Ever Seen a 250-Pound Dog? Meet the World’s 17 Heaviest Breeds
When it comes to dogs, size definitely matters—especially if you’re the kind of person who sees a 200-pound drool machine and thinks, “Yep, that’s the one for me.”
Giant dog breeds have a way of stopping people in their tracks. Whether it’s their sheer mass, their lion-like fur, or the fact that they could probably knock over a grown man just by leaning in for a cuddle, these colossal canines are unforgettable.
But don’t let the intimidating size fool you—many of the world’s biggest dogs are actually the gentlest souls around.
These oversized sweethearts often think they’re lap dogs and will try to curl up beside you (or on you) with zero awareness of their scale.
They’ve been bred for everything from guarding livestock and rescuing stranded hikers to simply being majestic companions worthy of kings, queens, and drool-covered sofas.
In this list, we’re ranking the 17 biggest dog breeds in the world by weight—from the hefty to the absolutely humongous.
Some are relatively rare and known only in certain regions, while others are popular family pets with a surprisingly chill demeanor.
You’ll meet muscular mastiffs, towering wolfhounds, and mountain dogs so fluffy they look like walking carpets—if those carpets were capable of pulling sleds or taking down predators.
Whether you’re a lover of large breeds, a curious pet enthusiast, or just someone who wants to see how heavy a dog can actually get (spoiler: very), this list will give you a jaw-dropping look at the world’s canine heavyweights.
So grab your biggest chew toy and prepare to be amazed—because these dogs aren’t just big… they’re monumental.
17. Bernese Mountain Dog
Don’t be fooled by the friendly face—this tri-colored beauty is an absolute unit. Weighing in at up to 115 pounds, the Bernese Mountain Dog was originally bred to pull carts in the Swiss Alps.
Their sturdy build and strong legs make them excellent workers, but it’s their warm personality that wins hearts.
Despite their impressive size, they’re total softies. These dogs are deeply loyal, gentle with kids, and surprisingly affectionate. They’ll gladly sprawl across your feet like a living blanket—or try to sit in your lap, unaware of their bulk.
They shed like crazy and need room to roam, but if you’re looking for a massive dog with a mellow vibe, the Bernese is a mountainous marvel.
16. Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux is all about presence. With their droopy jowls, massive heads, and intense eyes, they carry themselves like royalty—if royalty could snore loud enough to shake windows.
Topping out at 140 pounds, these French mastiffs are solid muscle wrapped in wrinkled velvet.
Bred for guarding homes and pulling loads, they’re protective without being overly aggressive. But make no mistake—this dog can knock you flat if they decide it’s cuddle time.
They’re known for bonding deeply with their humans and being surprisingly laid-back, almost couch-potatoish. Just don’t expect a clean house.
Between the slobber and the shedding, it’s a full-time job—but totally worth it if you’re into big dogs with even bigger hearts.
15. Newfoundland
Think of the Newfoundland as the lifeguard of the dog world—except fluffier and weighing up to 150 pounds. These gentle giants are famous for their swimming abilities, thanks to webbed feet and powerful limbs.
Historically, they’ve pulled drowning fishermen from icy waters. Today? They’re more likely pulling you off the couch to go for a walk.
With their calm temperament and love of people, Newfies make excellent family dogs. They’re especially great with kids and are often described as “nanny dogs.” Just be ready for serious grooming.
That thick double coat is beautiful, but it’s a magnet for mud, snow, and anything your dog decides to roll in. Still, few breeds offer the same mix of heroism and huggability.
14. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff doesn’t walk—it strides, like it owns every sidewalk, trail, or mountain slope it’s on.
These ancient guardians can reach 160 pounds and are covered in a dramatic, lion-like mane that makes them look like they walked out of a fantasy novel.
Originally bred to protect monasteries from predators, this breed is independent and fiercely loyal. They’re not here to please you—they’re here to protect you.
That said, they’re incredibly affectionate with their chosen people, though wary of strangers. Training a Tibetan Mastiff takes patience and a solid fence, but once you earn their trust, they’re a fearless and devoted companion.
Just don’t expect them to fetch your slippers—they’re more likely to guard them.
13. Leonberger
Named after the city of Leonberg, Germany, the Leonberger is what happens when you mix a Saint Bernard, a Newfoundland, and a Great Pyrenees. The result? A fluffy, regal giant that can weigh up to 170 pounds and still think it belongs on your lap.
