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The weight of the largest dog. The largest dogs: breeds
The question of what is the largest dog in the world is asked by many lovers of these animals. However, large breeds are known to be friendly. They get along well with children and love to cuddle and play outside. Rarely a passerby will not pay attention to the shaggy animal.
The question of what is the largest dog in the world is asked by many lovers of these animals.
The concept of "most large breed dogs" cannot mean one type of these animals. The fact is that the size of a person’s tailed friends is determined by the combination of height at the withers and weight. Often, some individuals violate the standards of their breed, competing in size with those who theoretically should be larger. Therefore, giant dogs are often included in ratings. Below you will find information about which breed resembles a horse and is the leader in the number of large representatives.
Nanny dogs
The Newfoundland has thick, dark-colored fur; unlike other dogs, it is absolutely not afraid of transport. This majestic dog swims well, carries heavy loads, and thanks to his calm disposition he can look after children. The breed originates in one of the provinces of Canada. The average height of a Newfoundland reaches 70 cm, and weight - 68 kg. However, there was a real record holder in this family, he weighed 126 kg, and his height when standing on his hind legs was 198 cm. This is the most big dog in the UK named Samson.
Large dogs include the Scottish Deerhound, also called the Deerhound. She reaches 50 kg in weight and 76 cm in height. It is these elongated, muscular beauties that have constantly accompanied hunters since the Middle Ages. And for good reason: this type dogs have a subtle sense of smell and amazing reactions. Therefore, previously animals belonged only to influential families who considered hunting the best entertainment. Today, the Deerhound is a comfort for the home. They capture the mood of their owners, are attentive to children, but they are bad guards: they rarely bark and are almost indifferent to strangers.
Large dogs include the Scottish Deerhound
Another bright, powerful and impressively sized breed is the Leonberger. Its name comes from the German town of the same name, the symbol of which is considered this dog. It is the result of crossing several large breeds, and therefore itself has an impressive size. On average, Leonbergers weigh 75-76 kg. Can be an ideal guide, sociable, obedient, and kind to children. That's why this shaggy fellow is called the "family dog."
Another bright, powerful and impressively sized breed is the Leonberger.
The most gigantic dogs in the world (video)
Gallery: the largest dogs in the world (25 photos)
Guard dogs
Among the shaggy giants, and occupies a special place. This is a service breed, which was developed by crossing several breeds in the second half of the 20th century in the USSR. The height of the male dog at the withers is 72-76 cm and weighs 60 kg. This one is big fluffy dog self-confident, if necessary, immediately takes a defensive position, but can quickly return herself to a calm state. She is unpretentious, smart and friendly.
Among the furry giants, the Russian Black Terrier also occupies a special place.
The next representative of large dogs is the Russian greyhound. It has been known since the 17th century. She was popular at court and was considered a worthy gift for important guests. This giant dog is designed to hunt wolves. The height of a male dog at the withers according to standards is 82 cm, but the weight rarely exceeds 50 kg.
Russian greyhound
Among the huge dogs is the Central Asian Shepherd Dog (Alabai). This breed is more than 4 thousand years old; it combines the blood of the oldest dogs in Asia and the dogs of shepherds of nomadic tribes. Such shepherd dogs were subjected to serious natural selection; the best ones were used to guard livestock and houses of their owners, and to accompany caravans. Being in constant battle with predators, these shaggy animals became stronger, more resilient, and stopped feeling fear. The height of the dog at the withers is from 70 cm, weight is from 40 to 80 kg. The largest Central Asian Shepherd is a dog named Bulldozer. He weighs more than 125 kg and is 2 meters tall. This strong guy lives in the Stavropol region; for several years he was listed as the largest dog in the CIS.
Among the huge dogs is the Central Asian Shepherd Dog (Alabai)
Record dogs
One of man's longest-legged friends is the Irish Wolfhound. Growing up to 80 cm, it has a strong, muscular body. The first written mention of this breed dates back to 391 AD. e. In the Middle Ages, wolfhounds were present in every kingdom to protect livestock from attacks by wolves. Today these dogs are of great interest as living evidence of Irish culture and a legacy of the Celtic past.
