The Largest Dog Breeds Are Massive – Up to 343 Pounds!

What is the biggest dog breed on the entire planet? Have you ever stopped to wonder what are the biggest dogs in the world? Before you can make a list, you must define what you mean by biggest. While some dog breeds are exceptionally tall, if you specify the biggest dog breed in the world as the heaviest, then here is your final tally. In compiling this list, only breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club were considered. Then, we made the list based on the lowest weight acceptable for a male of that breed. Here are the biggest dogs in the world. Where there was a tie, the greater lowest acceptable weight was given the higher placing for largest dog in the world.

The first entry in our quest for the biggest dog in the world is the Dogue de Bordeaux. Also known as the Bordeaux Mastiff or the French Mastiff, it is the oldest French dog breed. Well known for being loyal, protective, and affectionate this breed makes for a good guard dog.

The male French Mastiff can weigh up to 27 inches in height and 110 pounds in weight while females weigh 99 pounds. Arguably, this canine has the largest head of any breed in the world.

This breed originated in the Bordeaux region of France during the 14th century and is often used to guard livestock and pull heavy carts. However, it is important to not overwork these dogs as their size and weight also open up the probability of health issues such as dysplasia, and digestive and heart problems. The Dogue de Bordeaux also has the tendency to be allergic towards wheat and it is important that you check the ingredients in dog food before buying.

Male Bernese mountain dogs weigh between 80 and 115 pounds while females weigh between 70 and 95 pounds. The jet black, clear white, and rust colors are a hallmark of this breed. These dogs were initially bred in Switzerland and they love the cold weather. They often make great family dogs, but many get attached to one member of the family.

Male Irish Wolfhounds weigh about 120 pounds while females weigh about 105 pounds. This dog will appear even bigger because it stands 3 feet tall. While they were initially bred in Ireland to drag men out of chariots and off of horses, they make wonderful obedience training dogs. They are also often used as rescue canines because of their height and eagerness to please.

Bullmastiff male dogs should weigh between 110 and 130 pounds while females should weigh between 100 and 120 pounds. This breed was developed in England to ward off poachers on large country estates. This breed has an inherited instinct to knock strangers to the ground and pin them there until told to release. Therefore, early socialization is a must.

All black Russian terriers should weigh between 80 and 130 pounds. This dog stands about 30 inches tall at the shoulders, and this breed looks even bigger because of how it carries its massive head. This canine was bred to patrol the Siberian mountains, and it loves cold weather.

Male Neapolitan mastiffs weigh 150 pounds while females weigh around 110 pounds. The Neapolitan mastiff has many wrinkles, drooping lips, and a very prominent head. These dogs are very protective in their temperament, which poses an intimidating presence for strangers. Their history can be traced back to an ancient Roman dog that may have fought alongside soldiers and graced amphitheaters like the Colosseum.

Male Newfoundland dogs should weigh between 130 and 150 pounds while females should weigh between 100 and 120 pounds. While the heaviest and biggest dog in the world was bred to guard livestock, the Newfoundland was produced to help commercial fishermen. Additionally, early explorers often used this breed. Lewis and Clark reportedly had a Newfoundland named Seaman with them on their journeys. One of the largest Newfoundlands on record is Tiempo, who tips the scales at 178 pounds when just three years old.

Male Anatolian shepherds weigh between 110 and 150 pounds while females weigh between 80 and 120 pounds. Breeders initially developed this breed in the Kangal region of Turkey to live with livestock as their protector. Yet, the gentle nature of the Anatolian shepherd makes it a great family dog.

This breed stands about 30 inches tall at the shoulders. Despite being one of the biggest dogs in the world, it can run up to 30 miles per hour. Its skin is so firm that a wolf bite will not rupture it. Additionally, this canine’s unique coat keeps it warm in the winter and cool in the summer while repelling moisture.

The American Kennel Club says that male Tibetan mastiffs should weigh between 90 and 150 pounds while females should weigh between 70 and 120 pounds. This makes it on our list as the number seven biggest dog in the world. This breed can make excellent watchdogs as their weight and height, which is usually around 26 inches at the shoulders, make them intimidating. If you are looking for an independent dog - this breed may be for you. Know that this breed may have trouble viewing their owners as a pack leader.

The Caucasian shepherd is observed as one of the biggest dogs in the world and can weigh between 99 and 170 pounds. This dog from the Georgia, Russia area is often used there as a prison guard dog. These dogs have beautiful long coats. Especially on males, the coat should form a mane and look like the dog is wearing pants around its back legs. Males are often shorter than females and have a more muscular build.

According to the American Kennel Club, male Leonbergers should weigh between 110 and 170 pounds while females should weigh between 90 and 140 pounds. As this big dog weighs more than some people, it also stands at a staggering 30 inches tall at the shoulder. This breed has a unique lion-like mane around its neck and chest. Water rescue teams often use them because of their water-resistant coat. They also are used to herd animals and as watchdogs because of their size.

The American Kennel Club’s standard says that the male Great Dane should weigh between 140 and 175 pounds while females should weigh between 110 and 140 pounds. While there are heavier breeds, a Great Dane named Zeus was one of the tallest and largest dogs in the world. Zeus stood 44 inches at his shoulders, and he was 7-feet 4-inches tall when standing on his back legs.

Saint Bernard males should weigh between 140 and 180 pounds while females weigh between 120 and 140. Since males should stand a minimum of 27.5 inches tall at the shoulder, this dog has a massive appearance. People developed this breed to rescue Alpine mountaineers. The face of a Saint Bernard has an amiable appearance with a wrinkled brow and a short muzzle.

Boerboels weigh between 150 and 220 pounds, with no difference given between males and females. Farmers in South Africa often used this breed after initially developing them to kill leopards and baboons. This dog is known to be a little aggressive, so good socialization is a must if you get a dog of this breed.

The largest dog in the world as of 2021 was an English Mastiff, a breed recognized as a mastiff by the American Kennel Club. This dog named Aicama Zorba weighed 343 pounds. Typically, however, the biggest dog in the world stands about 30 inches tall at the shoulder; its female counterpart is slightly shorter. Male mastiffs also weigh 160 to 230 pounds while females weigh 120 to 170 pounds – anywhere between about half to over two-thirds of the size of the biggest dog ever.

The Great Pyrenees is a beautiful dog breed known for its thick, soft white fur and gentle nature. Bred to be farm dogs in the mountains of France – they are loyal and alert – making them great watchdogs. They grow to 32 inches tall and can weigh up to 100 pounds. The great Pyrenees are a calm and patient breed and are usually gentle with children and other pets.

The Italian-bred Cane Corso is a large muscular breed often trained to be guard dogs. They can reach a height of 28 inches and weigh up to 110 pounds. Cane Corsos are intelligent animals who are gentle and affectionate with their families but wary of strangers. It is important to socialize this breed while they are pups so they can tolerate visiting humans and other dogs.

The tall, slender, Scottish Deerhound sports a shaggy coat that comes in a variety of colors and stands up to 32 inches in height. This tall breed is the progenitor of one of the biggest dogs on our list – the Irish Wolfhound. These lanky dogs can weigh up to 110 pounds and while they were bred to hunt deer – they are mild-mannered and good with children and other pets. Scottish Deerhounds were born to be working dogs – and require plenty of play and exercise to stay healthy and happy.