Big dogs are a lot of fun! They have a wide range of personalities, intensity levels, and skills. If you think a big dog may be in your future, or you're simply curious about some of the big breeds out there, read on! Big dogs might be heavy or they might be tall. Some very tall dogs aren’t very heavy and some very heavy dogs are short. Dog height is measured from the ground to the highest point on the dog’s shoulder blade (the “withers”).
The Heaviest Dog Breed
MASTIFF
The heaviest breed is the Mastiff which can weigh between 120-230 pounds. The Guiness Record is held by a Mastiff that weighed in at 343 pounds! Mastiffs are also fairly tall. Males are 30 inches or higher. Mastiffs are strong and protective. They can be wary of strangers but are affectionate, patient dogs and great with children.
The Tallest Dog Breeds
Both the Irish Wolfhound (30-32 inches to the shoulder) and the Great Dane (28-32 inches to the shoulder) are considered the tallest breeds. The Guiness Record is currently held by a Great Dane that is 44 inches and 7'4 when standing on his hind legs!
IRISH WOLFHOUND
The Irish Wolfhound is calm and affectionate with family and other dogs but can also be fearless. They were originally bred to protect livestock from wolves. They have keen eyesight, a powerful build, and have quite a fast gallop when on the chase. The Irish Wolfhound is not only a calm and affectionate family companion but can also be fearless. Their gentle personalities make them great in a home with kids or other pets but due to their size should be monitored around smaller children and animals.
Great Danes are by far one of the largest breeds in the canine world. Though they might look a tad intimidating, they’re one of the best-natured dogs around. For all of their size, Great Danes are sweet, affectionate pets. They love to play and are gentle with children. They get to 32 inches tall and can weigh up to 175 pounds.
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Allergy-Friendly Large Dog Breeds
Most large dogs aren’t allergy-friendly. In addition to the two biggest below, Standard Poodles (over 15 inches high and up to 70 pounds) are fairly large and are allergy friendly.
AFGHAN HOUND
These dogs are 25-27 inches high but only weigh up to 60 pounds. With a glamorous look, long flowing hair, and a smooth yet powerful stride, is it any wonder why the Afghan Hound is referred to as the 'supermodel' of the dog world? This aristocrat is thought to be one of the oldest purebreds and is known for being dignified and aloof. However, don't let their elegant appearance fool you because this dog is a big puppy at heart and known for having bouts of silliness.
GIANT SCHNAUZER
Giant Schnauzers can be up to 27.5 inches high and weigh up to 85 pounds. They are loyal and protective of their owners. They can be wary of strangers so be sure to socialize them as puppies. They need a lot of physical and mental stimulation so make sure you have the time to devote to them.
Other Large Dog Breeds
German Shepherds have been one of America’s most popular dog breeds for many years. They were bred as a herding breed and still carry this work ethic and energy. German Shepherds are happiest with frequent exercise and tasks to complete. They are quick to learn and can become loyal companions with regular obedience training.
German Shepherds are up to 26 inches high and weigh up to 90 pounds.
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The Bernese Mountain Dog is a docile, smart breed that was initially bred to do work in the mountains of Switzerland. Since then, they have evolved to be great family companions as well. While they may lure prospective dog owners in with their friendly appearance, Berners are born work dogs and have an abundance of energy. Be sure you have time to provide ample exercise as well as obedience training and thorough grooming.
These dogs are up to 27.5 inches high and weigh up to 115 pounds.
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The Rottweiler breed is a popular family guardian and friend. Pet parents with an active lifestyle will find a faithful, loving, and intelligent friend for life with a Rottweiler. Novice pet parents should beware, however, as these dogs are strong and intense and require focused care and obedience training while young.
Rottweilers are up to 27 inches high and weigh up to 135 pounds.
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This courageous and loyal companion is a symbol of happiness, good health, and longevity. This ancient spitz-type breed is known for its bear-like face, thick double coat, large curled tail, and muscular build. While they are sweet and loyal to their family, the burly Akita is a lot of dog to handle and is not always the best breed for every home. They can be aloof to others outside of their immediate circle, so it is best to encourage early socialization with children, other animals, and new people.
