What are the biggest dog breeds? 10 massive mates
What are the biggest dog breeds?
The world's largest dog breeds include gentle giants like the Great Dane, Saint Bernard, and English Mastiff.
These massive dogs can weigh over 90kg but still think they're tiny lap dogs!
These giant breeds are some of the sweetest, most loving Fluffy Friends you'll ever meet, even though they take up half your sofa and eat more food than some Shetland ponies.
Ready to meet the true titans of the dog world?
Let's explore the biggest dog breeds that will steal your heart (and probably your favourite sleeping spot).
Plus, we'll share why these gentle giants need extra-special beds to keep their massive frames comfortable!
Table of Contents
What makes a dog "big"?
When we talk about big dogs, we're not just talking about your neighbour's chunky Golden Retriever (though we love them too!).
The largest dog breeds fall into special categories that make them true giants.
Giant dog breeds are the true titans of the dog world - we're talking about dogs with truly massive size!
These gentle giants weigh well over 45kg when fully grown, with many of the biggest breeds tipping the scales at 68-90+ kg.
That's like having a large sheep as your pet!
Some big dog breeds are tall and lean (like the Great Dane, known as the "Apollo of dogs").
Others are stocky powerhouses (like the English Mastiff).
The tallest dog breed might surprise you!
Great Danes regularly break world records for height, with some standing over 90cm tall on their hind legs!
But here's the thing about these massive dogs: they're often the biggest sweethearts in the dog world.
Their gentle nature and calm demeanour make them brilliant family pets, even around small children.
What are the top 10 biggest dog breeds?
1. English Mastiff – the heavyweight champion
- Average weight: 54–104 kg (120–230 lbs)
- Average height: 69–81 cm (27–32 in)
- Lifespan: 6–10 years
- Temperament: dignified, good-natured, courageous
- Origin: England
The English Mastiff (also called Old English Mastiffs) holds the title for being one of the heaviest dogs in the world.
These massive dogs have a muscular build that would make a rugby player jealous!
Still, they're actually total sweethearts with an affectionate nature.
The longest dog ever measured was a massive English Mastiff named Zorba, stretching over 2.4 metres from nose to tail! He once tipped the scales at 153kg—about the weight of a small motorbike!
2. Saint Bernard – the mountain rescue hero
- Average weight: 54–82 kg (120–180 lbs)
- Average height: 66–76 cm (26–30 in)
- Lifespan: 8–10 years
- Temperament: friendly, patient, gentle
- Origin: Switzerland
Saint Bernards are famous rescue dogs from the Swiss Alps.
These gentle giants have a thick double coat that keeps them warm in cold weather and a heart bigger than their already massive size.
Saint Bernards were originally bred to rescue travellers lost in the mountains. They have a natural instinct for helping humans!
3. Great Dane – the gentle giant skyscraper
- Average weight: 50–79 kg (110–175 lbs)
- Average height: 71–81 cm (28–32 in)
- Lifespan: 7–10 years
- Temperament: friendly, dependable, patient
- Origin: Germany
The Great Dane is often called the tallest dog breed, and for good reason!
These giant dogs can look you in the eye when standing on their hind legs.
Despite their massive build, they're known for their gentle nature and make brilliant family pets.
The world's tallest dog was a Great Dane named Zeus that stood 112cm tall!
4. Irish Wolfhound – the gentle speed machine
- Average weight: 48–54 kg (105–120 lbs)
- Average height: 76–89 cm (30–35 in)
- Lifespan: 6–8 years
- Temperament: dignified, calm, sweet-natured
- Origin: Ireland
Irish Wolfhounds are the gentle giants of the sighthound world.
These large dogs were originally bred to hunt wild boar and wolves, but today they're known as friendly dogs with a calm demeanour.
Irish Wolfhounds can run up to 64 km/h despite their size!
5. Newfoundland – the gentle water bear
- Average weight: 45–68 kg (100–150 lbs)
- Average height: 66–71 cm (26–28 in)
- Lifespan: 9–10 years
- Temperament: sweet, patient, devoted
- Origin: Canada
Newfoundlands are like living teddy bears with webbed feet!
These gentle giants love water and have a thick coat that keeps them warm even in cold lakes.
Newfoundlands are such good swimmers that they've been used for water rescues!
6. Leonberger – the lion-hearted family dog
- Average weight: 41–77 kg (90–170 lbs)
- Average height: 65–80 cm (25.5–31.5 in)
- Lifespan: 7 years
- Temperament: friendly, gentle, playful
- Origin: Germany
Leonbergers look like friendly lions with their beautiful golden coats and massive size.
These giant dog breeds are perfect family pets known for their protective nature without being aggressive.
Leonbergers were bred to look like the lion on the town crest of Leonberg, Germany!
7. Tibetan Mastiff – the fluffy mountain guardian
- Average weight: 32–68 kg (70–150 lbs)
- Average height: 61–74 cm (24–29 in)
- Lifespan: 10–12 years
- Temperament: independent, strong-willed, protective
- Origin: Tibet
Tibetan Mastiffs are like walking clouds of fluff with a protective nature.
These powerful dogs have a thick double coat and were bred to guard homes in the mountains.
Tibetan Mastiffs were prized by monks and used to guard monasteries!
