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| Image by Tobias Muller via Unsplash |
You must have come across most dogs with large size, some with tall height and others with unusual width. The biggest dogs in the world share most of these characteristics.
Yes, these dogs are massive, tall, and in most cases rare, as a result of high cost of maintenance.
In fact, some of the biggest dogs in the world were kept by royalties.
But in today’s world of improved breeding, anyone can keep the biggest dog.
What you need is basic knowledge of the biggest dog breeds.
This article has explained everything about the characteristics, grooming, and how you should care for some of the biggest dogs in the world.
Armed with this knowledge, you'll be able to choose the best breed with outstanding characteristics that can contest and win various pizes.
This was what happened in 2011 when Zeus won Guinness World record for the biggest dog in the world.
It all started with knowing the characteristics of the biggest dogs and making the right choice.
Till this day, Zeus' record is unbroken even after his death in 2014.
The current winner which is also a Great Dane is 8cm shorter than Zeus and his name is Freddy.
Who says your dog can't break the next record?
Before you think of owning a big dog breed, bear in mind that there are some factors to consider.
Aside from the big size, the personality, grooming requirement and cost of maintenance should be on your list.
You should also consider why you need this type of dog. This is because most dogs will end up spending all their life with the owner.
Imagine the frustration of owning a big dog you didn't need for many years.
It can be very challenging.
That's why you should ask yourself whether you need a companion, guardian, herder, or working dog.
If you've made up your mind by pondering on the fact above, let's meet the movers and shakers in the canine world.
1. The Great Dane
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In the past, the Great Danes were primarily used for hunting bear, boar and deer with the majority staying at night to protect their owners. Their ancestors were much heavier and larger in appearance.
The Great Dane came into being in the 19th century when it had become both taller and light-weight and it is believed that the dog descended from the crossbreeds between English mastiffs and Irish wolfhounds.
Now, Danes are mainly companion animals and have become very friendly with humans which brought the nickname “gentle giant”.
The dog has a famous origin from Germany. By the late 1700s, the breed was found in other European countries like France, Denmark and England.
Americans began importing the dogs from Europe in the mid-1800s. The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognised the Great Dane in 1887 and The Great Dane Club of America was formed in 1889. As a sought-after breed, the AKC ranks it as 16th most popular of 196 registered breeds.
Great Dane Characteristics
Danes have an average life span of 8-10 years. It is quite possible for some to live more than that.
Danes come in different colours; fawn, black, brindle, harlequin and blue.
They are among the working dog breeds.
They are mostly known for their heights. The average height for male Great Danes is between 30-32 inches and 28-30 inches for females.
The 2011 Guinness world record for the tallest dog went to the Great Dane named Zeus who was 44 inches tall.
This breed can weigh up to 50–82kg with a short and thick coat.
Unlike the ancestors and the early Great Danes that were ferocious and aggressive, Danes are more friendly, sociable and easy-going now.
They mostly socialize with people and may not do well when left alone. They love to play despite their huge size and are a good companion to humans.
Health Challenges
Large dogs like the Danes are predisposed to certain health challenges if proper care is minimal or absent. The most common health issues Danes are likely to have are bloat, heart disease, and wobbler disease which causes weakness in the legs.
Bloat can be avoided by making Danes rest 40 minutes to one hour after meals before exercise. In severe health cases including the ones mentioned above, surgery is recommended or a vet is contacted.
Caring For Great Dane
Great Danes need regular exercise daily for approximately 45 minutes to 1hour.
Taking them out for dog walking is ideal.
As they grow, consideration must be given to the duration of exercise, as too much can cause severe bone, joint and muscle problems.
As an owner of a Great Dane, you should be well-to-do in society. This is because Great Dane requires balanced diet meals and a spacious environment for accommodation because of its size.
The cost of maintaining Great Danes is low in the aspect of its short, thick and glossy coat. The coat actually needs grooming about every week to 10 days. A special rubber-grooming mitt that can remove lice and dead hair is best for this.
As one of the most important aspects of caring for the Danes, training is vital. Training should begin right from when they are puppies so as to discourage bad behaviour. This will also help them socialize with people and also obey certain commands when called upon.
In fact, training large breeds of dog should be an unending process.
2. The Old English Mastiff
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Believed to be bred from ancient Alaunt and Pugnaces Britanniae with significant input from the Alpine Mastiff in the 19th century, the English Mastiff is generally known for its large size and mass.
Mastiffs are perhaps the largest dog breed in mass. Mastiffs’ ancestors were ferocious war dogs very different from the easy-going breed of today.
