Top 10 Big Dog Breeds

The contrast between the intimidating size and affectionate nature of some of the largest dog breeds will melt the hearts of many dog lovers. But prospective dog owners should consider the unique needs of the world’s biggest dog breeds before choosing one as a family pet. Big breeds often require more work and put a greater strain on the family budget than smaller dogs.

Depending on the breed, your large dog may also need extensive training to calm its protective instincts, a grooming routine that would put Hollywood hairstylists to shame, close attention to genetic health concerns, and room to romp around. Here’s a closer look at the sizes, personalities, and health considerations of the biggest dog breeds based on height and weight, and recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Top 10 big dog breeds at a glance

The 10 largest dog breeds are:

1. Boerboel

2. Cane corso

3. English mastiff

4. Great Dane

5. Irish wolfhound

6. Leonberger

7. Neapolitan mastiff

8. Newfoundland

9. Saint Bernard

10. Tibetan mastiff

Breed	Average Height Range	Average Weight	Exercise Level	Grooming Level	Good for Families?
Boerboel	22–27 inches	150–200 pounds	Moderate	Low	Yes
Cane corso	23.5–27.5 inches	Proportionate to height	High	Low	Yes
English mastiff	27.5–30+ inches	120–230 pounds	Moderate	Low	Yes
Great Dane	28–32 inches	110–175 pounds	High	Low	Yes
Irish wolfhound	30–32 inches	105–120 pounds	Moderate	Low	Yes
Leonberger	25.5–31.5 inches	90–170 pounds	Moderate	High	Yes
Neapolitan mastiff	24–31 inches	110–150 pounds	Low	Low	Yes
Newfoundland	26–28+ inches	100–150 pounds	Moderate	Low	Yes
Saint Bernard	26–30 inches	120–180 pounds	Moderate	Moderate	Yes
Tibetan mastiff	24–26 inches	70–150 pounds	Moderate	Moderate	Yes

Top 10 big dog breeds: A detailed look

These are the 10 biggest dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club.^{[1] [2]} Only the fictional Clifford the Big Red Dog is any larger.

Boerboel

Specifications	Breed Specs
Average height	24–27 inches (male) 22–25 inches (female)
Average weight	150–200 pounds
Life expectancy	9–11 years
Temperament	Protective, highly trainable, affectionate with family, good with young children
Exercise needs	Moderate
Common health issues	Elbow/hip dysplasia, heart disease, eyelid disorders
Average monthly cost of pet insurance	$93

Boerboels originated from the interbreeding of several large-breed guard dogs, including mastiffs, in South Africa during the mid-1600s. Boerboels were bred to protect their families and have worked as therapy dogs because they tend to be friendly toward children. The breed needs daily exercise, which shouldn’t take place at a dog park due to potential conflict with other dogs.

Boerboels need only minimal grooming and are highly trainable, but they also need a lot of mental stimulation, making them perfect for dog owners who want to participate in competitions or who require a working dog.

Cane corso

Specifications	Breed Specs
Average height	25–27.5 inches (male) 23.5–26 inches (female)
Average weight	Proportionate to height
Life expectancy	9–12 years
Temperament	Affectionate with family, may not be good with young children or other dogs, highly protective
Exercise needs	High
Common health issues	Patella, hip, and elbow displacement, heart problems, dental-skeletal-retinal anomaly (DSRA), neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis
Average monthly cost of pet insurance	$828

The cane corso was once a working breed of dog that served farmers in southern Italy. The AKC didn’t recognize corsos until 2010. These bright and loyal dogs have the confidence of a professional bodyguard, but they’re willful and require early training. Corsos need a lot of exercise and make good running companions or show dogs. They require minimal grooming.

English mastiff

Specifications	Breed Specs
Average height	30 inches + (male) 27.5 inches + (female)
Average weight	160–230 pounds (male) 120–170 pounds (female)
Life expectancy	6–10 years
Temperament	Protective, very affectionate with family, good with children, may not be good with other dogs
Exercise needs	Moderate
Common health issues	Seasonal allergies, eye disorders, heart disease, eye and hip dysplasia, epilepsy
Average monthly cost of pet insurance	$83

The massive English mastiff has been around since medieval times, and after the breed fought beside the British in a 1415 war, its population was nearly wiped out. The mastiff was brought back by U.S. breeders. Mastiffs are still protective in nature but also extremely affectionate and good with young children.

