While some people find large dogs overwhelming, others may be looking for a dog large in size. Large dogs can make wonderful family companions. If you’re looking for a lovable large dog, here are some of the largest dog breeds in the world:

1. English Mastiff

Just as the name mastiff implies, English Mastiffs are one of the biggest breeds out there. The average English Mastiff grows to be approximately 25-35 inches tall and weighs around 120-220 pounds.

Although they descended from ancient war dogs, they are loving and docile, and make great family companions. English Mastiffs are loyal and intelligent. Due to their size, English Mastiffs may not be best for the elderly or small children as there is a chance they could knock them over.

2. Irish Wolfhound

Previously used as a hunting dog, Irish Wolfhounds are another large breed of dog. Irish Wolfhounds can grow as tall as 30-32 inches and weigh between 105-120 pounds.

Known for scaring off even the boldest wolves, the Irish Wolfhounds of today are calm and serene. This breed is graceful like the Greyhound and can run at high speeds. Good with kids, this serene hound is a great family companion if you’re looking for a dog of a substantial size.

3. Newfoundland

Originating from the province of Newfoundland, Canada, this giant breed is often known for their love of swimming! In fact, they are well-known as one of the dog breeds that love water. Their webbed paws and water-resistant coat give them an advantage at water sports and they were originally bred to work with fishermen in Newfoundland.

Newfoundlands are big dogs! The average height of a fully-grown Newfoundland is about 26-28 inches tall and they can weigh about 100-150 pounds. If you’re looking for a large dog to participate in watersports with, Newfoundlands might be the right pick for you.

4. Great Dane

Great Danes are arguably one of the tallest dog breeds. They resulted from crosses between Irish Wolfhounds and English Mastiffs, which explains the large stature. Great Danes can reach 34 inches in height.

One of the facts about Great Danes is that, when standing on hind legs, they can be taller than most people! The males can weigh up to 200 pounds, while the females typically range from 100-130 pounds.

Bred for German nobility, Great Danes hunted boars and other large prey, and protected the noble’s grand estates. Now, Great Danes are known for their patient and playful nature.

Their size alone is enough to ward off strangers and they will be courageous to protect their home if need be. Great Danes are wonderful family dogs and will make friends easily. Despite their huge size, they are one of the best large dog breeds for small homes.

5. Saint Bernard

Bred in a Swiss Monastery to aid monks in dangerous mountain travels, Saint Bernards are another one of the largest dog breeds in the world. Saint Bernards aided monks in searching for lost travelers from Rome, as well as helped to haul goods to farms and dairies in the valley. They also guarded and herded livestock.

Saint Bernards typically grow to about 26-30 inches tall and weigh about 120-130 pounds. This breed is highly trainable and eager to please. Saint Bernards are often called gentle giants and are lovable and loyal dogs.

Some facts about Saint Bernards are that they are excellent with children, dogs, and even other pets, and have been referred to as “nanny dogs”. You’ll find it hard to resist their sweet faces and soft eyes.

6. Dogue De Bordeaux

Also known as the French Mastiff, the Dogue De Bordeaux is an ancient breed that originated in France. These stocky dogs were known as guardians of livestock but have had many roles in their lengthy history.

Despite their gigantic size, the Dogue De Bordeaux is loving and affectionate, with a sensitive soul. A fully grown Dogue De Bordeaux can reach 27 inches in height and can weigh up to 150 pounds.

7. Anatolian Shepherd

Anatolian Shepherds are an intelligent and ancient breed hailing from what is now modern-day Turkey. Writings from as far back as 2000 B.C. detail this breed as “large and strong, with a heavy head”. Used as guardians, this breed watched over various livestock and protected them from prey.

This breed is large, with the average size of males weighing up to 150 pounds while the females weigh 80-120 pounds. The average height of a male is 29 inches, and the females can grow to 27 inches.

Some facts about Anatolian Shepherds are that they are strong-willed and are leaders. They will be excellent guard dogs for your family, or livestock, but will also be loving and loyal companions.

8. Great Pyrenees

Great Pyrenees descend from large, hardworking mountain dogs with a fluffy, thick coat. Powerful enough to deter large prey from hunting livestock, Great Pyrenees dogs today are now mellow and loyal family guardians.

This majestic breed is quite large, with the average height of males ranging from 27-32 inches and weighing well over 100 pounds. Females can grow up to 27 inches in height and weigh over 85 pounds.

9. Neapolitan Mastiff

Neapolitan Mastiffs are large, but docile dogs with endearing, wrinkly faces. This breed has been warding off intruders since Ancient Rome. Neapolitan Mastiffs worked as war dogs, as well as guardians. Now, Neapolitan Mastiffs are happy to be family dogs with a sweet and serene temperament.

The average male Neapolitan Mastiff grows to be about 26-31 inches in height and weighs about 150 pounds. The female is slightly smaller, growing to be about 24-29 inches in height and weighing up to 110 pounds.

