Dogs are still genetically very closely related to wolves. However, there are some dog breeds that are even significantly larger than their ancestors.
In addition to race, nutrition and genetics also play a role. This explains why two four-legged friends from the same litter can grow to be different sizes.
The current record is held by the Great Dane named “Zeus” with a height of 104.6 cm at the withers. This refers to the highest point on the shoulder blade. [1]
Below you will learn about the 27 largest dog breeds in the world and their characteristics. They are also sorted by size in a sort of ranking.
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#27 Maremma-Abruzzo Shepherd Dog – 73 cm
Size: 60-73cm | Weight: 30-45kg
This white German Shepherd comes from Italy and was mostly used for herding and protection from wolves. The four-legged friend is also known as the Abruzzo Mastiff. [2]
The Maremma-Abruzzo Shepherd Dog is one of the largest dog breeds in the world. It weighs up to 45 kg and reaches a shoulder height of around 73 cm.
The four-legged friend is mainly kept in packs of three to four dogs so that attacking wolves can be intimidated. They are also suitable as guard dogs.
The four-legged friends get along well with other dogs or pets, but they are not suitable for keeping in an apartment. They need a lot of exercise and bark a lot.
Fun fact: These dogs have two faces. At home they appear very sleepy and melancholy. When working as a sheepdog, however, they are considered “wild wolf killers”.
#26 Newfoundland – 74 cm
Size: 64-74cm | Weight: 45-70kg
The Newfoundland from Canada is one of the heaviest and largest dogs in the world. This “giant” was originally bred as a working dog for fishermen.
The four-legged friend was later used as a rescue dog. His webbed paws are particularly practical, making him an ideal swimmer.
This large dog is not suitable for small apartments. He finds it difficult to stay alone and has a strong hunting instinct. He barks little and sheds heavily.
The friendly animals get along very well with cold, but not well with heat. They are very loyal to their family. Generally, they get along with everyone and everything.
Fun fact: With this dog you can open a wool factory or professionally stuff pillows. The animals shed so much that you can remove kilos of “wool” when they change their fur. [3]
#25 Azawakh – 74cm
Size: 60-74cm | Weight: 15-25kg
The Azawakh from Africa is a vigilant hunting dog. It is also ideal as a watchdog because it reliably reports impending dangers. Overall, he doesn't bark much. [4]
At 64 km/h, the Azawakh is one of the fifth fastest breeds. It is also one of the largest dog breeds in the world. The brown animals shed moderately and are independent.
His nature is very broad. From lap dogs to wild hunters, everything is there. The four-legged friend usually gets along well with children or other dogs.
He also develops a very close bond with his owners. If he is kept with other dogs, he often develops wolf-like hierarchies while living together.
Fun fact: Idi, Hanshee, Oska, Bareeru, Rawondu, Wulo, and Tuared Sloughi. What sounds like Indian dishes are actually the eight officially recognized names of this dog breed.
#24 Caucasian Ovcharka – 75 cm
Size: 67-75cm | Weight: 45-100kg
The Caucasian Ovcharka is a protection dog from the Caucasus. The long-haired German Shepherd weighs between 45 and 100 kg when fully grown. He is very strong and brave. [5]
The four-legged friend can also take on a wolf. In a pack he even takes on bears. In the past it was also used to guard prisoners and borders.
This four-legged friend is reserved towards strangers. He rarely gets along with strange animals. With appropriate socialization, he can be a family dog.
This breed is also one of the largest dogs in the world. Their fur is very weather-resistant. Low temperatures don't bother the robust Ovcharka.
Fun fact: These four-legged friends are considered particularly stubborn. Even professional dog trainers regularly compete head-to-head with the reluctance of these animals.
#23 Neapolitan Mastiff – 75 cm
Size: 60-75cm | Weight: 50-70kg
The Neapolitan Mastiff was bred as a hunting and guard dog. He has a weak hunting instinct and barks very little. He only needs a moderate amount of exercise. [6]
The black four-legged friend is relatively difficult to train. He is often dominant and stubborn. At 70 kg, he is also one of the largest dogs in the world.
The average life expectancy of this four-legged friend is around 7 years. Only in exceptional cases do the large specimens reach their 10th birthday.
Neapolitan Mastiffs are cuddly and get along very well with children. But they hardly tolerate strangers and dogs. They love to keep watch.
Fun fact: The Neapolitan Mastiff is a clumsy and clumsy roommate. He often loses his balance when climbing stairs or stumbles against furniture.
