Largest Dog Breed in the World
“Largest” can mean tallest or heaviest. By height, the Irish Wolfhound and Great Dane lead. By weight, the English Mastiff and Saint Bernard dominate. Explore how these giants compare and discover which metric matters most for you.
Largest Dog Breeds: Height vs Weight Rankings
Ranking the largest dog breeds depends on whether you measure by height or weight. Different breeds excel in different categories, making each “largest” in their own way.
Ranked by Height
Tallest at the Shoulder
These breeds consistently produce the tallest dogs, standing head and shoulders above most other breeds.
Ranked by Weight
Heaviest Overall
These massive breeds are the heaviest, with some individuals reaching truly impressive weights.
Meet the Largest Dog Breeds
Each of these breeds ranks among the largest by height and/or weight. Discover what makes each one unique and how they compare.
Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhound was coursing wolves, elk. Sweet-Tempered and Loyal companions.
History
The Irish Wolfhound and belongs to the Hound group. They were bred for coursing wolves, elk.
Health Considerations
Common concerns: Regular vet checkups recommended
Great Dane
Gentle giant known as the 'Apollo of dogs.' Great Danes are friendly, patient, and make excellent family pets.
History
Developed in Germany from English Mastiffs and Irish Wolfhounds. Originally used for hunting wild boar.
Health Considerations
Common concerns: Bloat, Hip Dysplasia, Heart Disease
English Mastiff
The English Mastiff is a wonderful dog breed known for its unique characteristics and loyal companionship.
History
The English Mastiff has a rich history and has been a beloved companion for many years.
Health Considerations
Common concerns: Hip Dysplasia, Eye Problems
Saint Bernard
Massive, gentle giant known for rescue work in the Alps. Saint Bernards are calm, patient family dogs.
History
Developed by monks at the Saint Bernard Hospice in the Swiss Alps for rescue work in the mountains.
Health Considerations
Common concerns: Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Bloat
Comprehensive Size Comparison
Compare all key metrics of the world's largest dog breeds in one detailed table
| Breed | Height | Weight | Lifespan | Energy | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Irish Wolfhound | 30 - 35 inches | 105 - 180 lbs | 6 - 8 years | 3/5 | Sweet-Tempered |
| Great Dane | 28-32 inches | 110-175 lbs | 7-10 years | 3/5 | Gentle |
| English Mastiff | 15-20 inches | 20-50 lbs | 10-14 years | 3/5 | Friendly |
| Saint Bernard | 26-30 inches | 120-180 lbs | 8-10 years | 2/5 | Gentle |
Choosing the Right Largest Breed for You
The largest dog breeds require special considerations. Here's what to think about when deciding which giant breed is right for your lifestyle.
Space & Housing
Largest breeds need ample space. Consider if you have room for a giant dog bed, crate, and enough floor space for them to move comfortably.
Activity Level Match
While many giant breeds have moderate exercise needs, some require more activity. Match your lifestyle to the breed's energy level.
Health & Care Commitment
Largest breeds need regular vet care, proper nutrition, and may have higher health care costs. Be prepared for the commitment.
Budget Considerations
Large breeds eat more food, need larger supplies, and may have higher veterinary costs. Budget $200-400+ per month for a giant breed.
Lifespan Awareness
Largest breeds typically live 7-10 years. Understand this shorter lifespan and make the most of your time together with excellent care.
Training & Socialization
Proper training is essential for giant breeds. Early socialization ensures your large dog is well-behaved and safe around others.
Other Large and Giant Dog Breeds
Explore other impressive large breeds that may interest you
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the tallest dog breed?
Irish Wolfhounds and Great Danes are often cited as the tallest breeds, typically standing 28-35 inches tall at the shoulder. Irish Wolfhounds typically edge out Great Danes by a few inches on average.
What is the heaviest dog breed?
The English Mastiff is generally the heaviest breed by average weight, with males often weighing 160-230 pounds. Saint Bernards also rank among the heaviest breeds, typically weighing 120-180 pounds.
Which is larger: tallest or heaviest?
It depends on what you mean by “largest.” If you prioritize height, Irish Wolfhounds and Great Danes are largest. If you prioritize weight and mass, English Mastiffs and Saint Bernards are largest. Both metrics matter when choosing a giant breed.
Are the largest dog breeds good family pets?
Yes! Most of the largest breeds are known as “gentle giants” - calm, patient, and excellent with children. However, their size requires proper training and adequate space from an early age.
What's the difference between largest and biggest?
“Largest” and “biggest” are often used interchangeably, but when talking about dog breeds, both can refer to height, weight, or overall size. The key is understanding whether you're measuring by height (tallest) or weight (heaviest).