The 19 Biggest Dogs in the World, Ranked by Weight
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but some pups are truly enormous! These gentle giants often surprise people with their massive frames and impressive weights. From working breeds developed for specific tasks to companion dogs bred for their size, these canine colossi capture our imagination and hearts. Let’s explore the world’s heaviest dog breeds, ranked by their typical adult weight.
1. English Mastiff
Holding the record for the heaviest dog ever recorded, the English Mastiff is a mountain of fur and muscle. Zorba, the heaviest documented dog, weighed an astonishing 343 pounds! These historic guardians have protected homes for thousands of years.
Despite their intimidating size, English Mastiffs are known for their docile temperament and patient nature with children. They’re surprisingly low-energy indoors, often described as ‘couch potatoes’ by their owners.
Males typically weigh between 160-230 pounds, while females range from 120-170 pounds. Their massive heads and droopy jowls are distinctive features of this ancient breed that dates back to 3000 BCE.
2. Saint Bernard
Famous for their alpine rescue missions, Saint Bernards are powerhouses weighing between 140-180 pounds. These mountain dogs were originally bred by monks in the Swiss Alps to find and rescue travelers lost in snowstorms and avalanches.
Their thick double coat protected them from harsh weather while carrying out their heroic duties. With a barrel of brandy around their neck (a myth created by paintings), these gentle giants have saved over 2,000 lives throughout history.
Their patient demeanor makes them excellent family companions despite their slobbery kisses. The breed nearly went extinct in the 1800s after disease decimated their numbers but was saved by careful breeding programs.
3. Newfoundland
Water rescue experts with webbed feet and waterproof coats, Newfoundlands typically weigh between 130-150 pounds. These working dogs were developed in Canada to help fishermen haul nets and rescue people from frigid North Atlantic waters.
Their swimming abilities are legendary—they can swim for miles and have a natural instinct to save drowning victims. A Newfoundland named Seaman accompanied Lewis and Clark on their famous expedition across America.
Their sweet temperament earned them the nickname ‘nanny dogs’ as they naturally watch over children. Their massive size is matched only by their loving hearts, making them exceptional family guardians despite the considerable drool they produce.
4. Tibetan Mastiff
Majestic and lion-like, the Tibetan Mastiff can weigh up to 150 pounds. These ancient guardian dogs protected Tibetan monasteries and nomadic camps in the Himalayas for centuries, working independently in harsh mountain conditions.
A red Tibetan Mastiff named Big Splash made headlines when he sold for $1.5 million in China, becoming the world’s most expensive dog. Their thick double coat helps them survive extreme cold, while their independent and sometimes stubborn nature reflects their history as autonomous guardians.
Unlike many large breeds, they have relatively few health issues and can live 12-15 years. They’re known for their nocturnal barking—a leftover behavior from their watchdog duties.
5. Great Dane
Zeus, the tallest dog ever recorded at 44 inches at the shoulder, was a Great Dane weighing 155 pounds. Originally bred for hunting wild boar in Germany, these ‘Apollo of Dogs’ evolved into elegant companions despite their imposing size.
Standing on hind legs, Great Danes often tower over their owners at 7 feet tall! Their graceful movement belies their weight of 120-175 pounds. Despite their massive frames, they’re known as ‘gentle giants’ who often think they’re lap dogs.
Their short lifespan (7-10 years) is the unfortunate downside to their magnificent size. Great Danes come in various colors including brindle, fawn, blue, black, harlequin, and mantle patterns.
6. Irish Wolfhound
Once used to hunt wolves in Ireland, these sighthounds can reach weights of 120-155 pounds. Their impressive height makes them the tallest of all dog breeds, standing up to 35 inches at the shoulder—taller than some ponies!
Despite their formidable hunting history, Irish Wolfhounds are surprisingly gentle and calm indoors. These ancient dogs were so prized that they were given as royal gifts, and only nobility could own them in medieval Ireland.
Their wiry coat requires regular grooming, and their sweet temperament makes them poor guard dogs despite their size. Roman records from 391 AD mention these ‘dogs of war’ that impressed even the toughest soldiers with their courage.