However, they are very good for shelters and rescue mission. Mastiffs are good companions for anyone who can tolerate the rate of drooling and the size of these monsters.
Old English Mastiff Characteristics
The English Mastiff weighs 72kg-104kg for males and 54kg-77kg for females.
As a popular breed, its life expectancy averaged 6-10 years and the height is 76cm and above for males and 71cm and above for females.
The Mastiff’s temperament is second to none. Despite the massive size, the English Mastiff is known for its courageous, dignified and well-mannered nature, unlike the ancient wild and ferocious war mastiffs.
The black-masked giant has a short double coat of fawn, apricot or brindle stripes. The body is rectangular and the head is broad and massive with a wrinkled forehead.
Generally, Mastiffs are known for their large mass. An English Mastiff named Aicama Zorba of La Susa held the record for the heaviest weight ever recorded for a dog at 155.6kg. This dog was from England.
Caring For The Old English Mastiff
Major health issues include hip dysplasia and gastric torsion.
Other issues include cystinuria, obesity and osteosarcoma while problems occasionally encountered are allergies, entropion, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), persistent pupillary membranes (PPM), cruciate ligament rupture, vaginal hyperplasia, cardiomyopathy.
It is necessary to feed the dog less at an early stage to avoid obesity. However, the dog must be fed 2-3 times a day with a controlled ration.
A soft surface is recommended for the dog to sleep on.
Excessive running should be discouraged for the first two years of the dog’s life to avoid damages in the joints.
The dog needs to be trained right from puppyhood to discourage strange and bad behaviours in adulthood. Regular brushing is necessary for the health benefits of the dog.
3. The Neapolitan Mastiff
Simply nicknamed ‘Neo’ or ‘Mastino’, the Neapolitan Mastiff was bred in Italy. It was a working dog, like other mastiffs, it was used in battles and served as a guard. Its breeders wanted a dog that was massive in size with heavy loose skin that would protect them in case of attack. They also wanted a dog that would be a friend to the family.
Neapolitan Mastiff Characteristics
The Neos have heavy bodies and a fearsome appearance. The height of a full-grown adult Neo stands 66cm-78cm at the shoulder and weighs 68kg to 90kg. Females are about 60cm to 73cm tall and weigh 54kg to 79kg.
Neapolitan Mastiffs are friendly dogs and good companions that can also do the job of many security personnel. Their looks alone suggest to any intruder that they have to take to their heels. They are always alert and aware even while relaxing.
They are quiet dogs that seldom bark. They may not get along with other dogs, especially dominating-type dogs. They have short and thickly coat of different colours; grey, lead grey and black. Neos can live up to 7 years with 1 in 6 living up to 9 years or more.
Health, Diet And Care
The common health problems associated with Neos are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, cherry eye, cleft palate, demodicosis and fold dermatitis.
Moderate feeding should be maintained, however, the dog should be properly fed. Quality dog food is recommended as this will nourish the dogs. Neos has a high tendency to gain weight. They should be fed twice or thrice a day with the latter depending on the quantity.
The regular test should be conducted do detect and avoid health issues.
Mastinos need to be trained at the early stage. This is very vital in their development. Moderate, not excessive exercise or walks are recommended. Excessive exercise has a tendency to affect Neos health-wise by causing injuries to the joints.
Neapolitan Mastiffs drool a lot, as such they need a clean environment to exist brushing/grooming is necessary weekly, and Mastinos should be taken good care of just like human beings. Their coat, skin, nails, teeth among others need daily or regular care.
4. Dogue De Bordeaux
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It is actually a bit challenging to ascertain the exact ancestors of this breed. The dog’s origin relates to France. One theory opines that the Dogue is an indigenous French breed while other theories link the dog to the Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Tibetan Mastiff and Greek mastiff-breeds as possible close ancestors.
As the name implies ‘Bordeaux’, a prevailing theory has it that the Dogue’s ancestors were introduced to France by Julius Caesar’s conquering legions in the first century B.C. These huge mastiff-types were used as war dogs that fought other dogs and wild beasts in the region.
However, Dogues have outlived their original mission as war dogs and become hunters, herders, guards and companion. They are now affectionate and loyal to their owners and families.
Dogue De Bordeaux Characteristics
Dogues, according to AKC, have an average height of 23-27 inches for males and 23-26 inches for females. They weigh 110 pounds and up (male) and 99 pounds and up (female). As one among the working group dogs, Dogues’ life expectancy stands between 5-8 years. Their coat’s colour is mostly fawn, and their body is stocky and close to the ground
They are agile and speedy. They are affectionate and loyal if properly trained, stubborn and dominating if proper training is absent.
