Nature is rich in wonders and she showed particular ingenuity in creating this amazing and beloved animal. There are many different breeds of dogs:
- Small dog breeds
- Medium dog breeds
- Big dog breeds
It is necessary to talk separately about the largest breeds of dogs in the world. They cause admiration and delight by a lot of breeders and inspire fear and respect by others. But most importantly, wherever such a giant would appear, it will not leave anyone indifferent to his person. These huge animals with a powerful body and strong muscles are actually loving pets and loyal companions to their owners. They are loyal and affectionate with people whom they love and are capable of pranks like small breeds of dogs. The only difference is that the damage in the house from their cheerful disposition is much bigger. Giant dogs have a huge loving heart and cheerful character. But, unfortunately, large breeds of dogs have one drawback all large dog breeds have a rather short lifespan of 6 - 8 years.
There are the top of the largest dog breeds in the world.
- Irish Wolfhound
- Scottish Deerhound
- Great Dane
- English Mastiff
- St. Bernard(dog)
- Leonberger
- Newfoundland dog
- Kangal Shepherd Dog
- Great Pyrenees (Pyrenean Mountain Dog)
- Kuvasz (Hungarian Kuvasz)
Irish Wolfhound
Origin: Ireland
Height: Male 81 cm (32 in); Female 76 cm (30 in)
Weight: Male 120 pounds (54 kg); Female 105 pounds (48 kg)
Classification FCI: Group 10, Section 2 Rough-haired
The Irish Wolfhound is the largest wire haired breed was born in Ireland. According to the Guinness Book of Records, the highest representative of the breed was the Irish Wolfhound named Brod Bridge Michael (1920-1929) owned by Mary Beynon of Kent. He reached 100, 3 cm of height at the withers at the age of two.
The ancestors of the Irish wolfhound hunted wolves, elks and wild boars and were widely used for military purposes. In those harsh times, they were equally valued with horses and weaponry as a strategic object and were at the disposal of military nobility. An adult Irish Wolfhound could easily knock a rider off a horse. At the beginning of the 17th century, Wolfhounds began to be actively exported to other countries, but since export volumes were huge, there were practically no representatives of the breed left in Ireland therefore a decree was issued forbidding the export of these noble dogs outside the country. Today, Irish Wolfhounds work in Buckingham Palace and are frequent participants in royal ceremonies. The Irish Wolfhound has a tender and gentle temperament, he loves the owner and is devoted to every member of the family in which he lives, does not tolerate loneliness and even gets depressed without communicating with people. This giant is not recommended to keep in a closed aviary. He was born for life in the house next to the loving owners.
Scottish Deerhound
Origin: Scotland
Weight: Male 85–110 lb (39–50 kg); Female 75–95 lb (34–43 kg)
Height: Male 30-32 inches; Female 28 inches
Classification FCI: Group 10, Section 2 Rough-haired
A Scottish Deerhound is one of the oldest hunting breeds in the world was bred for baiting deer. This giant is able to develop a huge speed, can easily catch up and kill a deer. Deerhound has an excellent hunting instinct, sharp instinct and instant reaction. Dogs of this breed are hardy and efficient. They with enviable persistence will pursue the purpose set to them.
The Scottish Deerhound is a very active dog that needs regular exercise to keep fit and healthy. He has a balanced and calm temperament. He rarely shows aggression without apparent reason and practically does not bark. Scottish Deerhound well gives in to training and easily remembers commands of the owner.
Dog of this breed is devoted to all members of the family in which he lives. He perfectly feels the mood of the owner and disturbs him without a reason. Deerhound adores the owner's children and feels a responsible for them. Despite the large size, he poorly copes with the work of the guard, because he trustfully refers to strangers.
Great Dane (Deutsche Dogge; German Mastiff)
Origin: Germany
Weight: Male min 110–180 lb (50–82 kg); Female min 110–180 lb (50–82 kg)
Height: Male min 30–31 in (76–79 cm); Female min 28–30 in (71–76 cm)
Classification FCI: Group 2, Section 2.1 Molossian: Mastiff type
Great Dane is a noble giant with a strong, beautiful, muscular body. This intelligent breed has a balanced and calm temperament and is easy to train. He is extremely loyal to his owner and is very suspicious of outsiders. The Great Dane is an excellent guard and watchdog. Despite its gigantic size, it is a kind, affectionate and vulnerable breed that needs a loving and responsible host.