One of man's longest-legged friends is the Irish Wolfhound.
Saint Bernard looks very defiant. This is the heaviest dog in the world. She can weigh 120 kg, which makes her incredibly strong and resilient. A striking example This is the record recorded in 1978. Then an adult dog moved a load weighing 3000 kg in a minute and a half. This breed is characterized by stubbornness, kindness and playfulness, but obedience must be trained.
Saint Bernard looks very defiant
George, Zeus and Major
German dog- the most tall dog in the world. Refers to giant size breeds. Males grow to 80 cm or more and weigh between 55 and 90 kg, which is why this breed is called a horse-sized dog. Representatives of this species are friendly, balanced, love to watch others and play. This is dangerous for people, because animals are not aware of their size and can easily knock a person to the ground. At proper education Great Danes grow up not only as reliable protectors, but also as true friends of the entire family.
Great Dane is the tallest dog in the world
For a long time, the title of world giant belonged to Great Dane George. By the fourth year of his life, this huge dog had grown to 110 cm, and when he climbed hind legs— exceeded a 2-meter tree. In 2010, representatives of the Guinness Book of Records named him the largest dog in the world; in 2013, this title began to be held by the Great Dane Zeus, who outstripped George by only 1 cm. He was so strong that, having accidentally touched someone’s hand, he could leave a bruise on it. Funny photographs of Zeus with his owners spread all over the world. Against his background, they looked like kids from the story about Gulliver. Now another representative of this breed, a Briton named Major, is vying for the title of “The Largest Dog on Earth.” When he stands on his hind legs, his height is 213 cm. This giant lives in South Wales. His diet consists mainly of chicken and rice, and his schedule includes games and long sleep.
Family of giants
The most gigantic dogs often come from the mastiff family. They are distinguished not only by size, but also by origin. This is a very ancient breed, bred several centuries BC. e. Dogs were then used as guards, fighters in the arena, and also taken with them on hunts. Today, the most prominent representatives of this breed are the Neapolitans, Tibetans and the English.
Neapolitan Mastiff
- descendants of those who participated in battles and performed in arenas Ancient Rome. This is the best watchdog in the world. He has good reactions and powerful muscles. It reaches 75 cm in size and weighs 70 kg. Its constitution makes it easy to scare unwanted guests, but with familiar people the mastiff is sociable and friendly. At the same time, he has developed strong feeling affection, so other pets can make him jealous.
The Tibetan Mastiff is of greatest interest to dog handlers. This is a dog that looks like a lion. Incredible strength, power, intelligence - these are his main features. The neck and shoulders are covered with long, thick hair that resembles a mane. Even Aristotle wrote about the Tibetan mastiff, which indicates the antiquity of the breed. According to legend, such a furry friend belonged to the Buddha himself. Previously, these animals guarded the monasteries of Tibet and helped nomads; today they are rightfully considered the most beautiful in the world. The price for a puppy varies from 2 thousand dollars to 10 thousand euros. If we talk about size, then most often representatives of the Tibetan Mastiff breed grow up to 85 cm with a weight of 80 kg. However, among them there is a real giant - he weighed 120 kg.
The Tibetan Mastiff is of greatest interest to dog handlers.
The English Mastiff is the largest dog in the world. Grows up to almost 80 cm at maximum weight at 100 kg. Among this variety, Aikama Zorba is recognized as the largest, weighing up to 155 kg. This is a large animal with a strong body. Despite his formidable appearance, such dogs are quite docile and friendly.
Those who want to get such a pet need to know that giant dogs are a huge responsibility. Due to their physique, they need dietary nutrition. Often the left side of animals swells, which indicates problems with the stomach. Therefore, large breeds more often than others need to be examined by specialists. The most big dogs in the world, although they are friendly, they love freedom both in care and in lifestyle. Therefore, you cannot keep them in an apartment: they will feel cramped and uncomfortable there.
