Dog breed lists
Giant Dog Breeds
Giant breeds are in a class of their own: gentle, impressive and expensive to own. They tend to be calm indoors, but they need space, strong training and careful growth. Here are the giants in our guides, heaviest first.
-
1
Working
English Mastiff
Two hundred pounds of polite.
- 120–230 lbs
- 27–33 in
- 6–10 yrs
-
2
Working
Saint Bernard
The Alpine rescue dog, gentle giant included.
- 120–180 lbs
- 26–30 in
- 8–10 yrs
- 3
-
4
Working
Leonberger
A lion that thinks it is a lamb.
- 90–170 lbs
- 25–31 in
- 7–9 yrs
-
5
Working
Newfoundland
A lifeguard in a bear suit.
- 100–150 lbs
- 26–28 in
- 9–10 yrs
-
6
Working
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Strong, steady and built to haul a cart.
- 85–140 lbs
- 23–28 in
- 8–11 yrs
-
7
Working
Rottweiler
A powerhouse with a soft spot for its people.
- 80–135 lbs
- 22–27 in
- 8–10 yrs
-
8
Working
Cane Corso
Italian mastiff with a bodyguard's poise.
- 90–120+ lbs
- 23–27 in
- 8–10 yrs
-
9
Hound
Irish Wolfhound
The tallest breed, and a gentle one.
- 90–120+ lbs
- 30–35 in
- 6–8 yrs
- 10
-
11
Working
Great Pyrenees
A polar bear on the night shift.
- 85–115+ lbs
- 25–32 in
- 10–12 yrs
-
12
Hound
Bloodhound
A detective wearing too much skin.
- 80–110 lbs
- 23–27 in
- 8–10 yrs
How we picked
A breed makes this list if the average adult weighs 95 lbs or more. We rank by size, heaviest first. Giant breeds usually have shorter lifespans and need extra care with joints and weight, so read each guide closely.
Questions people ask
What are the biggest dog breeds?
The heaviest breeds are mastiff types such as the English Mastiff and Saint Bernard. The tallest include the Irish Wolfhound and Great Dane.
How long do giant dogs live?
Generally 6 to 10 years, shorter than small breeds. Each guide lists a typical lifespan.
Are giant dogs good with families?
Many are gentle, but their size means supervision around small children. Early training and socialization are essential for any dog this big.