The Saint Bernard may not be very tall compared to other breeds on our list but it is definitely one of the heaviest options. It is also incredibly strong which can be traced back to its intentional breeding in the Swiss Alps for use as a rescue dog.
Over the years, they have also been used as guard dogs, watchdogs, hunting companions, and even shepherd dogs.
25. Landseer
Weight of the Landseer: 100 to 150 lbs
Height of the Landseer: 26 to 28 inches
Technically speaking, the Landseer is a variation of the Newfoundland breed. It is actually only recognized as an independent breed by a few select kennel clubs in Europe.
The main difference between the Landseer and Newfoundland is the coat color. The former gets its unique markings from a piebald genetic mutation. This results in varying degrees of white coloration over the body.
However, their faces are almost always predominantly black with white spots on the top of the snout and forehead.
24. Akbash
Weight of the Akbash: 75 to 140 lbs
Height of the Akbash: 27 to 32 inches
The Akbash is known for its fluffy and glossy white coat. In fact, the name translates to “white head” in some Turkish dialects.
It is popularly used around the world as a shepherd dog. This is largely due to its confidence coupled with its gentleness towards livestock.
It is also popular as a guard dog with its alertness and wariness towards strangers.
23. Great Pyrenees Mountain Dog
Weight of the Great Pyrenees Mountain Dog: 85 to 160 lbs
Height of the Great Pyrenees Mountain Dog: 26 to 31 inches
This dog is unique for its nocturnal predisposition. This is one of the main reasons why they are so popular in Europe as guard dogs both for homes and livestock sheds.
Their large size also makes them very effective at warding off potentially dangerous attackers.
Despite their foreboding appearance, Great Pyrenees mountain dogs are not very aggressive but instead use loud barking to scare off uninvited guests, like people or animals.
22. Bloodhound
Weight of the Bloodhound: 88 to 120 lbs
Height of the Bloodhound: 23 to 28 inches
Bloodhounds have had close relations with humans as hunting trackers for millennia. They can be traced back to medieval civilizations in Europe where they were used to track prey like boars using their sharp sense of smell.
Today, they are very popular in law enforcement groups for their scent tracking skills. They are also very dependable companion pets with their high intelligence, mild temperament, and affection for family members.
21. Afghan Hound
Weight of the Afghan Hound: 44 to 60 lbs
Height of the Afghan Hound: 24 to 29 inches
Technically speaking, this is not the largest dog breed as far as bodyweight averages and general bulkiness goes. However, they are among the tallest in terms of the foot-to-withers measurements which is what lands them on this list.
Something interesting is the fact that these doggies are considered among the dumbest of all dog breeds. This does not have as much to do with intellect as it does their ability to learn in general as afghan hounds can be quite stubborn and have very poor response rates.
20. Dogue de Bordeaux
Weight of the Dogue de Bordeaux: 125 to 150 lbs
Height of the Dogue de Bordeaux: 23 to 27 inches
This is also known as the French Mastiff and is one of the oldest breeds in the Western European region.
Despite being lesser known than other popular mastiffs like the Tibetan and Bullmastiff, these dogs have been around for much longer and contribute to the ancestry of the newer mastiffs.
19. Dogo Argentino
Weight of Dogo Argentino: 77 to 100 lbs
Height of Dogo Argentino: 24 to 27 inches
The Dogo Argentino is not a pure breed dog but instead a combination of a variety of large breeds. These include the extinct Cordoba dog as well as other giants like the great dane, old English mastiff, and the French mastiff just to name a few.
The product is one of the bravest and most loyal dog breeds in existence today that is ideal for both work and companionship.
18. Tibetan Mastiff
Weight of Tibetan Mastiff: 75 to 160 lbs
Height of Tibetan Mastiff: 24 to 26 inches
With their thick manes, dark faces, and large eyes, these doggies look like teddy bears. Really large teddy bears.
The purebred dogs are native to the Tibetan region of Asia and are perfectly built for the brutally cold weather in the region.
They were initially used as guard dogs for livestock and monasteries but have become more and more popular as companion pets popular for their love of snuggling.