7. Leonberger
Created to resemble lions, Leonbergers are mountain dogs weighing between 120-150 pounds. These majestic German dogs were developed in the 1800s by Heinrich Essig, who wanted to create a dog resembling the lion on Leonberg’s town crest.
Their waterproof double coat and webbed feet make them excellent swimmers often used in water rescue. Males develop an impressive lion-like mane around their neck and chest, enhancing their regal appearance.
Nearly extinct after both World Wars with only a handful of dogs remaining, dedicated breeders saved this versatile working breed. Their gentle temperament with children contrasts with their imposing size, making them popular family companions despite their considerable grooming needs.
8. Anatolian Shepherd
Livestock guardians from Turkey, Anatolian Shepherds weigh between 110-150 pounds. These independent working dogs have protected flocks from predators including wolves and bears for thousands of years across the harsh Turkish plateau.
Their protective instincts are legendary—they’re now used worldwide to guard endangered species like cheetahs from poachers. Their short, dense coat adapts to extreme temperatures, allowing them to work in harsh climates year-round.
Unlike many guard dogs, they work by prevention rather than aggression, placing themselves between their charges and potential threats. Their serious demeanor and independent decision-making skills come from centuries of working alone with minimal human direction.
9. Bernese Mountain Dog
Farm dogs from Switzerland, Bernese Mountain Dogs typically weigh 85-120 pounds. Their striking tri-color coat—black with white chest and rust markings—makes them instantly recognizable among the Swiss mountain breeds.
Developed to pull carts, herd cattle, and guard farms in the Swiss Alps, these versatile workers are powerhouses with gentle souls. Their pulling strength is impressive—a single Bernese can pull many times its weight across mountain terrain.
Unfortunately, they have one of the shortest lifespans among dogs, averaging just 7-8 years. Their happy-go-lucky personality and devotion to children have earned them the nickname ‘gentle giants’ despite their considerable size and strength.
10. Cane Corso
Ancient Roman war dogs, Cane Corsos are muscular guardians weighing 88-110 pounds. These Italian mastiffs were once battlefield companions and later became versatile farm dogs, hunting wild boar and guarding property.
Nearly extinct by the 1970s, the breed was revived by dedicated enthusiasts. Their name derives from ‘cohors,’ Latin for ‘protector’ or ‘bodyguard’—a role they still excel in today.
Athletic despite their size, they move with cat-like grace and surprising speed. Their short coat comes in various colors including black, gray, fawn, and red. Properly socialized Corsos are confident but calm, displaying the self-assurance of a natural guardian without unnecessary aggression.
11. Neapolitan Mastiff
Walking wrinkles with a purpose, Neapolitan Mastiffs weigh between 110-150 pounds. These Italian guardians were developed from ancient Roman war dogs, with their loose, wrinkled skin designed to protect them in fights—allowing them to twist and turn even when grabbed by an attacker.
Their intimidating appearance is their primary defense mechanism. Historically, they were displayed during daylight to deter intruders, then released at night to patrol properties.
Despite their fearsome looks, well-bred Neapolitans are calm and steady with family. Their distinctive appearance includes a massive head, heavy bone structure, and loose skin that forms deep wrinkles and folds, giving them an unmistakable, almost prehistoric appearance.
12. Dogue de Bordeaux
Made famous by the movie ‘Turner & Hooch,’ these French mastiffs weigh 99-110 pounds. One of the oldest French dog breeds, they were once used for hunting large game, guarding estates, and even pulling carts.
Their massive head is the largest in proportion to body size of any breed. The distinctive wrinkled face and serious expression hide a heart of gold—they’re known for being especially attached to their families.
Their short mahogany-red coat requires minimal grooming, but their drooling capabilities are legendary. Despite their intimidating appearance, they’re patient with children and deeply loyal to their families, though they remain appropriately wary of strangers.
13. Boerboel
South African farm guardians, Boerboels typically weigh 150-200 pounds of pure muscle. Developed by Dutch settlers to protect homesteads from predators including lions, these powerful dogs combine the strength of mastiffs with surprising agility.
‘Boerboel’ translates to ‘farmer’s dog’ in Afrikaans, reflecting their primary purpose. They’re known for their intelligence and ability to gauge threats accurately—distinguishing between welcome guests and potential dangers.
