Wolves may be the kings of the wild, but when it comes to sheer size, some dogs leave them in the dust. These aren’t your average backyard pups—these are giants, towering over their wild cousins with muscle, fluff, and an attitude to match.
Imagine a dog so big it could make a wolf look small. Sounds impossible? Think again. From colossal livestock guardians to gentle giants bred for protection, these breeds can tip the scales and stretch beyond the size of a fully grown wolf.
But don’t let their size fool you—many of these oversized canines are as loving as they are massive. Whether they’re guarding sheep, pulling sleds, or just taking up most of your couch, they’re a sight to behold.
Ready to meet the biggest dogs in the world? Here are 16 breeds that make even wolves look small.
Great Dane
The Great Dane, with its towering height, is a gentle giant. Often referred to as the “Apollo of dogs,” this breed is known for its elegance and friendly nature. Despite their size, Great Danes are gentle and affectionate pets, making them wonderful companions. Their large, muscular build is complemented by a graceful demeanor, which is quite striking. They require ample space and regular exercise to maintain their health and happiness. Known for their loyalty and protective instincts, Great Danes are both family-friendly and dependable. Their presence is commanding, yet their temperament is genuinely loving and gentle.
Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds hold a prestigious title as one of the tallest dog breeds. Their history dates back to ancient times, where they were revered for their hunting prowess. These dogs are renowned for their incredible height and commanding presence. Despite their formidable size, they are known for being gentle and friendly, especially with children. Their shaggy coats give them a distinctive look, which is both rugged and endearing. As affectionate companions, Irish Wolfhounds thrive on human interaction and require plenty of space to roam. Their calm nature makes them excellent family pets, cherished for generations.
Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are famed for their role in alpine rescues, showcasing their strength and reliability. These dogs are distinguishable by their massive size and gentle demeanor. Their thick coats protect them from harsh weather, making them ideal for mountain environments. Saint Bernards are known to be affectionate with their families, often forming strong bonds with children. Despite their intimidating size, they are incredibly gentle and patient. Regular grooming is necessary due to their dense fur, and they thrive in cooler climates. Their loyalty and calm nature make them beloved family members, symbolizing rescue and companionship.
Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are renowned for their swimming abilities and rescue skills. These dogs have a natural affinity for water, supported by their webbed feet and buoyant bodies. Known for their gentle and patient nature, Newfoundlands are excellent with children. Their large size is complemented by a thick, water-resistant coat, perfect for their aquatic adventures. These dogs are powerful and strong, often used in water rescues due to their bravery and skills. Regular exercise and water activities keep them healthy and happy. Their loyalty and affectionate disposition make them wonderful companions for families.
Leonberger
Leonbergers are known for their lion-like appearance, with a mane-like ruff around their necks. These dogs are large, powerful, and incredibly gentle. They are beloved for their friendly and loyal nature, making them excellent family pets. Their majestic appearance is matched by a calm and patient demeanor, ideal for homes with children. Leonbergers require regular grooming to maintain their luxurious coats. They enjoy being part of family activities and thrive on companionship. Despite their size, they are surprisingly agile and enjoy outdoor adventures. Their affectionate nature and noble look make them a unique and cherished breed.
Tibetan Mastiff
Tibetan Mastiffs are an ancient breed known for their protective nature and impressive size. These dogs have a thick, luxurious coat that serves as protection against harsh climates. Originally bred as guardians, they are fiercely loyal and protective of their families. Their independent nature requires experienced handling, but their devotion is unmatched. Tibetan Mastiffs are known for their aloofness with strangers, making them excellent guard dogs. Regular grooming and socialization are essential to manage their strong-willed personalities. Despite their formidable appearance, they are gentle with their loved ones, providing both security and companionship.
Mastiff
Mastiffs are renowned for their enormous size and strength, making them one of the heaviest dog breeds. Their calm and gentle demeanor is in stark contrast to their intimidating appearance. Known for being excellent family dogs, Mastiffs are protective yet affectionate. They form deep bonds with their families and are particularly gentle with children. Despite their large size, they are quite docile and enjoy lounging around the house. Regular exercise and early socialization are important for their well-being. Their loyalty and gentle nature make them cherished companions, providing both protection and love.
