29th place: Dirhound( Scottish deer hound) is one of the oldest breeds of European hunting hound dogs, the mention of which was first recorded in the Scottish chronicles in the 16th century. The average weight of males is 40-50 kg, the female - 35-43 kg, the minimum height is 75 cm in males and 70 cm in females. A tremendous flair and an excellent reaction make the dirhounds a born hunter. They are very active, hardy, balanced, love children, can easily be trained and easily memorize teams.
28th place: Cane-corso ( another name - Italian mastiff ) is a breed from Italy, which is rooted in the dogs used in the war by the ancient Romans. Cane Corso is focused on protection and protection. The average height of males from 64 to 72 cm, weight 45-50 kg. The average growth of a female is 60-64 cm, weight 40-45 kg.
27th place: Russian Greyhound - a breed of hunting dogs, originating in the 17th century. Height at the withers of males from 75 to 86 cm, female - 68 to 78 cm. Weight 36-61 kg.
26th place: The Argentinean dog ( another name - the Argentine mastiff ) is a hunting breed of dogs, bred in Argentina in the 20s of the 20th century. The average weight of males is 45-65 kg, bitches 40-55 kg. Average height: males 60-68 cm, bitches 60-65 cm
25th place: American akita ( another name - large Japanese dog ) is a breed of dogs that arose in the USA after the Second World War on the basis of ancient Japanesebreeds Akita Inu( this breed belonged to the famous dog Khatiko).Americans and Canadians do not consider the American Akita as a separate breed, holding the opinion that the American and Japanese Akita are two varieties of the same Akita breed. The males of the American Akita breed weigh 45-66 kg with an increase of 66-71 cm, females have a weight of 36-54 kg and a height of 61-66 cm. Japanese Akita is lower and lighter.
24th place: South Russian Shepherd Dog is a shepherd breed, bred by the landowner Faltz Fein( 1863-1920) in the south of Ukraine. There is an opinion that the ancestors of this breed were brought from Germany, and the breed itself is identical with the Old German, Old French and Old English sheepdog( this type of sheep-dog almost disappeared in Europe, we, thanks to large sheep breeding, multiplied as watchmen from wolves and survived).The average height of males is 65-66 cm, female 62-66 cm, the average weight of dogs of both sexes is from 48 to 50 kg. This dog does not suit elderly people and people with poor health, as it requires an active lifestyle.
On the photo - South Russian shepherd and fox terrier
23rd place: The big Swiss Mountain Dog is a breed of dogs from the Swiss Alps. The growth of the males of this breed is 65-72 cm, weight 50-64 kg, the growth of the bough is 60-69 cm, weight 48-54 kg. The big Swiss Mountain Dog is not fit for life in the city, it needs space, fresh air and physical exertion.
22nd place: The Bordeaux dog is an ancient French breed of dogs belonging to the group of mastiffs. In the Middle Ages, they were used as hunting and fighting dogs, and today they are known for their excellent watchful qualities and calm, benevolent character. The minimum weight of these powerful, muscular animals is 45 kg in females and 52 kg in males. The height at the withers in females varies from 57 to 65 cm, in males from 60 to 69 cm.
21st place: Bullmastiff is a large breed of domestic dogs, bred by English huntsmen in the 19th century to protect estates. The growth of males of bullmastiff at the withers varies from 64 to 71 cm, weight - from 50 to 59 kg. The bitches average from 45 to 54 kg, and the growth ranges from 61 to 66 cm. Brave, faithful, calm and balanced - so you can describe the nature of bullmastiffs. They are very disciplined, intelligent animals, are easy to train and, having an excellent nose, are wonderful bloodhounds.
20th place: Russian black terrier - official breed of dogs, bred in the USSR.The average weight of the males is 50-60 kg, the height is 72-78 cm, the bitches in the females are as follows: weight 45-50 kg, height 68-74.This dog is not for sitting on a chain. Russian black terrier requires constant communication with the owner, the family in which he lives.
