World’s Largest Dog Breeds: 15 Giant Dogs Compared

What does “the world's largest dog” mean?

A dog can be exceptionally large in more than one way. Shoulder height is measured from the ground to the withers, while body weight depends on sex, build, age and body condition. A tall, lean sighthound may therefore stand above a much heavier mastiff.

This list is not a mathematical ranking from first to fifteenth place. The breeds were selected because they are among the largest recognised breeds when height and body mass are considered together. Measurements come from FCI breed standards. Where a standard does not specify weight, we say so rather than presenting unofficial online figures as definitive.

• Height: Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds and Saint Bernards reach some of the greatest heights described in breed standards.
• Weight: The English Mastiff is known for enormous body mass, but its FCI standard does not set a specific weight.
• Individual records: Record-breaking dogs can be much larger than the breed's normal size. Their measurements should not become breeding targets.

Breed names and measurements can differ between kennel clubs. This comparison consistently uses FCI standards. Heights are in centimetres and weights in kilograms; 1 inch equals 2.54 cm and 1 kg is approximately 2.2 lb.

15 of the world's largest dog breeds compared

Height is measured at the withers. Weights separated by a slash indicate male/female. “Min.” means a minimum stated in the standard, not an average or maximum. The table summarises the main measurements; individual standards may include additional guidance and tolerances.

1. Great Dane – the breed behind the height records

The Great Dane is the breed most people associate with the world's tallest dog. This German breed combines long legs and exceptional height with a relatively elegant build. The FCI specifies 80–90 cm for males and 72–84 cm for females.

A well-socialised Great Dane should be friendly, confident and devoted to its family. Its size makes early everyday training essential. A dog that can reach the kitchen worktop without standing on its hind legs needs to learn calm greetings, loose-lead walking and comfortable handling at the vet.

Source: FCI standard No. 235.

2. English Mastiff – one of the heaviest dog breeds

The English Mastiff is broad, deep and powerfully built. Its FCI standard describes exceptional size and substance but does not specify a height or weight range. It is therefore more accurate to call it one of the heaviest breeds than to suggest every Mastiff should weigh a particular number of kilograms.

The breed should combine courage and guarding ability with calmness and affection towards its family. Its substantial body weight still calls for non-slip floors, a spacious vehicle, appropriate exercise and an owner who can manage the dog without relying on physical force.

Source: FCI standard No. 264.

3. Irish Wolfhound – the tallest sighthound

The Irish Wolfhound is tall and long-legged but less massive than a mastiff. The 2026 FCI standard gives a desired minimum height of 79 cm for males and 71 cm for females. It also describes a breeding aim of an average male height of at least 86 cm.

The breed was used to hunt wolves, wild boar and deer. It should be friendly towards people and other dogs, but beneath its calm appearance is a fast hunting dog. Secure enclosed spaces and realistic expectations for recall training are important.

Source: FCI standard No. 160, 2026 edition. Minimum weights of 54.5 kg for males and 40.5 kg for females relate to the respective minimum heights; weight should increase proportionally with size.

4. Saint Bernard – the giant Alpine dog

The Saint Bernard became famous through the dogs at the hospice on the Great Saint Bernard Pass. They accompanied travellers and helped search for people lost in snow and fog. The FCI standard specifies 70–90 cm for males and 65–80 cm for females.

The breed should be friendly, calm to lively and watchful. There are short-haired and long-haired varieties. Both are large, heavy dogs that need early training, adequate space and particular care in warm weather.

Source: FCI standard No. 61.

5. Spanish Mastiff – an enormous livestock guardian

The Spanish Mastiff was developed to protect livestock and accompany travelling herds. Its FCI standard sets no upper height limit. The minimum is 77 cm for males and 72 cm for females, with heights above 80 and 75 cm respectively preferred when the body remains balanced.

This is more than an oversized companion dog. Its background as an independent guardian can make it reserved towards strangers. Experience with livestock guardian dogs, careful socialisation and secure fencing matter more than choosing it for its appearance.

