World's Largest Dog Breeds

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There is something about a large dog that inspires many feelings inside people. Some people get a sense of cold fear, and others feel respect and awe.

However, you feel it when you see the muscles rippling of one of the world's most giant dog breeds. Here are 35 pups over 70 pounds that will get your heart pumping.

Remember, the lower weights are the females, and the higher weights are the males when viewing the weights.

While there are exceptions to the rule, typically, female canines are smaller than their male counterparts.

Don't be alarmed by the size of these dogs. Some of the world's most giant dog breeds are also the best for families and active pet owners.

You will also find dogs on this list to make good working, sporting, and guard dogs.

Whatever type of dog you're looking for, you're sure to find one on this list!

Whether you are getting a guard breed or a companion breed, all dogs on this list are suited to people who plan to spend a lot of time with their four-legged family members.

Unlike with small breeds, you can't just pick up these dogs when they are being naughty.

You can not expect to hold them in place with just a collar or leash.

They need to be taught proper manners and obedience starting from a young age.

ALSO READ: 35 Best Medium and Small Dogs for Kids

Worlds Largest Dog Breeds

World's Largest Dog Breeds from Africa

1. African BoerboelAfrican Boerboel
110 to 176 pounds

Pictured above, these dogs are the most agile of the Mastiff breeds. The Boerboel is all strength and confidence.

The word “Boerboel” means “farm dog,” and this puppy can do it all.

Whether it is needed to pull carts, protect livestock, or guard estates, it is ready and able to do the job.

World's Largest Dog Breeds2. Perro de Presa Canario
86 to 142 pounds

Hailing from the Canary Islands, this independent and intelligent fur-baby was traditionally used as a guard dog and an all-around farmhand.

The sheer size of this canine means it needs consistent, reward-based training starting from a young age.

It is not recommended for families with young children.

World's Largest Dog Breeds from Asia

World's Largest Dog Breeds3. Caucasian Ovcharka
110 to 198 pounds

A livestock guard, this shepherd dog has an almost lionish expression.

They do well with alone time as they were bred to spend time out with the flocks.

They do not do as well with people.

If you own this canine, you need to excel at pack leader training and socialization, so your dog isn't a danger to your family and others.

4World's Largest Dog Breeds. Central Asian Ovcharka
143 to 176 pounds

Another shepherding dog, this giant fur-baby, has a disinterested look down pat.

That doesn't mean he is not paying attention.

It is always alert and ready to spring into action at the first sign of danger.

They view their family as their herd and will be very loyal and protective, sometimes to a fault.

5. Korean Dosa MastiffWorld's Largest Dog Breeds
150 to 185 pounds

While this breed is a descendant of the great dogs of war and is kin to the fighting dogs of today, that doesn't make this loveable pooch a fighter.

Its purpose is as a companion dog and a local show dog.

This pup likes human companionship and needs it to avoid becoming destructive or aggressive.

World's Largest Dog Breeds6. Poong San
60 to 90 pounds

This rare breed is native to Korea. Pups in this breed are cute.

They have happy faces capable of many expressions. Their appearance can be deceiving.

This breed came about to hunt tigers, panthers, wolves, and other large animals.

Tough and enduring, they can sleep in the snow and hunt in the mountains.

World's Largest Dog Breeds7. Tibetan Mastiff
105 to 180 pounds

Ferocious guard dog, the Tibetan Mastiff is also patient, loyal, and kind.

It is not sure what world's largest dog breeds came together to create this dog.

Recently they enjoyed a period of popularity in China, but that time has ended.

Once fetching up to $200,000 a dog, dozens are sent to the slaughterhouse for $5 a head.

SIMILAR: 22 Most Muscular Dog Breeds

World's Largest Dog Breeds

World's Largest Dog Breeds from Europe

8. Bucovina Sheepdog
90 to 120 pounds

Also known as the Romanian Bucovina Sheepdog, it is a stable breed that is calm and loving with children.

These world's largest dog breeds also make excellent watchdogs with muscles and bravery to spare.

Energetic, they need exercise and room to roam to keep from being a nuisance.

They need to be socialized with people to avoid becoming aggressive.

9. Akbash
75 to 120 pounds

A Turkish livestock guardian, the Akbash is a guardian dog. It needs an owner familiar with pure dog personality and can pack leader train.

They are rugged and outdoorsy and will not be happy being city dogs.

You will rarely see this strong canine as a companion dog.

World's Largest Dog Breeds10. Bulgarian Shepherd
88 to 125 pounds

Like many of the world's most giant dog breeds, they are working dog and is happiest when it has room to work and a daily “job” to do.

Guard dogs were bred to spend time away from human companionship and use much independent thought.