19th place: Anatolian Shepherd( Kangal) is an ancient breed of dogs from Eastern Anatolia, Turkey, where it is still very much appreciated as a shepherd's guard dog. Height at the withers, depending on the floor, can range from 71 to 81 cm, weight - from 40 to 65 kg. Kangals are very loyal, obedient, energetic, love children, have an acute mind and are easy to train.
18th place: Komondor( Hungarian Shepherd) is a large breed of sheepdogs, known for its unusual appearance. Its massive body is covered with long white wool, rolled into original cords. The average height of males is 70-80 cm, the female - 65-70 cm, the mass of the first varies from 50 to 60 kg, and the second - from 40 to 50 kg. Smart and balanced komondoras are used as guard dogs, they are very affectionate and faithful, easily adapt to life in urban conditions.
17th place: Pyrenean mountain dog is a breed of large service dogs, originating from France. For hundreds of years, representatives of this breed were used by shepherds to guard the cattle on the steep slopes of the Pyrenees Mountains. These gentle, strong-willed, good-natured and intelligent dogs have a strong physique and an elegant look. The growth of males varies between 70-81 cm, weight - 50-54 kg, as for bitches, their height at withers is 65-75 cm, and weight is 36-41 kg.
16th place: The Buryat-Mongolian wolfhound ( another name - Hot ) is an ancient breed of dogs, common in Buryatia and adjacent territories. According to the breed standard, males should be not less than 74 cm, bitches - not lower than 66 cm. Weight - from 45 to 70 kg.
Dogs of this breed have long lived under Buddhist monasteries and guarded herds of cattle, camels, flocks of sheep. Buryats and Mongols often used these dogs for hunting. Now hotosho is a guard and guard dog, a companion and a bodyguard, used in the search for people in emergency situations.
15th place: Caucasian Shepherd Dog is one of the most ancient breeds, the homeland of which is the Caucasus. The representatives of this breed are characterized by a strong type of constitution and a fairly large growth. The height at the withers, depending on the sex of the animal, varies from 64 to 75 cm, and the weight of adults is 45-90 kg. Caucasian sheep-dogs have a resolute and bold character, distrustful to strangers. They have a special endurance and undemanding ability, they are able to adapt to any climatic conditions.
14th place: Kuvas is an ancient breed of service dogs of Hungarian origin. In the Middle Ages, their status was so high that only the royal blood or people close to them were permitted to have a dog of this breed. The weight of the males varies between 48 and 90 kg, the height at the withers is 70-76 cm, the average weight of the bitches is 34-68 kg, the height is 65-70 cm. Kuvasy are strong, brave, faithful dogs that are very easy to maintain.
13th place: The Irish Wolfhound is a large breed of hunting dogs that resulted from the crossing of dogs brought by the Celts to Ireland with local pickling dogs. It wears the status of one of the tallest breeds of dogs in the world. According to the existing standards, the minimum height should be 79 cm( male) and 71 cm( bitches), and the minimum weight - 54.5 kg and 40.5 kg. Despite their impressive size, Irish wolfhounds are by nature very quiet and calm creatures. They are devoted and loving dogs, get along well with children and are relatively easy to train.
12th place: Neapolitan mastiff( mastino padded) is a service breed of dogs that appeared in the south of the Apennine peninsula in ancient times. They were used as guard dogs from ancient times. Neapolitan mastiffs have a strong rough type of constitution. Height at the withers in the bitch is 60-74 cm, in males - 65-79 cm. The weight of the males varies from 60 to 70 kg, the bitches - from 50 to 60 kg. In addition to good security qualities, the representatives of this breed are known for their playful and very benevolent character in the home atmosphere.