8. Bernese Mountain Dog – the Swiss sweetheart
- Average weight: 32–52 kg (70–115 lbs)
- Average height: 58–70 cm (23–27.5 in)
- Lifespan: 7–10 years
- Temperament: affectionate, loyal, calm
- Origin: Switzerland
Bernese Mountain Dogs are the perfect mix of beautiful and gentle.
These large dog breeds from the Swiss Alps are brilliant family dogs with friendly personalities and gorgeous tri-colour coats.
Bernese Mountain Dogs once pulled carts for Swiss farmers!
9. Great Pyrenees – the fluffy mountain guardian
- Average weight: 39–73 kg (85–160 lbs)
- Average height: 64–81 cm (25–32 in)
- Lifespan: 10–12 years
- Temperament: calm, patient, protective
- Origin: possibly Asia Minor (ancestors)/France/Spain (Pyrenees Mountains)
Great Pyrenees (also called Pyrenean Mountain Dogs) are fluffy white guardians bred to protect sheep.
They're independent yet affectionate with their family.
These dogs are more active at night, making them natural nighttime protectors!
10. Anatolian Shepherd Dog – the loyal protector
- Average weight: 36–68 kg (80–150 lbs)
- Average height: 69–74 cm (27–29 in)
- Lifespan: 11–13 years
- Temperament: alert, intelligent, loyal
- Origin: Turkey
Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are powerful guardians with a strong instinct to protect.
They've been guarding livestock for thousands of years and are highly independent.
These dogs can work independently for days without human help!
🛏️ Need a bed for one of these giants?
Whether you've got a Mastiff, Great Dane, or Leonberger, our 4XL beds can support their massive frames.
Need more help?
Our size recommendation can help you choose the best dog bed size for your specific breed!
Related: Complete Guide to Choosing a Large Calming Dog Cushion
Caring for your gentle giant
Big dogs aren't just larger dogs, they have special needs that smaller dogs don't have.
Here's what every owner of large dog breeds should know:
The big dog, big needs reality
Giant dog breeds eat A LOT.
We're talking several large bowls of food per day!
That's like feeding a football team.
Larger dogs also need regular exercise, but not as much as you might think.
Many gentle giants are actually sofa potatoes that love family life more than marathon runs.
Health challenges for big dogs
Unfortunately, big dog breeds often have shorter lifespans than smaller dogs.
Giant breeds typically live 6-10 years compared to small dogs that can live 12-16 years.
Common health problems include:
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Hip dysplasia
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Heart conditions
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Bloat (a serious emergency)
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Joint problems
With proper care, good food, and comfortable sleeping, many big dogs live happy, healthy lives well into old age.
The sleep factor: why big dogs need big beds
Did you know giant dog breeds sleep 12–14 hours a day?
All that lounging isn't just laziness—it's recovery time.
Big bodies put extra pressure on joints and muscles, so proper rest is crucial.
And no, regular beds won't cut it.
Here's what to look for in a bed built for a gentle giant:
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Joint support: to relieve pressure and prevent stiffness
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Room to stretch: if paws or tails are hanging off, it's too small
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Durability: flimsy beds fall apart under serious weight
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Washable covers: big dogs mean big messes—machine-washable is a must
Our giant-sized bed guide
At MrFluffyFriend™, we design beds just for big dogs.
Here's how to find the perfect fit:
XL (20kg): Perfect for medium-sized dogs like Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, and English Bulldogs
2XL (25kg): Brilliant for large dogs like Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Samoyeds
3XL (35kg): Ideal for bigger breeds like Golden Retrievers, Boxers, and Labradors
4XL (45kg): The giant size for true gentle giants like Great Danes, Saint Bernards, English Mastiffs, Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and other giant dog breeds
Not sure what size to get?
Browse our list by breed to see our recommended bed size!
Related: Top 10 Dog Breeds Hardest to Potty Train
Myths about giant dog breeds (busted!)
Myth: "Big dogs are more aggressive."
Truth: giant dog breeds are often gentler than smaller dogs! Their calm demeanour and gentle nature make them brilliant family pets.
Myth: "They're impossible in flats."
Truth: While giant breeds need plenty of space, many are actually lazy couch potatoes. A tired Great Dane is happy in a flat, though flat dwellers should consider their dog's needs carefully.
Myth: "They eat everything in sight."
Truth: While big dogs do eat more, they're often less food-motivated than smaller dogs.
Myth: "They're harder to train."
Truth: Many giant dog breeds are intelligent breeds that respond well to early training and proper socialisation.
FAQs About Giant Dogs
Do giant dog breeds need special beds?
How much sleep do big dogs need?
What size bed should I get for my Saint Bernard?
Are giant dog breeds good with kids?
Related: Top 10 Smartest Dog Breeds According to Science
The bottom line: giant dogs have equally giant hearts
The biggest dog breeds aren't just physically large, they have enormous hearts to match their massive size.
Whatever gentle giant you choose, you're getting a loyal companion that will love you unconditionally.
These friendly dogs might take up more space on your sofa (and in your heart), but they give back so much love that dog lovers everywhere can't resist them.
Remember: big dogs deserve big comfort!
They need a bed that supports their massive build and gives them the quality sleep they need.
Ready to give your gentle giant the royal treatment they deserve?
MrFluffyFriend's 4XL Anxiety Relieving Dog Bed is designed specifically for the biggest dog breeds!
Head on over to our shop now because even giants need sweet dreams!
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Check out our Online Shop or visit our Homepage to explore more!