10. Leonberger

The Leonberger is another one of the largest dog breeds. Originating in Germany, this breed is strong, but full of grace. Males can grow up to 31 inches and weigh up to 170 pounds. Females grow to be 25-29 inches in height and weigh 90-140 pounds.

Leonbergers are known for their triangle ears and a black facemask that frames their kind eyes. The males have a dramatic mane around their neck, much like a lion. They are intelligent and hardworking dogs. Leonbergers are friendly, but not gullible.

11. African Boerboel

The African Boerboel is a guardian and working dog breed that originated in South Africa. Being hardy dogs that were bred to work on farms and defend homesteads, it’s no wonder that they are stocky dogs and are a giant dog breed.

Although they may not be the largest dog breed in the world, one of the facts about African Boerboels is that they are one of them. On average, fully-grown Boerboels stand 22-27 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 150-200 pounds. However, there are several accounts of African Boerboels that are even bigger than that!

12. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Although they may look like a short-coated Bernese Mountain Dog because of their tricolor coat, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a separate breed of its own. They are closely related to Berners as they also originated in the Swiss Alps and were all-purpose farm dogs.

On average, fully-grown Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs stand 24-28 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 85-140 pounds. Females tend to average 85-110 pounds while males tend to average 115-140 pounds.

One of the facts about Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, or Swissies, is that they tend to be fantastic family companions. They may grow into big dogs with protective instincts, but well-socialized Swissies tend to be big softies.

13. Akbash

Although not necessarily a giant breed, the Akbash is a large dog breed that could be considered on the cusp as they tend to average over 100 pounds when fully grown. On average, fully-grown Akbash stand 28-34 inches tall and weigh 90-140 pounds.

Some facts about the Akbash are that they are guardian dogs that originated in Turkey. They were bred to mainly guard flocks of sheep and it’s thought that their white coat was intentional. A lighter coat would help them blend in with sheep to better protect them and also allow a farmer to differentiate them from a predator, especially canine predators like wolves, at a glance and at a distance.

14. Central Asian Shepherd

The Central Asian Shepherd is considered one of the oldest known dog breeds. One of the facts about Central Asian Shepherds is that they developed without human intervention for more than 5,000 years in the area that now stretches from China to the Caspian Sea and from Afghanistan to Southern Ural.

These dogs acted as guardians of people, livestock, and property. Whatever happened to be included in what they considered their territory and whoever they considered family were under their protection. On average, fully-grown Central Asian Shepherds stand 24-31 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 88-170 pounds.

15. Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan Mastiff is a large guardian breed that originated in the mountains of Tibet. One of the facts about Tibetan Mastiffs is that it’s thought that these dogs often worked with the smaller Tibetan Terrier to protect holy places and temples. Tibetan Mastiffs would often be guardian sentries outside and the muscled backup security for inside while Tibetan Terriers would be watchdogs for the interior.

On average, fully-grown Tibetan Mastiffs stand 24-30 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 70-150 pounds. Females tend to average 70-120 pounds while males tend to average 90-150 pounds or more! When standing upright on their hind legs, these dogs are as tall as many humans and sometimes even taller.

16. Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff originated in England in the 19th century. They were developed to guard country estates and private game reserves. This earned them the nickname at the time as the “Gamekeeper’s Night Dog”. On average, fully-grown Bullmastiffs stand 24-27 inches tall and weigh 100-130 pounds.

Because they grow into huge dogs with protective instincts, Bullmastiff puppies are a better fit for more experienced owners who can train and socialize them properly. Although they need a lot of socialization to be open and well-rounded dogs, one of the facts about Bullmastiffs is that they are affectionate, gentle, and loving family dogs.

17. Scottish Deerhound

Although the Scottish Deerhound is not a stocky dog breed per se, they are considered one of the tallest and largest. On average, fully-grown Scottish Deerhounds stand 28-32 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh 75-110 pounds.

These coursing dogs were bred in Scotland to hunt game and are considered the royal dog of the country. They may look tall and spindly, but these dogs were bred to run fast and to run long distances to chase down prey. Fantastic hunting dogs, these dogs are also loving family companions that bond closely with their humans and do not like to be away from them.

18. Saint Berdoodle

Although not a purebred dog that is recognized by the AKC, the Saint Berdoodle is another one of the largest dog breeds. A cross between a Standard Poodle and a Saint Bernard, fully-grown Saint Berdoodles tend to stand 24-30 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 100-200 pounds on average.

The non-shedding Poodle coat may not be a guarantee, but you can count on well-socialized Saint Berdoodles to be adorable, loving, and affectionate dogs that fit in with families and have social, friendly personalities.

These are just a few of the largest dog breeds in the world. If you’re thinking of bringing one of these dogs home, be sure you’re prepared for their size!