Attention, TODAY only!
Today there are several hundred different breeds of dogs in the world, some of them fit into handbag, others are twice as large as this very lady. Today we will talk about the latter, that is, about the breeds of large dogs and the largest in the world!
Great Dane is the largest dog breed in the world
On this moment The largest dog breed in the world is the Great Dane, and its representative was included in the Guinness Book of Records in 2011. The dog, named Zeus, grew to 111.8 cm in height (at the withers) and weighed more than 70 kg.
This “dog” comes from Otego (Michigan, USA) and its size is so large that even its owners seem like midgets. Well, maybe not midgets, but at most teenage children. Don't believe me? See for yourself:
Great Dane named Zeus.
When this dog stood on its hind legs, its height reached 2.24 meters (any basketball player would envy such a height). But not all representatives of the breed are so large; according to the standard, the characteristics of the Great Dane are smaller:
- Males have an average height of 80-90 cm;
- Bitches grow on average to 72-84 cm.
Despite their gigantic size, representatives of the breed have a calm character, as a rule they are not aggressive even towards strangers. However, it is worth remembering that due to their size they can inadvertently cause harm.
>> More details: (+ big photo)
Large breeds of dogs - photos and names
Although the Great Dane holds the record for height, there are other large dogs in the world that, on average, are not inferior to it in gigantism. Let's start with the largest ones and move on to the more common ones.
English Mastiff - a massive giant
Breeds of large dogs with photographs - English Mastiff (by Fotosuabe).
Of all the mastiffs, the English is the largest. A large, strong, proportionally built dog - that’s short description of this breed. The standard sizes are as follows:
- Height: males from 76 cm, females from 70 cm;
- Weight: males from 68 to 113 kg, females from 54 to 82 kg.
Unfortunately, English mastiffs are also characterized by one of the shortest life expectancies - on average from 6 to 10 years. They rarely live to be 12-14 years old.
>> More details: (+ more photos)
Irish Wolfhound is a large and tall breed
The largest dogs are the name of this breed: Irish Wolfhound.
Along with the Great Dane, it is considered the tallest of all breeds in the world. Despite the fact that Irish wolfhounds are, they have a kind and calm character. Representatives of the breed are often described as “a lion when hunting, but a sheep at home.”
- Height: males from 79 cm, females from 71 cm;
- Weight: males from 54.5, females from 40.5 kg.
How tall these dogs are is clearly shown in the photo above, where a small breed pet stands next to an Irish Wolfhound.
Newfoundland is a large shaggy dog
Breeds of large black dogs - Newfoundland, photo by Alicja.
Named after the island, the Newfoundland was bred by fishermen to carry heavy loads. This one is big shaggy dog Thanks to the membranes between its toes, it swims very well, which is why in Russia it is often called a diver.
- Height: males about 71 cm, females about 66 cm;
- Weight: males about 68, females about 54 kg.
Newfoundlands have almost no hunting instincts and no aggression towards people. Their typical color is black, although they also come in white-black, gray, and brown. The coat is long and quite shaggy, which makes the dog even larger in appearance.
>> More details: (+ more photos)
The Scottish Deerhound is a great deer hunter.
Pictured is a Scottish Deerhound (by Adam Singer).
The breed is a greyhound and was bred to hunt deer. The Deerhound can catch up and kill a deer, that is, it is very hardy and strong dog with lightning-fast reactions and good instincts.
- Height: males from 76 cm, females from 71 cm;
- Weight: males about 45.5 kg, females about 36.5 kg.
Getting a Deerhound as a pet one must understand that he will need long and active walks. Otherwise, these dogs, like most others, love their family and are very trusting even of strangers (which is why they are not very good guards).
Typical colors of the breed are grey, brown and sand, although many other variations are allowed. The coat is quite long, soft and even silky.
Saint Bernard - the breed from the film "Beethoven"
The largest dogs are the name of this breed: Saint Bernard.
