In the past, many large dog breeds were bred for the purpose of guarding and protecting livestock and property on farms from wolves, bears, predators, thieves, … . Therefore, the bigger and stronger the dog, the better it will work. Nowadays, many of these large breeds are popular as companions and family pets because of their gentleness, sweetness, calmness, and protection of children. Here are top 15 largest dog breeds.
#1 – English Mastiff
Height: 27.5-30 inches & up
Weight: 120-230 pounds
The English Mastiff, also known as the Mastiff, is the heaviest dog breed in the world, originating from England. The English Mastiff is known as a large, strong, brave, decent, gentle and kind dog. They are great companions and guardians for their families. However, the English Mastiff is a very lazy dog, and loves to sleep so they need to be exercised regularly to prevent lazy behavior and prevent some health problems.
#2 – Pyrenean Mastiff
Height: 25-31 inches
Weight: 120-230 pounds
The Pyrenean Mastiff is a large livestock guardian dog from the Pyrenees mountains in Spain. It was traditionally used to protect flocks during the annual transhumance to high summer pastures in the Pyrenees. The Pyrenean Mastiff is friendly to humans, calm, noble, intelligent, courageous, loving and protective of family members and other animals.
#3 – Great Dane
Height: 28-32 inches
Weight: 110-175 pounds
The Great Dane is a large breed of working dog originating from Germany. The Great Dane combines a regal appearance, strength, dignity and elegance with great size and a powerful, well-formed, smoothly muscled body. They are very gentle, friendly, and rarely bark, coupled with an elegant appearance. The Great Dane is a sweet, friendly, affection, gentle and reliable companion, they are also a good guardian, alert for the family.
#4 – Boerboel
Height: 22-27 inches
Weight: 150-200 pounds
The Boerboel is a large mastiff breed that originated in South Africa and is often used as a guard dog. They are strong, muscular dogs with extremely strong jaws and in terms of movement they are the most flexible of the mastiff breeds. And like most mastiff breeds, Boerboels are usually quite sweet, calm, brave and devoted to protecting the things they love. Boerboels need early training and socialization because of their size and strength.
#5 – Saint Bernard
Height: 26-30 inches
Weight: 120-180 pounds
The Saint Bernard is a large, extremely strong and muscular dog breed. They are loved and famous throughout the world. Originally, the Saint Bernard was used as a rescue dog in the Alps. Nowadays, the Saint Bernard is appearing in many happy families, because they are quiet, devoted, and friendly dogs and they sleep a lot.
#6 – Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Height: 23-30 inches
Weight: 99-170 pounds
The Caucasian Shepherd dog is a large livestock guardian dog from the Caucasus mountains. The Caucasian Shepherd dog is a confident, strong, fearless dog that is ready to protect its family and is aggressive when it senses a threat. To their family members and other pets, they are usually gentle, agreeable, calm, devoted, kind, and naturally protective.
#7 – Neapolitan Mastiff
Height: 24-31 inches
Weight: 110-150 pounds
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a large guard dog, with a wrinkled face and saggy facial skin. The Neapolitan Mastiff is originally from Italy. They are loyal dogs, gentle and sweet to their family members, but always alert to the unusual. The Neapolitan Mastiff is a breed that requires early training and socialization because of their size and strength.
#8 – Tibetan Mastiff
Height: minimum 24-26 inches
Weight: 70-150 pounds
The Tibetan Mastiff is a member of the Mastiff family and is originally from Tibet. They were used as a flock guardian dog in Tibet. The Tibetan Mastiff is considered a primitive dog with its large size and thick double coat to keep the body warm, helping them adapt to the cold climate in Tibet and the high-altitude Himalayan range. The Tibetan Mastiff is an intelligent, calm, alert, Independent dog and often aloof from a stranger.
#9 – Irish Wolfhound
Height: minimum 30-32 inches
Weight: 105-120 pounds
The Irish Wolfhound is a talented hunting dog originating from Ireland. In the past, they were used as a wolf hunter, and their names also originated from here. Nowadays, Irish Wolfhounds are often favored for their loyalty, affection, patience, calm and devotion. in addition, they are generally introverted, intelligent, and reserved in character, not barking nor too aggressive.
#10 – Leonberger
Height: 25.5-31.5 inches
Weight: 90-170 pounds
The Leonberger is a large dog originating from Germany, and is named after the city of Leonberg in Germany. The Leonberger is known for his appearance with the thick fur around his neck and chest that makes them very similar to the lion’s mane. The Leonberger is an intelligent, loyal, friendly, kindly, gentle and playful dog. In addition, because of their gentleness, they also have other nicknames such as: “Gentle Lion”, “Gentle Giant”.
#11 – Newfoundland
Height: 26-28 inches & up
Weight: 100-150 pounds
The Newfoundland is also known by another name is Newfie, is a large working dog originating from Newfoundland and Labrador (is the easternmost province of Canada). In addition to its large, strong appearance, this breed is better known for its sweet, cute, sociable, gentle, patient, rarely barking personality and Newfie is also considered a good dog for children. Newfie also particularly likes water and they can work underwater, for rescue cases.
#12 – Bullmastiff
Height: 24-27 inches
Weight: 100-130 pounds
The Bullmastiff is a combination of two breeds Bulldog and Mastiff, they are originated from the United Kingdom. In addition to their large, strong appearance, the Bullmastiff is also a affectionate, gentle, loyal and brave dog, which helps them to become reliable guardians and companions in families.
#13 – Kuvasz
Height: 26-30 inches
Weight: 70-115 pounds
The Kuvasz is a large-sized breed of working dog originating from Hungary. In the past, the Kuvasz was used as a royal guard dog or guarded livestock. The Kuvasz has a large, imposing appearance and is covered with a dense white coat. The Kuvasz is an intelligent, loyal, patient dog but they can be independent or slightly aloof, particularly with strangers.
#14 – Estrela Mountain Dog
Height: 24.5-29 inches
Weight: 77-132 pounds
The Estrela Mountain Dog is a large livestock guardian dog from the Estrela mountains in Portugal. The Estrela Mountain Dog is an intelligent, loyal, affectionate, alert, brave, strong, independent dog with a natural protective instinct that makes them excellent livestock guard dogs. They need training and socialization when they are puppies because of their size and strength.
#15 – Great Pyrenees
Height: 25-32 inches
Weight: 85-100 pounds & up
The Great Pyrenees, also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, is a large breed of dog used as a livestock guardian dog. They are adapted to snow-covered mountains, and are used as dogs to protect cattle from wolves and other predators. The Great Pyrenees is an affectionate, confident, gentle, patient, calm dog and is considered good with children. However, The Great Pyrenees can be slow to learn new commands, slow to obey and somewhat stubborn to train.