This means they are considered stubborn and need an experienced owner.

World's Largest Dog Breeds11. Cane Corso
100 to 111 pounds

One look at this dog, and you know it means business.

They are powerful and athletic and do better being the only dog in the family.

These pups are not recommended for homes with young children or frequent get-togethers.

While they are highly trainable, it takes someone with experience to make these canines anything other than a guard dog.

World's Largest Dog Breeds12. English Mastiff
119 to 200 pounds

This is one canine that can protect and serve.

They love children and do great with kids, but they will do anything to protect their charges when danger is around.

These pups are reserved around strangers, and they don't like other dogs. Also, keep in mind that they are pretty animals, but they do drool.

World's Largest Dog Breeds13. Grand Bleu de Gascogne
80 to 120 pounds

This canine should never be off a leash, a sighthound originating from France.

If they catch a scent, they are after it in a flash.

A descendant of large Phoenician hunting dogs, this animal is still pretty large.

They do better in active, outdoors families that can keep them busy.

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World's Largest Dog Breeds14. Great Dane
99 to 200 pounds

These world's largest dog breeds are the height of a small horse.

Although they are not known to be aggressive, they need obedience training starting at a young age.

When you think of a bull in a china shop, think of a Dane.

They can easily knock down children without meaning to. Coffee tables are no match for these fur babies.

World's Largest Dog Breeds15. Irish wolfhound
90 to 150 pounds

These adorable shaggy dogs have an irresistible hound dog look.

A true gentle giant, the Wolfhound is a great companion pet. Don't expect these world's largest dog breeds to be guard dogs, because they will just love strangers, too.

If you are looking for a large dog that doesn't have an aggressive bone in its body, then this is the one for you.

World's Largest Dog Breeds16. Kangal
91 to 120 pounds

From the fields of Turkey comes this livestock guard that is pretty good at guarding families, too.

These pooches have a ferocious appearance, and the brawn and bravery to back that up with action.

If you are looking for a companion pet, make sure this pup undergoes serious pack leader and socialization training.

World's Largest Dog Breeds17. Komondor
100 to 132 pounds

A corded dog, this fur-baby has long hair like dreadlocks, but it can also be kept clipped short.

While it looks happy and cheerful, don't let that fool you. This Hungarian livestock guard is still very protective.

That does not mean it can't excel in competition or as a family pet.

Like other world's largest dog breeds, it just needs proper training.

Worlds Largest Dog Breeds

World's Largest Dog Breeds18. Leonberger
115 to 150 pounds

These large canines love to work. Originally used on the farm to pull carts, herd, and even protect.

Today these energetic pooches do great in search and rescue, and as therapy dogs.

You can also teach them to happily pull your kids around in carts or sleds.

Like most dogs with thick coats, they are healthiest in cooler temperatures.

World's Largest Dog Breeds19. Moscow Watchdog
100 to 150 pounds

Developed in the former Soviet Union, this traditional guard dog was developed from Saint Bernards, Caucasian Shepherds, and Russian Spotted Hounds.

They are tall and big-boned, but not clumsy at all.

They are adaptable and can make a great companion while still being a protector.

World's Largest Dog Breeds20. Neapolitan Mastiff
133 to 155 pounds

An independent, confident animal, this canine will try to be Alpha to other animals and humans alike.

That being said, they need daily human companionship to keep from becoming aggressive.

A tad lazy, this pup doesn't need much exercise but needs to be able to stretch out a couple of times a day.

World's Largest Dog Breeds21. Newfoundland
100 to 150 pounds

An all-around dog, this breed was used to haul wood from the forest or nets from the ocean.

Sweet-natured and gentle, they are great for families with children and frequent company.

These fur babies are intelligent and easy to train. They need daily companionship and “chores” to be their best.

MORE: 20 Strongest Dog Breeds In The World

World's Largest Dog Breeds22. Polish Tatra Sheepdog
80 to 130 pounds

A rare breed, this guard dog has a “wait and see” attitude. When protecting sheep in Poland, they gather the sheep together and stay near them – not leaving them to attack.

Although they had this trait, they were ready and able to back up these protective actions with physical fighting.

Their fur was also shaved and used for wool, just like the sheep they lived with.

World's Largest Dog Breeds23. Saarloos Wolfdog
79 to 90 pounds

Created by breeding a German Shepherd with a European Wolf, this breed is far removed from its wild ancestor.

These pups are an echo to the dogs of old.

They retain strong pack instincts and need room to roam and explore.

A little timid and standoffish, this is not a companion dog. These rugged animals are for outdoor life only.

World's Largest Dog Breeds24. Saint Bernard
140 to 265 pounds

Recently making the Guinness World Book of Records for the longest tongue, this dog is large…some would say, giant.