Another very large dog is the St. Bernard. They come with short and long hair, live on average about 8 years, and are distinguished by obedience and devotion. The breed was once used to search for missing people in the mountains.
- Height: males 70-90 cm, females 65-80 cm;
- Weight: from 70 kg.
Despite their large size, St. Bernards are friendly even to small children and behave very carefully with them. But the dogs small breeds As a rule, giants are not liked.
>> More details: (+ more photos)
Black Russian Terrier
Black Russian Terrier, photo by Petful.
When remembering the breeds of large black dogs, one cannot forget about the Black Russian Terrier. This strong, hardy, unpretentious dog has established itself as one of the best among service breeds.
- Height: males 72-76 cm, females 68-72 cm;
- Weight: males 50-60 kg, females 45-50 kg.
The black terrier is very trainable; it passes any course without problems - general, protective-guard, sentry, etc. It must be remembered that this breed of dog requires an active lifestyle, so it is not suitable for avid homebodies.
>> More details: (+ more photos)
Leonberger
Large dogs with photos - the name of the breed is Leonberger (by Sclg).
Another large breed of dog is the Leonberger, named after the German city in which it was bred. Representatives of the breed have not only large sizes, but with a balanced temperament. They can become good guards, companions and just family pets.
- Height: males 72-80 cm, females 65-75 cm;
- Lifespan: on average at least 10 years.
Despite its size, the Leonberg can be taken almost anywhere without fear. These dogs are friendly to children and do not show aggression towards strangers. Typical colors for underhounds are yellow, sand, red, or a combination of all three.
Akita Inu is the most faithful friend
Breeds of large dogs - photo Akita Inu (by RonjaV).
Anyone who has watched the movie “Hachiko: The Most Faithful Friend” is familiar with this Japanese breed of dog. It is based on real events, when in Japan an Akita Inu dog waited for his owner at the railway station every day. One day the owner died, but the dog came to the station for many years and waited for him.
- Height: males about 67 cm, females about 61 cm;
- Weight: on average from 40 to 50 kg;
- Lifespan: 10-14 years;
- Price of puppies: from 35 thousand rubles (in nurseries).
Akita is perfect for keeping both in a private house and in a city apartment. It is not fussy about its living conditions, does not require complex care, and is very attached to its owner. In general, such a dog can really become the most true friend.
>> More details: (+ more photos)
Tibetan mastiff
Photo of large breed dogs - Tibetan Mastiff (by Kenneth Cole Schneider).
Thanks to its thick coat, the Tibetan Mastiff not only tolerates severe frosts well, but also appears even larger than it is. Initially, these dogs were bred for protection, but today they are often used as ordinary pets.
- Height: males about 66 cm, females about 61 cm;
- Weight: on average from 60 to 80 kg;
- Price of puppies: from 15 thousand rubles (in nurseries).
By nature, Tibetan mastiffs are quite reserved, calm and friendly. But in many ways, the pet’s behavior will depend on its upbringing; it needs to be dealt with from a young age. Otherwise, the dog may grow too independent and, as a result, will be poorly controlled.
>> More details: (+ more photos)
Cane Corso
Very large dogs are the Cane Corso breed (photo by Elle Rowbottom).
Not so long ago, this breed was on the verge of extinction, but thanks to several enthusiasts it was saved. Cane Corsos are working dogs, focused on guarding and protection. Accordingly, they are very strong and smart.
- Height: males 64-68 cm, females 60-64 cm;
- Weight: males 45-50 kg, females 40-45 kg;
- Price of puppies: 15-25 thousand rubles.
Representatives of the breed, despite their innate protective reflexes, are good at distinguishing between a real threat and a game, and therefore are suitable for keeping as a pet. Of course, such large dog breeds are not very suitable for an apartment, but they are more than suitable for a large private house.
Typical coat colors are black, slate gray, lead gray, dark red, brindle. The coat is short, very thick, the undercoat is weak. Despite their short hair, Cane Corsos look very massive.
