The Neapolitan mastiff originated in southern Italy. Used as a guard dog, the average male mastiff stands between inches tall and weighs a hefty pounds.
Females are usually a little smaller, standing a few inches shorter and weighing around pounds. This breed is known for being fearless and protective of home and family, making it an ideal guard dog — but not an ideal warning system.
Mastiffs tend to be quiet, and are known for sneaking up on intruders rather than barking to warn them off. Because of the breed's protective nature, you certainly don't want to stand between these dogs and their family, which makes this dog a breed only for owners well versed in dog training and able to put in the extensive time needed for socialization.
Going back to the leggy breeds, the Scottish deerhound gives away its purpose and origin in its name. Originating in Scotland well before recorded history, the breed is a courser, once used to hunt red deer and easily chasing down its prey.
They are larger and heavier than greyhounds but are built similarly, with a lanky body meant for speed. Deerhounds can stand as tall as 32 inches and weigh as much as pounds. Though they aren't used for deer hunting today, the breed is kept alive by enthusiasts who use them for show and in some places, lure coursing:.
Like the Scottish deerhound, the Irish wolfhound was bred to be a courser, and was indeed originally used to chase down wolves. Developed from war hounds into a dog used for hunting and guarding, the Irish wolfhound is ancient and may have been brought to Ireland as far back as B. Though their primary use was hunting, today's dogs are fairly quiet and reserved, intelligent and easygoing. The Irish wolfhound is the tallest of all dogs, even the Great Dane.
According to breed standard, the minimum height should be 32 inches for males and 30 inches for females. That's just the minimum. Males often stand as tall as inches and weigh upwards of pounds.
And though the English mastiff is as tall as a miniature horse, the Irish wolfhound is equal to a donkey. The Dogue de Bordeaux goes by several other names, including the Bordeaux mastiff, French mastiff, and Bordeauxdog.
But this breed, by any other name, still stands as massive. Though other breeds, from the poodle and French bulldog to the Great Pyrenees and Basset hound may be more famous breeds of French origin, the Dogue de Bordeaux is one of the most ancient breeds of France. The Dogue de Bordeaux stands between inches tall and weighs between pounds. But though it is fairly average as far as mastiff breeds go, it does have one thing that sets it apart: It is reported to have the largest head of any canine in relation to body size.
Unlike the Neapolitan mastiff, the Bordeauxdog has been used for more than simply guarding house and home, though that was also in its job description. These dogs also were used for everything from watching over flocks to pulling carts. It has historically been a true working dog and a jack of all trades — at least, as far as dogs go. The breed is active and energetic outdoors, but once inside is, well, mellow to say the least. The Newfoundland is a working dog from, you guessed it, Newfoundland.
Unlike many larger breeds, the Newfie wasn't bred to be a guard dog. Instead, its purpose was originally to help fishermen. The big, muscular dogs are able to haul nets and lines from boats, pull carts, and, most importantly, fetch anything that falls overboard, including people.
The breed is an exceptional water dog and strong swimmer, and there have been many rescues of people out at sea credited to these big, gentle-natured dogs. Tiny teacup pups aren't for everyone - while their teeny paws may delight some dog lovers, there are those out there looking for a little more dog to love.
Giant dog breeds can be intimidating, and of course they'll require more upkeep and a lot more space than a Chihuahua or a Shih Tzu , but their large size makes them the best cuddle companions and when well socialised, they can become amazing family members. If you've got room in your home and on your sofa, a giant dog breed can be the perfect match for you.
Keep reading for our top 10 big dog breeds. Standing between inches tall and weighing around pounds, the English Mastiff is among the biggest dog breeds alive today - in both height and weight. Known throughout history for its fearsome beginnings, this breed is descended from ancient war dogs and now warms sofas around the world and makes a loving family member. When they're not snuggled up with their favourite humans, this giant dog breed is also used for security, police and military work thanks to their high intelligence.
Like the English Mastiff, the Irish Wolfhound also stems from formidable roots. Previously used for wolf hunting hence the name , this giant dog breed was used in wars to drag men off of horses and chariots! As you can expect, Irish Wolfhounds are very strong and they can be up to 32 inches tall, yet they're actually big softies at heart. With a shaggy appearance and gentle eyes, this big dog breed is great with children and other dogs, but they're quite high energy so you'll need to ensure they get plenty of exercise!