Mastiffs require minimal grooming and aren’t very vocal, but they need training and socialization as puppies to overcome their wariness of strangers and other dogs. They can live happily in an apartment with a young family so long as they get enough play time and walk 1–2 miles each day.

Great Dane

Specifications	Breed Specs
Average height	30–32 inches (male) 28–30 inches (female)
Average weight	140–175 pounds (male) 110–140 pounds (female)
Life expectancy	7–10 years
Temperament	Highly affectionate with family, protective, playful, may not be good with other dogs or small children
Exercise needs	High
Common health issues	Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), eye and cardiac diseases, hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia
Average monthly cost of pet insurance	$888

Once used by German nobles to hunt boars, Great Danes are watchdogs that are super affectionate and highly adaptable. They’re among the tallest dogs that exist today. These gentle giants are playful and energetic, and they require a lot of mental stimulation, so pet owners should plan for two to three walks per day with plenty of time for sniffing.

Great Danes don’t shed much and require minimal grooming, but they bark more than some other large breeds, and they may not be the best fit for families with young kids because of their size.

Irish wolfhound

Specifications	Breed Specs
Average height	32 inches (male) 30 inches (female)
Average weight	120 pounds (male) 105 pounds (female)
Life expectancy	6–8 years
Temperament	Highly affectionate with family, good with other dogs, very protective
Exercise needs	Moderate
Common health issues	Bloat, pneumonia, heart disease, certain cancers, liver shunt
Average monthly cost of pet insurance	$71

The Irish wolfhound is the tallest AKC-registered dog breed (although not the heaviest). The average shoulder height for males is 32 inches, but they can easily reach nearly 3 feet.

Originally, Irish wolfhounds hunted big game and wolves for their owners. But the modern breed has a reputation for being calm, gentle, and loving. They tend to be especially patient with children, but because of their size, it’s a good idea to supervise their interactions with very small children. They’re also generally good with other dogs and bark less than some other large breeds.

Irish wolfhounds require little grooming for their wiry coats, and they don’t tend to drool as much as some other large breeds.

Leonberger

Specifications	Breed Specs
Average height	28–31.5 inches (male) 25.5–29.5 inches (female)
Average weight	110–170 pounds (male) 90–140 pounds (female)
Life expectancy	7 years
Temperament	Highly affectionate with family, very good with young children, very friendly with everyone, highly trainable
Exercise needs	Moderate to high
Common health issues	Bloat, hip and elbow dysplasia, thyroid disease, polyneuropathy, eye disease
Average monthly cost of pet insurance	$75

Leos were bred from large working dogs like Saint Bernards and Newfoundlands to be companions for royalty in 19th-century Europe. They’re extremely affectionate, easy to train, and gentle with children. Leonbergers need plenty of exercise and love to romp, so they’re a good fit for people who enjoy outdoor activities and have a house with a large yard.

While Leos make excellent best friends and are even friendly toward strangers, potential pet parents should consider their grooming needs — they shed heavily and require daily brushing and weekly grooming.

Neapolitan mastiff

Specifications	Breed Specs
Average height	26–31 inches (male) 24–29 inches (female)
Average weight	150 pounds (male) 110 pounds (female)
Life expectancy	7–9 years
Temperament	Highly protective, moderately affectionate with family, may not be good with other dogs or small children
Exercise needs	Low
Common health issues	Cherry eye, bloat, hip and elbow dysplasia, cardiac issues
Average monthly cost of pet insurance	$84

The lineage of the Neapolitan mastiff dates back to 700 B.C. Artifacts from ancient Rome show similar canines working as war dogs. These wrinkly-faced guard dogs are friendly to family members, but they’re not as affectionate as some other breeds and may not be a good fit for families with other pets or young children.

Neapolitan mastiffs are laid-back and content to sleep, requiring only minimal exercise as adults. Their short coats need only an occasional bath, but these mastiffs are prone to excessive drooling.