- On August 31, 2004, a Great Dane named Gibson from California USA was recognized as the highest dog in the world. His height was 107 cm.
- The Great Dane named Shamgret Danzas (1975-1984) was recognized as the largest dog of the breed. His height reached 105.4 cm in height at the withers and his weight was 108 kg.
- A Great Dane named Giant George got into the Guinness Book of Records as the tallest dog. His weight was 110 kilograms and height at withers 1 meter 10 centimeters. Its height was 2 meters 30 centimeters when he standing on its hind legs.
- In the new 2013 Guinness Book of Records, the largest dog was recognized as a 3-year-old Great Dane named Zeus from Michigan. His height at the withers was 111, 8 cm.
English Mastiff
Origin: England
Weight:
- Male 150 to 250 pounds (68 to 113 kg)
- Female 120 to 180 pounds (54 to 82 kg)
Height:
- Male 30 inches (76 cm)
- Female 27.5 inches (70 cm)
Classification FCI: Group 2, Section 2.1 Molossian: Mastiff type
The English Mastiff is an old English breed, the largest dog of Europe and the largest of the mastiffs. His ancestors are considered Roman fighting dogs, Assyrian mastiffs and guard dogs of the ancient Celts.
At different times, mastiffs were used as guards, for hunting, baiting and dog fighting. In the old days, the court nobility of England invented cruel entertainment. The offender sentenced to death was given the last chance before dying. He had to fight with a mastiff with a sword, shield or spear. Of course, the poor fellow had no chance to survive. Today, the English Mastiff is an intelligent and good-natured giant, a faithful watchdog, a guard and protector of the owner's family. This strong, brave and balanced giant is an excellent guard and loyal friend. He patiently treats the children of the owner, will be happy to play with them.
St. Bernard (dog)
Origin: Italy/Switzerland
Height at the withers: 70 to 90 cm (28 to 35 in).
Weight: 65 - 120 kg (140 and 260 lb) or more.
Classification FCI: Group 2, Section 2.2 Molossian: Mountain type
St. Bernard is a giant with a kind, loving heart, a great companion and loyal friend. He has a calm temperament, needs to communicate with people and suffers from loneliness. The breed received its name thanks to the monk Bernard, the founder of the monastery shelter for people who traveled along the mountain roads. Due to the frequent descent of avalanches, many travelers died under a layer of snow, since it was impossible for people to quickly find them and provide timely assistance. The monks decided to connect to the search work of large dogs with thick coat that protects them from frost and this dog had the ability to penetrate the snow layer. Thanks to a particularly subtle flair, the rescue dog found and dug out the person, lay down next to him and warmed her body. After, dog brought the exhausted traveler on her back to the monastery.
The most famous among breed of St. Bernard was a dog named Barry. On his account more than 40 lives saved, but the most memorable is the story of a little boy found and rescued from an ice cave.
Leonberger
Origin: Germany
Height at withers:
- Male 71–80 cm (28–31 in): average 75 cm (30 in)
- Female: 65–75 cm (26–30 in): average 70 cm (28 in)
Weight:
- Males: 120–170 lb (54–77 kg): average 140–150 lb (64–68 kg)
- Females: 100–135 lb (45–61 kg): average 115 lb (52 kg)
Classification FCI: Group 2, Section 2.2 Molossian: Mountain type #145
Leonberger is a big, strong dog that has a noble and gentle temperament. The breed was named in honor of the German town Leonberg which means “lion's mountain”. The symbol of the city was a lion, depicted on the emblem of the city.
The "father" of this amazing breed is considered the municipal advisor G. Essig, engaged in selection and who dreamed of a dog with a lion's appearance. To achieve the goal, he chose a colorful Newfoundland and St. Bernard dog. Then, the half-breed got off with the Pyrenean Mountain Dog. And after, the grown litter again knits with the St. Bernard. As a result, he got a giant dog with a “lion” mane, beautiful silver hair and a dark mask on his muzzle.
The dog could swim perfectly, had keen eyesight and a sensitive sense of smell. Residents of Leonberg really began to consider it a living symbol of the town. Leonberg dog inherited the best traits of character and exterior, and in a rather short period of time he gained worldwide popularity. In September 2007, a monument to the dog was opened in Leonberg, which made this town popular all over the world.
