Imagine a massive giant dog with paws as big as a human face and tail that can clean a whole dining table in one wag. But at the end of the day, these massive creatures want you to cuddle them!
Dogs come in various shapes and sizes. And the big dogs are specially bred to help their master with multiple tasks.
In this fun-packed article, we will explore the realm of the world’s biggest dog and shed light on some of the biggest breeds ever!
World’s Biggest Dog
A range of factors – weight, breed, and height – play a critical role in defining the world’s biggest dog. For example, a dog with a towering height won’t win the title if it fails to tip the scales. On the other hand, some breeds may attain an impressive weight, but fall short in height. With a weight of 343 pounds and a towering height of 2.544 m (8 ft 3 in) from nose to tail, Aicama Zorba of La-Susa – an Old English Mastiff – holds the title for the world’s biggest and heaviest dog ever, according to Guinness World Records. He was not just an ordinary member of the English Mastiff breed; he was a behemoth whose height and size had cemented its status that no one could one-up yet! Born on September 26, 1981, Zobra – the gigantic dog was owned by Chris Eraclides of London, UK, and measured in September 1987. With this massive body and impressive height, Zobra has truly towered over other dogs, redefining the scale of what’s possible for massive dog breeds. The most recent name in giant canines is Kevin, a Great Dane hailing from The Hawkeye State, announced by Guinness World Records on June 13, 2024. Boasting a height of a whopping 3 feet, 2 inches, and a weight of 150 pounds, this 3-year-old big boy has been crowned as the tallest dog. Sadly, two weeks after this announcement, Kevin – the epitome of a gentle giant – died followed by an unplanned surgery.
The Guinness World Records has not yet announced the tallest living dog after Kevin’s dismissal.
Biggest Dog Breeds
Check out the list we have rounded up of the biggest dog breeds in the world.
English Mastiff
The ultimate heavyweight champ of the world where massive dogs reign, the English Mastiff tops our list. Standing an impressive height of up to 36 inches and weighing around 230 pounds, this massive canine has cemented its status as the world’s biggest dog breed ever. With their massiveness, Mastiff boasts an imposing presence; however, they are the ultimate gentler giants better known for their obedience, and affectionate nature.
Neapolitan Mastiff
Hailing from southern Italy, the Neapolitan Mastiff symbolises opulence and elegance unmatched by other giant dog breeds. The epitome of vigour, this mighty dog boasts droopy jaws, wrinkled skin, and a strong-built body that stands up to a whopping 31 inches with a weight of around 200 pounds (maximum).
Saint Bernard
Reaching up to 30 inches in height and weighing up to 200 pounds, Saint Bernard is another powerful and large canine breed with incredible rescue capabilities in the snowy Swiss Alps. Berry was the most renowned Saint Bernard rescue dog that saved over 40 injured and lost people in the early 1800s. This massive giant is better known for its tolerance and calmness. Despite their imposing body, they carry a demeanour so delicate and agreeable, as if they’re clueless about their colossal presence.
Irish Wolfhound
One of the biggest breeds in the world, the Irish Wolfhound was originally bred for hunting wolves. A male Wolfhound can reach up to 3 feet at the shoulder, and weigh up to 180 pounds. Once intrepid big-game hunters who could chomp a wolf in a single battle, Wolfhounds today are the most calm and amicable of all canine pals.
The amiable Irish Wolfhound is a massive, muscular dog with a sleek, streamlined structure that combines prowess and power with enormity and grace. While running at a full gallop, they can be as speedy as lightning!
Great Danes
The gentle giants, Great Danes stand up to 35 inches and weigh up to 180 pounds, making them one of the most massive canine breeds in the world. Despite their massive body, wrinkled skin, and majestic paws as big as a coffee table, they are affectionate, boast graceful gait, and easily mingle with other dogs.
The Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog
Famous for their massiveness and fiercely protective nature toward their family, the Mioritic Sheepdog is a typical Livestock Guarding Dog (LGD) bred for fending off livestock in their homeland of Romania. They hail from near the Carpathian Mountains and exhibit a loyal nature. Their height can vary between 22.5-29 inches, whereas their weight can be between 100–130 pounds.
Leonberger
Hailing from Germany, Leonberger is a lush-coated heavy canine with a muscular body and a lion-like appearance. The triangular ears, black mask on the head, and a prominent mane surrounding the neck and chest of the muscular dog give them an imposing presence. A symbol of opulence and regency, Leonbergers usually hit a staggering height of 31 inches and weigh up to 170 pounds.
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Defensive and territorial, yet astute, stoic, and extremely faithful, these mighty vigilantes exhibit unmatched courage. They stand as tenacious protectors for their households against all odds – any threat, real or perceived. These mighty dogs can reach up to 29 inches at the shoulder and weigh as much as 150 pounds. They have a muscled body but are nimble afoot.
Dogo Argentino
An Argentine breed of big dog of mastiff type, Dogo Argentino is a muscular dog bred for hunting boar.They can hit a height of up to 27 inches weighing up to 100 pounds.
Choosing the Right Giant for You
Despite their size, dogs are amazing companions that you can cuddle for hours. But if you choose a big breed, consider the following factors:
- Living Space: A big dog needs ample space to comfortably move around. Your outdoor space should be easily accessible and large enough with the primary enclosure being tall enough.
- Activity Level: Giant canines love accompanying their owners in activities like hikes, rides, and jogs. To avoid frustration, they also need a lot of exercise compared to smaller breeds. Can you ensure regular exercise or take them to a doggie daycare if required?
- Landlord approval: In some specific areas, there might have been restrictions on petting a giant breed at home. Before you house a big canine, check it with your landlord.
- Temperament: Big dogs are often more agreeable and amicable than smaller breeds. They make incredible family pets and are better known for their loyalty, intelligence, and protectiveness. However, before you bring your furry friend of a specific breed at home, research their temperament.
Common Health Concerns
While generally healthy, big canine breeds can sometimes be predisposed to a range of health conditions:
- Hip dysplasia: Often a genetic condition, hip dysplasia occurs if the socket and balls of the hip joint don’t expand parallel as the dog grows. It is common in giant dog breeds such as Saint Bernard and German Shepherd and causes the dog to experience inflammation and pain in the hip joint and, therefore, find it difficult to walk properly. While hip dysplasia can affect any breed, dogs with rapid growth and obesity are at higher risk of facing this health condition.
- Arthritis: Giant breeds, such as Mastiffs, Great Danes, etc., are more prone to suffering from arthritis. It’s more like a progressive bone issue that causes joint stiffness, pain, and inflammation. It’s more common in older dogs as their joint cartilage wears away with time and can’t function properly due to strain.
- Heart disease: Different heart issues, such as Mitral valve disease (MVD), Aortic stenosis (AS), and heartworm disease are quite common among dogs. If you notice issues such as congenital abnormalities, structural disorders, or electrical disturbances, check for heart issues with your vet. The signs can be constant coughing, sudden weight shedding, difficulty in breathing, etc. If the symptoms remain unchecked, heart issues can be fatal.
- Obesity: it’s a common yet preventable disease that puts canines prone to other serious health outcomes, such as osteoarthritis, joint aches, cancer, liver disease, etc. Breeds more prone to obesity include Golden Retrievers, pugs, Labrador Retrievers, etc.
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