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Student Article: Top 10 Biggest Dog Breeds in the World

By: James Cutmore
Originally Published in  
Science Focus
A small chihuahua standing on the back of a big dog
© Getty
Vocabulary

Companion (noun): A friend or pet that keeps you company.

Livestock (noun): Farm animals like cows and sheep.

Muscular (adjective): Having strong muscles.

Tricolor (adjective): Having three colors.

Coat (noun): The fur or hair that covers an animal's body.

Herd (verb): To gather and move animals.

Do you love big dogs? Here are the top 10 biggest dog breeds in the world, known for their size, strength, and loyalty.

1. Saint Bernard

Saint Bernards are huge dogs. The heaviest Saint Bernard weighed in at an astonishing 368 lb. (167 kg) and currently holds the record as the heaviest dog of all time. Saint Bernards are strong and were used to rescue people in the mountains. Despite their size, they are gentle and friendly.

2. English Mastiff

English Mastiffs are very big. One of the biggest dogs ever recorded was an English Mastiff named Zorba, weighing in at an incredible 313 lb. (142 kg). English Mastiffs are gentle giants and make excellent guard dogs. They are known for their loyalty and protective nature.

3. Newfoundland

Newfoundlands are strong swimmers. The largest Newfoundland weighed 265 lb. (120 kg). Newfoundlands were originally bred as working dogs for fishermen. They are calm, strong, and loyal, making them great family pets.

4. Great Dane

Great Danes are very tall and some can weigh up to 245 lb. (111 kg). They are friendly and protective, making them great companions. Despite their size, they are gentle and caring.

5. Boerboel

Boerboels are strong dogs from South Africa and can weigh up to 201 lb. (91 kg ). They are skilled at protecting livestock and have powerful jaws and muscular builds. They are also loving and loyal family dogs.

6. Leonberger

Leonbergers have thick coats and can weigh up to 170 lb. (77 kg). They are intelligent and make good family pets. The impressive mane around their necks makes them look like lions.

7. Great Pyrenees

Great Pyrenees are big and fluffy, weighing up to 165 lb. (75 kg). They protect livestock from bears and wolves. They are friendly toward humans, especially children.

8. Irish Wolfhound

Irish Wolfhounds are very tall and can weigh up to 159 lb. (72 kg). They were once used to hunt wolves. They are gentle and friendly, making them great family pets.

9. Kangal Shepherd

Dog Kangal Shepherd Dogs are from Turkey and can weigh up to 132 lb. (60 kg). They protect livestock and are very fast. They are sensitive and form strong bonds with humans.

10. Bernese Mountain

Dog Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle and can weigh up to 121 lb. (55 kg). They have beautiful tricolor coats and are good family dogs. They were bred to herd cattle and watch over farmland.

© James Cutmore / Our Media