Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Holiday Sale: Save $30! Order today to receive by 12/24.

18 of the Largest Dog Breeds From Around the World

Large dog standing behind owner

Written by The Halo Team

January 13, 2023

Big dog breeds may be intimidating at first glance, but they can also make excellent family dogs. Finding the right dog can be challenging; sometimes, big dogs are overlooked. 

Regardless of how big or small your dog is, with proper training and the correct safety solution like the Halo 2, you’ll be enjoying many wonderful years with a loving and loyal companion. Here are some of the world’s most giant dog breeds.

Great Dane

Great Dane resting on the grass
The American Kennel Club recognizes the Great Dane as the world’s tallest breed. These lovable giants originate from Germany. Great Danes usually reach around 28-30 inches tall and weigh between 100 and 120 pounds. However, a Great Dane called Zeus reached an impressive 44 inches tall and was included in the Guinness World Records as the tallest dog in recorded history. A natural protector, the Great Dane is a loyal companion that gets strongly attached to its owner and makes a perfect guard dog.

Caucasian Shepard

Women and Caucasian Shepherd playing in the snow
The Caucasian Shepherd makes an excellent watchdog and can reach a weight of up to 150 pounds. This long-coated member of the biggest dog breed club is widely used around Eastern Europe for guarding sheep. They’re naturally affectionate with their owners but extremely protective and loyal.

Anatolian Shepherd

Anatolian Shepherd standing in the grass
Like the Caucasian shepherd, this dog derives from Turkey, where it’s historically been used to herd farm animals. These pups are intelligent and independent and need an owner capable of training them and handling their dominant nature.

Saint Bernard

Saint Bernard dog on top of a log in the snow
Saint Bernard is one of the most recognizable giant breeds out there, partly thanks to the popularity of the 1992 movie “Beethoven” and its sequel. Just like in the movie, members of this giant dog breed are perfect for family life due to their protective and affectionate nature. Initially, they were bred and trained by monks as rescue dogs to save hikers lost on the trails of the Swiss Alps. These mountain dogs reach a height of up to 30 inches and weigh between 120 and 180 pounds.

Newfoundland

Black Newfoundland dog on a path
“Newfies” were initially bred to help fishermen and are excellent swimmers. However, these days, these gentle giants are known these days as wonderful babysitters to young children due to their gentle nature, patience and sweet demeanor. A giant teddy bear, Newfoundland’s can reach an outstanding 150 pounds in weight.

French Mastiff

French Mastiff playing in the water
As known as Dogue de Bordeaux in its home country of France, this large breed has been around since the 14th century and was even featured in a Tom Hanks movie. Used for protection, the Dogue de Bordeaux has also historically been a working dog that carries out tasks such as protecting farm animals. Known for their big heads, this breed needs a lot of exercise and time outdoors. However, once they’re inside, French mastiffs love their well-deserved beauty sleep.

English Mastiff

Person taking their English Mastiff dog on a walk
The American Kennel Club considers English mastiffs the largest dog breed in existence. These lovable giants can get to 230 pounds and 30 inches in height. An English mastiff named Aicama Zorba once held the title of World’s Largest Dog as she reached 343 pounds. Originally bred to assist hunters, these giant dogs are mellow-tempered and loyal companions. Naturally protective of their owners, they make excellent guard dogs.

Scottish Deerhound

Scottish Deerhound standing in front of a tree
The Scottish deerhound is the larger breed version of the greyhound. Characterized by its unusual appearance and hard-working tendencies, this breed has existed since before recorded history. These beautiful dogs reach up to 32 inches tall and weigh 110 pounds. Deerhounds are also very fast. However, they’re not suitable for first-time dog owners because of their intensive training needs.

Tibetan Mastiff

Tibetan Mastiff dog standing on the Autumn leaves
The Tibetan mastiff looks like a lion, and according to the American Kennel Club, it can get to a weight of 150 pounds. Despite their size and majestic thick double coat, these are gentle giants who love to protect their family members, making them ideal pets and guard dogs. Pups are also highly intelligent and hate being bored, so if left alone for too long, they can cause some serious mischief.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Two Greater Swiss Mountain Dog walking on a path
A mix between Saint Bernard and rottweiler breeds, these majestic-looking pups are descendants of the Roman war dogs that served Julius Cesar himself. These dogs are very intelligent, loyal and fiercely protective. They do well in cold weather and can make ideal pets with early socialization. The American Kennel Club only recognized Swissies in 1955.

Akita

Akita dog standing on the grass
In Japan, Akitas are considered family protectors and symbols of health and happiness. These stunning dogs develop strong bonds with their humans but can be prone to dog aggression, which is why early training and socialization are an important part of owning a member of this ancient Japanese breed. An Akita was the star of a 2009 Richard Gere film about a dog that spent nearly a decade in a train station waiting for its owner’s return.