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Today there are about four hundred dog breeds in the world. Special place Among them are large, massive animals that stand out especially against the background of their small counterparts. They are very beautiful, durable and reliable, which is why many of them are used for police, rescue and search services. Today's publication provides a brief description of the heaviest dog breeds.
Saint Bernard
The Swiss Alps are considered the birthplace of the giants that appeared in the 11th century. And among their closest ancestors are Molossian Great Danes and Tibetan Mastiffs. As a result of crossing these animals with local dogs, a new breed was developed that was capable of finding people under snow rubble. The first St. Bernards were little like their modern descendants, but they coped well with their duties as rescuers. Despite its long history, the first breed standard was developed in the 19th century.
The Saint Bernard is one of the heaviest dogs in the world. Average weight A typical representative of this breed weighs about 90 kg with a height of 65-90 cm at the withers. However, facts of the existence of larger individuals are known. For example, in the UK there lived a St. Bernard named Haydan Dark Blue, in three years old weighing as much as 138 kg. The muscular, harmoniously developed body of such a dog is covered with thick, long, snow-white hair with clearly defined brown-red or red spots.
Turkish Kangal
The first mentions of these immigrants from Asia Minor date back to the 13th century. According to one version, the blood of Turkish greyhounds flows in their veins, manifested in lightning-fast reactions and the ability to develop high running speeds. These animals have long been used as helpers by shepherds and to protect the master's home.
Of course, the Turkish Kangal cannot claim the title of the heaviest dog. But he is also considered a heavyweight. The average weight of a typical representative of this breed is 75 kg with a height of about 80 cm. But among the Turkish Kangals there are also real giants. For example, a dog named Kapar weighs as much as 112 kg with a height of 97 kg. Despite their rather large size, to put it mildly, these animals look lean and have excellent control of their body. They can easily tolerate both heat and cold, love to swim in ponds and cannot live in city apartments.
Neapolitan Mastiff
Dogs similar to modern representatives of this breed lived back during the Roman Empire. According to one version, they originated from Tibetan mastiffs, glorified by ancient travelers and philosophers. These are spreading massively across Europe massive dogs became available only in the 1970s. Around the same period, their appearance underwent significant changes.
Neapolitan Mastiffs are one of the heaviest dogs. Photos of these massive giants allow us to form an opinion about their true dimensions. The average weight of a typical Mastino is about 60-70 kg, and its height can exceed 75 cm. The heaviest representative of this breed, nicknamed Hercules, was included in the Guinness Book of Records. At that time he weighed 128 kg with a height of 96 cm at the withers. Mastiffs give the impression of calm, melancholy animals. But in the event of a real threat, they instantly transform into angry animals.
English Mastiff
The ancestors of the heaviest dog breed in the world lived back in the era of Julius Caesar. They fearlessly participated in gladiatorial battles and hunted large animals such as lions and bears.
The English Mastiff is a large, massive dog with strong bones and well-developed muscles. Its height can reach 70-82 cm, and its weight is 60-100 kg. The weight of the largest mastiff named Aikama Zorba was as much as 155 kg. On big head with a wrinkled forehead and thick fleshy lips, small triangular drooping ears and beautiful dark eyes. These are very smart, calm and balanced dogs. They are distinguished by increased stubbornness and are sure to think about every command given by the owner. You can achieve unquestioning obedience from an English Mastiff only by earning his respect and trust. This dog is wary of strangers, but will never attack without reason. It is not intended for living in city apartments and requires regular loads.
German dog
The ancestors of these noble dogs lived in Tibet several centuries BC. e. Local tribes used these huge animals to guard livestock. Over time, they came to South Asia, and from there they spread throughout the territory of other states.
Great Danes are one of the heaviest dogs in the world. Their weight can reach 90 kg with a height of at least 74-80 cm. Until 1984, the most big dog was considered a Great Dane named Shamgret Donzas. The mass of this giant was 108 kg, and its height was 105.5 cm. Despite its impressive dimensions, the Great Dane can hardly be called clumsy. His stately, muscular body with a straight back and slightly arching loin is covered with short, close-fitting shiny hair of black, merle, fawn, blue or brindle color. This intelligent, self-confident, sociable dog gets along well with other animals and does not give in to provocations. He is very sensitive, so being alone for a long time makes him withdrawn.