They are very powerful. Their skin is loose and they possess a sturdy physique - huge hands and legs. The face is wrinkled and frightening, capable of deterring intruders.
Health, Diet And Care
Like most large dogs, Dogues suffer bloat, heart disease, cancer, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia among others.
Moderate feeding is recommended to avoid certain health issues. Quality dog feed is necessary for health benefits.
Excessive exercise is not an option to avoid rupturing the joints. Training is very vital as these dogs can dominate if not properly trained. A soft surface is recommended for rest. Their coat and nails should be groomed and trimmed weekly.
5. The Newfoundland
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This is one of the largest dog breeds ever discovered. This breed is very special for a number of reasons. As the name suggests, the Newfoundland was developed on the coast of Newfoundland.
In 1662, Great Pyrenees dogs were crossed with black English ones. Although some Husky blood may also have been included, the result was a massive dog that not only loves water but also endures cold weather to perform whatever tasks it was bred to do.
The Newfoundland performs multiple tasks from hauling heavy fishing nets through cold water to saving water-drown people. On the land, it was a draft dog and pack animal.
Newfoundland Characteristics
As a large dog, its bones are heavily built. The dog is slightly longer than its height. Its strength and heavy bones give it what it takes to pull heavy fishing nets and drowning people from seas.
Its appearance is huge and imposing.
It is friendly to dogs, other pets and strangers. Above all, The Newfoundland is loyal and hardworking.
It weighs 100-150 pounds and has a height of 26-28 inches. Its origin is Canada. It is very hairy with thick skin.
The Newfoundland is calm, gentle, easy-going, patient and a friend to all. It can protect its family and owners if threatened. Its colours are mostly black, brown or white-and-black.
Health, Diet And Care
Major health concerns are bloat, elbow dysplasia, cystinuria, and minor ones include entropion, ectropion, cataract, cruciate ligament rupture while occasionally seen health challenge is epilepsy. They don’t like hot weather as it contrasts the nature of the habitat they are developed for. They have a life span of 8-10 years.
As a working dog with fascinating tasks, Newfoundland needs daily exercise to stay fit. The exercise must be moderate, not excessive. Swimming is its nature.
Quality diets are recommended to help develop the dog and make it sensitive when carrying out a task. It loves to drink and this makes it drool. Proper care is needed in terms of controlled-feeding.
Its coat needs combing twice weekly and the regular test is carried out to keep the dog fit for the tasks it must perform. Generally, Newfoundlands are helpers and guardians.
6. The Leonberger
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This dog was developed in Germany after a cross of Newfoundland, Saint Bernard and Great Pyrenees. Simply named ‘Leo’, the dog is super powerful and strong. It can do water rescue works and therapy visits. It is not good at dealing with loneliness and family arguments.
Early and immense training with proper socialization is needed from puppyhood to change the hostile attribute of the Leonberger to a family friend.
The dog’s name is familiar to its origin - Leonberg, near Stuttgart in Germany. Naturally, the dog possesses a lion-like physique. Leonbergers were kept as farm dogs to deter theft of livestock and do other draft work. With time changing and extensive training given, the dogs have become family best friends and companions as well as guardians.
Leonberger Characteristics
The breed has a generous double coat.
It is a large, muscular and elegant dog with balanced body type.
It possesses a black-masked face.
It is intelligent and agile.
It can perform numerous tasks peculiar to its ancestors.
Heights stand at 71-80cm: average 75cm for males and 65-75cm: average 70 cm for females.
Males weigh 120-170 pounds while females weigh 100-135 pounds.
The Leonberger has water-resistant double coat limbs.
The colours include lion-yellow, red, golden and reddish-brown with a black mask. The dog is friendly and loyal if properly trained and can be stubborn and uncontrollable if not trained.
Health, Diet And Care
Bloat is a major health challenge to Leonbergers. It can be fatal if signs are not earlier identified.
Proper exercise, moderate nutrition, regular vet examinations and parasite preventive measures are key to a happy and healthy life.
In order to perform some of their designated roles, The Leonberger needs to be trained moderately every day. It is a working dog, as such; it needs to be fit at all times. Jogging, hiking or keeping pace alongside a bicycle will help boost the dog fitness-wise.
The Leonberger needs to be brushed two times every week and its nails trimmed weekly. It should not be excessively fed to avoid getting overweight. Clean and fresh water should be available all the time for its consumption. The Leonberger life expectancy stands at 9 years and is ranked 93rd of 196 registered breeds according to the AKC report.