Many often wonder about the reason behind the name of the 'Saint' Bernard and it's usually thought to be attributed to their angelic temperaments, but did you know that they were actually bred by a Swiss monastery?
Their large size usually between inches , meant they were perfect for protecting the sacred land. However, it was soon discovered that they made incredible search and rescue dogs in the Swiss Alps, and their kind face and soft eyes meant they were a very welcome sight to lost travellers.
To this day, they're still used in search and rescue operations throughout the world and are now one of most loved big dog breeds, thanks to their loving and docile temperament. If you've heard of this giant dog breed, it's probably due to their love of swimming! Known for being excellent lifeguards and fantastic at water sports, the Newfoundland even has webbed feet to give them an edge in the water. Usually standing between inches tall, they're highly intelligent dogs and their lifeguard history is so deeply ingrained that they're known to try and 'save' their family members if they spot them swimming.
Newfoundlands have incredibly loving natures and their big and fluffy looks make them ideal for snuggling up with. Also referred to as a French Mastiff, this big dog breed is usually inches tall and has an unusual wrinkled appearance.
Considered to be a descendent of the ancient livestock guardian breed Molossus, the Dogue de Bordeaux has had many different uses over the years. From hunting large game on French estates in the 12th century, to cattle driving and even being a fearsome war dog, this giant dog breed has been there and done it all.
Did you know? If you're considering getting a Dogue de Bordeaux, it's worth knowing that due to their excessive skin folds they're at high risk for dermatitis, so do plenty of research on the breed. Commonly around the inch mark, this big dog breed is strong and smart and is most commonly used for tracking and herding.
They're best suited to more seasoned owners with a knowledge of training, as without obedience training they can become destructive. When well trained and socialised, the Leonberger makes an excellent family dog, but they can be sensitive so they're not always suited to very young children.
Before adding a giant dog breed to your family, consider your budget flexibility and if you will be able to cover giant-size costs. Large breed dog food , toys, and other supplies are generally more expensive than those for smaller dogs.
In addition, medication for giant dogs is going to be more expensive. Unfortunately, not all vet clinics—especially those in urban areas—will be equipped to safely handle giant breeds and you may need to shop around or travel to a vet who can accommodate a giant dog for X-rays, surgery, etc.
Training should always be fun and positive. Puppy Program to get training off on the right foot. Imposing and protective, the Anatolian Shepherd is a territorial, smart, and loyal working dog. Weighing in at pounds, this breed was developed to protect livestock. These are dogs who would rather intimidate predators than attack, making them popular as guardian ranch dogs protecting farms today. With a distinctive tri-colored coat, the Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the more popular giant breeds.
Known for their good-natured temperament, Bernese Mountain Dogs are popular giant companions and family dogs. These giant terriers are as imposing as they are intelligent.
The Black Russian Terrier was developed by the Soviet government in the s to create a powerful guard dog. The dogs maintain those protective qualities, are very loyal to their families, and will often be aloof with strangers. These large dogs should be both powerful and have a reliable temperament. Highly biddable, the Bullmastiff responds well to training but early socialization and puppy training are extremely important.
Another powerful guardian dog, the Dogue de Bordeaux is known for its expressive face and eyes and has the proportionately largest head of any breed. These dogs are sensitive and loyal, but they are also known to be stubborn, which makes early training extremely important. An alert and intimidating dog, the Cane Corso is a loyal, strong breed.
The ancestors of the Cane Corso are believed to date back to guardian dogs of the ancient Greeks, but at one point the breed nearly became extinct. The first Cane Corso was imported to America in Because of their wary and protective tendencies, early socialization and training is essential.
One of the most recognizable giant breeds, Great Danes were developed as guardians and to hunt wild boars. This is an easy-going giant breed making the dogs popular companions. Great Danes are very friendly and outgoing, but they are also very loyal and alert guardians of their home and family. This majestic breed is impressive in size and easily recognizable by its generally large white coat.
The breed was developed to work alongside shepherds and to protect livestock. Known for their patience and independence, the Great Pyrenees fearlessly fight off predators. Large and majestic, the Irish Wolfhound is the tallest breed of dog recognized by the AKC and was originally bred as a big-game hunter.
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