Saint Bernard
The Swiss Alps are considered the birthplace of these majestic giants, which 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. The average weight of a typical representative of this breed is 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, who weighed as much as 138 kg at the age of three. 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.
Pros of the breed
Great Dane dogs are the largest and most beautiful among others. The appearance of a representative of the breed makes you freeze in admiration, admiring the noble animal. Exterior is the main advantage of a dog, and the positive aspects of his character look like this:
- With proper training, the Great Dane will be a great friend.
- A very gentle and sensitive dog.
- Great Danes adore children, allowing them various pranks. But you shouldn’t leave a small child alone with a pet, because an angry Great Dane can knock him down.
- They are patient with pets.
- Loyal to their owner, they will fight to the death for him.
- They attack in the most extreme cases, when they realize that one of the family members is in danger.
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.
Story
Tibetan mastiffs themselves are the ancestors of many modern breeds. This is one of the oldest types of dogs that appeared on earth four and a half thousand years ago. In the writings of many great people, for example Aristotle and Marco Polo, there is a mention of giant dogs, and statements about them are quite flattering.
True, Aristotle suggested that such an amazing creature could only be born in the case of a relationship between a dog and a lion. The remoteness of the region and the secluded life of Tibetan monks led to whole dramas unfolding around the Mastiffs. Information received in Europe was scanty.
Everyone who managed to see the huge size of the dogs at least once was amazed and delighted by them at the same time.
There were rumors that these animals were cannibals. They did not eat people, but they could be raised in such a way as to be able to commit the murder of an unfortunate impudent person who illegally entered the territory of the monastery. It is believed that mastiffs were also used as herding dogs, herding cattle while protecting them from predators. There is an assumption that our heroes were also excellent hunters, but it has no confirmation and seems rather doubtful.
The history of the Tibetan Molossians is completely covered in secrets. There were rumors that, despite all the obscurity of the breed and its terrible appearance, the monarchs of different European countries kept several specimens in their kennels. But all this is nothing more than legends and there is no official confirmation. Interestingly, throughout their centuries-old history, mastiffs have remained virtually unchanged. Today you can look at exactly that monastery pet who once guarded the entrance gates to blessed places. A closed lifestyle and the absence of interspecific matings have helped preserve the purebred nature of this stunning genus to this day.
Little fame and frightening stories turned against the Tibetan giants during the period of Tibet's economic collapse. Then the dog population practically died out and only thanks to the intervention of the ruler of Nepal, several purebred specimens were preserved. The famous dog handler from the USA, Anna Roar, has taken the distribution and breeding of mastiffs into her own hands. A wide advertising campaign was carried out and support was received from the kennel club. Anna was the first, but after her breed clubs began to open in England, France, and Germany.
Today, the rescued clan is still small in number, but its popularity continues to grow. The World Canine Federation entered the breed into the register in 1961 under number 230.
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 massive dogs began to spread en masse across Europe 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.
The heaviest dog in the world - names and stories of record holders
All dogs, even members of the same breed, have distinctive characteristics. But some individuals are so unique that they become heroes of the Guinness Book of Records.
One of the first recognized heavyweights was the male Zorba, who lived with his owner in London. The Briton decided to officially register the achievements of his pet in 1987. On the scales, this large dog, whose breed was called the English Mastiff, showed a mass of 314.5 pounds (translated into Russian measures - 140 kg). The dog was born in 1981, that is, at the time of the record he was barely 6 years old.
Interestingly, after another two years, Zorba improved his result. In November 1989, the scales tipped to a record 343 pounds (155.6 kilograms). At the same time, the height of the dog at the withers was 37 inches (= 94 centimeters), and the length of the body was measured with a three-meter tape measure. From nose to tail, the dog's body stretched 8 feet and 3 inches (= 2.51 meters). So Zorba was simultaneously named the heaviest and tallest dog in the world.
