Dogs may be called “man’s best friend” but everyone loves to cuddle up and pet these adorable beasts. While some dogs are quite small, like the Chihuahua or the Yorkshire Terrier, others tower over the rest with long legs and even longer torsos. If you’ve ever wondered what the biggest dog in the world is, learn more below about our giant furry friends.
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The Biggest Dog in the World
Ranked 37th out of 200 for popularity amongst American Kennel Club breeds, the biggest dog in the world is the mastiff. Known for their obedient and docile nature, mastiffs have a history spanning back 3,000 years in both European and Asian records.
They have been guard dogs over the years protecting homes and property, but have also been used as hunting dogs, and war dogs, and for fighting against each other and other animals, including bulls, bears, and even lions. Nowadays, you’ll recognize the mastiff as a gentle giant with protective instincts towards their families.
In terms of size, some male mastiffs can grow to a weight of 230 pounds and reach 30 inches in height, while females only get to about 170 pounds. Due to their large size, the mastiff’s lifespan is shorter than other breeds, averaging between six and ten years.
Things to Keep in Mind When Owning Large Dogs
While big dogs may be super cuddly, there are some things to keep in mind when owning a larger dog:
- Development: Bigger dogs take longer to mature and develop slower than other breeds, mentally and physically. You might need to be careful with their joint development as they could injure themselves easily.
- Space: Big dogs need big things, including beds, toys, and food bowls. You may also consider your living space and whether it’s big enough for a dog so they can play and live freely.
- Expenses: Of course, bigger dogs are going to cost more money. This could be at the vet or buying their essentials (food, bed, toys, treats, etc.). If you happen to get pet insurance too, this will cost more for a bigger breed.
- Training: While some behaviors like jumping or leash pulling are harmless for little dogs, they can be more dangerous with bigger breeds. The best way to combat this is by training them yourself or hiring someone to train your dog for you.
Other Large Dogs
While mastiffs may hold the title of biggest dog in the world, there are plenty of other breeds that can be considered the “biggest” too:
- Boerboel: 150 to 200 pounds
- Tosa Inu: 100 to 200 pounds
- Saint Bernard: 120 to 180 pounds
- Great Dane: 110 to 175 pounds
- Leonberger: 90 to 170 pounds
- Neapolitan Mastiff: 110 to 150 pounds
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What is the Tallest Breed of Dog?
While the mastiff may be the biggest dog in the world, the Irish wolfhound holds the title of the tallest dog breed in the world. They stand at a minimum of 30-32 inches at the shoulder, and can potentially reach over seven feet tall when standing on their hind legs.
The breed is known for being calm, kind, and dignified, originally bred for hunting big game in Ireland. They may seem imposing due to their height and size, but the Irish wolfhound is naturally curious, making them a great furry friend when traveling.
What is the Most Expensive Dog?
You may think that the most expensive dog is large too, but is actually small-to-midsize. The English bulldog takes the crown for being the most expensive dog, due in large part to its care surrounding breeding. Their anatomy makes it hard for English bulldogs to get pregnant, needing artificial insemination to conceive. Then, the dogs need to be delivered via Cesarean section (C-section), making the whole process long and expensive.
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While the biggest dog in the world may seem like too much to handle, these large breeds are often the most gentle and lovable. If you enjoy a cuddle buddy or having a big dog, consider getting a mastiff or one of the other big dog breeds on this list, and add another friend to your home.