Anatolian Shepherd
Anatolian Shepherds are known for their robust build and keen instincts as livestock guardians. These dogs are large and powerful, with a strong protective streak. Bred to guard livestock, they are independent thinkers and require firm, consistent training. Anatolian Shepherds are loyal and protective of their families, making them excellent guard dogs. Their alertness and courage are notable traits, along with their ability to work independently. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential for their well-being. Despite their guardian role, they are gentle and affectionate with their families, providing security and companionship.
Komondor
The Komondor is instantly recognizable due to its unique corded coat. This breed is large and muscular, originally bred to guard livestock. Despite their imposing appearance, Komondors are gentle and affectionate with their families. Their coat requires special care to maintain its distinctive cords, which provide protection from predators. Komondors are independent thinkers with a natural protective instinct, making them excellent guard dogs. Regular training and socialization are key to managing their strong-willed nature. These dogs thrive on companionship and require ample space to roam, offering both security and love to their families.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their striking tri-color coats and friendly nature. These large dogs are gentle giants, well-suited to family life. Originally bred to work on farms, they are strong and agile, capable of pulling carts and herding livestock. Bernese Mountain Dogs are affectionate and loyal, forming strong bonds with their families. Their thick coats require regular grooming to keep them healthy and shiny. They thrive in cooler climates and enjoy outdoor activities. Their gentle disposition and adaptability make them ideal companions, providing both affection and assistance in various tasks.
Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are powerful sled dogs known for their strength and endurance. These large dogs have a thick, double-layered coat that protects them in harsh, cold climates. They are friendly and affectionate, making them great companions for active families. Alaskan Malamutes require regular exercise to satisfy their energetic nature. Their loyalty and playful demeanor make them wonderful family pets. Due to their strong pack instincts, they thrive with firm and consistent training. These dogs enjoy outdoor adventures, especially in snowy conditions. Their majestic appearance and engaging personality make them a beloved breed among dog enthusiasts.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are formidable guardians, known for their size and strength. Originally bred to protect livestock, they are incredibly loyal and protective. These dogs have a thick, dense coat that shields them from harsh weather, making them suitable for various climates. Caucasian Shepherd Dogs require experienced handling due to their independent and strong-willed nature. Their protective instincts are unmatched, providing security and peace of mind. Regular training and socialization are crucial for managing their assertive demeanor. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are gentle with their families, offering both protection and affection.
Boerboel
Boerboels are powerful and intelligent dogs, originally bred for farm work in South Africa. Their muscular build and strength make them excellent protectors. These dogs are loyal and confident, forming strong bonds with their families. Boerboels require firm and consistent training to manage their assertive nature. They are known for their protective instincts and are often used as guard dogs. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential for their well-being. Despite their imposing appearance, Boerboels are affectionate with their families, providing both security and companionship. Their striking presence and loyal nature make them beloved pets.
Kangal
Kangals are known for their impressive guarding abilities and imposing size. Originally bred to protect livestock, these dogs are highly valued for their loyalty and protective instincts. Kangals are strong and agile, capable of deterring predators with their presence. They require experienced handling and consistent training to harness their natural guarding abilities. Their calm and composed demeanor is coupled with a deep bond to their families. Regular exercise and mental challenges are important for keeping them stimulated. Despite their serious role, Kangals are gentle and affectionate with loved ones, providing both protection and companionship.
Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees are majestic dogs known for their thick, white coats and gentle demeanor. Originally bred to guard livestock, they are strong and protective. Their calm nature and affectionate disposition make them wonderful family pets. Great Pyrenees are known for their loyalty and form deep bonds with their families. Regular grooming is required to maintain their beautiful coats. These dogs thrive in cooler climates and enjoy outdoor activities. While they are independent thinkers, they respond well to consistent training. Their regal appearance and loving nature make them cherished companions, offering both protection and affection.
Borzoi
Borzoi are elegant and graceful dogs known for their speed and agility. Despite their slender appearance, they are large and powerful. Originally bred for hunting, Borzois have a strong prey drive and require regular exercise. Their flowing coats and aristocratic demeanor make them truly striking. Borzois are affectionate and gentle with their families, forming close bonds. They thrive in environments where they can run and explore. Regular grooming is necessary to maintain their coats. Their independent nature requires patient training, but their loyalty and affection make them exceptional companions. Their beauty and grace are unparalleled in the canine world.