Despite their intimidating appearance, larger dog breeds are generally well-tempered, caring, and friendly animals! Throughout history, many of these dogs have been relied on for their strength and size to help them excel in protecting livestock, work around the farm, and guarding their home. Below are the top six largest breeds of dogs and some interesting information about them.
English Mastiff
At the top of our list of big dogs is the mighty English Mastiff. This breed is recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The largest English Mastiff on record weighed an incredible 343 pounds and was named Aicama Zorba. The average English Mastiff weighs in around 150 pounds and stand about thirty inches tall.
Boerboels
The Boerboel averages a weight between 150 and 220 pounds. Farmers in South Africa began using this breed of dog after initially developing them to hunt leopards and baboons. This gigantic dog is very powerful and at times is known to be somewhat aggressive, so socialization training at a young age is needed.
Saint Bernard
Saint Bernard dogs are large, powerful, and sturdy dogs. Male Saint Bernards typically weigh in between about 160 pounds while female Saint Bernards tend to weigh between about 130 pounds. Most Saint Bernards stand about thirty inches tall at full maturity. This breed was developed to help rescue Alpine mountaineers. The face of a Saint Bernard has a distinct appearance with a short muzzle, floppy ears and wrinkled brows.
Great Dane
The Great Dane is another large breed of dog. Male Great Danes generally weigh in at 140 and 175 pounds. Female Great Danes generally tip the scales between 110 and 140 pounds. The largest Great Dane on records was named Zeus, who stood nearly 48 inches tall and when standing up on his back legs measured about seven feet high!
Leonbergers
Per the American Kennel Club (AKC), male Leonbergers weigh between 110 and 170 pounds. Female Leonbergers generally weigh between 90 and 140 pounds. Both male and female Leonbergers stand about 30 inches tall at maturity. The Leonbergers has a distinct lion-like mane around its neck and chest which magnifies its giant appearance. Due to their water-resistant coat, water rescue teams often use this breed for rescues. The Leonberger is also makes a great watchdog due to its intimidating size.
Tibetan Mastiffs
Tibetan Mastiffs are very large and powerful dogs. Male Tibetan Mastiffs weigh between 90 and 150 pounds. Female Tibetan Mastiffs weigh between 70 and 120 pounds. This breed stands about two feet tall at maturity and they are known to make an excellent watchdog. These dogs have a long and proven history of serving mankind.
Anatolian Shepherd
Anatolian Shepherds were originally developed in the Kangal region of Turkey to guard and protect livestock. Although this breed is mighty strong and protective, they tend to be very gentle around their family. Male Anatolian Shepherds weigh between 110 and 150 pounds while female Anatolian Shepherds weigh between 80 and 120 pounds. They stand about thirty inches tall at maturity.
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