Kind Giants, These are the Largest Dog Breeds in the World
Kind Giants, These are the Largest Dog Breeds in the World
Some of the largest dog breeds are also some of the best dogs in the world. Despite their intimidating size, they are easy-going and have kind hearts. They are known as gentle giants.
Many are also very protective of their families, and when fully grown they can weigh up to 77 kilograms. This begs the question: What is the biggest dog in the world? And is there a difference between large dog breeds and giant dog breeds?
Professional dog breeders created a standard measurement system, which defines large dogs as weighing at least 22.6 kilograms and having a minimum height of about 61 centimeters. While giant breeds weigh a minimum of 45.3 kilograms, and as you can imagine, their proportions are even larger
Anatolian Shepherd or Anatolian Shepherd
Reporting from houston obedience training dog club, this intelligent and loyal working dog with an average weight of 68 kilograms offers protection for livestock. Although their appearance can be intimidating, they are quite quiet and prefer to threaten rather than attack predators. Anatolian Shepherds are still popular as guard dogs on farms today.
Bernese Mountain Dog or Bernese Mountain Dog
These gentle-natured giants are one of the more popular giant breeds. Bred in Switzerland as working dogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs thrive in cold weather and are used on farms for transport such as pulling carts or wagons. They are good-natured and make wonderful family dogs and companions.
Black Russian Terrier
These giants are impressive and intelligent. The Black Russian Terrier, aka Stalin’s dog was developed by the Soviet government in the 1930s as a powerful guard and police dog. To this day they maintain these protective qualities and are fiercely loyal to their families.
Bullmastiff
There are several mastiffs that all fall into the giant category. Representing the group here is Bullmastiff. They were developed in the 19th century to look after English nature reserves and country estates. They respond well to training but can be stubborn. So early socialization and training is a must.
Cane Corso
Originating from Sicily in southern Italy, the Italian Mastiff became very popular in ancient Rome. Then, it almost disappeared during World War II. After being rediscovered in a remote village in Italy in the 1970s, the concerted efforts of breed lovers saw them revived and reintroduced to America in the 1980s. They tend to be wary of strangers but protective of their own group.
Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is easily recognized by its puffy white coat. Despite its appearance, its thick coat is easy to care for as it resists dirt and tangles. This breed is impressive in size and was developed to work alongside herders and to protect livestock. Great Pyrenees are known as gentle giants, but are very protective and will fight predators to the death.