7. The Great Pyrenees
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The Great Pyrenees were naturally herders, looking after flocks for the owners between France and Spain.
The breed is also known as Pyrenean Mountain Dog and is credited to French origin. It is believed that The Great Pyrenees descended from the first flock guardian dogs that existed in Asia Minor about 10,000 B.C. These dogs were large and mainly white. The breed has earned a reputation as a reliable life long guardian.
Great Pyrenees Characteristics
The dog is longer than its height but large. Its coat is thick and the bones are heavier. As a flock guardian dog, it possesses strength and agility, it also possesses a weather-resistant double coat which makes it adapt to cold weather.
The dog weighs 85-115 pounds and has the height of 25-32 inches. The Great Pyrenees is loyal, devoted to its family and may not welcome intruders - human or canine when it protects flocks. The breed is calm and well behaved when not provoked.
Though the dog is sometimes gentle and friendly, it is naturally stubborn and should always be kept on a leash. As guardian-dogs, the Great Pyrenees bark a lot. Majority of Pyrenees are white.
Health, Diet And Care
It suffers bloat and spinal muscular atrophy occasionally. Its life span is 8-10 years and up.
The dog needs moderate feeding of 2-3 times daily. Quality dog food is essential for health benefits.
Regular exercise is recommended.
The coat, skin and nails need proper care. The coat should be brushed twice or more weekly. The nails should be trimmed weekly. The Pyrenees drools, this needs attention and care.
8. The Irish Wolfhound
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One peculiar feature of this breed is its height. It is believed to be the tallest dog of all breeds. As the name suggests, the Irish Wolfhounds were used by Irish chiefs to hunt wolves and elk. Such bravery credits the Irish name for them; “Cu” which means brave. The practice of giving the Irish Wolfhounds to visiting nobility almost drove the breed to near extinction in the late 1800s. The extinction of the wolves in Ireland and the 1845 Irish famine also contributed to the near-extinction of the Irish Wolfhounds.
Irish Wolfhound Characteristics
As the tallest dogs in the world, these animals command imposing look. A good Wolfhound is not just tall, but sturdy and agile, capable of hunting large animals. Their long legs make them agile, their body is slightly narrow, the chest is deep and waist is slightly small which when combined, make the Wolfhounds agile and capable of running down large species.
The males are at least 32-34 inches tall. They weigh 140 pounds and up. These dogs are gentle, noble, sensitive and friendly when properly trained. The Irish Wolfhounds like chasing animals that run away from them. They are now very different from what the earliest ones were, though they can still hunt if needed. They are more of companion, helpers and guardians now. Their great size can scare away intruders.
Their coat is double, straight and hard. The colours may be grey, brindle, red, black, white and fawn.
Health, Diet And Care
Like other breeds, Irish Wolfhounds are prone to bloat, progressive retinal atrophy, osteosarcoma, osteochondrosis, fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy, heart disease, liver stunt, elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, etc.
To care for the Wolfhounds, regular test should be conducted by a vet, appropriate and recommended drugs should also be administered. The key to a healthy and happy life for dogs like the Wolfhounds is a spacious and clean environment along with early detection of diseases.
Moderate and quality dog feed should be maintained.
Excessive exercise which can rupture joints is not good for the Wolfhounds because of their size. Irish Wolfhounds need 20-25 minute playtimes where they can freely run every day. They should rest 1 hour before meals and 2 hours after meals to reduce the risk of bloat.
Like other large dogs, Irish Wolfhounds need care and regular grooming. The giants need to be brushed at least twice a week, their nails should be trimmed and they should always be kept clean all the time to reduce the rate of contracting a disease.
Conclusion
Biggest dogs in the world include Great Dane, Old English Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Dogue De Bordeaux, Newfoundland, Leonberger, Great Pyrenees and Irish Wolfhound.
These breeds were selected based on height, size and weight.
Apart from the physical characteristics, it's vital to take the temperament of your desired dog into consideration. Your financial ability to take care of the dog should also be given priority. This is because most of the biggest dogs have health challenges and minimum standards for exercise, grooming and care which may be financially tasking.
Before now, most of these big dogs were kept to assist their owners in some work. In this modern world, you may not take your big dog to war but can always come up with some tasks in the form of physical exercise to stimulate your dog.
Whatever your choice of exercise, appropriate training and socialization should be introduced at an early age. By so doing, you'll not only keep the biggest dog in the world but also the most well-behaved dog ever known to man.
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