17. Anatolian Shepherd
Weight of Anatolian shepherd: 88 to 143 lbs
Height of Anatolian shepherd: 28 to 32 inches
The Anatolian Shepherd is commonly confused for the Kangal shepherd dog, both from Turkey. This is mainly due to their very similar appearance in terms of everything from skill features and coat type to weight and height averages.
However, the Anatolian Shepherd is known as the most confident of the two and is more prone to aggressive outbursts if not properly trained and socialized. It is also easier to find in other countries around the world where the Kangal is almost exclusive to Turkey.
16. Neapolitan Mastiff
Weight of Neapolitan mastiff: 110 to 150 lbs
Height of Neapolitan mastiff: 24 to 30 inches
The Neapolitan Mastiff is truly a giant breed with its impressively large measurements and stocky body. The large amounts of loose and wrinkly skin contribute further to the beastly aesthetic and are the type of look that inevitably grows on you.
Despite this appearance, Neapolitan Mastiffs are among the most gentle of all giant dog breeds and are therefore awesome to keep as family pets.
15. Boerboel
Weight of Boerboel: 110 to 176 lbs
Height of Boerboel: 24 to 30 inches
The Boerboel is a rare dog not found in many places outside of South Africa. This mastiff-type pooch is known for its fearless character, territorial nature, and high intelligence.
It is therefore popularly used as a guard dog both in domestic settings as well as in law enforcement, especially as a prison guard dog.
For use as companion pets, early socialization and obedience training is crucial.
14. Newfoundland
Weight of Newfoundland: 121 to 176 lbs
Height of Newfoundland: 26 to 28 inches
As the name suggests, this giant dog breed is a native of the Newfoundland region of Canada. They have one of the coolest jobs among working dog breeds which is water rescue.
This is made possible by their sheer strength and calmness even under pressure. They are also physically built for the job with their webbed feet and waterproof double coat.
13. Tosa Inu
Weight of Tosa Inu: 80 to 200 lbs
Height of Tosa Inu: 24 to 32 inches
The Tosa Inu is native to Japan but stands out from other breeds in the region as it does not have the typical spitz aesthetic common to breeds from the region.
Instead, the Tosa Inu resembles its close relatives from the West including the English Mastiff, English Bulldog, and Great Dane. This is due to the large, square head, short coat type, and large, stocky body.
12. Russian Black Terrier
Weight of Russian Black Terrier: 99 to 130 lbs
Height of Russian Black Terrier: 27 to 30 inches
This is another dog breed on our list that is not a primitive purebred but instead a combination of different breeds. In fact, Russian Black Terrier is believed that about 17 dog breeds contributed to what is currently one of Russia’s most notable exotic dog breeds.
This brave and intelligent black beauty is popular in the military and different arms of law enforcement in the country both for guarding and tracking.
11. Bully Kutta
Weight of Bully Kutta: 110 to 125 lbs
Height of Bully Kutta: 28 to 30 inches
This is also known as the Indian Mastiff. The name Bully Kutta translates to “greatly wrinkled” which is a great way to describe a lot of these doggies.
However, due to widespread mixed breeding, the modern Bully Kutta may have loose skin but it is not as exaggeratedly wrinkled as that of its purebred ancestors.
10. Bernese Mountain Dog
Weight of Bernese Mountain Dog: 70 to 115 lbs
Height of Bernese Mountain Dog: 23 to 27.5 inches
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a part of the Sennenhund family of dogs from the Swiss Alps region. It is a strong and diligent dog with an extensive history as a working breed being used in everything from guarding to farm work.
These dogs are quite even-tempered and although aloof towards strangers will rarely attack if unprovoked.
9. Komondor
Weight of Komondor: 80 to 110 lbs
Height of Komondor: 25 to 30 inches
A lot of the giant dog aesthetic with this dog is attributable to its thick, long, and wiry coat. This is why they are sometimes known as mop dogs and one look at them will make you understand why.
Despite their large size and bulky coats, these dogs are very energetic and athletic and require a lot of outdoor time.
8. Irish Wolfhound
Weight of Irish Wolfhound: 105 to 155 lbs
Height of Irish Wolfhound: 30 to 32 inches
This is a member of the sighthound family of dogs and despite its stockier frame and thicker coat, it is every bit as athletic and fast as other relatives like the Greyhound.