#22 Fila Brasileiro – 75cm
Size: 60-75cm | Weight: 57-82kg
The Fila Brasileiro is a Brazilian Mastiff species with a very strong hunting instinct. The four-legged friend has a fearless, determined nature. He is loyal and courageous. [7]
The heavy dog was primarily intended as a working, guard and hunting dog. His good nose makes him ideal as a hunting companion for large wild animals.
It is also one of the largest dog breeds in the world. It should not be in the hands of beginners. Because it is considered aggressive, it is even banned in many countries.
What is certain is that this four-legged friend needs a lot of socialization and experienced owners. This large dog is not suitable for city life or keeping in an apartment.
Fun fact: This breed used to be used as a “refugee fright”. In order to hold on to the escaped slaves, the animals usually bit their butts.
#21 Russian Black Terrier – 76 cm
Size: 68-76cm | Weight: 45-60kg
This terrier breed is one of the largest dogs in the world. The rare dog breed comes from Russia and was primarily kept as a working and guard dog.
During wartime, the self-confident four-legged friend also served as a military dog. The Russian Black Terrier is loyal to his owners. He is also very intelligent.
This makes it easy for your four-legged friend to train. He barks a moderate amount, needs a lot of exercise and only has a weak hunting instinct. He is a great play partner for children.
These terriers love work and activity. They are very active and do not like boredom or loneliness. You should be strict and authoritarian in your upbringing.
Fun fact: We refer to these dogs as “terriers,” but strictly speaking they do not officially belong to this group. Around 17 different breeds were crossed with each other for their breeding. [8]
#20 Greyhound – 76cm
Size: 68-76cm | Weight: 26-40kg
The Greyhound is an intelligent, gentle four-legged friend from England. With a speed of 72 km/h, the dog is one of the fastest and largest dog breeds in the world. [9]
This greyhound's temperament is calm, independent and noble. He has a strong hunting instinct and needs a lot of exercise. He rarely barks and hardly sheds hair.
The even-tempered Greyhound often gets along well with other pets. He loves the company of people and animals. Despite its size, the animal requires little space.
This means you can easily keep the greyhound in an apartment. However, you should keep him on a leash because of his hunting instinct. The dog has no problem with older children.
Fun fact: If you're looking for a really chill dog, then you've come to the right place with the Greyhound. This sleepyhead spends most of the day dozing in his basket.
#19 Kuvasz – 76cm
Size: 65-76cm | Weight: 37-62kg
The Kuvasz from Hungary is an independent, intelligent dog with a weak hunting instinct. He used to serve as a hunting and war dog and was kept by guards. [10]
With a shoulder height of 76 cm, the four-legged friends are about the size of greyhounds, making them one of the largest dogs in the world. They need a lot of exercise and shed a lot.
The four-legged friends need to be close to the family and don't like loneliness. However, they still need a confident, dominant master. They are not beginner dogs.
You should have a lot of patience and consistency in training. The animals are usually loyal to their families and children, but they don't like strangers that much.
Fun fact: Actually, this breed was once called “Kawasz”. The Turkish term translates as “armed guard of the nobles”. However, due to a spelling error in the writings of the time, “Kuvasz” was transmitted and enforced.
#18 Komondor – 76cm
Size: 64-76cm | Weight: 40-60kg
The Komondor is a Hungarian Shepherd Dog and one of the largest dog breeds in the world. The four-legged friend sheds a moderate amount, has a weak hunting instinct and barks a lot.
He has a robust and muscular body, as well as the heaviest coat of all dog breeds. The Komondor naturally develops long dreadlocks.
The four-legged friends are born exclusively white, but over time their fur takes on a darker color. In general, the fur of these dogs is difficult to maintain.
Since it naturally becomes matted, you cannot comb your four-legged friend. In addition, the fur needs about 2-3 days to dry completely after a bath. [11]
Fun fact: Did you know that dogs can have a “camouflage suit”? These four-legged friends can use their fur to surprise an attacking wolf from the side while herding sheep.
#17 Do Khyi – 76cm
Size: 61-76cm | Weight: 34-73kg
The Do Khyi is a Tibetan mastiff with a lion-like appearance. It is often described as scary and difficult to train. [12]
But this four-legged friend is effective as a guard dog. The courageous Great Dane is not afraid of even dangerous predators. She has a moderate hunting instinct and strong protective instincts.
Do Khyis are among the largest dogs in the world. They love the cold and are trusting towards their family. They get along well with children.
They are reserved towards strangers. At home they are quiet. They prefer to be active outside. It is noticeable that they have a lot of energy in the morning and evening.
Fun fact: Most dogs of this breed weigh between 34 and 73 kg. But some heavyweight specimens also manage to weigh 100 kg.
#16 Mastín Español – 77 cm
Size: 72-77cm | Weight: 52-100kg
The Mastín Español was originally designed as a guard and…