Bringing a large dog into your home can be an exciting experience; however, it can be a bit confusing as well. There are many different large dog breeds including those with long hair, short hair and curly hair. Further, some of them have been bred to herd, hunt, guard or to simply be a delightful companion. Nevertheless, the following 10 big dogs are the most popular and biggest dog breeds today :
Large Dog Breeds
Tibetan Mastiffs Perhaps the largest of all big dog breeds is theTibetan Mastiff. Tibetan Mastiffs originated in China, and it is not uncommon for males to reach more than 200 pounds and 31 inches at the withers. These dogs can be quite fierce and protective of their owners.
Neapolitan Mastiffs The Neapolitan Mastiff is one of the largest dog breeds, with adult males averaging an astonishing 165 pounds and about 30 inches tall at the withers. This ancient dog breed originated in Italy and makes a perfect guard dog for families.
Newfoundlands Originally bred for pulling barges and water rescue, Newfoundlands are long-haired gentle dogs that make great family pets. Adult males can reach up to 180 pounds and about 26 to 28 inches tall at the withers.
Great DanesGreat Danes are not only known as some of the heaviest dogs, but they are also known as some of the tallest. A full-grown male Great Dane can stand as tall as three feet at the withers and can weigh up to 200 pounds.
Irish WolfhoundsIrish Wolfhounds are also extremely big dogs, with adult males averaging about 32 to 36 inches tall at the withers and weighing about 150 pounds. These dogs originated from Ireland and are very sweet-tempered and loyal.
Saint BernardsSaint Bernards, known as gentle giants, are long-haired large dog breeds that can easily reach 200 pounds and 35 inches at the withers. Their gentle and loving dispositions make them excellent family pets, even in households with small children.
Kuvasz Kuvasz are lovely long-haired, white dogs that were originally bred for guarding purposes. While some of these dogs can be aggressive, proper socialization can make them great family pets. Full grown males can reach up to 130 pounds and 30 inches tall at the withers.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Developed in the Swiss Alps as cattle dogs, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs can weigh as much as 140 pounds full-grown and can stand between 26 and 29 inches tall at the withers. These dogs make excellent family dogs and require little exercise.
Bernese Mountain DogsBernese Mountain Dogs are gentle dogs that also originated from the Swiss Alps and were bred to assist farmers. These long-haired, tri-colored beauties can reach up to 110 pounds and about 25 to 28 inches tall at the withers.
Giant Alaskan MalamutesGiant Alaskan Malamutes are double-coated arctic dogs that were originally bred to haul heavy freight. Today, they are most known as sled dogs. Full grown Malamutes can reach up to 190 pounds and can stand as tall as 35 inches at the withers.
These are the top 10 big dog breeds today. However, there are many other large dog breeds including Rottweilers, Scottish Deerhounds, Afghan Hounds, English Mastiffs, Giant Schnauzers and Greyhounds. Before you choose to add one of these dogs to your home, make sure you conduct some research to find out if it will be a good match.