What is the most interesting about this breed is its history as a hunting and guard dog where it was used primarily against wolves, thus giving it the name wolfhound.
7. Scottish Deerhound
Weight of the Scottish Deerhound: 75 to 110 lbs
Height of the Scottish Deerhound: 28 to 32 inches
Genetically, the Scottish Deerhound is very closely related to the Irish Wolfhound. In fact, they are very similar in terms of appearance, despite this breed being taller and generally leaner.
As the name suggests, another major difference between these two large breeds is that the Scottish variety is native to Scotland and was used in hunting deer.
6. Cane Corso
Weight of the Cane Corso: 88 to 110 lbs
Height of the Cane Corso: 23 to 28 inches
The Cane Corso is easily one of the fiercest dogs on this list. However, they are not aggressive unless provoked or commanded to do so when used in law enforcement or personal protection.
In fact, Cane Corsos are real gentle giants when bred and trained for keeping as house pets. They are particularly gentle and patient with children they have bonded with.
5. Leonberger
Weight of the Leonberger: 100 to 170 lbs
Height of the Leonberger: 26 to 31 inches
Also known as the gentle lion, this dog was specifically bred to resemble a lion. With its thick mane, symmetrical and muscular body, as well as their coat colors, it is safe to say that they definitely hit the mark.
The Leonberger is also very intelligent and attentive which makes it easy to train for different purposes, including guarding as well as simple companionship.
4. The Great Dane
Weight of the Great Dane: 110 to 180 lbs
Height of the Great Dane: 28 to 32 inches
As earlier stated, the Great Dane is wrongly considered to be the largest dog breed by weight and height. Although this is not technically true, there is no denying how incredibly large these doggies can be.
In fact, it is one of the main contributors to the weight, height, and length of record-breaking individual dogs with the likes of Zeus who is to date considered the tallest dog ever recorded.
3. Caucasian Shepherd
Weight of the Caucasian Shepherd: 100 to 200 lbs
Height of the Caucasian Shepherd: 25 to 30 inches
This breed resembles a bear in very many ways from the large form to the wild-looking, thick mane. Historically, their large size, incredible strength, and fearless attitudes made them very popular for use as guard dogs against wild animals like bears and wolves.
Today, these traits are put to use in law enforcement, especially in prison guarding where most Caucasian Shepherds in Russia can be found.
2. Kangal
Weight of the Kangal: 90 to 145 lbs
Height of the Kangal: 28 to 32 inches
This Turkish native has grown in popularity among livestock rearing communities around the world for its great defense skills. It has been known to stand up bravely to wild animals including wolves, bears, and even lions in African countries.
The Kangal requires a bit of training and socialization for use as a companion pet but they are always willing to learn.
1. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Weight of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: 80 to 135 lbs
Height of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: 23.5 to 28.5 inches
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was Switzerland’s most popular dog breed for a long time, especially in the countryside. They have been used for everything from guarding to pulling carts.
However, it is their awesome personality that makes them so popular with traits like their unwavering loyalty and general extroverted predisposition.
Related Questions
What Is The Heaviest Dog Ever Recorded?
While the English Mastiff is the largest dog by height and weight, it was a Saint Bernard named Benedictine that holds the title of the heaviest dog ever recorded. The giant dog weighed in at an incredible 357 lbs taking over from Zorba, the Old English Mastiff who had previously held the record with the recorded weight of 345 lbs.
What Is The Tallest Dog Ever Recorded?
Great Danes are known for their great height ranges which is why it comes as no surprise that Zeus the Great Dane is considered the tallest dog ever recorded. This gentle giant measured 44 inches from the feet to withers when standing up. This height was further exaggerated by the dog’s lean frame.
What Is The Longest Dog Ever Recorded?
Zorba the Old English Mastiff holds the title of the longest dog ever recorded with a head to tail length of 8 feet and 3 inches. What is interesting about this specific dog is the fact that he previously also held the title of the heaviest dog in the late 80s, weighing more than 300 lbs.
