Top 40 largest dog breeds with photos

Hauling up to 230 pounds, these homebodies love their families and surroundings, and they’ll protect them with their lives if need be. The Mastiff is willing to please as soon as it figures out what you want. Some tend to be shy, and they react by biting.

Weight: 120 to 230 poundsHeight: 27.5 to 30 inches

In their native South Africa, these powerful farm dogs fend off fierce predators like leopards. Because of their strength and dominance, experts recommends prior experience owning large breeds before adopting a Boerboel.

Weight: 150 to 200 poundsHeight: 22 to 27 inches

Tosa dogs (Japanese Mastiff) used to be bred for fighting but are now used as watchdogs, a position perfect for their calm, patient and vigilant personalities.

Weight: 100 to 200 poundsHeight: 21.5 to 23.5 inches

Known as the friendly giant of the Swiss Alps, Saint Bernards are gentle and tolerant, especially with children. They don’t fawn over strangers and can be used as a watchdog.

Weight: 120 to 180 poundsHeight: 26 to 30 inches

Gentle and loving, this breed is excellent for kids. Great Danes are alert guards, but not overly aggressive. They’re moderately intelligent, but highly stubborn and not easily trained.

Weight: 110 to 175 poundsHeight: 28 to 32 inches

Affectionate might be an understatement — Leos want to be with their families at all times! DogTime states the breed is a mix of some of the other largest dogs— the Newfoundland, Saint Bernard and Great Pyrenees. These sweet companions have the potential to be excellent therapy dogs, but probably not lapdogs.

Weight: 90 to 170 poundsHeight: 25.5 to 31.5 inches

With a droopy face and a tendency to drool, Mastinos may look a little dopey (just think of Hagrid’s dog Fang in the Harry Potter movies), but they’re really designed to be protective guard dogs. Not for novice pet owners, this 150-pound canine is both massive and powerful.

Weight: 110 to 150 poundsHeight: 24 to 31 inches

This lovable dog was the model for the nursemaid dog in Peter Pan. According to DogTime, Newfoundlands love children of all ages and are intelligent, with a strong desire to please.

Weight: 100 to 150 poundsHeight: 26 to 28 inches

Despite the misleading name, Anatolians are bred as guard dogs, not herders. They can be protective and territorial, but still calm and affectionate with their families, according to PetMD.

Weight: 80 to 150 poundsHeight: 27 to 29 inches

Brave, affectionate, and loyal, Bullmastiff dogs can be both great family members and protectors. They’re especially willing to please and, despite their large stature, don’t require as much exercise as you might think.

Weight: 100 to 130 poundsHeight: 24 to 27 inches

Alpine farmers bred Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs for their versatility, combining strength and agility for a true workhorse. Families can appreciate their even-tempered nature — and the undeniably sweet expressions.

Weight: 85 to 140 poundsHeight: 23.7 to 28.5 inches

Potential adopters, be warned: TMs are notorious for not coming when called, plus they have a (destructive) fondness for wood. That said, the fluffy guard dogs are intelligent and devoted, not to mention seriously adorable.

Weight: 70 to 150 poundsHeight: 24 to 26 inches

Dignified and slow to anger, Rottweilers are trustworthy around children if raised with them. Their natural guarding instinct is coupled with great courage. They’re obedient and moderately intelligent.

Weight: 80 to 135 poundsHeight: 22 to 27 inches

Not all terriers stay small. These massive guard dogs can back up their bark with a 130-pound frame, as they’re protective of their owners and suspicious of strangers. Given those thick double coats, a home in a cold climate is a plus.

Weight: 80 to 130 poundsHeight: 26 to 30 inches

Believed to be the oldest dog breed in Portugal, the Estrela Mountain Dog is an excellent companion and livestock guardian. No thief is safe around these dogs– they aren’t afraid to protect their owners against any distrustful strangers.

Weight: 77 to 132 poundsHeight: 24.5 to 29 inches

You’ll recognise this lovable sidekick from the Tom Hanks movie Turner and Hooch, but off the silver screen, these French mastiffs are just as eager to please. The Dogue de Bordeaux is courageous and loyal but not aggressive.

Weight: 99 to 110 poundsHeight: 23 to 26 inches

As the tallest breed, Irish Wolfhounds may look imposing, but they’re really the definition of a gentle giant. These sweet-hearted pets get along wonderfully with kids.

Weight: 105 to 120 poundsHeight: 30 to 32 inches

These strong-willed, instinctual, and dominant hunting dogs are not for first-time owners. DogTime states they’re naturally protective and defensive of their families. But they’re can be suitable for well-behaved children if raised with them (and supervised by adults).

Weight: 70 to 130 poundsHeight: 24 to 28 inches

Cane Corsi, also called Italian Mastiffs, can be intimidating bodyguards that need lots of exercise and a firm hand. With the right training; however, these fierce canines will bond with their families, including children.

Weight: 80 to 120 poundsHeight: 23.5 to 27.5 inches

Ideally suited for otter hunting, a now out-lawed activity, Otterhound dogs are known for their strong sense of smell, swimming ability and powerful chest and shoulders, according to DogTime. These dogs bred in the UK can weigh up to 115 pounds and stand over two feet tall.

Weight: 80 to 115 poundsHeight: 24 to 27 inches