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15+ Heaviest Dog Breeds

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Kerry
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We all know that dogs come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, from super tiny teacup dogs to huge dogs that can weigh as much as their human owners!

We are going to be looking at some of these larger dogs in particular with this list of some of the heaviest dog breeds.

Big dog

Furthermore, we are also going to be looking at what kind of weights these beautiful beasts can reach up to.

If you are interested in owning a large dog breed, it is best to know just how heavy they can get so that you can properly accommodate them and look after them. 

With this in mind, let’s take a look at some of these wonderfully chunky boys and girls!

1. Great Dane

Great dane breed

The Great Dane is a trendy dog breed and one of the largest dog breeds around. They have been known to grow to over 200 pounds (90 kg), which makes them one of the heaviest dog breeds in the world! 

This massive size is due to the fact that they have very long legs and a strong build. The Great Dane is known for having a gentle disposition, but they are still hugely powerful animals. 

It is recommended that people who own Great Danes should not allow them to run too freely because they can cause serious injury if they trip or fall.

They need plenty of exercises and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy, but be careful that they don’t overdo it, as their large size can cause health problems if they overexert themselves.

2. German Shepherd

Cute german shepherd

German Shepherds might not be as tall as some of the other dogs on this list, but they are a hefty breed that can grow to anywhere between 100-150 pounds (45-68 kg).

The largest of the German Shepherds is King Shepherd, which is a crossbreed born from a purebred German Shepherd and a Shiloh Shepherd (which is itself a crossbreed of the German Shepherd and the Alaskan Malamute). 

These dogs are great family pets and make for excellent guard dogs. They are generally friendly and playful animals that love to play and are smart and trainable enough to learn very quickly.

They are brilliant and need plenty of mental stimulation, making them perfect for families with children. 

3. Saint Bernard

Saint bernard on a grass

This large dog breed grows up to 200 pounds (90 kg) and is often used as a working dog.

Saint Bernards are loyal companions that are good with kids and other animals. They are not aggressive towards humans but are known to bark and nip at strangers. 

They are also protective of their territory and will defend it if necessary. Furthermore, they are also very agile and athletic, making them ideal for hiking and camping trips

4. Leonberger

Leonberger standing

This is another large dog breed, reaching up to 177 pounds (77 kg). Leonbergers are very loyal and affectionate dogs that are easy-going and calm, considered to be trusty companions for centuries. 

They are very active and energetic, though, needing lots of daily exercise and mental stimulation. They are also naturally protective of their home and family, making them a good choice for those who want a guard dog and a loving family pet. 

5. Russian Black Terrier

Dog breed russian black terrier

The Russian Black Terrier is hugely powerful and large, growing between 100 and 150 pounds. These dogs were often used as guard dogs due to their protective nature, but they also make for cuddly family pets thanks to their sweet natures and their soft and curly coats!

6. Irish Wolfhound

Irish wolfhound dog

These large dog breeds grow to over 200 pounds and are very powerful and fast-moving. Irish Wolfhounds are also brilliant dogs that are easy to train.

They are loyal and patient and will follow their owner’s commands without question. They are good with children and other animals, embodying the phrase “gentle giants”.

7. Great Pyrenees

Great pyrenees dog

The Great Pyrenees is a big, heavy dog breed that reaches up to 125 pounds (57 kg). They are big, sturdy dogs that are very protective of their homes and families.

They are very devoted and loyal to their owners and will happily spend hours playing, thanks to their playful nature.

They are also very obedient and are relatively calm and quiet dogs despite their large size.

8. Cane Corso

Running cane corso

The Cane Corso can grow up to a huge 120 pounds (54 kg). Cane Corso’s are firm and agile and have been bred to be used as hunting dogs. This is because they are knowledgeable and trainable and will respond well once they have learned commands. 

Despite their size, they are gentle with people and other animals and are very protective of their families. They are also very independent and at times stubborn, but still loving companions and great family pets.

