The largest dog breed in the world is bigger than a small pony. Great Danes and St. Bernards are among the largest breeds.
Biggest dog breed in the world: The Irish Wolfhound is a giant even among the big ones
There are countless dog breeds that come in different sizes. There are the dwarfs with the smallest dog breeds, the “normal sized” and the large ones. A dog breed is considered large from a shoulder height of 61 centimetres. From 70 centimetres upwards, we speak of giants. Incidentally, the size specifications refer to the withers, which are located above the shoulder at the start of the neck. The head is therefore “on top”.
- Irish Wolfhound: The Irish Wolfhound is one of the largest dogs in the world. It reaches a shoulder height of at least 79 centimetres in males and 71 centimetres in females. However, particularly tall representatives of the breed can also reach 90 centimetres. The Irish Wolfhound is considered to be a calm breed of dog;
- Bernhardines: Anyone who remembers the movie “A Dog Named Beethoven” will know how powerful a Saint Bernard can become. “Beethoven” reaches a shoulder height of up to 90 centimetres, a female specimen can reach up to 80 centimetres.
St. Bernards are search and rescue dogs, but are also suitable for families (with plenty of space) thanks to their even-tempered nature. - Germanic Bear Dog: This breed is also huge and can grow up to 85 centimetres tall. The bear dog was bred to create a breed similar to the original Germanic dogs.
- Barsoi: The Borzoi has its roots in Russia. The breed is a sighthound that only weighs 48 kilograms, but can grow up to 85 centimetres tall.
- Anatolian Shepherd Dog: This shepherd dog grows up to 85 centimetres (male) or 79 centimetres (female). The breed has a very independent and self-confident nature and therefore needs an experienced hand. Originally, the Anatolian shepherd dog was bred for herd protection and for use on farms and in the fields.
Giant on four paws: Great Dane cracks 2-meter mark with head
As is already clear, there are many dog breeds that can grow to be huge. But just how big is the biggest dog in the world? There was a dog called Zeus who broke all records. With a shoulder height of 1.12 meters and a total height including head of 2.02 meters, the Great Dane towered over his master by quite a bit.
- German Mastiff: As a rule, male Great Danes are between 76 and 86 centimetres tall and females between 71 and 81 centimetres. The animals can reach a weight of up to 90 kilograms. Despite their considerable size, Great Danes are considered friendly, sociable and cuddly.
- Leonberger: The Leonberger is a docile watchdog that reaches a decent size. Females can reach a shoulder height of up to 75 centimetres and males a maximum of 80 centimetres. The Leonberger is suitable as a family and companion dog thanks to its peaceful disposition.
- Landseer: This breed is descended from the Newfoundland and has only been considered an independent dog breed since 1960. However, the Landseer grows considerably taller than its “ancestor”. The dogs can reach a shoulder height of up to 80 centimetres.
- Mastiff: A Mastiff is a well-balanced giant. Males reach a shoulder height of up to 80 centimetres and females up to 70 centimetres. The Mastiff is a bulky dog with a large head that appears proportionally larger than the rest of the body.
- Newfoundland: Newfoundlands are sled dogs, but nowadays they are also popular as family dogs due to their good nature. Males of this breed grow up to 71 centimetres tall, females reach a shoulder height of up to 66 centimetres.