Central asian shepherd dog
The homeland of representatives of this breed is considered to be Turkestan, and among its ancestors are Mongolian mastiffs and herding molossians. The local population led a nomadic lifestyle and was engaged in cattle breeding. That's why they needed hardy dogs, capable of protecting herds from predators. The Alabai they bred coped well with the responsibilities assigned to them and quickly gained popularity. Subsequently, representatives of this breed were unsuccessfully tried to retrain for military service. But their inherent uncontrollability led to the failure of this experiment.
The Central Asian Shepherd is a large and massive dog. The heaviest Alabai in the world, living in the Stavropol Territory, weighs 125 kg. But not all representatives of this breed can boast of such impressive size. The minimum weight of a typical CAO starts from 50 kg, and height should not be less than 65 cm at the withers. These fearless, balanced and proud dogs They have a strong protective instinct and do everything to protect the territory entrusted to them.
Tibetan mastiff
These dogs have a very long history. They are considered direct descendants of the Tibetan Dogo. The first officially registered litter of such puppies was born in 1898 at the Berlin Zoo.
The Tibetan Mastiff is one of the heaviest dogs. The weight of an adult male dog should not be less than 65 kg. In this case, the minimum acceptable height starts from 66 cm. The entire body of such a dog is covered with straight, fairly long and stiff hair of black and tan, red, golden or brown color. Representatives of this breed are characterized by natural calmness. However, this does not prevent them from doing a good job of protecting their territory.
Newfoundland
Those who want to find out which dog is the heaviest will be interested to know about the existence of another breed, named after the island of the same name.
Newfies are large and massive dogs, whose weight can reach 60-70 with a height of 63-74 cm. Moreover, their impressive size does not in any way affect their ability to move. They are masters of own body and are extremely rarely injured. Huge square body These animals are covered with thick, long hair of black or brown color. Newfoundlands are endowed with a balanced, generous and very patient disposition. They have well-developed working qualities, which allows them to be successfully used for various services.
Leonberger
This one of the heaviest dogs in the world was bred in Germany. To obtain it, German breeders used Landseers, long-haired St. Bernards and Great Pyrenees. As a result of intense breeding work, a new breed appeared, known as the Leonberger.
These are quite large animals, growing up to 65-80 cm at the withers. As for weight, the standard does not have clear instructions regarding this parameter. But according to statistics, the weight of a Leonberger can reach 60-80 kg. The proportional, harmoniously developed body of these powerful beauties is covered with thick hair of sandy, red or yellow color. In addition to their rather large size, representatives of this breed are endowed with a friendly and fearless character. They are very docile and not aggressive at all. Leonbergers are extremely loyal to children, smart, temperamental and immune to external stimuli. They are very smart and easy to train.
Today we will talk about the ten tallest dog breeds in the world. So…
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog – 65–72 cm
The rating opens with the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, a large breed of dog native to the Swiss Alps. This is a large, heavy dog with incredible physical strength. They are sociable, active and calm, rarely bark for no reason. Male weight 50–64 kg, female 48–54 kg. Their lifespan is approximately 11 years.
Caucasian Shepherd – 68–75 cm.
The Caucasian Shepherd is one of the largest dog breeds in the world and is also one of the oldest - at least the breed is more than two thousand years old. The first mention of them dates back to 1121 BC. e. These dogs have a persistent, courageous and decisive character. Distrustful of strangers. The minimum weight of an adult male is 50 kg, females 45 kg. Average duration life 10–12 years.
Hungarian Kuvasz – 70–76 cm.