9. Rottweiler

Happy rottweiler

Rottweilers are medium-sized dogs that can reach up to 130 pounds (72 kg). These dogs are mighty and agile and are used for both guard duty and as service dogs, but they are also very friendly and playful and make excellent family pets. 

They are often thought to be inappropriate pets for children, but this is far from the case, as they can be as loving as any other dog breed.

10. Mastiffs

Running mastiff

There are various different kinds of Mastiff, including the Tibetan Mastiff, the Bull Mastiff, the English Mastiff, and the Neapolitan Mastiff.

They come from different parts of the world, but they are known for being huge dog breeds that can weigh up to 150 pounds (68 kg). 

Mastiffs were originally bred to hunt wild boars and other dangerous game, but today they are more commonly kept as pets and as guard dogs. They are genius and trainable, loving, affectionate, and able to form close bonds with their owners. 

11. Newfoundland

Newfoundland on grass

Newfoundland’s are large dog breeds that weigh up to 200 pounds (though the largest on record weighed an incredible 269 pounds!).

They are very loyal and affectionate dogs that have a cuddly, bear-like look. They are known for their gentle nature and are good with kids and other animals. 

Furthermore, they are knowledgeable, trainable, and athletic. Furthermore, they are also known to be brave dogs and will not hesitate to take on larger predators such as bears and wolves.

12. Scottish Deerhound

Scottish deerhound breed

Deer hounds are medium-sized dog breeds that weigh up to 130 pounds (59 kg). These dogs are brilliant and trainable, making for wonderful companions.

They are also very affectionate, loyal, and incredibly energetic, needing a lot of daily exercise. 

13. Irish Wolfhound

Irish wolfhound on a grass

Irish wolfhounds are not only heavy dogs- weighing up to 170 pounds (77 kg)- they are also one of the tallest breeds in the world, measuring up to 31 inches in height.

They are known for excelling at hunting and tracking, acting as hunting companions and pets throughout history.

14. Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese mountain dog on a snow

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large and heavy dog breed that weighs up to 115 pounds and stands at around 26 inches tall. They are very affectionate and loyal, known for their cuddly exteriors thanks to their thick, fluffy coats.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are also very obedient and will readily learn new commands. Due to that large, thick, curly coat, they will need regular grooming and extra care to maintain it.

15. Dogue De Bordeaux

Dogue de bordeaux sitting

This muscular dog breed is a medium-sized dog breed in terms of height, but they can reach up to 130 pounds in weight. They can be protective, but they also make for fantastic family pets. Their substantial weight is due to their history of hunting large game, such as boars. 

Final Thoughts

There are many different types of dog breeds out there. Some are bigger than others, and some are smaller. All of these dog breeds have their own personalities and characteristics. 

The size of your dog might change how much food they will need, particularly when it comes to large, heavy breeds such as those we have talked about here.

Bigger breeds will require more calories than smaller ones, so you should always keep this in mind when feeding your pet. 

Also, remember that all dog breeds require exercise and mental stimulation, so don’t forget to give your pet plenty of attention and fun activities to keep them mentally stimulated.

Larger breeds can sometimes take longer to tire out, but huge breeds might tire quicker due to the substantial weight that they have to carry around. Certain big dog breeds may also have more health issues because of their size. 

For example, large breeds like Great Danes or Saint Bernards may have trouble breathing properly due to their massive chests. Always check with your vet as to what activities and exercise are appropriate if you want to keep one of the larger dog breeds as a pet to keep them happy and healthy. 

If you are willing to put in the time and effort, you can very easily introduce a gentle giant into your home as a new family member!

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About the author

Kerry

Kerry White is an avid dog lover and writer, knowing all there is to know about our furry friends. Kerry has been writing for PetDT for three years now, wanting to use her knowledge for good and share everything she can with new dog owners.Kerry has two dogs herself - a German shepherd called Banjo and a chocolate labrador called Buttons. Kerry knows more than anyone how adjusting to new life with a puppy can turn your life upside down, and she wants to ease some of the burdens through her articles.