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There’s nothing that fills your heart or your home quite like a big dog. These pups can be goofy, loyal, and surprisingly gentle. If you’ve ever wondered “What is the tallest dog breed?” or “What’s the tallest breed of dog?”, you’re in the right place. At Ecopetessentials, we love sharing tips and tricks with new owners on how to take care of big dog breeds. From massive Mastiffs to towering Irish Wolfhounds, these giant dog breeds are some of the best big dogs you can welcome into your life. However, before you bring one home, it’s important to know what comes with owning one of the top 10 world’s biggest dogs and how to take care of them.
Pet parents considering big dog breeds should know what they’re getting into before bringing one home.
Big dogs start off as small puppies, but that stage doesn’t last long! Most giant dog breeds reach their full size between 18–24 months. Therefore, families should make sure they have space for their “teenage” growth spurt. One moment, you have a ball of fluff following you around, and the next, there’s a gentle giant guarding your side and your heart. You have to understand that even the most gentle giant can accidentally knock over a toddler.
More dog means more food, bigger toys, and larger vet bills. Medicine doses are based on weight. Therefore, a dog big enough to reach 150 pounds will also have higher healthcare costs. You also have to increase their food as they grow and give them more space to move about. Big dog breeds don’t do well cooped up in small apartments or tiny homes.
The biggest dog breed types can be prone to joint issues, heart conditions, bloat, and hip dysplasia. Many also have shorter lifespans than smaller breeds.
Training is essential from a young age. A jumping 20-pound Beagle is cute; a 140-pound Newfoundland doing the same can be overwhelming. Early socialization builds good manners that last a lifetime. You don’t want to be the person getting dragged by a large dog as it chases after a squirrel!
The Irish Wolfhound is a large sighthound whose size and presence have inspired stories, poems, and myths. It is one of the largest of all breeds of dog. Irish Wolfhounds are used by hunters because they can finish off game caught by faster dogs.
Irish Wolfhounds were often gifted to kings and emperors as symbols of power and nobility. However, despite their giant size, they are gentle giants. They’re known to be calm and affectionate family companions. Their tall, noble build makes them good watchdogs without being aggressive.
The Great Dane is a German breed of large mastiff-sighthound. It belongs to the family of hunting dogs in the Middle Ages and they were used to hunt bears, wild boar, and deer. They were also used as guardian dogs of German nobility. It is one of the two largest dog breeds in the world, along with the Irish Wolfhound.
The Great Dane is often referred to as the “Apollo of Dogs” by the American Kennel Club because of its elegance and size. It is known as the “heartbreak breed” because of their heart issues. Great Danes are loving, loyal dogs that enjoy being with people. Their large size and gentle nature make them great family pets. Did you know your favorite fictional dog Scooby-Doo is a Great Dane? Now, you can even name your Great Dane after one of the most famous dogs ever!
The Bernese Mountain Dog (German: Berner Sennenhund or Dürrbächler) is a large dog breed originating from the canton of Bern, Switzerland and the Swiss Alps. It is one of four Sennenhund-type breeds and comes from Roman mastiffs.
Bernese Mountain Dogs often choose a favorite family member and form a strong bond with them. Their thick, beautiful coat and friendly nature make them popular in colder areas. They are great with kids and are often called the ‘gentle giants of the Alps.’
The St. Bernard or Saint Bernard is a breed of very large working dog from the Western Alps in Italy and Switzerland. They were originally bred for rescue work by the hospice of the Great St Bernard Pass on the Italian-Swiss border.
Saint Bernards are famous for their heroic alpine rescues. They are often shown with a tiny barrel around their neck. They are very patient, great with kids, and their calm nature makes them loyal family protectors. Their large size and friendly personality make them memorable companions.
Mastiffs are a group of large, powerful dogs known for their strength, courage, and protective nature. While they were once used as war dogs and guards, today many are loyal family pets. Their size means they need careful care. The largest dog on earth, called Zorba, is an English Mastiff. He is a whopping 8 feet 3 inches (2.544 m) long from nose to tail and occupies the title of the largest dog on earth in the Guinness World Records. Mastiffs are one of the oldest dog breeds and have been part of human history and legend.