Source: FCI standard No. 91.

6. Leonberger – large, sociable and heavily coated

The Leonberger is a German breed with a history of guarding, pulling and farm work. Males should measure 72–80 cm and females 65–75 cm. The breed combines a powerful body with a long coat and a lion-like appearance.

The standard emphasises confidence, willingness to learn and friendliness towards children. That does not mean every Leonberger automatically becomes an easy family dog. A puppy quickly grows into a very strong adult and needs socialisation, help learning to settle and everyday training.

Source: FCI standard No. 145.

7. Newfoundland – the giant with a love of water

The Newfoundland comes from Canada and was used for water work, transport and pulling loads. Unlike many giant-breed standards, the FCI specifies both average height and average weight: approximately 71 cm and 68 kg for males, and 66 cm and 54 kg for females.

The breed is known for calmness, strength and swimming ability. However, its large body, dense coat and interest in water involve plenty of practical care. After swimming, the coat and skin should dry thoroughly. Read our guide to safe swimming and water play with dogs.

Source: FCI standard No. 50.

8. Landseer – a tall black-and-white water dog

The Landseer European Continental Type resembles a black-and-white Newfoundland but is recognised by the FCI as a separate breed. Its standard describes a taller-legged, less massive dog than the Newfoundland. Males normally measure 72–80 cm and females 67–72 cm.

The breed is large, active and often enthusiastic about water. Its long coat needs regular brushing, and muddy weather is particularly noticeable on the white areas. Swimming should always be adapted to the dog's fitness, water temperature and conditions.

Source: FCI standard No. 226. In some English-speaking kennel-club systems, “Landseer” also describes a Newfoundland colour pattern; this entry refers specifically to the FCI-recognised European Continental Type.

9. Pyrenean Mountain Dog – an independent mountain guardian

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog, commonly called the Great Pyrenees in North America, was developed to protect flocks in mountain regions. The FCI gives heights of 70–80 cm for males and 65–75 cm for females. The breed is strong and agile, but its independent judgement is what most clearly distinguishes it from many companion dogs.

Livestock guardians were bred to recognise threats and act without continuous instructions. They may bark frequently, protect their territory and make choices their owners did not request. These traits need careful consideration in built-up areas and around visitors.

Source: FCI standard No. 137.

10. Caucasian Shepherd Dog – a powerful guardian

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog, also called the Caucasian Ovcharka, is a substantial guarding breed. The FCI gives desired heights of 72–75 cm for males and 67–70 cm for females, accepting larger dogs when their build remains balanced. Minimum weight is 50 kg for males and 45 kg for females.

This is a serious guardian rather than an obvious choice for an inexperienced owner. It needs secure premises, early and controlled exposure to everyday environments, and an owner who understands the difference between obedience training and inherited guarding behaviour.

Source: FCI standard No. 328.

11. Tibetan Mastiff – an imposing mountain dog

The Tibetan Mastiff was used as a guardian by nomads and at Tibetan monasteries. The FCI specifies a minimum height of 66 cm for males and 61 cm for females, but no standard weight. Its thick coat, mane and powerful body often make it look even larger.

The breed is independent, slow to mature and may be reserved towards strangers. It usually suits experienced owners who can provide space and predictable handling. Ordinary obedience training does not remove its guarding instincts.

Source: FCI standard No. 230.

12. Kangal Shepherd Dog – a strong Turkish livestock guardian

“Anatolian Shepherd” remains a familiar term in searches and everyday conversation. The current FCI breed name is Kangal Çoban Köpeği, or Kangal Shepherd Dog. This comparison therefore uses the Kangal standard; the names are not fully interchangeable across all kennel clubs. Males should measure 72–78 cm and weigh 48–60 kg. Females should measure 65–73 cm and weigh 40–50 kg.

The Kangal was developed to protect sheep in demanding conditions. It should be steady and courageous without unnecessary aggression, while working independently and showing caution towards strangers during its guarding duties. It needs more than a large garden: safe management and an understanding of its working background are essential.

