Top 10 largest dogs

Small pocket dogs seem to have taken over the world and become constant companions of celebrities. However, not everyone has followed the fashion trend. There are still fans of big dogs. Ilive wants to tell you about large dog breeds today.

Neapolitan Mastiff

This dog breed fits perfectly into our rating of the largest, strongest and heaviest breeds and occupies tenth place. The average height at the withers is about 70-75 centimeters, and the weight is about 65 kilograms. Despite their impressive appearance and "massiveness", Neapolitan mastiffs are gentle and devoted to their owners, wary of strangers.

Leonberger

The ninth place on our list is occupied by the Leonberger. Their weight is about 55-60 kilograms, and the height at the withers is more than 75 centimeters. The breed was bred in the German city of Leonberg, from which the name comes, and the ancestors of dogs of this breed were a female Newfoundland and a male St. Bernard. Leonbergs are often used to search and rescue drowning people.

South African Mastiff or Boerboel

This breed was bred in South Africa, its purpose is to protect the territory, and therefore the character of such dogs is far from friendly and tough, because they had to defend themselves from South African predators - hyenas, lions and other big cats. However, they do not have excessive aggression, they are confident and calm assistants. The height at the withers is 65-70 centimeters, and they weigh about 80-90 kilograms. Without proper training and the use of their capabilities, such dogs can turn from defenders into aggressors.

Central Asian Shepherd Dog

Also known as the Asian, it is ranked seventh in our ranking. This breed comes from Central Asia (Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and neighboring countries) and is used as a shepherd for the flock. This instinct is inherent in dogs by nature. The height at the withers of representatives of this breed is approximately 75-80 centimeters, and their weight is 60-80 kilograms. Like any other fighting breed of dogs, Asians can be quite aggressive, so it is very important to give them the right upbringing.

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Giant Alaskan Malamute

The height of these beauties significantly exceeds the sizes expected by nature: at the withers they can reach 77 centimeters, and their weight can exceed 55 kilograms. Representatives of this breed are very attached to the owner, sociable and love children.

Tibetan Mastiff

Tibetan mastiffs have a formidable appearance. Thanks to the fact that Tibet was geographically isolated, the dogs maintained the purity of their blood, but later it was diluted by the blood of imported breeds and only those that lived high in the mountains remained purebred. These dogs are very hardy and ready to protect their owner to the last, Tibetan mastiffs are wary and unfriendly to strangers. The height at the withers of representatives of this breed is from 66 centimeters, and the weight is 65-80 kilograms.

Old English Mastiff

The largest of the mastiffs. This breed is an ancient breed of mastiff-like dogs. Strong, large animals, whose ancestors are considered to be the Assyrian mastiffs - Roman fighting dogs and dogs of the Celts. They were used for hunting, baiting, guarding and fighting. The height at the withers of the Old English mastiff is not less than 75 centimeters, and the weight is not less than 70 kilograms.

Korean Mastiff

This breed is about 150 years old, but nevertheless, little is known about it outside its homeland. In South Korea, it is recognized as the largest breed. Despite its impressive appearance and terrifying power, Korean mastiffs have a friendly character, they are good companions and guards. The height at the withers of representatives of this breed reaches 75-80 centimeters, and the weight fluctuates between 75 and 80 kilograms.

Japanese Mastiff

These animals are called the sumo wrestlers of the dog world. This is because they are fearless and unwavering in battle due to their heavy weight and insensitivity to pain. It is believed that loyalty and the desire to protect the owner until the last breath were instilled in dogs by the samurai, which is why they are also called the "shadow of the samurai". The height at the withers is about 60 centimeters, and the weight is from 60 to 80 kilograms.

Saint Bernard

Saint Bernards are probably the most recognizable dogs on this list. They are loyal and obedient. Most of the breeds above were bred to fight and hunt, but the Saint Bernard was bred to rescue people and animals that had strayed from their herds in the Italian and Swiss Alps. Saint Bernards are very large and hardy animals, and their ability to sense approaching avalanches has saved many lives. The height at the withers of this breed is more than 70 centimeters, and the weight is more than 100 kilograms.

Spanish Mastiff

Spanish Mastiffs are wonderful family dogs. Their ancestors were Iberian mountain guard dogs and ancient Celts. The Bala breed was originally bred to guard farm territories. In the family, these animals are very affectionate and completely non-aggressive. The minimum height at the withers is 78 centimeters, and the weight is over 100 kilograms.

Great Dane

Of course, representatives of this breed are the tallest on this list – Great Danes reach at least 80 cm in height and weigh more than 50 kilograms. These dogs are real gentle giants, very friendly, get along well with people and animals, and also perform their main function perfectly – they protect their owner.

Pyrenean Mastiff

The breed originated in the Pyrenees region of Spain and was used to guard private property and flocks of sheep. Despite their massiveness and apparent immobility, Pyrenean Mastiffs are very energetic and easy to move. They are smart, fearless and loyal to their owner. Animals grow up to 80 centimeters, and their weight ranges from 60 to 70 kilograms.