Breeds within the Mastiff Family:
Mastiffs may look intimidating, but they are famously loyal and calm. They are excellent watchdogs who rely more on presence than aggression. Mastiffs need a confident owner and thrive in spacious homes. They are of the good large dogs with biggest heads. However, if you live in a smaller space, then these 7 Tiny Dog Species That Are Perfect for Small Homes and Apartments!
The Newfoundland is a large breed of working dog. They can be black, grey, brown, or black and white. However, in the Dominion of Newfoundland, before it became part of Canada, only black and Landseer coloured dogs were considered to be proper members of the breed.
They are known as “nanny dogs.” This is due to the fact that Newfoundlands are exceptional with children and are natural swimmers. They often assist in water rescues. Their calm and nurturing nature has made them beloved family pets. The Newfoundland dog breed is also famously strong as they are able to pull carts and help out in lifesaving missions.
The Leonberger is a giant dog breed, whose name derives from the city of Leonberg in Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
The Leonberger is a cross between a Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and Pyrenean Mountain Dog. This big dog breed is known for their lion-like mane. They were once companions of royals and celebrities. However, despite their size, they are loving and adapt well. Therefore, they make them a great pick for families who love outdoor adventures.
The Anatolian Shepherd is an ancient breed from mastiffs and Middle Eastern flock guardians. Large and athletic, it was bred to protect sheep and goats from predators like bears, wolves, and even human thieves.
Anatolian Shepherds are known for their incredible loyalty and protective instincts. They are independent thinkers as they are big head dog. This makes them excellent livestock guardians. However, they do need experienced owners like all good large breed dogs. Their calm yet watchful nature makes them great protectors of rural properties.
The Tibetan Mastiff is a large Tibetan dog breed. Its double coat is medium to long and varies with the climate. Tibetan Mastiffs come in many colors, including black, black and tan, red, bluish-gray, and sometimes have white markings.
Tibetan Mastiffs were once used to guard monasteries and herds in the Himalayas. They are famously independent and protective. And if you’re wondering, “Who paid 1.5 million for a Tibetan Mastiff?” We have the answer for you. A Tibetan Mastiff named Big Splash was sold for $1.5 million in 2011 to a Chinese coal Baron named Lu, making it one of the most expensive dogs ever.
Now, if you’re wondering, “What is the #1 most expensive dog?” Then, the most expensive dog is a rare wolfdog named Cadabomb Okami, which sold for whopping $5.7 million in February 2025. It is a mix between a wolf and a Caucasian Shepherd. Okami is considered the first of its kind and was purchased by S. Sathish, a wealthy dog breeder from India.
This extraordinary pup, born in the US, already weighs over 165 lbs at eight months old! Okami is one of the rarest dogs in the world. Its unique lineage has made it famous among breeders.
Owning one of the biggest dog breeds can be life-changing. These dogs take up space but give back even more love. From the elegant Irish Wolfhound to the loyal Leonberger or the unique Cadabomb Okami, there’s a giant dog for every big-hearted person. For tips, product reviews, and advice to make your dog’s life better, bookmark Ecopetessnetails and discover everything you need to keep your gentle giant happy and healthy!
FAQs:
➥What is the largest breed of dog?
The Great Dane is the largest dog breed, with males standing 30–32 inches tall. Known as the “Apollo of Dogs,” it combines strength and elegance.
➥Which dog is considered the strongest among big breeds?
Strong big dog breeds include German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, Great Danes, Dobermans, Newfoundlands, Saint Bernards, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and Kangals.
➥What qualifies a dog as a “large” breed?
A large dog breed typically weighs at least 50–70 pounds and stands around 24 inches tall. Examples include Afghan Hounds, Bloodhounds, and Boxers.
➥What is the most popular dog breed in the world?
The French Bulldog currently ranks as the #1 dog breed, followed by Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Poodles.
➥Is the Tibetan Mastiff the biggest dog breed?
The Tibetan Mastiff is very large, with males weighing 90–100 pounds. However, the official title of the largest breed belongs to the English Mastiff.
Castiel Smith cares deeply about animals and the planet. He loves sharing tips that help people take better care of their pets while being kind to nature. Whether it’s about eco-friendly pet products or simple ways to take care of your fur babies, Cas loves sharing Behavior & Training Tips.
