Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but few will argue that the members of the top 10 largest dog breeds tend to stand out the most. Nothing catches attention like seeing someone walking down the street holding the leash of an animal the size of a small horse.

These giants are chosen as pets for a number of reasons, but most often it is for their fierce loyalty and comparatively mild manners. Dogs this size originally were prized for their guarding abilities – whether it be cattle, sheep, or humans – and to this day those qualities have made them some of the best family animals available.

Shiloh Shepherd

The smallest of our top 10 largest dog breeds, the Shiloh shepherd is an offshoot of the better-known German shepherd but considerably larger. These animals stand 26 to 30 inches and weigh about 130 to 140 pounds.

Shilohs are renowned for their intelligence and loyalty and have a higher activity level than many of the giants, so they’re perfect for a family on the move.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

The greater Swiss mountain dog was originally bred as a cattle dog. This dog generally stands between 26 and 29 inches tall, but with a powerful, muscular body that weighs in on average at around 130 to 140 pounds. Greater Swiss mountain dogs make excellent family pets and require little exercise in comparison to their size.

Kangal

While rare outside of its native Turkey where it’s the national dog, Kangals are slowly growing in popularity as the breed becomes more standardized. Kangals are generally excellent family dogs as well as livestock herders but are extremely territorial and can be aggressive toward those outside its family.

These dogs stand at a height of up to 32 inches and weigh between 110 and 145 pounds. The Anatolian shepherd, only slightly smaller than the Kangal, is thought to be a close relative but is more readily available to the general public.

Great Pyrenees

The next shepherd on the list of top 10 largest dogs is the Great Pyrenees. Bred as sheep dogs, the Great Pyrenees is built to withstand extremely cold temperatures and fight off any intruders.

Best known for its distinctive snow-white coat (ensuring they were never mistaken for wolves), the Great Pyrenees stands an average of 32 inches tall and about 100 pounds, though some breed specimens have grown to more than three feet in height.

Kuvasz

This breed is only beginning to become well-known throughout the world after its near-extermination during World War II. Originally bred as a guard dog for nobility, this graceful animal stands about 30 inches tall and weighs about 115 to 130 pounds. While they can be aggressive, proper socialization makes them an excellent family dog.

Newfoundland

If someone wants a giant family dog, Newfoundlands are often the choice. Originally bred for water rescue and pulling barges, Newfies are considered to be the strongest dog in the world. Because they were not bred as guards, Newfies don’t have nearly the territorial instincts of some of the other giants. As long as this massive 130- to 150-pound dog doesn’t get too playful, they make excellent pets for families with small children and other pets.

Newfoundlands stand only about 26 to 28 inches at the shoulder, but they have been known to weigh as much as 180 pounds . . . the record for the breed is 260. The Leonberger, a slightly more colorful close relative to the Newfoundland, is comparable in size.

Great Dane

Widely recognized as the tallest of all dogs, the Great Dane stands an average of 34 inches tall, but many of the better examples of their breed are well over three feet tall. Weight varies and can be anywhere from 120 to 200 pounds, depending on the dog’s height. These dogs are very distinctive and energetic and are popular pets for a more experienced dog owner.

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Irish Wolfhound

These dogs rival Great Danes for height, averaging between 32 and 36 inches, but have a much more powerful body and weigh in at around 150 pounds or so. Irish wolfhounds are even-tempered and energetic.

Saint Bernard

Possibly the most readily recognizable “gentle giant,” the Saint Bernard easily reaches 200 pounds. The dog’s gentle, easy-going ways make it an extremely popular all-around pet, and with proper socialization it can be around just about any other pet or small child.

Mastiffs

While a couple of the other breeds are classified as mastiffs, there are a few that are undoubtedly members of this massive group. Listed separately, the mastiffs would dominate the entire list of top 10 largest dog breeds. Most notably, there’s the English mastiff (averaging up to 250 pounds), the Neapolitan mastiff (200 pounds), Tosa Inu (200 pounds), and the Fila Brasileiro (approximately 30 inches tall and 180 pounds).

Many mastiffs are aggressive toward other pets and may be toward humans, but for the right people they are loyal and distinctive animals. Some mastiffs have been known to exceed 300 pounds in adulthood.

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