Modern record holders are not so heavy, but they are distinguished by superior height. For example, in 2010, the blue dog George was listed in the Guinness Book of Books. This dog breed itself is large in size, but Jorda surpassed all of his relatives. This dog weighed 110 kg, and its height at the withers was 110 cm. In 2013, the championship went to the Great Dane Zeus, who lives in Michigan. He was quite thin (weighing just over 70 kg), but quite tall (height at withers 111.8 cm; body length 220 cm) representative of his breed.
Record holder for weight and height in the Guinness Book of Male Zorba
The Great Dane again tops the list of the 10 largest dog breeds in the world in 2020. A male named Freddie entered the Guinness Book of Records in June 2021. During the official measurement procedure, this giant dane showed the following results:
- Weight – 90 kg;
- Height at withers – 103.5 cm;
- The length of the body (height when standing on the hind legs) is 213 cm.
Such indicators allowed Freddie to overtake competitors and become the main canine unique in 2021. But he had worthy rivals: to get an impression of them, we propose in the next section to study large breeds of dogs with names, photos and a brief description.
The heaviest dog in the world is Freddy the Great Dane.
Related article:
Small dog breeds - top 35 breeds with photos and brief descriptions. It may also be interesting to read a list of the smallest dog breeds with photographs and a brief description of their characteristics.
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 a large head with a wrinkled forehead and thick fleshy lips are 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.
The largest breeds and their names
English Mastiff
A large and muscular dog with a strong build. Height at the withers is 70-91 cm. The withers of the giant pet are at the same level as the hip joint of a person of average height.
Price: 1000-1500 dollars.
The muscles are developed, folds of skin form on the face and head. The coat is short, thick, and lies tightly to the skin. Color apricot, beige, silver. The mask, ears and nose of any color must be dark.
The English Mastiff is calm and intelligent and easy to train. He behaves warily towards strangers.
English Mastiff
The English Mastiff quickly becomes attached to a person. A devoted friend will become a good guard and companion.
Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux's physique is harmonious and powerful. Height at the withers is 58-68 cm. The squat dog has well-developed muscles.
Price: 800-1300 dollars.
The stocky pet's coat is smooth, short, and lies tightly to the skin. The coat colors are uniform, although small spots are not considered a defect.
The guard and security skills of the Great Dane are highly developed.
An adult dog of this breed is alert and brave.
Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux is suitable for a person who needs a faithful friend.
Boerboel
The Boerboel has powerful bones and a strong build. Height: 59-70 cm. Movements are strong and confident, but not without lightness. The head is rectangular, wide, in harmony with the body.
Price: 700-900 dollars.
The neck muscles are highly developed, the chest is wide. The coat is short and smooth. Acceptable colors: brindle, red, fawn. Some representatives of the breed may not have a mask.
The dog is impressive and active. The Boerboel is suitable for a person leading an active lifestyle.
The dog requires attention and daily exercise.
Boerboel
The breed is not characterized by cowardice; the dog can become a good guard and faithful comrade.
Bullmastiff
The muscular physique demonstrates strength, a constitution with elements of dampness. Height at the withers is 61-69 cm. Comparing with a person of 170 cm height, the height of a bullmastiff reaches the middle of a person’s thigh.
Price: from 250 dollars.
The head is square with a pronounced transition from the forehead to the muzzle. The eyes are wide apart and the ears are erect. The coat is hard and short. Colors: red, brindle, fawn.
The Bullmastiff dog does not like to voice for no reason, and is an excellent guard dog. The affectionate dog is loyal to its owner and very active.
The Bullmastiff, like all large breeds of dogs, is not advisable to keep in an apartment.
The dog needs free space to run. The Bullmastiff has a strong sense of self-esteem, and if he harbors a grudge, he can become aggressive.
Bullmastiff
American Akita
The dog with a massive body and powerful bones has a wedge-shaped muzzle with a well-defined stop point. Height at the withers is 61-71 cm. The ears are erect, the eyes are small, almond-shaped. The back is straight, the chest is wide, the abdominal line is moderately curved.
Price: 400-1500 dollars.
The coat is medium length and has a thick undercoat. Colors are allowed only bright and clean with evenly distributed spots.
An obedient Akita is devoted to its owner. An active dog will require exercise.
