Biggest Dogs in the World: List of Top 10 Largest Dog Breeds

Listing out the biggest dogs in the world can be a bit complicated. There are several ways to measure their size and weight. Some might regard the heaviest dog, while others might focus on height or overall body mass.

By Raj Arthur

January 26, 2024

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Biggest Dogs in the World: Hey, dog lovers! The world of biggest dogs is an exciting one, filled with tender giants and furry friends.

From the massive English Mastiff, weighing 343 pounds to the 32-inch tall royal Irish Wolfhound, these breeds will unveil a unique and interesting world to dogs.

But no matter how you tag ‘man’s best friend’, these 10 breeds are absolutely contenders for the title of biggest dogs in the world:

Table of Contents

Meet the Biggest Dogs in the World

Rank	Breed	Weight (lbs)	Height (in)
1	English Mastiff	343	30
2	Neapolitan Mastiff	200	30
3	Great Dane	200	32
4	Boerboel	200	27
5	Leonberger	200	30
6	Dogue de Bordeaux	200	27
7	Saint Bernard	180	30
8	Irish Wolfhound	180	32
9	Tibetan Mastiff	160	27
10	Anatolian Shepherd	150	29

English Mastiff – British Breed

This gentle giant is the current record holder for being one of the biggest dogs in the world ever, with a mastiff named Zorba tipping the scales at a whopping 343 pounds! On average, male English Mastiffs weigh between 160 and 230 pounds and stand about 30 inches tall at the shoulder.

Life expectancy: 6 – 12 years
Temperament: Protective, Affectionate, Dignified, Good-natured, Calm, Courageous
Colours: Brindle, Fawn, Apricot
Origin: England

Neapolitan Mastiff – Italian Breed

Popular as being one of the biggest dogs in the world in terms of weight, this Italian beauty is listed second to the English Mastiff, males weighing 150 to 200 pounds and females at 110 to 150 pounds. Neapolitan Mastiffs are known for their loose skin and wrinkled faces.

Temperament: Protective, Stubborn, Obedient, Fearless, Dominant, Trainable
Life expectancy: 8 – 10 years
Colours: Black, Brindle, Mahogany, Tawny, Blue
Origin: Italy

Saint Bernard – Swiss Breed

These chubby dogs were usually nurtured for rescue work in the Swiss Alps. Their body mass is definitely a plus point in that job. Male Saint Bernard’s can weigh up to 180 pounds being 30 inches tall, making them as one of the biggest dogs in the world.

Life expectancy: 8 – 10 years
Temperament: Lively, Friendly, Gentle, Calm, Watchful
Colours: Reddish-brown Splash, Brownish-yellow, Red & White, Reddish-brown Mantle, Reddish-brown Brindle
Origin: Switzerland

Great Dane – German Breed

The sturdy Great Dane is the tallest dog in the world. Males stand up to 32 inches tall at the shoulder, being popular as one of the biggest dogs in the world. Being heavy, male breed weighs between 140 and 200 pounds. Great Danes are known for their gentle and loving nature despite their size and looks.

Life expectancy: 8 – 10 years
Temperament: Devoted, Friendly, Reserved, Confident, Gentle, Loving
Colours: Black, Fawn, Harlequin, Mantle, Brindle, Blue
Origin: Germany

Irish Wolfhound – Ireland, England

Being the tallest sighthound in the world, Irish Wolfhound’s were once used to hunt wolves making them the top 10 largest dog breeds in the world. Male Irish Wolfhounds go up to 32 inches tall and weigh up to 180 pounds. They are quick on their feet, reaching speeds of up to 35 miles per hour.

Temperament: Sweet-Tempered, Dignified, Loyal, Patient, Thoughtful, Generous
Life expectancy: 6 – 10 years
Colours: Black, White, Fawn, Grey, Brindle, Red
Origin: Irish

Boerboel – South African Breed

Famed as one of the biggest dogs in the world, Boerboels were originally used to guard farms against predators. This South African breed is a powerful working dog that can weigh up to 200 pounds and stand 27 inches tall. They’re popular for their faithfulness and defensive instincts.

Temperament: Obedient, Intelligent, Loyal, Confident, Dominant, Territorial
Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years
Colours: Black, Brindle, Fawn, Piebald, Mahogany, Cream, Red, Brown
Origin: South Africa

Leonberger – German Breed

Renowned as one of the biggest dogs in the world, this tender giant is a crossbred between a Newfoundland, a Saint Bernard and a Pyrenean Mountain Dog. Male Leonbergers can weigh up to 200 pounds and grow 30 inches tall. They’re identified for their gracious and outgoing personality.

Life expectancy: 8 – 9 years
Temperament: Obedient, Fearless, Companionable, Loyal, Adaptable, Loving
Colours: Mahogany, Sandy, Red, Yellow
Origin: Germany

Tibetan Mastiff – Tibetan Breed

Native to the Tibetan Plateau, Tibetan Mastiff were used to guard livestock from wild animals making them world famous as one of the biggest dogs in the world. Weighing up to 160 pounds and standing 27 inches tall, male Tibetan Mastiffs are known for their woolly fur and self-governing nature.

Temperament: Tenacious, Intelligent, Aloof, Stubborn, Strong Willed, Protective
Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years
Colours: Black, Blue Gray, Black & Tan, Brown & Tan, Brown, Red Gold
Origin: Tibet

Dogue de Bordeaux – French Breed

Originally used to guard chateaus and estates, this French breed is a massive watchdog that can weigh up to 200 pounds and stand 27 inches tall. They’re known for their wrinkled faces and droopy jowls, tagging them as one of the biggest dogs in the world.

Life expectancy: 5 – 8 years
Temperament: Devoted, Even Tempered, Vigilant, Companionable, Loyal, Courageous
Colors: Fawn, Mahogany, Red
Origin: France

Anatolian Shepherd – Turkish Breed

This Turkish breed is a large and powerful working dog that was originally used to guard herds of sheep from predators, making them the top 10 largest dog breeds in the world. Male Anatolian Shepherds can weigh up to 150 pounds and stand 29 inches tall. They’re known for their loyalty and independence.