Newfoundland

Specifications	Breed Specs
Average height	28 inches (male) 26 inches (female)
Average weight	130–150 pounds (male) 100–120 pounds (female)
Life expectancy	9–10 years
Temperament	Highly affectionate with family, good with other dogs and young children, friendly but protective
Exercise needs	Moderate
Common health issues	Elbow and hip dysplasia, cardiac disease, cystinuria (urinary stones)
Average monthly cost of pet insurance	$75

Newfoundlands were originally working dogs that assisted Canadian fishermen, so they’re strong swimmers that enjoy the water. These noble giants are known for being incredibly sweet and affectionate, and they’re great with small children, other dogs, and strangers. Newfies only require moderate exercise, but they love accompanying their families on outdoor excursions.

Newfoundlands have a heavy coat that requires frequent brushing during shedding season, and they also tend to drool. They’re a great fit for any family, but dog parents who have access to a lake may especially enjoy the company of a Newfoundland.

Saint Bernard

Specifications	Breed Specs
Average height	28–30 inches (male) 26–28 inches (female)
Average weight	140–180 pounds (male) 120–140 pounds (female)
Life expectancy	8–10 years
Temperament	Highly affectionate with family and very good with young children, very protective
Exercise needs	Moderate
Common health issues	Bloat, hip dysplasia, eye disease, cardiac disease, degenerative myelopathy
Average monthly cost of pet insurance	$77

The Saint Bernard is an ancient breed dating back to the year 1050, when the dogs reportedly rescued travelers in the Swiss Alps. These massive dogs are playful, and their affectionate nature makes them great with young kids. They’re vigilant watchdogs, but they bark relatively infrequently.

Saint Bernards only require moderate exercise, such as a long walk once per day, but they shed more than other breeds and may require daily brushing. They’re happiest when they’re with their family, and it’s best not to leave them alone for long periods of time.

Tibetan mastiff

Specifications	Breed Specs
Average height	26 inches+ (male) 24 inches+ (female)
Average weight	90–150 pounds (male) 70–120 pounds (female)
Life expectancy	10–12 years
Temperament	Affectionate with family, highly protective, wary of strangers, may not be good with small children or other dogs
Exercise needs	Moderate
Common health issues	Elbow and hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, eye disorders
Average monthly cost of pet insurance	$75

These ancient guard dogs are thought to be the first mastiffs, but their history is largely unknown. Tibetan mastiffs are loyal to their families but can be territorial and intimidating to strangers, and they’re not the best fit for families with other dogs or young kids. They’re also heavy shedders and require weekly brushing and seasonal grooming, but they only need moderate exercise.

Other giant dog breeds to know

Giant dog breeds come in all shapes and personalities. Here are some additional big dog breeds to consider, although they don’t land on the list of the 10 biggest breeds.

• Anatolian shepherd: 27–29 inches, 80–150 pounds, life expectancy of 11–13 years

• Bernese mountain dog: 23–27.5 inches, 70–115 pounds, life expectancy of 7–10 years

• Black Russian terrier: 26–30 inches, 80–130 pounds, life expectancy of 10–12 years

• Caucasian shepherd: 23–30 inches, 99–170 pounds, life expectancy of 10–12 years

• Dogue de Bordeaux: 23–27 inches, 99–110 pounds, life expectancy of 5–8 years

• German shepherd: 22–26 inches, 50–90 pounds, life expectancy of 12–14 years

• Great Pyrenees: 25–32 inches, 85–100 pounds, life expectancy of 10–12 years

• Greater Swiss mountain dog: 23–28 inches, 85–140 pounds, life expectancy of 8–11 years

• Scottish deerhound: 28–32 inches, 75–110 pounds, life expectancy of 8–11 years

• Tosa: 21–23 inches, 100–200 pounds, life expectancy of 10–12 years

Health issues and vet costs for large dogs

Large dog breeds are prone to certain health issues that can be expensive to treat. For example, treating bloat — a common problem in big dog breeds — can cost $2,000–$7,500.^[3]The good news is that many pet insurance policies cover these conditions so long as your dog didn’t have any symptoms before you bought the policy or during the waiting period.

The following health problems commonly affect big dogs:^[4]

• Hip and elbow dysplasia: Big dog breeds are susceptible to elbow and hip dysplasia, a genetic condition that causes the joint to develop abnormally. The joint becomes misaligned or unstable, which can cause pain and mobility issues or lead to dislocation or arthritis.