11th place: Central Asian Shepherd Dog ( other names - Turkmen wolfhound or alabai ) - an ancient breed of dogs, native to the regions of Central Asia. The average height at the withers in males is 70-75 cm, in bitches - 65-69 cm. Weight can range from 50 to 80 kg in males and from 40 to 65 kg in females. Dogs of this breed copes well with the guard and security service. Although the Alabai seem slow, slow and very calm, they have an explosive nature, an excellent reaction and a strong muscular body.
10th place: Leonberger is a large breed of dogs, bred in 1846 in the German city of Leonberg by crossing St. Bernard, Newfoundland and Pyrenean sheepdogs. The growth of males varies between 72-80 cm, and weight - 54-77 kg. The weight of the bough is 45-61 kg, the height at the withers is 65-75 cm. Leonberger is a large and attractive dog type. They have a unique character that has created the reputation of an ideal family dog, which has a special love for children. Representatives of the breed are characterized as loyal, intelligent, easily trained, judicious dogs with excellent watchful qualities.
9th place: The Moscow watchdog is a large working dog, bred in the 50s of the 20th century in Russia by crossing the following breeds: Caucasian Shepherd Dog, St. Bernard, Russian Pergamon Hound. According to the breed standards, the preferred growth for males is 77-78 cm( minimum height is 68 cm), the preferred growth of the bough is 72-73 cm( minimum 66 cm), the minimum weight of dogs is 60 kg, the female - 45 kg. The Moscow watchdog is a self-confident dog, balanced, independent and contact. Has excellent watchdog and security qualities. These dogs do not know fear and never give up.
8th place: Boerboel - a breed of service dogs with excellent protective qualities, deduced in South Africa in the XVII century. It is a large, hardy, powerful dog with good reaction and plasticity. The growth of males at the withers is 64-70 cm, the female - 59-65 cm, the weight of the representatives of both sexes ranges from 70 to 90 kg. Burbulis need constant attention and care, which will consist not only in caresses, but also in regular training and physical exertion.
7th place: Newfoundland( diver) is a popular giant breed of dogs, originally from the northeastern coast of Canada. Originally they were used as working dogs for fishermen. Thanks to webbed feet, water-repellent wool and innate abilities for swimming, Newfoundlands are wonderful lifeguards. Males usually weigh 60-70 kg, females - 45-55 kg. Some representatives of the breed, as you know, had a weight of more than 90 kg. The biggest Newfoundland record-holder weighed 120 kg. The growth of males varies between 69-75 cm, and female - 63-68 cm. They are known for their gigantic size, enormous strength and extremely affectionate character. In addition, they have high intelligence and the ability to make independent decisions.
As for the huge power, this is not an exaggeration: the strongest dog in proportion to its own weight is the Newfoundland named Barbara Allens Dark Hans, 44 kg, which dragged 2,289 kg on the concrete surface in Bothell( USA) on July 20, 1979.
see also The strongest dogs of the world
6th place: The Tibetan mastiff is one of the oldest breeds that served in the monasteries of Tibet as a guard dog, as well as accompanying nomads in the Himalayan mountains. Growth at the withers: males - 66-81 cm, females - 61-71 cm. The weight of males varies from 60 to 82 kg, bitches - from 40 to 60 kg. Tibetan Mastiff is a very calm, restrained, obedient dog, combining the ability to guard the house and be a good friend to the family in which he lives. The main distinguishing feature of the breed is an amazing cleanliness( in part similar to a cat's).An interesting fact: a representative of the breed Tibetan mastiff named Hong Dong( Hong Dong) is the most expensive dog in the world, for which the coal magnate from China gave 1.5 million euros.
5th place: Great Dane - is the tallest breed of dogs in the world. The minimum growth of males at the withers is 80 cm, the female - 72 cm, the weight of males can vary from 54 to 91 kg, the weight of a bough is 45-59 kg. The record holder of this breed is the giant Great Dane from Michigan named Zeus, whose height is 111.8 cm, while standing on its hind legs, it reaches 2.2 m in height .The weight of the giant is 70.3 kg.