Eighth place in the list of the tallest dog breeds is occupied by the “Hungarian Kuvasz” - an ancient breed of dog bred in Hungary for hunting and guarding livestock. This is a fairly large dog with thick hair. white, which is distinguished by courage and fearlessness. They are absolutely not demanding in terms of content. Males usually weigh 48-62 kg, females 37-50 kg. with a height of 66-70 cm. Their life expectancy is 10–12 years.
Deerhound - min. 76 cm
The Deerhound is a breed of hunting greyhound dog bred for hunting deer. These dogs are born hunters, have lightning-fast reactions and amazing sense of smell. They are very active, extremely hardy, rarely show aggression and practically do not bark. They are easy to train. They are very trusting of strangers. Male weight is about 45.5 kg, female 36.5 kg. Average life expectancy is 8–9 years.
Anatolian Shepherd – 74–81 cm
The Anatolian Shepherd is an ancient dog breed originating from the Anatolian Plateau, Türkiye. It is a robust, large and very strong dog with excellent eyesight and hearing, bred to protect livestock from wolves. Anatolian Shepherds are smart, brave, stubborn dogs that are loyal to their people. They train very well. Their lifespan is 13–15 years. Male weight 50–65 kg, female 40–55 kg.
Russian Greyhound – 75–85 cm
Russian greyhound - breed hunting dogs originating from Russia. The first descriptions of the breed date back to the 17th century. The Russian greyhound has good eyesight, are capable of developing high speed over short distances, are aggressive towards other animals, and very rarely bark. This is a confident dog with a calm temperament. Male weight 34–48 kg, female 25–41 kg. Their average lifespan is 9–13 years.
English Mastiff – min. 75 cm
English Mastiff - ancient English breed dogs, the largest of the mastiffs. Mainly used as a guard dog. These dogs are endowed with enormous physical strength and a calm and gentle character. They are very loyal and faithful to their owner. Their average lifespan is 6-10 years. The weight of an adult male English mastiff reaches 75–110 kg, females 50–75 kg.
Saint Bernard – 70–90 cm
An honorable third place in the list of tallest dogs is occupied by the St. Bernard, a large breed of working dog from the Swiss Alps and northern Italy. This is a very large and strong dog, endowed with a calm and patient character. Very loyal and obedient. They don't like small dogs. The average lifespan of a St. Bernard is 8 years, weight is 65–120 kg.
Great Dane – min. 80 cm
Irish Wolfhound – min. 79 cm
The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest breed of dog bred for hunting and guarding. This is an ancient breed that existed in Ireland back in the 4th century. They are absolutely not aggressive, are quiet and calm by nature, and are relatively easy to train. However, unlike many other breeds, they are noted for their individualism. Male weight 55–80 kg, female 40–65 kg. Their lifespan is from 6 to 10 years, with an average of 7 years.
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Among dog lovers, preferences are usually divided between large and small breeds. Some animal owners believe that a dog must certainly be of impressive size and they get it. Well, to each his own, but the majesty and serious appearance of huge four-legged animals cannot be taken away. What dog breeds are considered the largest? Our material will answer this question.
Tallest dog in the world
There are different gradations of parameters. Some build their rankings starting by weight, others by height. The latter would be more correct, since the weight of these animals varies greatly, both between breeds and within the same breed group. The growth of the animal is more indicative.
The tallest dog in the world (the record was recorded in the Guinness Book of Records) passed away in 2010. The size of this beauty is simply amazing. This title was borne by a dog of the breed (photo above), who lived in an American family in Arizona for almost 8 years. Its name was George, it was 110 cm tall, the giant’s body length was 2 meters 20 centimeters, and its weight was 111 kg. Impressive size, isn't it?
Nowadays, the palm has been taken over by another representative of the same breed - the Great Dane, who has the formidable nickname Zeus.
Great Dane: history of the breed
The origins of the Great Dane dog breed take us back centuries, to the gray mountains of Tibet. The ancient people who lived in those days were forced to tame wild Tibetan dogs so that they would help them herd cattle. From them the breed group of Great Danes began its history, which became the ancestors of modern dogs of this species.
