Typical Temperament for Larger Dogs
While it’s true that these animals can be downright intimidating because of their sizes, you might be surprised to learn that many of the biggest dogs not only have some of the best temperaments of any canines but also make some of the best pets for families. So, whether you’re looking into adding a new addition to your family, or you’re just interested in learning more about some giant puppies, here are 25 of the world’s largest dog breeds you’ll probably want to own! Easily recognizable thanks to its distinctive long and corded coat, not so different from that of a mop, the Komondor is a Hungarian breed that is currently being heavily monitored by the Hungarian government in order to preserve and protect it from modification. They can grow up to 31.5 inches (80 cm) high and weigh over 130 pounds (60 kg). In the past a number of Great Danes have held the record of the world’s tallest dog, including the current record-holder; a 44 inch (112 cm) tall Great Dane named Zeus. They are generally friendly toward other dogs, pets, and familiar humans, and although their average life span is 6 to 8 years, some Great Danes have reached 10 years or even more. Their weight, however, only averages about 120 pounds (55 kg) for males and 105 pounds (48 kg) for females. Unlike many other breeds, Irish wolfhounds have a varied range of personalities and are most often noted for their quirks and individuality. The black Russian terrier is a calm, confident, and self-assured dog, as well as highly intelligent and easy to train. They can live quite a bit longer than other breeds their size, often up to 14 years. However, they are known to be prone to certain hereditary diseases such as hip or elbow dysplasia. The Leonberger is easily recognizable thanks to its generous, water-resistant, double coat. These robust dogs are normally very loyal, intelligent, playful, and kind, which makes them ideal family pets. Unfortunately, their average life expectancy is about seven years. If you’re enjoying learning about these large dog breeds, you should see them goofing off in our 25 ridiculously oversized dogs list. The non-Japanese breeders have focused on dogs that weigh from 130 to 200 pounds (60 to 100 kg). The Tosa is a descendant of the native Shikoku-Inu, an indigenous medium-sized dog that was crossbred with large European dog breeds such as mastiff, St. Bernard, Great Dane. The height at the withers is 25–27.5 inches (64–70 cm) and weighs up to 125 pounds (57 kg) for males, females are just slightly smaller. Although the temperament of individual dogs may vary, The Bernese Mountain dog are generally calm, self-assured, and docile dogs, friendly to children as well as to other pets. Additionally, they are one of the most googled dogs on the Internet! Among all the Swiss mountain dogs, this breed is considered the oldest and largest with males often weighing well over 150 pounds (72 kg) and reaching heights of almost 30 inches (76 cm). The Greater Swiss is a happy, intelligent and sociable dog with an enthusiastic nature and a strong affinity to people and children. The Akbash is leaner and sometimes taller than other Turkish livestock guardian dog breeds and, when protecting their charges, they are known for their tremendous power, focus, endurance, and perseverance. While they are not the biggest dogs compared to the other ones showcased here, they do belong on the world’s largest dog breed list! The Bully Kutta is predominantly white in color. However, fawn, brindle, brown, black, and various bi-colors are also common. These extra-large dogs are usually about 35 inches (90 cm) tall and can weigh as much as 210 pounds (95 kg). Despite their massive size, the Bully Kutta dog breed is generally docile, friendly, and very trainable. Despite it not being as tall as some other breeds on this list, the Dogue de Bordeaux has a dense and powerful build with males weighing in well over 150 pounds (68 kg). One of the distinctive features of the breed is a wide, massive head; claimed to be the largest head in the canine world, in proportion to the rest of the body. Unfortunately, these dogs are prone to numerous diseases and their average lifespan is one of the shortest among all breeds, usually ranging around 5 to 6 years. Not surprising, its body proportions are also very similar to those of Newfoundland, with males reaching heights of 32 inches (80 cm) and weighing in at about 180 pounds (over 80 kg). The Landseer is known for its unusually sweet disposition, gentleness, and serenity, as well as for being quicker and more responsive than regular Newfoundlands, which makes them easier to train. While they are fierce-looking, they are not aggressive if trained properly. Its name is misleading, however, as it’s not actually a mastiff at all and is in fact more closely related the mountain dogs. Males can reach heights of up to 33 inches (83 cm) and weigh between 100-160 pounds (45–72 kg), and they have even been known to take down wolves and leopards that threaten their herds. Although it may not be as robust and bulky as the Swiss mountain dogs and the great Pyrenees, they’re still large and agile enough to help the shepherds protect their herds. The Kuvasz is a smart and intelligent breed and is sometimes even described as having a clown-like sense of humor. This dog breed commands attention and is absolutely one of the world’s largest dog breeds! The heaviest Saint Bernard ever recorded though was called Benedictine and weighed an incredible 366 pounds (166 kg). Another Saint Bernard, Barry, was famous for saving somewhere between 40 and 100 human lives in the mountains. While they are large, they are not that expensive to own.