Created to rescue stranded travelers, these world's largest dog breeds are calm, patient, loving, and brave.

They still make great working dogs today in therapy jobs, search and rescue, and even law enforcement.

World's Largest Dog Breeds25. Scottish Deerhound
77 to 110 pounds

Similar in appearance to the Irish Wolfhound, this is another shaggy dog that is ready to jump into your heart.

Although this is a large pup, it is friendly and playful – unless you are another dog.

They prefer to be the only four-legged family member.

Independent and with low intelligence, they are hard to train.

World's Largest Dog Breeds26. South Russian Ovcharka
110 to 155 pounds

These fur babies have long, white hair that hangs down in their eyes.

They are courageous, active herding dogs that need to stay busy.

Pooches in this breed can be nervous and need gentle, but firm, training.

They do better in smaller families with older kids and large yards.

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World's Largest Dog Breeds

World's Largest Dog Breeds from North America

27. Alaskan Malamute
75 to 90 pounds

The largest of the Arctic dogs, these double-coated canines will keep you entertained with a variety of sounds.

Known as a “talking” dog, it is loved by many, but don't run out to get one just yet.

Pictured above, the Alaskan Malamute only does well in cooler temperatures.

They need an experienced, outdoorsy owner who can properly train and exercise it.

World's Largest Dog Breeds28. American Bulldog
75 to 130 pounds

Though larger than the English Bulldog, their personalities are very much alike.

Descended from working dogs, this breed is often used for dog fighting.

Make sure you get your pup from a reputable breeder that doesn't breed for aggressive qualities.

World's Largest Dog Breeds29. American Mastiff
160 to 210 pounds

Created by crossing an English Mastiff with Anatolian Mastiff, these canines drool less than other Mastiffs; however, they are still quite large.

Since these have been mainly bred as companion dogs, they are said to be more affectionate and mild-mannered than some other Mastiff breeds.

World's Largest Dog Breeds30. Majestic Tree Hound
78 to 110 pounds

A new and relatively unknown breed, this pup hails from the old Saint Hubert's Hounds of France and the Bloodhound.

Intelligent and independent, these friendly canines are still highly trainable and make great hunting dogs and companion animals.

Like most hounds, they are rugged and easy to care for.

RECOMMENDED: 30 Healthiest Dog Breeds That Live the Longer

World's Largest Dog Breeds

World's Largest Dog Breeds from the Pacific Islands

31. Akita
80 to 130 pounds

Coming in many different colors, you are sure to find one of the world's largest dog breeds that strike your fancy.

As seen in the photo above, these dogs are loyal and territorial.

They are better with kids they have grown up with, and they do not like other animals.

Despite this, they are eager to please and can be trained to be competition or therapy dogs.

World's Largest Dog Breeds32. Tosa Inu
132 to 220 pounds

Just another Mastiff breed for this list, the “Japanese Mastiff” is ferocious and capable.

These large canines can hunt and kill anything it wants with no assistance from its human.

It is not recommended that you have this dog with kids or other pets.

Only experienced owners and trainers need to apply.

World's Largest Dog Breeds From South America

World's Largest Dog Breeds33. Dogo Argentino
88 to 120 pounds

An Alpha breed, these fur babies cannot be babied or coddled.

If you don't lay down the pecking order, this pup will automatically assume that it is at the top.

Not for the casual owner, this canine's person must have the knowledge and time to make this a family or companion animal.

34. Cimarrón Uruguayo
84 to 100 pounds

From Uruguay, this breed is a descendant of the dogs brought over by Europeans.

These pups are known to be aggressive. Abandoned by European colonists, these dogs competed with each other and only the strong survived.

Although there are domesticated specimens of this breed, their history is that of feral dogs.

They are not family pets, and that can't be stressed enough.

World's Largest Dog Breeds35. Fila Brasileiro
90 to 110 pounds

The Brazilian Mastiff is descended from Molosser breeds like the Bloodhound, and they definitely have the looks to show it.

Distrustful of strangers, this pooch needs to be socialized properly to avoid becoming a danger to others.

In fact, these dogs are highly anti-social and do not do well with company or kids.

Concluding the Exploration of the Largest Dog Breeds and Their Larger-Than-Life Personalities

So there you have it, not only are all these dogs large, but these are the largest dog breeds in the world.

These dogs all have their quirks and they are all awesome it's pretty amazing that some of the biggest dog breeds on here people own like you would with your Frenchie and chihuahua.

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Amy is a writer who lives with her husband and daughter on the United States Gulf Coast. She has a BA in Behavioral Sciences, and volunteered for shelters through various activities, as well as fostering animals. Amy currently has 3 dogs and 5 cats.