• Arthritis: Large dogs are prone to osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease of the joints that causes inflammation, loss of cartilage, and other issues that cause pain. Symptoms include stiffness, limping, and avoidance of exercise.

• Entropion: Big dogs may experience entropion, a condition characterized by the eyelids rolling inward. This causes discomfort, excessive tears, and irritation of the cornea. Without treatment, entropion can also lead to vision loss.

• Bloat: Also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus, bloat is characterized by significant distension and rotation of the stomach. Common symptoms include retching, vomiting, excessive salivation, and abdominal distension, and it often requires emergency surgery.

• Heart problems: Large dogs are susceptible to heart issues like aortic stenosis, which obstructs blood flow, and dilated cardiomyopathy, which causes an enlarged heart with impaired functioning. Dogs may need prescription medication and monitoring to prevent complications.

Do big dog breeds need pet insurance?

Pet insurance can be valuable financial protection for any breed of dog, including mutts. But for big dog breeds, which can have significant health issues and shorter lifespans, pet insurance can be especially important.

Pet parents with giant breed dogs may face higher costs for veterinary care, medications, surgeries, and frequent orthopedic issues. Pet insurance can help you manage those costs, provided you enroll your big dog before a problem occurs.

As you compare multiple pet insurance quotes, be sure to check what plans cover and what they don’t. For example, some policies might exclude hereditary conditions that a big breed is prone to. Others may have long waiting periods before they’ll pay for orthopedic conditions.

What to consider before getting a big dog

Getting a gentle giant comes with many benefits, the most obvious being that there’s more dog to hug. But before bringing home a Great Dane or Newfoundland, you should consider the following factors affecting your lifestyle and budget:^[5]

• 

  Activity level

  Some large breeds require a lot of exercise, but you also need to be cautious of repetitive motions, like running or jumping, until your dog is fully grown. If you’re welcoming a large-breed puppy into your home, make sure you have access to a nearby dog park or can provide appropriate play.

• 

  Cost of care

  Big dogs need big beds, big crates, and big Halloween costumes. You’ll also spend more on food, preventative medication, bones, treats, and chew toys, so be sure you have room in your budget for the added expense of buying everything large.

• 

  Development

  Large dogs go through a rambunctious puppy phase and are slower to mature, but they can be calmer than small dogs in adulthood. Just be prepared for a higher likelihood of damage to your home in those initial years as your giant dog learns where its nose begins and its tail ends.

• 

  Living space

  Many large dog breeds can thrive in a small space if they get enough mental stimulation and exercise outside the home. If you don’t have an active lifestyle, and live in a small space, you may find it easier to care for a small dog.

• 

  Temperament

  Many large dogs are surprisingly calm, gentle, and affectionate with family members. But they may also come from a lineage of hunters or guard dogs and be protective of family and suspicious of strangers as a result. Some breeds may be better than others with small children, other dogs, and strangers.

• 

  Training needs

  Big dogs require proper training due to their massive size. Bad behaviors in large dogs are more noticeable and potentially harmful. It’s key to socialize large puppies and provide robust obedience training so you can control your dog when it’s fully grown.

How to choose the right big dog breed for you

When selecting a big dog breed, consider the following factors. The AKC has a quiz if you need more guidance on the right dog breed for your family.

• Lifestyle: Some big dogs are happy getting a long walk once or twice a day, while others need more frequent exercise and stimulation. Consider how long you’ll be away from home each day and your own preferred level of physical activity when choosing a breed.

• Training goals: Some large dogs are more trainable than others. Most can learn basic obedience skills with some effort, but if you want your dog to pass the Canine Good Citizen test or enter competitions, you might want to consider a breed that’s easy to train.

• Allergies, shedding, and grooming needs: Some dog breeds are more hypoallergenic than others, which you should keep in mind if anyone in your home has allergies.^[6] Also, consider how much pet hair you’re comfortable with in your home and how much time and money you want to spend grooming your dog.

• Tolerance for barking: Some dogs are more vocal than others. If you want to keep your home quiet, consider big dog breeds that aren’t prone to excessive barking, like the Newfoundland.

• Your home and family: If you have other pets, young children, or frequent house guests, look for a dog breed that does well with other dogs, strangers, and kids.

Big dog breeds FAQs