Newfoundland dog
Origin: Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Weight:
- Male 65–80 kg (143–176 lb)
- Female 55–65 kg (121–143 lb)
Height:
- Male 71 cm (28 in)
- Female 66 cm (26 in)
Classification FCI: Group 2, Section 2.2 Molossian: Mountain type
Newfoundland is a large working breed originally from Canada, bred by fishermen as a companion and helper. The inhabitants of the island, engaged in fishing, needed a strong and courageous assistant, able to pull the nets out of the water, independently transport cargo over a long distance, sit quietly in a boat even during a storm. Newfoundland has always helped the owner to find the shore in the fog, and even looked after the children. He is devoid of aggression towards people.
Today, the Newfoundland dog is a lifeguard. He surprisingly feels the danger, even being in an unfamiliar place, can swim huge distances without harm to health, because the thick wool protects from the cold, and is able to stay on the water for several hours thanks to the webbed membrane between the toes.
There is a legend according to which Napoleon Bonaparte fell from a boat while escaping from Elba Island. The Newfoundland dog of black-and-white color sailed to his aid and helped him stay on the surface until his absence was noticed.
Kangal Shepherd Dog
Origin: Anatolia
Height:
- Male 30 - 32 in (76 to 81 cm)
- Female 28 - 30 in (71 to 76 cm)
Weight:
- Male 110 to 145 lb (50 to 66 kg)
- Female 90 to 120 lb (41 to 54 kg)
Classification FCI: Group 2, Section 2.2 Molossian: Mountain type
Kangal Shepherd Dog is a large guard breed. The common Turkish name is Kangal. He is brave, strong, and hardy, he has a stable mind and rarely barks, only when it is necessary. Kangal prefers to be on high ground, to observe what is happening around and keep everything under control as his ancestors. Kangal is easy to train, gets along well with pets and needs a lot of space.
In Turkey he is used to protect herds of sheep from wolves. The shepherds crop ears of Anatolian Shepherd puppies to prevent head injuries in a fight with a wolf. It is necessary to dress a studded collar around the neck to protect the dog throat from the teeth of a ferocious predator. In South Africa, the strength and speed of reaction of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog was rated high and now this dog is used to protect farm herds from cheetahs.
Great Pyrenees (Pyrenean Mountain Dog)
Origin: France/Spain
Height:
- Males 27–32 inches (69–81 cm)
- Females 26–31 inches (66–79 cm)
Weight:
- Males 110–130 pounds (50–59 kg)
- Females 90–115 pounds (41–52 kg)
Classification FCI: Group 2, Section 2.2 Molossian: Mountain type
Pyrenean Mountain Dog originally from France. Notable persons kept them to protect the possessions, and in ancient times, representatives of the breed guarded the large herds. This is a strong, harmonious physique dog with strong bones and well-developed muscles. He impresses with his power and elegance at the same time. He has a thick, long hair of pure white color or white with gray or yellowish markings. His dark-brown almond-shaped eyes is soft and thoughtful, dog of this breed has "Pyrenean look."
Pyrenean mountain dogs are intelligent, understanding, well-trained. Puppies need early socialization and some perseverance in their training, as they are able to take the initiative and make decisions on their own.
He must live in a country house with a spacious yard considering the size of the dog. The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is friendly towards the owner’s children and other domestic animals, especially if he grows up with them. He loyal to the owner and family, in which he lives, has a keen sense of his own territory and great guard qualities. Pyrenean Mountain Dog, as true guard, treats with suspicion toward strangers, but without manifestation of malice or aggression.
Kuvasz (Hungarian Kuvasz)
Origin: Hungary
Weight:
- Male 45–52 kg (99–115 lb)
- Female 32–41 kg (71–90 lb)
Height:
- Male 70–76 cm (28–30 in)
- Female 65–70 cm (26–28 in)
Classification FCI: Group 1 Herding dogs, Section 1 Sheepdogs
Hungarian Kuvasz is a large shepherd dog bred in Hungary for the protection of livestock. Hungarian shepherds used it to protect domestic animals on lowland and mountain pastures, and as a strong and courageous home watchman. The main feature of the breed Hungarian Kuvas is white wool, which helped the shepherd to distinguish the dog from the bear and the wolf in the dark.
Today it is a versatile breed, an excellent guard, bodyguard, athlete and an excellent family dog. He is brave, responsible and fearless, will protect the owner and the territory entrusted to him at the cost of his own life. But at the same time, it demands respect and affection, will not tolerate violence and bad treatment. Hungarian Kuvas beautiful, very proud, independent, independent and freedom-loving breed. He submits to the rational commands of the host, mistrustfully treats strangers, and is not inclined to display unreasonable aggression.