It is undesirable to suppress the activity of an Akita; this can lead to isolation and an angry mood.
American Akita
Akita is suitable for a patient person who is willing to devote a lot of time to training and training.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
The Mountain Hound is a sled dog and has well-developed muscles. Height: 62-72 cm. The back and chest are wide, the legs are long and strong.
Price: 500-700 dollars.
The color of a typical representative of the breed is tricolor. On the coarse short coat of charcoal color, red and white spots are located symmetrically.
The dog is efficient and active. A measured and overly calm course of life will cause depression in the Mountain Hound and provoke isolation with aggression.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Good nature and friendliness characterize the large dog, which easily finds contact with children and pets.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
The muscles of the Caucasian Shepherd are voluminous, and the skeleton is powerful, the format is slightly stretched. Height up to 75 cm. The physique is harmonious, the muzzle is wide, tapering towards the nose. The coat is of medium length, does not lie close to the skin, the undercoat is dense.
Price: $125-240.
Any colors or combinations of colors are acceptable, with the exception of plain black.
The shepherd's temperament is balanced. Dogs are active and confident. Training a shepherd is easy, the dog understands the owner well.
The Shepherd is fearless, and its watchdog and protective qualities are strongly expressed.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a large, hairy dog with a well-proportioned build. Height at the withers is approximately 71 cm. The body is short and muscular.
Price: 240-1000 dollars.
The coat is slightly wavy, long, and due to its structure, it repels water. The hair on the face and ears is short and soft. Color: black and white, brown, black.
The Newfoundland has a soft character. The dog's kindness and tolerance allow him to be adopted by families with other pets and children.
The pet is calm and unhurried, but for its full development it is necessary to pay attention to physical activity.
Newfoundland
Alabai
The Alabai body type is rough. Height: 62-78 cm (above the midline of the thigh of a person of average height). The dog's muzzle is blunt, not long; The ears are triangular and drooping. The coat is thick and coarse.
Price: 200-800 dollars.
The wool adheres well to the skin. Any color is acceptable except blue and brown.
The independent nature of the Alabai is unlikely to allow the pet to cuddle with its owner. The Asian Shepherd shows its love in devotion.
Alabai is an excellent watchman and security guard; a brave dog will be wary of strangers.
Alabai
Deerhound
Height of an adult deerhound at the withers: 71-81 cm. The dog belongs to the greyhound group. The elongated body on high paws gives the impression of a fast and active dog.
Price: 450-1100 dollars
.The lower back is convex, and the stomach is strongly tucked. The coat is hard, wavy, and of medium length.
A dog with a dual nature, on the one hand, is active on the street and in games, on the other, calm and affectionate in the house.
The elegant deerhound is not suitable for keeping in an apartment or in an aviary.
Deerhound
Mastino Neapolitan
The Dogo Italica has a strong, raw constitution. The heavy Italian Dogo has a height of 65-70 cm at the withers. The dog's short, massive muzzle is covered with folds of skin.
Price: 630-1600 dollars.
The coat is smooth. The color comes in grey, black and red. Spots anywhere other than on the sternum are not acceptable.
Heavy mastinos are sociable dogs, strongly attached to their owner and family. It is recommended to have such pets for families with children. Affectionate and tolerant dogs need exercise and are completely unsuitable for people living in an apartment. Depending on the training course, the dog can be trained as a guard dog or as a companion. The Mastino's attitude towards people and animals depends on socialization.
No matter how kind the dog is to the child, you cannot leave them alone.
Mastino Neapolitan
Leonberger
The muscular but graceful Leonberger dog has long legs and an elongated body. Height: 65-80. On the chest and neck, long hair creates a collar.
Price: 470-800 dollars.
Colors: light yellow, brown, golden, red-brown.
The guard dog has a gentle character. A reasonable and calm dog will not cause mischief and spoil things if he gets enough exercise every day.
Leonbergers need daily communication with their owner.
The dog becomes attached to the whole family and to children in particular; he will never let his friends be offended.