These dogs are up to 28 inches high and weigh up to 130 pounds.
Browse available Akita puppies for sale
ALASKAN MALAMUTE
The Alaskan Malamute is loyal, affectionate, and smart. Their coats have higher maintenance grooming requirements. Under all that fluff you find an immensely strong dog that was bred for hard work and endurance. Alaskan Malamutes are considered pack animals and require a firm but loving leader to gain their respect. Their gentle, friendly, and playful personality makes them great family companions with kids and other dogs.
These dogs are up to 25 inches high and weigh up to 85 pounds.
AMERICAN BULLDOG
This all-American breed was developed from its English Bulldog counterpart that was brought to the States by immigrants in the 1800s. The American Bulldog is a strong and versatile breed that was originally used as a working farm dog and guardian. Behind all that muscle, is a gentle and friendly dog that is good with children. This playful breed is very agile and has great endurance.
American Bulldogs are up to 25 inches high and weigh up to 100 pounds.
The Cane Corso (Pronunciation- Connie Corso; plural: Cani Corsi) is an Italian breed of Mastiff whose lines go back to the Molossus of ancient Rome. With their large head, muscular body, alert expression, and confident personality, it's not surprising that their name roughly translates to 'bodyguard dog'. While their appearance is meant to appear intimidating to outsiders, this is a fiercely loyal and intelligent dog that is attentive and docile with their family. The Cane Corso is an affectionate family member, especially with children who are taught to be respectful around the dog. As they are smart, easily trained, and incredibly loyal, they make great pets. The Cane Corso is up to 27.5 inches high and weighs up to 110 pounds.
Browse available Cane Corso puppies for sale
Doberman Pinchers are fearless guard dogs. They are intelligent and loyal, as well as sweet and affectionate. They are great with kids and other pets and can make a great family dog. This elegant breed with its sleek, athletic, and powerful physique commands attention wherever they go. The Doberman is a highly intelligent breed that was bred to be the ultimate working dog that is fearless, loyal, protective, and always alert to their surroundings. However, under that tough exterior is a sweet breed that loves its family and is great with children when introduced at an early age. They do however tend to attach themselves to one person in the household and will often follow their lead.
These dogs are up to 28 inches high and weigh up to 100 pounds.
Browse available Doberman Pinscher puppies for sale
NEWFOUNDLAND
Newfoundlands are gentle with children and are natural swimmers. Their coats have higher maintenance grooming requirements. They do best in larger living spaces and are built to withstand cold weather. While they are gentle in personality, this is a very strong and powerful breed that was developed for water rescue and cart pulling. They only need a moderate amount of exercise and enjoy cuddling when tired.
Newfoundlands are up to 28 inches high and weigh up to 150 pounds.
SAINT BERNARD
The St. Bernard is an affectionate breed that loves its family. This gentle giant's patient demeanor and fondness for children make them a great family companion and watchdog. Saint Bernards are cuddly and only require moderate exercise. They love cold climates. Note that they have a strong bark.
These dogs are up to 30 inches high and weigh up to 180 pounds.
BULLMASTIFF
Bullmastiffs are high energy and easily trainable. They are loyal dogs. While not the largest of the Mastiff-type breeds, the Bullmastiff is still a large and muscular dog with natural protective instincts. Behind their imposing appearance, you will find an intelligent, alert, and fiercely loyal companion who is also playful and laidback. They're also rather a quiet breed but have a strong bark when on alert. They are an adaptable breed but it's important to properly train and socialize when they are young.
Bullmastiffs are up to 27 inches and weigh up to 130 pounds.
NEAPOLITAN MASTIFF
When you think of a massive dog with lots of wrinkles, the Neapolitan Mastiff should always be at the top of that list. With its droopy face and long-hanging jowls, this dog gives you a 10/10 drool factor! This impressive breed's strength and appearance can be intimidating to strangers making them great guard dogs. However, under all those folds, is a loyal but rather lazy dog that is content to just hang out with the family. Note that they tend to drool!
These dogs are up to 31 inches high and weigh up to 150 pounds.