Somewhat later, the ancient Great Danes began to be used as fighting dogs. This was facilitated by its enormous size and evil disposition. They fought in the army "shoulder to shoulder" with soldiers. This contributed to the spread of the breed around the world; some dogs settled in the conquered territories.
As a result of a number of those historical events Most of the Great Danes concentrated in Germany, allowing the Great Dane breed to finally form (photos confirm the enormous size of these dogs).
The Germans perfected the breed by crossing Great Danes with other dogs for baiting from the mid-19th century. By this time, two breed branches had formed there: the southern Ulm Great Danes and the northern Danish.
The norms of a single standard for Great Danes were reached in 1890, when this breed was officially recognized and described. In Russia, until the mid-sixties of the last century, this tallest dog in the world was not widespread. Today Great Danes are loved in our country, bred, and taken to international exhibitions.
Great Dane breed standards
Currently, the standard classifies Great Danes as companion dogs, and also considers them as guards and watchmen. The dog must have a noble appearance combined with large growth and a harmoniously built body.
Dog handlers consider the Great Dane to be a dog of ideal appearance, worthy of being immortalized in a statue. The following colors are fixed by the standard: white with black spots (harlequin), red, brindle, black and blue. The height of the dog at the withers for females is from 72 cm, for males - from 80.
Character and temperament of Great Danes
The Great Dane's character matches his majestic appearance. These dogs are calm and always behave with dignity. In extreme situations they show restraint, while at the same time being devoted defenders of their owner and his family members.
Great Danes have significant intelligence and are considered by many to be more than a dog. In many homes, the Great Dane is a real family member and a great friend. Of course, this dog’s character can be spoiled and made vicious, but only through improper upbringing and poor treatment, which Great Danes will not tolerate. Not worth it once again provoke someone who has powerful jaws and huge strong teeth. The tallest dog in the world will be able to confidently stand up for itself and those it loves.
Irish Wolfhounds
If you ask yourself what breeds of dogs are considered the largest in the world, one cannot help but recall Representatives of this breed occupy an honorable second place on this list. The height of individual males can reach up to 87 centimeters at the withers, which is not inferior to Great Danes. These dogs touch everyone who sees them with their “beard” and devoted, complacent look.
The Irish Wolfhound is comfortable in home care, does not make unnecessary noise and fuss, but during walks it can show its hunter instinct and move quickly.
These dogs tend to be friendly and sensitive. They greet strangers calmly, but always remain alert. Probably, loyal fans of the breed just like the combination large sizes with sociability and devotion.
English Mastiff
The English Mastiff is the last dog breed in the top three giants. The Great Dane predominates in height, while the Mastiff predominates in weight. A massive large body, a huge wide head - these are the striking breed characteristics of this dog.
Today, the largest representative of this breed can be called a dog named Hercules. He gets natural nutrition without additives for growth (some owners do not disdain using unnatural methods of adding weight to their pets), and his weight is 128 kg.
In height, males reach a maximum of 75 centimeters, females - 70. Despite their heavy and powerful appearance, mastiffs are harmoniously built.
These dogs have well-developed muscles on the face, thanks to which it has the ability to look very expressive. By looking at a dog’s features, you can literally read the pet’s mood and, it seems, even guess his train of thought. A dog can have a sad, thoughtful, perky look with cunning in his eyes - it looks very funny.
During the many years of development of this breed, as well as the breeds of other large dogs, breeders tried to smooth out such qualities as aggression and excitability so that the dog became suitable for keeping in a family in a city apartment.
At the moment they are very good-natured and obedient dogs who love children and take care of them in every possible way. These dogs are in great need of their owner's attention and get bored in his absence. If necessary, they easily become formidable and fearless defenders.
There are quite a lot of other large breed dogs, we only looked at three. The main thing to remember when making such a friend is that this is not for one day or even for a month. The dog will live in your family for years, and you need to weigh your financial capabilities. Can you provide for such a large pet? good nutrition? You also need to evaluate how much your living space allows you to accept without harm to all residents large dog so that your life together brings only joy.
