The biggest dogs in the world

In the world there are a huge number of varieties of dogs. Some of them have an incredible type of wool, an extraordinary color, an amazing history of origin, or simply unique sizes relative to the other four-legged pets. In this article we will get acquainted with the biggest dogs in the world, as well as with the peculiarities of their maintenance at home.

Unfortunately, today there is no official separation of all dogs based on their size and shape. Experienced breeders conditionally divided all dogs into giant, large, medium, small and dwarf breeds. In the process of determining the size of pets takes into account a number of parameters: maximum growth rates, muscle development, average body weight, condition of the skeletal system.

As a rule, breeds with the following external characteristics are referred to as large dogs:

• height at withers should be at least 60 centimeters;
• The weight of an adult individual must be at least 26 kilograms.

Representatives of gigantic species are also included in the list of breeds that fit these characteristics. This means an increase in withers to 75-80 cm and weight over 45 kg. Among the most dimensional individuals most often there are representatives of dog breeds, mastiffs and wolfhounds.

The main purpose of large and large dog breeds is usually to guard, service or simple companion activities. Historical and modern cases are known where representatives of large breeds were involved in hunting and guarding herds of large and small cattle.

The content of each dog breed has its own individual pros and cons, however there is a list of positive and negative points that are equally valid for all big dogs.

Let's start with the pros.

• Security. A big dog is a great guard, not only for you, but for your whole family. With such dogs it will be quieter to walk in the evening streets and not be afraid of being attacked or robbed. No one in their right mind dares to attack a passerby with a mastiff or a wolfhound. Such dogs are most often extremely loyal and intelligent - they are remarkably able to feel aggression from strangers and passersby.
• Nice character. Almost all breeds of large dogs differ in docile and good-natured temperament, which allows them to be brought up in families with small children and other pets. Large dogs often act as pillows for toddlers and are ready to fully protect the infant's sleep, even if there is a threat to their own life.
• Health. Large and muscular dogs, as a rule, have a very powerful immunity that helps them to endure many infectious and viral diseases, cold and drafts.
• Decreased activity. Individuals of large sizes rarely have an irrepressible and extremely active character, they are easier to control and entice. As a rule, these pets prefer to spend time with rest or measured walks. A large number of muscles, heavy bones and an impressive body do not allow them to do the fun that is usual for dwarf and small breeds.
• This dog. Many believe that it is the dogs of large breeds that are full-fledged representatives of the dog. It is also believed that dogs of large species are better trained and trained.

However, there are also disadvantages.

• Expenses. The larger the dog, the more it requires financial and temporary investments. This applies to both regular spending on feed or natural food, as well as ordinary dog ​​hair care. So, combing a Caucasian Shepherd or Newfoundland can take up to several hours every day.
• Large space. The size of the dog affects not only the feeding and care, but also on the conditions of detention. For large pet dogs, small apartments are not very suitable; in most cases, a fenced area or a plot of a private house becomes an ideal option. Within the walls of small apartments, large pets feel cramped and can cause irreparable damage to your property during their entertainment.
• Short lifespan. According to some reports, large breeds of dogs live a little less than small and medium breeds. This is due to the massive physique, a large load on the cardiovascular system and limbs. With age, big dogs spend more and more time at rest, which leads to obesity and the development of other serious diseases.
• Remarkable strength. Walking with large dogs can result in significant injuries to their owners. These dogs are difficult to keep on a leash, in an excited state, they can jerk the leash so much that they knock their masters down. In order to prevent this behavior, dog handlers advise from childhood to teach the pet everywhere on walks to follow near the owner, and not move away over long distances.
• Prejudice If for you a big dog is an excellent defender from criminals and detractors, for other passersby these dogs can seem like real monsters that can cripple both them and their children. Basically, such problems begin after walks not far from playgrounds or busy recreation areas.

Unfortunately, there is currently no official list of the largest dog breeds in the world. The problem of comparing dog sizes is complicated by variations in the norm for certain breeds. Below will be presented the top 15 giant breeds (descending growth) of dogs based on opinions and surveys in the vast web. Keep in mind that your opinion about the biggest dogs on Earth may differ from the rating below.

• English Mastiff. It is considered one of the oldest English species. Today it is presented in the form of the largest and most massive variety of dogs in the world. Individuals of this breed grow to 91 cm, with regard to indicators of weight, they can vary significantly depending on the age of the dog - from 70 to 105 kg (in males). Mastiffs differ from their fellows with a balanced, courageous and devoted character. These dogs are considered an ideal family option, as they are patient with children, do not require special care for themselves, and also provide their family members with reliable protection against all detractors.

