The world’s largest dog breeds

Despite their size, these gentle giants are generally loyal, well-tempered and good-natured creatures.

According to the American Kennel Club, the biggest dog breed is the English Mastiff, also known as the Old English Mastiff. Mastiffs are considered the heaviest dog breed, but not necessarily the tallest. They can weigh anywhere from 50 kilograms to 155 kilograms. The height of a mastiff can range from 64 centimetres at the shoulder to 92 centimetres.

In 1989, Zorba, an English Mastiff, broke records as the heaviest and tallest dog ever, with a weight of 155.6 kilograms. Zorba measured over 244 centimetres from nose to tail and was said to be about the size of a small donkey. Hercules, a 128-kilogram English mastiff with a 96.5-centimetre neck, cinched the record in 2001 for World’s Heaviest Dog. Now check out the 13 tiniest dog breeds!

Neapolitan Mastiffs are fearless and extremely protective companions. They measure approximately 66 to 79 centimetres at the withers. Usually weighing about 77 kilograms, Neapolitan Mastiffs can also reach up to 90 kilograms. Check out the breeds that Reader’s Digest readers think are the best in the world.

Irish Wolfhounds are said to be the world’s tallest dog breed. Historically, the Irish Wolfhound’s astonishing size, speed, and intelligence made them ideal animals for hunting wolves and boars, though they are quite docile and friendly in nature. With a robust and muscular build, males can attain the stature of a small pony. The Irish Wolfhound can reach up to 213 centimetre tall when standing on its hind legs and weigh 40 to 68 kilograms. Here are the four sure signs that your dog trusts you.

Great Danes are considered the world’s second-tallest dog breed after Irish Wolfhounds. However, from year to year it seems the title of Tallest Dog, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, is held by a Great Dane. Giant George was the Guinness Book of World Records’ Tallest Dog from 2010 to 2012. George was a 113-kilogram blue Great Dane from Arizona. He stood 109 centimetres tall from paw to shoulder, and reportedly consumed 50 kilograms of food each month. Although he passed away in 2013, he lived a life of luxury, sleeping on his own queen-sized bed inside the house. Check out these crazy expensive dog houses that would make any human jealous.

Known for its bravery and aptitude in alpine rescue missions, the St. Bernard weighs between 64 and 98 kilograms on average, and stands anywhere from 70 centimetres to 90 centimetres tall. A St. Bernard named Benedictine holds the world record for the Heaviest Dog Ever. Benedictine, who displaced Zorba as the heaviest dog of all time, is said to have weighed almost 162 kilograms. Check out more adorable pics of little kids and their big dogs here.

The Newfoundland is thought to be the strongest of any dog breed, even beating some characteristics of the Great Dane, Mastiff and Irish Wolfhound. Some Newfoundland dogs have been known to weigh over 90 kilograms. The largest Newfoundland on record weighed 118 kilograms and measured over 182 centimetres from nose to tail. Find out the 13 quietest dog breeds that don’t bark too much.

Deriving its name from the city of Leonberg in southwest Germany, according to legend the Leonberger was bred as a “symbolic dog” that would mimic the lion in the town crest. These proud and self-disciplined animals stand 71 to 80 centimetres tall and weigh between 54 to 77 kilograms. Find out the 14 things humans do that their dogs hate.

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a muscular breed with a thick neck and broad head, commonly used for guarding sheep from wolves, bears, jackals, and even cheetahs. It stands 74 to 91 centimetres and weighs between 40 and 68 kilograms. Check out the 53 mistakes every dog owner makes.

The Dogue de Bordeaux is said to have the largest head in the canine world in proportion to the rest of the body. The average Dogue de Bordeaux measures 58 to 76 centimetres, and weighs 54 to 66 kilograms.

It’s important that big dogs get outdoors as much as possible – at least two long walks a day – as their energy requirement is 25 per cent higher than that of small indoor dogs. All that spent energy will require a hefty amount of food to keep your hungry companion fit and healthy, but it is recommended you give your large dog three smaller meals, rather than one large one. This will prevent overeating, as bloat is the number two killer of large dogs after cancer. Follow these six tips to help your dog live longer.

Also, know that large dogs are prone to bone and joint problems, and diseases like arthritis, hip dysplasia, and obesity. So before making any final decisions, ensure you will be able to properly care for your new furry friend.

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Source: RD Canada