DOGUE DE BORDEAUX
The Dogue de Bordeaux (Pronunciation - Dog de Bor-doe) is one powerful Mastiff! Built like a tank, the Bordeaux is strong, broad, and solid. Their facial features have a Bulldog-like quality and they proportionately carry the largest head amongst all breeds. However, it is their reddish-fawn coat and their hazel-brown eyes that make them the captivating beauties they are. While this is a beautiful Mastiff to admire, they can be stubborn and they need firm training to prevent being the dominant personality in the household. They are rather low to moderate maintenance but it is best to carry a towel everywhere you go because they are known to drool a lot. .
These dogs are up to 27 inches high and can weigh up to 110 pounds.
BLOODHOUND
The Bloodhound is a large scent hound known for their extraordinary tracking capabilities. Depending on the breed, most dogs range from 125-230 million scent receptors, but not the Bloodhound. They have approximately 300! Not only do they put their nose to good use when tracking, but they also utilize their long ears and wrinkles to trap the scent they are following. When they are not following a trail, the Bloodhound is a friendly and docile companion. They have strong legs and enjoy long walks where they are allowed the time to sniff and take in the scents around them.
Bloodhounds can be up to 27 inches high and weigh up to 110 pounds.
IRISH SETTER
The vivacious Irish Setter is a graceful, outgoing, and friendly dog. This elegant breed is known for their flashy mahogany-red and chestnut-colored coats complete with long silky ears and feathering over their body. Their sweet temperament, playful personalities, and openness toward new people make them wonderful family companions, especially with children. They enjoy lots of playtime and are known for being avid tennis-ball chasers.
These dogs can be up to 27 inches high and weigh up to 70 pounds.
GREAT PYRENEES
The calm and patient Great Pyrenees were originally bred as livestock guardians who worked on rugged terrain and in colder climates. Nowadays, the breed often finds themselves as a faithful, affectionate, and easygoing family companion. While the Great Pyrenees have taken wonderfully to a more domesticated lifestyle, they are ever observant, attentive, and always ready to alert you of anything they deem as a threat.
These dogs can be up to 32 inches high. Females grow to be 85 pounds and up and males grow to be 100 pounds and up.
CATAHOULA LEOPARD DOG
American bred, the Catahoula Leopard Dog is the state dog of Louisiana and named after the Catahoula Parish and lake where they were first developed. While they are considered a herding dog, they were bred to be multi-purposed. This sleek, powerful, and agile breed has done a little bit of everything, from being family companions to working as stock dogs, watchdogs, guardians, and have even competed in sled-dog races. The Catahoula is a smart and trainable breed with lots of stamina. They require firm training, mental and physical stimulation, and lots of socialization. The Catahoula is an independent and protective dog that is also loyal and gentle with their family. They are a playful breed that does well with children who are taught to be gentle and respect their boundaries. The Catahoula Leopard Dog is independent and protective. They require firm training and early socialization. They can be very loyal and gentle.
These dogs can be up to 24 inches high and weigh up to 95 pounds.
TIBETAN MASTIFF
The reserved and independent Tibetan Mastiff is a sight to behold! This ancient breed is not only powerful, muscular, and colossal, but its voluminous coat adds to the illusion of them being even bigger than they already are. This noble mammoth is a lot of dog! While their appearance can be intimidating to strangers, underneath that thick double-coat is a devoted and lovable family companion. The Tibetan Mastiff is the ultimate guardian as they are vigilant, aloof, imposing, have good instincts, and are quite agile when the need arises.
Females grow to be at least 24 inches high and males grow to be at least 26 inches high. These dogs can be up to 150 pounds.
The Weimaraner is a breathtaking beauty with their sleek appearance, blue to silvery-gray coat, and their light colored eyes. Their captivating looks and swift movements earned the nickname of the 'Gray Ghost'. This sporty dog is high-energy, fearless, obedient, and easily trained. The Weimaraner is an excellent companion with children as they are sweet-natured, loving, and want to be considered another member of the family. Weimaraners are active dogs that love room to run. They are smart and devoted companions.
Weimaraners can be up to 27 inches and weigh up to 90 pounds.
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