These dogs were bred to resemble lions, and the resemblance is striking—from their thick mane-like fur to their confident posture. But underneath the grandeur is a goofball.
Leonbergers are known for being playful, gentle, and incredibly loving toward their families. They thrive on companionship and don’t like being left alone for long.
Their size means they need space and plenty of exercise, but their temperament is surprisingly chill. With proper training and care, this “lion dog” makes a loyal, majestic housemate.
12. Great Pyrenees
Majestic and cloud-like, the Great Pyrenees can weigh up to 160 pounds—and still float across your yard like a ghost in white. Originally bred to guard sheep in the Pyrenees Mountains, this dog is a mix of patience, power, and protective instinct.
Despite their size, they’re remarkably calm and gentle, especially with children. They’re known for their independence and low-key personalities—unless they sense a threat.
Then, their guardian instincts kick in, and their bark could easily wake the neighborhood. These dogs aren’t overly needy, but they form deep bonds with their families and will silently follow you from room to room like a furry bodyguard.
11. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, or “Swissy,” is all about solid, old-school strength. With weights reaching up to 140 pounds, these tricolor powerhouses were bred in the Swiss Alps to pull carts and guard livestock—and they haven’t forgotten it.
They’re confident, alert, and incredibly dependable. Though they can look imposing, Swissies are gentle with family members and eager to please. They’re also vocal—often announcing visitors with a booming bark.
While they may not be as famous as some other large breeds, Swiss Mountain Dogs are built for adventure, affection, and hard work.
Just be ready to give them a job. A bored Swissy is a destructive Swissy, and they’ll happily redecorate your backyard if left unattended.
10. Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff looks like a creature from mythology—massive, wrinkled, and dripping with old-world gravitas. Weighing up to 150 pounds, this Italian guardian is all muscle and folds.
They were bred to intimidate intruders without having to lift a paw—and they still do.
Despite their fearsome appearance, they’re actually affectionate and mellow around their humans. They tend to be couch potatoes, happy to spend their time lounging beside you like a giant, snoring statue.
That said, they’re not for the faint of heart. Training a Neo requires experience, confidence, and a serious mop (because drool happens a lot).
But if you’re looking for a dog that’s equal parts ancient protector and oversized cuddle buddy, the Neapolitan Mastiff delivers.
9. Anatolian Shepherd
The Anatolian Shepherd was bred in the rugged Turkish countryside to fend off predators—and with males reaching 150 pounds, they’re more than up to the task.
This isn’t a dog that needs your approval. It’s a self-sufficient, fiercely loyal guardian that doesn’t mess around.
Anatolians are naturally wary of strangers and often serious in demeanor. But with their families, they’re deeply protective and calm.
They’re not the best fit for small apartments or inexperienced owners, but for those who understand working breeds, they offer unmatched loyalty.
Give them room to roam and a job to do, and they’ll reward you with watchful devotion and a quiet, confident presence that feels like living with a gentle tank.
8. Akbash
Another Turkish powerhouse, the Akbash may not be a household name—but it definitely leaves an impression.
With an average weight of up to 140 pounds, these ghost-white guardians are bred to blend in with sheep and outmatch predators in strength and stamina.
The Akbash is incredibly alert, intelligent, and instinctively protective. They’re independent thinkers who don’t need constant direction, which can be a blessing—or a challenge.
While they may be aloof with strangers, they’re loving and gentle with their humans.
This isn’t a clingy dog, but it’s certainly one that watches over you like family. With proper socialization and space to roam, the Akbash becomes a loyal, steady companion with a heart as big as its paws.
7. Irish Wolfhound
Tall, noble, and often described as a “gentle giant,” the Irish Wolfhound may not always be the heaviest, but it’s often the tallest—some even standing over 7 feet on their hind legs.
Still, these leggy giants can weigh up to 180 pounds, and they carry that weight with elegance.
Bred to hunt wolves (yes, really), Irish Wolfhounds have a calm and sweet temperament.
They’re soft-spoken, friendly with everyone, and surprisingly low-energy for their size. They prefer lounging in sunbeams to chasing balls, and their shaggy coat gives them a slightly mythical vibe.