These big dogs combine power and nobility, strength and elegance. German dogs can be described as kind, affectionate, loyal and obedient dogs.
The photo shows the tallest dog( German dog) and the smallest dog( chihuahua)
4th place: Pyrenean mastiff is a giant dog breed, originally from Aragon, Spain. Representatives of this breed, which appeared in the southwest of Europe in the company of Asian traders, were originally used as shepherd dogs. Pyrenean mastiffs are very large dogs: the height of males is 77-81 cm, the bough is 72-75 cm. The average weight is 70-81 kg, although it is often possible to meet males weighing more than 100 kg. Pyrenean mastiffs are known as extremely intelligent and reliable dogs. Thanks to the remarkable qualities that are inherent in the dogs of this breed, today they are often used as bodyguards and guards.
3rd place: St. Bernard is a giant-sized dog breed, originating from working dogs from the Italian and Swiss Alps, who were originally bred as rescuers. These are very strong, large dogs, whose height is 65-80 cm in bitches and 70-90 cm in males. According to the breed standards, the weight of St. Bernard should be above 80 kg, the most common are dogs with a height of more than 80 cm and weighing more than 100 kg. St. Bernard named Benedictine, weighing 166.4 kg, went down in history as the heaviest dog. Another St. Bernard named Mayor F. was recognized as the longest dog in the world, its length was 2 meters 59 cm .A calm, sensitive and friendly character makes the St. Bernards ideal companions.
2 nd place: Spanish mastiff - a giant dog breed, home to which is Extremadura, Spain. Initially, the breed was used to protect livestock from wolves and other predators. The growth of the male of the Spanish mastiff ranges from 77-88 cm, weight - 80-120 kg, the height of the bitch at the withers is 72-88 cm, weight - 70-100 kg. This noble giant will be a wonderful friend to all family members and a reliable house guard.
1st place: English mastiff is an old English breed of dogs that bears the status of the largest breed of dogs in the world. The average growth of these giants is 69-91 cm, and the weight can vary from 68 to 110 kg in males and from 54 to 91 kg in females. The record holder of this breed is a huge English mastiff named Aikama Zorba who entered the Guinness Book of World Records, with 94 cm height and 155.58 kg weight. Mastiffs-aristocrats are known for their power, courage, balance and peace. They perfectly cope with both the role of the guard dog and the role of the companion dog.
see also The smallest breeds of dogs
Large dogs can bring a lot of joy to the family, the favorites of which they are. Naturally, they, like any other breeds of dogs, have their pros and cons. The positive side is their wonderful nature - big dogs, with proper education, as a rule, very gentle, loyal and good-natured creatures. They are easy enough to be trained and do not require a lot of physical exercises. As for the minuses of keeping such dogs, they can include fairly large expenses for food, since such large-sized animals require a corresponding amount of food. The most distressing factor, perhaps, is that representatives of large breeds most often have a much shorter life expectancy compared to their smaller relatives.
Despite the minuses present and the huge popularity of small breeds of dogs, many prefer to have in their home a large dog that will not only be a faithful and kind friend to all family members, but also a reliable defender and guard of the territory.
In this article, we will examine the 30 largest breeds of dogs in the world. The rating was based on the average body weight of dogs of each breed, as well as the growth at the withers ( withers - a place on the spine between the shoulder blades, the highest point of the dog's body).Dogs with an average dog weight of at least 40 kg and an average height of at least 60 cm are included in the top.
30th place: Eshterlian Shepherd Dog ( another name is Portuguese Mountain Shepherd Dog ) - the oldest breed of dogs on the Iberian Peninsula, originallyused as a shepherd's dog. The average height of males at the withers is 65-72 cm, weight 40-50 kg, in females the growth is 62-69 cm, weight 30-40 kg. In Russia, dogs of this breed are little known;rarely found outside of Portugal. Those who want to start a dog of this breed, you should know that to life in the city the Estrelian sheep-dogs are completely unadapted, but ideal as hunting dogs.
