Wolves Look Small Next To These 15 Dog Breeds

Wolves get all this hype for being big and wild—but have you seen some of the dogs walking around suburban neighborhoods these days? Absolute units. You expect them to be pulling sleds or guarding castles, not casually trotting past your local coffee shop. So, let’s take a look at 15 dog breeds that make wolves seem like they’re still growing into their fur.

English Mastiff

Tip the scales at 230 pounds, and you’ve officially outgrown the average wolf. English Mastiffs hold records for sheer bulk—one even hit 343 pounds. These dogs are believed to descend from ancient large dogs, a few of which were used in warfare by the Romans.

Irish Wolfhound

Typically, Irish Wolfhounds measure between 32 and 34 inches at the shoulder, with certain individuals surpassing 35 inches—taller than wolves in the wild. Bred in Ireland over 2,000 years ago to hunt actual wolves, they succeeded so thoroughly that the wolf population nearly vanished.

Great Dane

A dining room table isn’t safe with a Great Dane nearby, as one curious sniff and goodbye centerpiece. Their height is downright theatrical. When they lean in for attention, it’s like being approached by a lanky horse in a dog costume. 

Caucasian Shepherd

The Caucasian Shepherd’s thick double fur gives it the appearance of a small bear. Used to guard mountain flocks, they charge head-on into snowdrifts like furry snowplows. They don’t just deter danger—they look like danger, get bored, and leave.

Saint Bernard

Saint Bernards were developed by Swiss monks for alpine rescue missions. Their size serves a thermal function, allowing them to retain body heat in frigid conditions. While their sheer body mass exceeds most wolf species, their barrel chest and short muzzle differentiate them from wolves.

Boerboel

Originating in South Africa, the Boerboel is a mastiff-type dog used for homestead protection. Its muscular build and wide stance enable it to anchor its body during confrontations. Moreover, topping 200 pounds and thick with muscle, they often outweigh wolves by 100 pounds. 

Leonberger

This breed combines features from the Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, and Great Pyrenees, and was developed to resemble lions in European courts. Their frame includes a deep chest, broad shoulders, and a straight back, giving them a larger surface area and more body volume than a typical wolf.

Tibetan Mastiff

Roaming Himalayan villages at night, Tibetan Mastiffs deter intruders just by existing. Some reach 150 pounds and carry more coats than a snowstorm. Described as cat-like in their independence, they require no backup. So, if wolves approach livestock, it’s these dogs who make them think twice.

Anatolian Shepherd

Anatolian Shepherds keep predators at bay with silence and size. Standing up to 29 inches and weighing up to 150 pounds, they rarely bark before acting. Also, farmers trust them against wolves, and for good reason—these dogs win without drama.

Newfoundland

Built for water rescues in the icy Atlantic, Newfoundlands combine mass with surprising agility. Some exceed 150 pounds, and their webbed feet make them efficient swimmers. A wolf wouldn’t stand a chance in a tug-of-war, as these dogs once hauled lifeboats and dragged grown men from the sea.

Kangal

Kangals were bred in rural Turkey to protect flocks from large predators. They are agile and possess unusually strong jaws for a domestic dog. Moreover, this breed has a tall frame, high muscle density, and focused guarding instincts.

Great Pyrenees

Cloud-white and calm, the Great Pyrenees silently protect flocks across mountain ranges. Don’t be fooled by the fluff—males reach 160 pounds and wield strength behind their serenity. Interestingly, one Pyrenees can defend against multiple wolves.

Alabai (Central Asian Shepherd)

In harsh desert steppes, the Alabai became a survivalist’s dream. Reaching 170 pounds, these dogs are bred to face wolves head-on. With loose skin to shield vital organs and a bite force exceeding 500 PSI, their job is to make predators feel outmatched.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Picture the Swiss fields, where Bernese Mountain Dogs once pulled carts and herded cattle. Though not the biggest on the list, they stand tall with broad shoulders and a determined presence. While their weight can sometimes surpass that of wolves, the ranges do overlap—so it’s not always the case.

King Shepherd

A blend of German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and sometimes Great Pyrenees, the King Shepherd was designed for versatility. It carries a thicker frame and broader back than its standard counterparts. With a confident stance and thick undercoat, it appears bulkier than any wolf.