Leonberger
Kangal
This breed runs very fast, and the Kangal has a harmonious physique. Height is 72-86 cm. A typical representative of the breed looks lean, despite a large head with strong jaws, a strong neck, a wide chest and powerful paws.
Price: 700-1500 dollars.
A distinctive feature of the Kangal is its tail, which curls into a ring on its back. Coat colors range from light grey, tan and light brown.
The Kangal's character is calm, balanced and friendly, he needs human attention, and he gets along especially well with children.
Does not conflict with pets.
Kangal
Tibetan mastiff
The impressive dimensions of a typical representative of the breed: 65-70 cm at the withers. A muscular body, thick dark fur and strong paws characterize the Tibetan Mastiff in appearance.
Price: 300-2200 dollars.
Behind the formidable image of the Tibetan mastiff is an affectionate and kind disposition. The huge dog does not like to conflict and gets along well with other pets. Dogs are independent and proud, so they show affection and love only when they want it.
An obvious advantage of the dog compared to its size is its calm temperament and silence.
The security and guard qualities of the shaggy dog are excellent. The Tibetan Mastiff is suitable for people who need reliable protection and an unobtrusive friend.
Tibetan mastiff
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 Great Dane named Shamgret Donzas was considered the largest dog. 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.
Character
The Great Dane is the largest dog among numerous breeds. A king among dogs, he has a noble disposition.
Puppies are restless and curious, their charming nose will go everywhere it fits. It is advisable to remove wires, adapters, and Internet cables from the puppy’s field of vision, because the baby will taste everything that comes his way. The same problem with clothes and shoes, Great Dane puppies will definitely recognize their taste.
The biggest Great Dane willingly makes contact, what can we say about a puppy exploring the world. He will not demand every minute affection, because representatives of the breed have a sense of self-esteem. In order to show its affection for the owner, the small pet follows on his heels, tries not to let him out of sight, and at the first opportunity lies down at his feet. Such is the case with a matured dog, which has realized that the owner is the leader of the pack.
How to raise a dog? First of all, you need to know about her mental abilities. Great Danes are highly trainable and do not have the innate stubbornness that other large breeds have. However, there is one caveat: the dog requires a respectful attitude towards his person. An attempt to subdue him using physical force will end in complete failure. The dog will stop accepting the sadistic owner, or even fight back for himself.
It is advisable for people taking their first steps in the world of dogs to acquire a different breed. The Great Dane is the largest dog among other representatives of this or that breed, and it is quite difficult to cope with him. Without experience in raising dogs, you can end up with a huge phlegmatic machine, which at the moment of danger becomes an angry monster. It is more appropriate to remain silent about the number of crippled people and animals that fell under the dog’s hot paw.
Central asian shepherd dog
The homeland of representatives of this breed is considered to be Turkestan, and among its ancestors are Mongolian shepherd dogs, Tibetan mastiffs and herding molossians. The local population led a nomadic lifestyle and was engaged in cattle breeding. Therefore, they needed hardy dogs capable of protecting their 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 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.
Deerhound
One of the oldest breeds in the world, the Scottish Deerhound, ranks seventh in the ranking of giant dogs. With a height of 76-80 cm, the weight of males reaches 50 kg, the weight of animals up to 65 kg is possible, although quite rare. The breed was bred for deer hunting. The Deerhound has an excellent sense of smell, excellent reaction speed and a balanced character. The breed is distinguished by excellent memory, excellent predisposition to training, and care for children. These dogs are quite trusting, so they are not suitable for guarding purposes.
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 masterfully control their own body and rarely get injured. The huge square body of these animals is 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.
Irish Wolfhound
In sixth position in the ranking is a bright representative of the giants among dogs, which is one of the tallest breeds in the world - the Irish Wolfhound, with a minimum height of 79 cm for males, their weight is 55-60 kg. A weight of up to 75 kilograms is not considered rare for the breed.
With a calm and kind character, the Irish Wolfhound has excellent guarding and hunting qualities. The breed is recognized as a Celtic Heritage Site. These dogs are distinguished by their muscular body structure, thick coat, ease and swiftness of movements, and external elegance.
