You do not believe how large the largest dog breeds in the world are. Although there is no universal height or weight at which a dog breed is officially classified as a large dog, some define dogs as large dogs when they weigh more than 45 kg. The heaviest dog ever registered was a Saint Bernard named ‘Benedictine’ who weighed 161 kg.
But despite their intimidating size, most of the largest dog breeds are excellent pets. Are you thinking about owning a large dog soon or are you just curious to find out what types of large dogs there are? Then scroll down quickly for the top 10 strongest and largest dog breeds in the world.
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Saint Bernard
Just like the large Swiss Mountain Dog and the Bernese Mountain, Saint Bernard is also a dog breed that was used to help people in need. This powerful breed, unfortunately, has many problems with hereditary disorders.
One of the best-known problems is their susceptibility to heart failure. Saint Bernard therefore only has an average lifespan of 11 years. That is on average two years shorter than other dog breeds.
The height of Saint Bernard varies from 69 to 89 cm and they weigh around 73 to 117 kg. These are giant dogs bred to work. Saint Bernard dogs are known all over the world for their rescue campaigns in the Swiss Alps. With the right training, they are very friendly and loyal to their owners.
A Saint Bernard named ‘Benedictine’ holds the world record for the heaviest dog ever. Benedictine, who pushed Zorba off the throne as the toughest dog of all time, would have weighed 161 kg. Benedictine acquired a place in the Guinness Book of Records of 1981.
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American Bully
Although the American bully is not recognized as an individual breed by the AKC, many owners object. In fact, the United Canine Association (UCA) began to recognize American Bullies as a separate breed from the American Pit Bull Terrier in 2009.
This breed has recently been created as a modern companion and shows a dog. Breeders tried to breed out unwanted traits, such as aggression and prey while maintaining muscular physique, dedication, and intelligence.
American Pit Bull Terrier
All you have to do is give your hand to one of these animals to feel the muscles and raw strength under the skin. In fact, this breed is very popular in competition for dog strength.
Pit Bulls are in fact a popular breed for building dog bodies, and many praise it as a healthy alternative to dogfighting. Owners now have a legal outlet to prove that their dog is really the top dog of muscle and endurance.
American Staffordshire Terrier
If you want to register your American Bully or American Pit Bull Terrier in the AKC, you have no choice but to register it as an American Staffordshire Terrier. Dogs in this breed are descendants of the Old English Bulldog.
Made to ace bulls and bears, these puppies had to be tough. You can still see these characteristics today in their muscular bodies and regular exercise needs. Although usually good with children, they do not do well with other pets.
Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan mastiff, although in reality, they are not real Mastiffs, are herd guard dogs who are fearless to confront some of the strongest predators, such as the wolf and the leopard.
They are muscular, large dogs, weighing between 45 and 72 kg and a height of approximately 84 cm.
English Mastiff
Mastiffs are one of the biggest dogs in terms of their weight, but not their height. They weigh between 50 and 156 kg, while the height is between 64 and 91 cm.
They have served as a watchdog for most of their existence, even Julius Caesar of Rome was impressed by their looks and achievements during the conquest of England.
Leonberger
Leonbergers are crossed with three of the largest dog breeds, Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, and the Pyrenean mountain dog. It is, therefore, no wonder that they are large and proud dogs weighing 54 to 77 kg, while their height varies between 71 and 80 cm.
Dogue De Bordeaux
Known otherwise as to the French Mastiff, the Bordeaux dog weighs on average between 54 and 66 kg, while their height is between 58 and 76 cm. These dogs are very strong and fearless, which makes them the perfect watchdog.
Chow Chow
Chows are known as powerful dogs with beautiful hair like a lion. They also have blue-black tongue and funny facial expressions as unique features.
In their native China, they need a lot of good training and socialization to suppress “over-anxious tendencies” (especially towards strangers).
Kangal (Anatolian Shepherd)
The Kangal or Anatolian shepherd is originally a mountain dog, used to stay outside in the summer and winter with the herd and watch over it independently. Some species can weigh up to 90 kilos!
A Kangal needs a lot of physical exercise every day and is easily bored due to a lack of mental challenge and can, therefore, display frustrated behavior. The Anatolian seldom allows himself to be seduced into a playmate if he doesn’t see the point of a game.
Running after balls and frisbees to please his boss is not something you can expect from an Anatolian. The Kangal is reluctant and usually obedient to a good upbringing but will always continue to follow his own instinct.