Don’t let their chill demeanor fool you, though—they’re incredibly loyal and courageous when it counts. If you’ve got the space (and a tall enough couch), this lanky giant will happily call your home their castle.
6. Boerboel
Hailing from South Africa, the Boerboel is a muscular powerhouse with an impressive weight that can reach 200 pounds. Bred as a farm guardian, this dog’s name literally means “farmer’s dog,” and it excels at both protection and companionship.
Despite its fearsome frame, the Boerboel is deeply devoted to its family. These dogs are confident, brave, and calm—but only when properly trained.
Early socialization is critical with this breed, as their protective instincts run deep. Left unchecked, they can become overly territorial.
Boerboels thrive in homes where they have a clear role and plenty of mental stimulation. Give them structure and affection, and they’ll reward you with unwavering loyalty and a whole lot of love—with a side of muscle.
5. Caucasian Shepherd (Ovcharka)
Imagine a bear disguised as a dog and you’re halfway to understanding the Caucasian Shepherd. This mountain guardian from the Caucasus region can weigh up to 200 pounds and is built like a wooly fortress with fur.
Originally bred to protect flocks from wolves and even bears, this breed is no joke. They’re incredibly loyal and protective—but also very strong-willed.
They require firm, experienced handling and are best suited to owners who understand how to manage dominant breeds. This isn’t a dog you train once and forget—it’s a lifelong relationship.
With proper socialization and structure, the Ovcharka becomes a fearless yet affectionate family protector. Just make sure your fence is strong, your leadership is stronger, and you’re ready for some serious fluff.
4. English Mastiff
When people think of heavy dogs, the English Mastiff often tops the list—and for good reason.
These gentle giants can tip the scales at a whopping 230 pounds, with some legendary individuals exceeding even that. They are quite literally one of the heaviest dog breeds in the world.
But don’t expect hyperactivity. English Mastiffs are famously mellow and love lounging beside their humans, ideally somewhere with ample floor space.
They’re affectionate, loyal, and surprisingly good with children, despite their colossal size. In fact, their sweet nature is what wins most owners over.
That said, training and early socialization are a must. Their size alone can be overwhelming, so it’s essential they’re well-mannered from the start.
With a calm home and confident guidance, the English Mastiff is a lovable, lumbering giant you’ll never forget.
3. Kangal
The Kangal might not look as bulky as some mastiffs, but don’t be fooled—this Turkish shepherd dog is a compact powerhouse.
While average weights range from 110 to 145 pounds, some exceptional males have crossed the 200-pound mark thanks to their dense muscle and large bone structure.
What really sets the Kangal apart is its unmatched bite force—the strongest of any dog breed. Bred to protect livestock from wolves and jackals, these dogs are brave, alert, and built for action.
Despite their protective nature, Kangals are typically calm, gentle, and even affectionate with their family.
They need space, mental stimulation, and an owner who understands working dogs. Give them purpose and respect their instincts, and you’ll have one of the world’s most loyal—and seriously strong—companions.
2. Saint Bernard
With their iconic barrels and snowbound hero legacy, Saint Bernards are more than just lovable goofballs—they’re certified heavyweights.
These alpine rescuers can weigh between 140 and 260 pounds, with massive frames, thick coats, and a heart to match.
Saint Bernards are famously gentle, patient, and affectionate, especially with children. Their calm demeanor makes them great indoor dogs, though you’ll want a mop handy—drool is a package deal.
Their size means they need space and structure, but they’re not high-energy dogs. A few walks and plenty of naps will keep them happy.
If you’re looking for a dog that combines working-class strength with a teddy bear personality, the Saint Bernard brings the weight—and the warmth.
1. American Alsatian
Taking the crown as the biggest dog by weight potential is the American Alsatian—a relatively new breed designed to look like a dire wolf but behave like a teddy bear. These dogs can easily reach 250 pounds or more, depending on lineage and build.
Unlike many other large breeds, the American Alsatian was developed specifically for companionship. They’re calm, quiet, and incredibly affectionate with their humans.
Their thick, wolf-like coats and golden eyes may turn heads, but their mellow personality is what wins hearts.
They’re great with kids, get along well with other pets, and don’t require as much exercise as you’d expect from their size. Just be ready for stairs to become optional—and furniture space to disappear.
If you want a dog that looks like a legend and weighs like one too, the American Alsatian is top of the pack.