Otterhound

Otterhound dog playing in the backyard
The otterhound breed originated in Medieval England and was historically used for hunting otters, which is now against the law. This shaggy-looking gentle giant dog breed stands 27 inches tall and weighs up to 115 pounds. Otterhounds are good-natured, great with children and love playing with other dogs, even small dogs. They’re fantastic swimmers and have a particularly well-developed sense of smell. There are few members of this breed in existence, and it’s considered endangered.

Bloodhound

Bloodhound on a leash
As far as large dogs go, bloodhounds have an incredibly acute sense of smell, and they make the perfect police tracking dog. The breed standard size for a bloodhound is 23 to 27 inches tall with a weight of up to 160 pounds. While these highly intelligent pups can be quite willful, their friendly nature makes them good family pets. Unlike most other breeds its size, which usually have a relatively short life span, bloodhounds can live up to 13 years.

Black Russian Terrier

Black Russian Terrier standing in the yard
Black Russian terrier pups can reach a weight of up to 130 pounds and a height of 30 inches at the shoulder. Most people are used to terriers being small. However, this breed makes for an adorable exception. Among the largest dog breeds, these terriers were originally bred by the former USSR as working dogs for the army.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dog standing on some grass
Naturally built for farm work, Bernese mountain dogs are among the biggest dog breeds to come from Switzerland. They have long, stunning coats and an affectionate nature. These pups usually form strong bonds with their owners, and they’re known to be very patient around children. Males are expected to weigh up to 120 pounds, while the maximum weight for females is 100 pounds.

Irish Wolfhound

 Irish Wolfhound sitting
One of the biggest dog breeds, the Irish Wolfhound is also very calm, loyal and protective. An Irish wolfhound can reach an outstanding 32 inches tall, and the biggest dog from this breed can weigh up to 180 pounds. This giant dog breed was first mentioned all the way back in Ancient Rome.

Great Pyrenees

Two Great Pyrenees dogs resting next to each other
Protective and independent, the Great Pyrenees is a working dog with a majestic thick coat and a reputation for guarding farm animals and even families. Great Pyrenees are still used in France by farmers for protecting livestock, and they’re also great pets, particularly for large families.

Neapolitan Mastiff

Neapolitan Mastiff standing on a path
With their strong hind legs, wrinkly skin and impressive size, male Neapolitan mastiffs grow to be anywhere from 26 to 31 inches, while females reach anywhere from 24 to 29. These dogs are known to be fierce guardians derived from ancient times. Despite their nobility, they’re also friendly companions and protective of their owners.

There Is No Dog Too Big For Hallo Collar

Despite the size of some of these dogs, no dog is too big (or small) for Halo Collar. Choose between multiple sizes and colors of our Halo Collar 2+ and give your dog the freedom they want and deserve.

You may also like…

How to Celebrate National Mutt Day 2024

How to Celebrate National Mutt Day 2024

Mixed-breed dogs make up about half of the U.S. canine population. These diverse pups, sometimes known as Heinz 57 dogs, come in many shapes, sizes and colors, and their unique personalities defy breed expectations. Mutts are known for having great temperaments, and...

read more
The Best Holiday Treats for Your Dog

The Best Holiday Treats for Your Dog

‘Tis the season to be jolly, and for many people, that means celebrating with great food and loved ones, including furry family members. Tasty holiday dog treats can be a great way to make the season festive for your four-legged friend, but it’s important to make sure...

read more
Why Dogs Hump and What It Means

Why Dogs Hump and What It Means

To some dogs, every day might be "Hump Day." While it might sometimes be embarrassing behavior to their humans, dog humping is perfectly normal for four-legged family members. And it's not just male dogs. To female dogs, humping can also be a way to express...

read more
The Best Pet Tech Products to Buy this Black Friday

The Best Pet Tech Products to Buy this Black Friday

You’re at work, and with just a tap on your phone, you know if your dog is lounging in the yard or chasing squirrels. High-tech pet products are revolutionizing how we care for our pets, providing us with advanced tools to keep them safe, confident, happy and...

read more
Why Is My Dog Howling?

Why Is My Dog Howling?

Howling is a normal behavior for many dogs; some dog breeds howl more than others. However, excessive howling — howling in a dog that's normally quiet or howling that's different from your dog's normal communication sounds — can indicate an issue. Keep reading to...

read more
The Best Halloween Costumes for Dogs and Their Owners

The Best Halloween Costumes for Dogs and Their Owners

Halloween is no longer just for humans. It's the perfect time to get creative and let your furry friends join in the fun and excitement of the season. Celebrating holidays with pets is commonplace, so matching Halloween costumes for dogs and owners has become...

read more
Why Does Your Dog Lick You?

Why Does Your Dog Lick You?

You walk through the door after a long day, and before you can set your keys down, your loyal companion rushes to greet you. Tail wagging furiously, your dog showers you with an enthusiastic barrage of wet, slobbery kisses. It's a familiar scene for many dog owners,...

read more