Source: FCI standard No. 331.

13. Neapolitan Mastiff – heavy and distinctive

The Neapolitan Mastiff is an Italian guarding breed with strong bone, loose skin and a very substantial appearance. The FCI specifies 65–75 cm and 60–70 kg for males, and 60–68 cm and 50–60 kg for females.

Its movements are generally less athletic than those of many other breeds, but its strength and guarding traits still require careful socialisation and management. Skin folds, eyes, joints and overall physical function should be considered closely when assessing breeders.

Source: FCI standard No. 197.

14. Dogue de Bordeaux – compact power

The Dogue de Bordeaux is not among the tallest breeds, but its large head, broad chest and heavy body make it exceptionally powerful. The FCI gives 60–68 cm and at least 50 kg for males, and 58–66 cm and at least 45 kg for females.

The breed has a background in guarding, hunting and pulling. It should be calm and courageous, but may show clear guarding traits. Heat tolerance, skin, joints, breathing and heart health are important topics to discuss with breed clubs, breeders and your vet.

Source: FCI standard No. 116.

15. Scottish Deerhound – tall, fast and lighter-built

The Scottish Deerhound shows why height and weight are not the same thing. Males have a desired minimum height of 76 cm, with a standard weight of approximately 45.5 kg. Females have a desired minimum height of 71 cm and a weight of approximately 36.5 kg.

Developed for deer hunting, it resembles a large, rough-coated sighthound. It needs opportunities to move, while its hunting instincts and speed call for safe exercise areas. It is a giant in height rather than a massive guarding dog.

Source: FCI standard No. 164.

The tallest and heaviest dogs: breeds versus individual records

World records concern individual dogs, not the usual size of a breed. Guinness World Records lists the Great Dane Reginald “Reggie” Johnson Reiss at 100.7 cm at the withers, measured on 27 January 2025. Guinness also identifies the Great Dane Zeus, measured at 111.8 cm in 2011, as the tallest dog ever recorded.

The English Mastiff Zorba is associated with another record category. Guinness lists him as the longest dog ever, measuring 2.554 metres, and gives a weight of 144.66 kg on that record page. Such exceptional individuals should not be used as targets for a healthy family dog's weight.

Records can change. See the Guinness entries for the tallest living male dog, Zeus and Zorba.

Which giant dog breeds suit family life?

Leonbergers, Newfoundlands, Great Danes and Saint Bernards are often described as good family dogs. However, breed alone does not determine the outcome. Breeding, the parents' temperament, socialisation, pain, training and the family's routine all matter.

For many families, a sociable companion type is easier to integrate into everyday life than an independent livestock guardian. Pyrenean Mountain Dogs, Kangals, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs, Spanish Mastiffs and Tibetan Mastiffs were developed to make their own decisions and protect a territory or flock. They may be strongly attached to their families, but are not necessarily easy dogs for busy neighbourhoods with frequent visitors.

Giant dogs, children and other pets

A calm 70 kg dog can knock over a small child without intending to. Interactions between children and dogs should always be supervised. The dog needs a quiet retreat, and children should learn to respect sleep, food and canine body language.

Relationships with cats and smaller dogs vary. Some giant dogs are sociable and tolerant, while sighthounds may have strong prey drive and guardians may react to unfamiliar animals. Early introductions can help, but cannot guarantee safe behaviour around every animal.

Exercise, training and how much space a giant dog needs

Giant dogs do not necessarily need extremely long runs. Their needs depend on breed, age, health and working background. Irish Wolfhounds and Scottish Deerhounds are fast hunting dogs, while many mastiffs have a calmer movement pattern. All still need daily activity, positive exposure to everyday environments and mental stimulation.

A large garden does not replace walks and companionship. The home itself also matters: the dog must be able to turn without knocking over furniture, rest without blocking every walkway and move on surfaces that are not slippery. Stairs can be impractical for puppies, older dogs and dogs with joint problems.

