There’s a lot to love about giant dog breeds, from their commanding presence to their gentle personalities. Their unique appearances and features draw ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ no matter where they go. If you are looking for a big dog with an even bigger heart and wondering what East largest dog breed, the following dogs are as gargantuan as they come.
Here are the top 5 giant dog breeds:
Great Dane
Although originally bred to hunt wild boar, the Great Dane is the epitome of the “gentle giant”. Great Danes can stand 28 to 32 inches tall and weigh 110 to 175 pounds. With that, it’s no surprise that the tallest dog in the world is, in fact, a Great Dane!
“An absolutely huge beast, they are however also known for their very calm and often silly nature. Not at all what you think! says Dr. Patrik Holmboe, chief veterinarian for Cooper Pet Care. “A Great Dane can make an excellent family dog.”
Interested in a Great Dane? Contact the Great Dane Club of America for more information. You can also ask questions at the Great Dane Owner Support Group on Facebook.
english mastiff
English Mastiffs, or simply Mastiffs, are an ancient dog breed valued for their loyalty and courage. The huge Mastiff can weigh 120 to 230 pounds and stand 27 to 30 inches tall.
Because Mastiffs don’t reach full physical and mental maturity until they are 3 years old, says Dr. Patrik, “A Mastiff absolutely needs a lot more training and dedication to make sure you have a well-adjusted and social dog.”
Interested in an English Mastiff? Contact the Mastiff Club of America for more information. Or check out the English Mastiff Owners Facebook group to ask questions.
Saint Bernard
The instantly recognizable St. Bernard is believed to have originated between 1660 and 1670, originating in the Western Alps between Italy and Switzerland, or the ‘Great St. Bernard Pass’. This gentle and colossal breed can weigh up to 180 pounds and stand 25 to 27 inches tall.
Dr Patrik says they “are known for their massive size, which often appears larger due to their huge coats, and their role in rescue operations”.
Interested in a Saint Bernard? Contact the Saint Bernard Club of America for more information. You can also join several Facebook groups on the Saint-Bernard, such as the Saint-Bernard Forum, the Saint Bernard Lovers group or the Saint Bernard Owners group.
Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are a big-boned breed known for being “extremely calm and friendly,” says Dr. Patrik. These sweet lovers can weigh up to 150 pounds and stand 26 to 28 inches tall. In addition to being gigantic in size, Newfoundlands have thick, long coats that come in handy for their favorite pastime: swimming!
Interested in a Newfoundland? Contact the Newfoundland Club of America for more information. There are also several Newfoundland Facebook groups, such as The Newfoundland Dog Owners & Lovers group, Newfoundland Dog Owners Forum, and Newfoundland Dog Lovers for Non-Snobbish Owners.
irish greyhound
The Irish Wolfhound is a large, lovable breed with a distinct appearance: a strong build, wiry coat and long face. These laid-back, intelligent dogs can stand 32 to 34 inches tall, or about 7 feet when on their hind legs! – and weigh up to 180 pounds. The AKC recognizes that the Irish Wolfhound is known as the tallest dog breed (although the Guinness World Record is currently held by Zeus, the Great Dane).
If you want a giant cuddly buddy and you have enough space to fully meet their vital needs, these are the best giant dog breeds for you. An extra-large dog will need lots of food, huge beds, sturdy toys, and maybe even countless bibs! Learn more about each breed’s temperament and care to find your perfect partner.
Interested in an Irish Wolfhound? Contact the Irish Wolfhound Club of America for more information. You can also join the Irish Wolfhound Friends & Addicts group on Facebook.