Their short coat comes in various shades from light fawn to dark brindle. Unlike many giant breeds, Boerboels remain athletic and agile throughout their lives. Their confident but calm demeanor makes them excellent family protectors when properly trained and socialized.
14. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Draft dogs from the Swiss Alps, ‘Swissies’ weigh between 85-140 pounds. These powerful working dogs share their distinctive tri-color pattern with their cousin, the Bernese Mountain Dog, but have a shorter coat and larger build.
Believed to be descendants of Roman war dogs, they were developed as all-purpose farm dogs that could herd cattle, pull carts, and guard property. Their pulling strength is remarkable—they can move carts weighing over 3,000 pounds!
Despite their serious working heritage, they’re known for a goofy, playful personality that persists well into adulthood. Their short coat requires less maintenance than other Swiss mountain breeds while still providing protection in alpine conditions.
15. Caucasian Shepherd
Mountain guardians from Russia, Caucasian Shepherds can weigh an impressive 140-200 pounds. These ancient livestock guardians protected flocks from wolves and bears in the harsh Caucasus Mountains for centuries.
Their massive size is enhanced by an extremely thick double coat that forms a mane around the neck, especially in males. In their homeland, they’re still used to guard sheep from predators and were even employed by the Soviet Army to patrol borders.
Fiercely territorial and protective, they’re not recommended for inexperienced owners. Their independent nature comes from centuries of making decisions without human direction while guarding flocks in remote mountain pastures.
16. Pyrenean Mastiff
Spanish livestock guardians, Pyrenean Mastiffs weigh between 120-180 pounds. These majestic white giants patrolled the Pyrenees Mountains protecting sheep from wolves and bears for centuries.
Unlike many guardian breeds, they were developed to work in packs, cooperating to drive off predators rather than fighting them directly. Their impressive white coats often feature distinctive gray, tan, or black markings on the head and body.
Despite their imposing size, they’re known for a calm, patient temperament. Traditional Spanish shepherds valued these dogs so highly that they were considered equal working partners, often wearing decorative collars with spikes to protect their necks from wolf attacks.
17. Kangal
Turkish livestock guardians, Kangals typically weigh 90-145 pounds of solid muscle. These ancient dogs have protected flocks against wolves and bears in central Turkey for thousands of years, developing incredible strength and courage.
Their bite force measures an astonishing 743 PSI—the strongest of any domestic dog. Despite this power, they’re known for their gentle handling of lambs and children.
Traditionally, Turkish shepherds fit these dogs with spiked collars to protect their necks during wolf encounters. Their pale tan to gray coat reflects heat in their arid homeland. Kangals work by establishing a perimeter around their flock, intercepting predators before they can reach the animals under their protection.
18. Moscow Watchdog
Created by crossing Saint Bernards and Caucasian Shepherds, Moscow Watchdogs weigh 100-150 pounds. Developed in the 1950s by the Soviet military, these impressive dogs were bred to combine the Saint Bernard’s size with the Caucasian Shepherd’s protective instincts.
Their red and white coat resembles a Saint Bernard but with a more guardian-like temperament. The breed was specifically designed for military and police work during the Cold War era.
Less common outside Russia and Eastern Europe, they’re gaining popularity as family guardians. They’re known for being more trainable than their Caucasian Shepherd ancestors while maintaining strong protective instincts. Unlike many giant breeds, they remain active and athletic throughout their lives.
19. Spanish Mastiff
Transhumance guardians, Spanish Mastiffs can weigh between 140-200 pounds. These ancient livestock protectors traditionally accompanied Spanish shepherds on seasonal migrations, guarding thousands of sheep against wolves.
Their distinctive deep bark carries for miles across the Spanish countryside, warning predators to stay away. Unlike many guardian breeds, they were developed to work in groups, creating a defensive perimeter around massive flocks.
Their loose skin and pendulous lips are characteristic features, along with their leonine appearance. Spanish Mastiffs move with a slow, deliberate gait that conserves energy—essential for dogs that needed to travel long distances with migrating flocks while remaining alert for predators.