Prioritise skills that make everyday life manageable:

• walking calmly on a loose lead
• waiting at doors and beside the car
• greeting people without jumping up
• accepting handling of paws, ears and body
• releasing objects and moving when asked
• settling despite nearby activity

Health and life expectancy in giant dog breeds

Many giant breeds have shorter life expectancies than smaller dogs. Comparative research has also documented an association between large body size and shorter lifespan, although differences between breeds and individuals are substantial. Relevant health concerns vary by breed, but hips, elbows, heart, eyes, skin and mobility feature in several health programmes. See the study “The size–life span trade-off decomposed”.

Large, deep-chested dogs also have an increased risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus, or GDV, often called bloat with stomach twisting. It can develop rapidly and requires immediate veterinary attention. Warning signs include repeated unsuccessful retching, restlessness, drooling, abdominal swelling, weakness or breathing difficulty. Do not wait to see whether it passes.

The MSD Veterinary Manual describes GDV as an acute, life-threatening condition particularly affecting large and giant breeds. Ask your vet about individual risk factors, feeding routines and whether preventive gastropexy is appropriate for your dog. See its veterinary overview of gastric dilatation-volvulus.

Before buying a puppy, ask for documented health results for both parents. Depending on the breed, relevant screening may include hips, elbows, eyes, heart examinations and specific DNA tests. Check the recommendations of the national kennel club and recognised breed club in your country. Registration alone is not a guarantee that every relevant health test has been completed or that a puppy will remain healthy.

You can use our dog age calculator to compare canine age with human years, but an individual dog's health or expected lifespan cannot be predicted precisely by a calculator.

Puppies, growth and feeding a giant dog

A giant-breed puppy has a lot of growing to do, but the goal is not the fastest possible growth. Use a complete diet suitable for large- or giant-breed puppies, monitor body condition and ask your vet or a qualified veterinary nutrition professional if you are unsure. Calcium and other mineral supplements should not be added without professional advice.

Exercise should build experience and body control without excessive repetitive loading. Long runs beside a bicycle, heavy pulling, repeated jumping and intensive repetitive training should wait until the dog is physically mature and the activity has been assessed as appropriate.

Socialisation means calm, positive experiences, not meeting as many people and dogs as possible in a short time. A puppy that will eventually weigh 60–80 kg should learn early to settle, accept examination and cope with everyday sounds and environments.

How much does it cost to own a giant dog?

There is no single monthly figure that suits every owner. Food prices, insurance, location, breed, age and health can make a substantial difference. Many expenses nevertheless increase as the dog gets bigger.

Ask a breeder or breed club about realistic adult food consumption and obtain insurance quotes before reserving a puppy. Include a financial reserve for policy excesses and expenses that are not covered.

Cars and transport with a very large dog

Transport is one of the most overlooked challenges. Your dog needs to get safely in and out of the car and have a suitable secured area or crate with enough length, height and ventilation. A ramp can reduce the need for a heavy dog to jump down from the vehicle.

If possible, check how an adult dog of the breed fits in your car before buying a puppy. Large dogs and dogs with dark or dense coats also need particular care in warm conditions. Read our guide to dogs in cars during summer before hot days and road trips.

How to choose the right large dog breed

The biggest dog is not automatically the best dog for you. Start with the breed's traits and your everyday life, then consider appearance.

1. Decide which type of dog you want. A sociable companion, a sighthound and an independent livestock guardian have very different traits.
2. Meet several adult dogs. Puppies reveal little about the size and strength the breed will reach.
3. Check health evidence. Ask to see recorded results and have the breed club's recommendations explained.
4. Calculate the full cost. Include food, insurance, transport, equipment, training and a veterinary reserve.
5. Plan for the long term. Housing, children, work, holidays and your physical capabilities may change.

A responsible breeder will ask you questions too and should discuss the breed's disadvantages honestly, rather than simply describing how gentle and impressive it is.

Frequently asked questions about the world's largest dog breeds