10 Largest Dog Breeds by Height, Weight, and Personality

If you’re looking for a dog breed that provides comfort and security, with a larger-than-life personality, you might want a big dog. Large dogs can be appealing and useful, providing protection and even more to love. However, large dog breeds have some special considerations and things to know before getting one.

Here are the largest dog breeds and the best ones for companionship and loyalty.

10 biggest dog breeds

The table below shows the largest dog breeds, their most winning feature, and what role they’re best suited for, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Just how big are we talking?

When looking at the largest dog breeds, height and weight can vary by gender. Generally, big dogs can range from 23 to 32 inches in height and 70 to 230 pounds. Many giant dogs are part of the working group and have a striking appearance. These dogs were bred to work and help with pulling sleds, protecting flocks, providing security, and more.^[1]

Breeders typically consider height at the shoulder when the dog is on all fours, standing height on hind legs, weight, musculature, and the dog group. These factors combined create the largest dog breeds.

Biggest dog breeds by height

If you’re looking at giant dog breeds, height is a consideration. Here are the top three tallest dog breeds, including their height at shoulder, weight, and life expectancy, according to the AKC.

Biggest dog breeds by weight

Giant dogs have a commanding stature and come in many different sizes. Here are the top three heaviest breeds by weight, including height at shoulder and life expectancy, according to the AKC.

Big dog breeds with the best personalities

Large dogs may have been bred for different purposes. If you’re looking for a big dog with a bright personality, here are some that make great companions:

• Saint Bernard: Patient, playful, and good with children, Saint Bernards have a personality that’s easy to love.

• Great Dane: If you want a friendly, reliable, and commanding dog, a Great Dane may be a good fit. Great Danes are gentle giants and can provide security and companionship.

• Leonberger: Known as a kind, gentle, peaceful dog, Leonbergers are the definition of a furry friend.

• Newfoundland: This “nanny dog” is a devoted, kind breed that’s good with kids, according to the AKC.

• Bernese mountain dog: These affectionate and loving dogs are good with young children and often form deep emotional attachment.

Pros and cons of big dogs

Large dogs are unique in that many of them were bred for a specific purpose, such as watching the farm, providing protection, pulling sleds, and more. Some of the biggest dog breeds can be gentle giants and provide dog lovers security and comfort.

Before adding a large dog to your family, consider the pros and cons.^[2]

Big dog breed costs

Big dogs can come with big costs. If you’re considering getting one of the largest dog breeds, review your budget and total costs. Here are some common expenses associated with larger dogs.

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  Puppy cost

  Puppies can be cute and cuddly but may require a high initial cost. Buying food, harnesses, leashes, crates, beds, bowls, and more can add up fast. Adoption fees for dogs and puppies can range from $166 to $767, according to the Animal Humane Society.^[3]

  Giant dogs are in the puppy stage longer than small dogs, taking up to two or three years to mature.^[4] The first-year costs for large dogs can be $1,020 to $1,825 — about $300 or more than first-year costs for small and medium-sized dogs.

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  Training

  Training is crucial with larger dogs. Without training, bigger dogs could jump on strangers, get onto the counter, or cause damage to your house.

  Obedience training can cost between $45 and $120 a session, with weekly costs of $200 to $600. Having a bigger dog may require more training and additional costs.

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  Living expenses

  Day-to-day living expenses can be higher with a larger dog. Big dogs need a large bed, larger toys, more space, and can have higher grooming and pet care costs.

  Annual dog toy costs can be $50 or more, annual grooming costs could be $60 or more, and boarding costs may set you back $300 or more per year.

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  Healthcare

  Healthcare costs for larger dogs tend to be more expensive. First, you need to find a local veterinarian equipped to see and treat bigger dogs. If you need medication for your large dog, that may be more expensive, too.

  Regular visits to the vet could cost between $300 and $600, and surgery may start at $600.^[5]

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  Feeding

  Like feeding a growing, hungry teenager, feeding large dogs can mean higher food expenses. Large dogs are bigger in every way — including their stomachs. So you need more food for them than you might realize.

  Additionally, large dogs may need special food, as they have a delicate gastrointestinal tract and different needs. Food for larger dogs may cost $500 to $600 or more per year.^[5]

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  Pet insurance

  Pet insurance can help offset some costs related to illnesses and accidents. In exchange for paying a premium monthly, you’ll be eligible for certain benefits to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. Benefits vary based on the insurance company.

  Large dogs may be susceptible to certain conditions and have higher medical costs, increasing pet insurance costs. The average monthly premium for a 5-year-old dog is between $33 and $209 per month.

Largest dog breed FAQs