Welcome to Top10Archive!
We've already ran by the list of the smallest dog breeds, so why not going over a list of
their over-sized companions?
From the famous face of the French Mastiff, to the Goliath sized Great Dane, here is our
list for the top 10 largest dog breeds still alive today.
10.
Dogue de Bordeaux To start the list off we present you the Dogue
de Bordeaux, commonly known as the French Mastiff.
They are prized for their rich, autumn coat, and loving demeanor.
This breed of dog is friendly, lovable, and massive; reaching heights around 2.5 feet
or just shy of 1 meter and plumping itself up to 100 pounds or about 45 kilograms.
This amazingly passive dog got its start of fame after one co-starred with Tom Hanks in
the movie, Turner and Hooch back in 1989, and has been a rapidly growing breed of choice
ever since.
The Dogue de Bordeaux would become recognized by the AKC in 2008.
9.
Scottish Deerhound The "royal dog of Scotland", a noble, dignified
dog, bred to assist in hunting and bringing down the Scottish roe deer.
Considering what it was bred for, it would have to be relatively large, growing to heights
or 2.5 feet or about 1 meter, with the heftier sized Deerhounds weighing in around 110 pounds
or about 50 kilograms.
Affectionate and gentle with people, the wiry coated dog makes a wonderful pet, usually
being non-aggressive to all people, children and strangers alike.
The AKC would first recognize the Scottish Deerhound in 1886.
8.
Kuvasz Possessing a lush, white coat, the Kuvasz
is largely considered to be highly territorial and is overly protective of their owners.
Fiercely independent and equally as difficult to train, this lovable lummox reaches heights
of roughly 2.5 feet or about a meter tall, and can reach maximum weights of around 115
pounds or around 52 kilograms.
Probably the oldest of the three ancient dog breeds from Hungary, the Kuvasz has a long
rich history dating back being the 15th century, but would become recognized by the AKC much
later, in 1931.
7.
Black Russian Terrier Noble, intelligent and assertive dogs, the
Black Russian Terrier are a relatively new dog breed, first being recognized in 2004
by the American Kennel Club, or AKC.
Sturdy build and solid work dogs, the Black Russian Terrier grows to heights of roughly
2.5 feet or just shy of a meter tall, and bulking up to weights of around 140 pounds
or 64 kilograms.
The breed at first suffered from many health problems, but over time the black Russian
terrier would have its problems bred out and is considered to be a very healthy breed that
was fully recognized not that long ago by the AKC, in 2004.
6.
Newfoundland The Newfoundland is a sturdy, large, work
dog, bred in - go ahead, guess - Newfoundland, Canada.
Originally used to help pull the nets of fishermen, the breed is very capable of working both
water and land.
A large dog all around, it can reach reported heights of again, 2.5 feet or a little less
than a meter tall, and able to bulk up to weights around 150 to 160 pounds, or about
68 to 73 kilograms.
Loving, loyal, and an overall pretty easygoing dog, the Newfoundland still requires some
basic, daily, exercise to keep him from porking out.
The AKC would officially recognize this breed over a century ago, back in 1886.
5.
Leonberger The Leonberger is a breed originating from
Germany, as a mix between a long haired Saint Bernard, and the Newfoundland; possessing
traits of both breeds.
The Leonberger stands at 2.5 feet or roughly 1 meter, can weigh as much as 170 pounds or
77 kilograms and are a working class dog with large amounts of energy, and a strong fondness
for being around familiar people.
The long, semi-puffy coat also makes the Leonberger water-resistant.
4.
Saint Bernard Enjoying the luxurious lifestyle of a family
dog, the Saint Bernard was originally bred as a rescue and guard dog for Switzerland's
Great Saint Bernard Hospital.
Bred to be large and intimidating, today they are more of a giant lovable teddy-bear.
As most giant dog breeds, the Saint Bernard stands to be around 2.5 feet or almost a meter
in height, and weighs close to 180 pounds or about 82 kilograms.
The Saint Bernard was officially recognized by the AKC over 100 years ago, in 1885.
3.
Irish Wolfhound Originally used as an Irish war dog and their
use as a wolf hunter, the Irish Wolfhound was tasked with ripping men from chariot or
horse alike.
Today, though, they are an extremely loyal and obedient companion, albeit a rather large
one.
Standing just shy of 3 feet, or 1 meter and weighing up to as much as 180 pounds or 82
kilograms, this ancient breed from Ireland would come close to being extinct during the
19th century.
Now considered a highly intelligent and lovable dog, they became recognized by the AKC in
1897.
2.
Great Dane Coming in the #2 spot, we give you "Marmaduke",
well, at least his breed, the Great Dane.
Large, stout, and majestic, and evenly as gentle.
Easily recognizable for its large size, reaching heights of 2 feet 10 inches, or roughly 1
meter tall and weighing in at a muscular, 200 pounds or 90 kilograms, this large dog
was bred first in Germany to hunt wild boar; though the breed today has had the ferocity
bred out of it, making it one of the many gentle giants on our list.
They would first get its AKC recognition it 1887.
1.
Old English Mastiff Easily one of the oldest of ancient dog breeds,
the Old English Mastiff towers over most dogs, coming in at just under 3 feet or 1 meter
tall.
It is as large as it is tall, though, and is considered to be the heaviest of all dog
breeds, reaching weights of 220 pounds or right around 100 kilograms.
This dog gets the number one place, because it is considered to be the all around largest
breed in the world, with a record holding mastiff, Zorba, holding the Guinness world
record, weighing in at an astounding 323 pounds, or just shy of 150 kilograms!
The Mastiff would come to be recognized back in 1885.