• Great Dane. One of the breeds, for the creation of which was used the genetic material of the English Mastiffs and Irish Greyhounds. These animals have a unique growth, elongated and narrow physique, as well as incredibly long and slender limbs. So, bitches Danish dogs can grow up to 85 centimeters, and males often grow up to 110 centimeters or more.If we talk about the average weight, then females of this breed weigh no more than 85 kg, males can reach 100 or more kilograms. Breeding Danish dogs by their nature are capricious and very independent, they do not tolerate disrespect for their person, are suspicious of strangers, but love children and common mischief with them.

• St. Bernard. Another representative of the giant dog breeds, which fell on the territory of Europe and Russia from the Italian Alps. The first individuals of the St. Bernards divorced exclusively as rescuers - they helped to quickly find people who suffered from avalanches and snow collapses. A distinctive feature of these dogs is the original barrel on their collars, which in the long time was filled with brandy, designed to warm the victims. St. Bernards are incredibly good-natured, peaceful and sociable pets - this is one of the few breeds that is very difficult to annoy.
  • Due to the dense coat and massive physique of these dogs they are considered one of the largest in the world. So, males of these dogs grow up to 90 centimeters at the withers, and bitches usually do not exceed 80 centimeters. If you touch the weight, then most often there are individuals of this breed with a weight of more than 100 kg.

• Tibetan mastiff. To some extent, the legendary breed - many is considered one of the oldest in the world. This breed got its name from the place of its origin and breeding - in Tibetan monasteries, these dogs served as watchmen and guides on dangerous mountainous terrain. Regarding the size of males Tibetan mastiffs can grow up to 81 centimeters in length (bitches - up to 71 cm), and in weight can gain up to 82-85 kilograms. The individuals of this breed are extremely calm, balanced and extremely clean.

• Komondor or Hungarian Sheepdog. Many consider this dog the most amazing breed. All because of the extraordinary (plush) coat of komondor - their white wool is placed in a dense layer throughout the body in the form of long and thick dreadlocks. In their homeland, the Komondors were used exclusively in guard activities — the white color and the unusual growth of wool allowed these pets to literally merge with the sheep herd and successfully control it.

• Pyrenean Mastiff. It is believed that this breed came to the territory of Europe and Russia from Spain. Initially, its individuals were used for escorting and guarding flocks of sheep, as well as in protecting trade carts. Individuals of these dogs are not only distinguished by their high height - up to 81 centimeters, but also by significant weight - up to 85 kilograms (although some males grow up to 100 kg). These dogs today are used as guards and accompanying for children and women, many breeders prefer to keep them exactly in the apartments - these dogs love quiet rest without destructive behavior.

• Caucasian Shepherd Dog. A common species in Russia. This breed of dogs is characterized by a smart, but extremely independent character, as well as an extremely massive physique and fluffy coat. In addition to Russia, individuals of these dogs are also found in Armenia and Azerbaijan. These dogs are considered to be excellent watchmen, but they require a strong-willed, strict and strong character from a person.

• Tosa Inu. Initially, individuals of this breed were bred exclusively in Japan, where they served as fighting dogs and participated in hostilities.Unfortunately, even today the standard regarding the size of these dogs is very controversial - for example, there were individuals weighing from 35 to 60 kg and growing from 60 to 70 cm at the withers. Over time, Tosa-Inu individuals in Europe underwent significant breeding changes that led to an increase in the size of these dogs - up to 82 cm in height and up to 100 kg in weight. These pets have a strong physique, a reliable and devoted attitude towards the owner, as well as a cautious attitude towards all strangers.

• Newfoundland. Some people call these dogs "divers" and "nanny-dogs" - all because of their rich historical past. Once they were actively used in the marshland as an assistant to fishermen and hunters. Today, these shaggy dogs are actively used in the role of lifeguards - their wool has a unique water-repellent structure, and between the fingers there are special membranes that allow you to move very quickly against the current. Among the Newfoundlands there are champions in weight (the maximum mark for the current day is 120 kg), but, as a rule, these dogs do not grow above 75 cm and do not weigh more than 70 kg (males).

• Leonberger (or "lion"). Not a particularly popular breed of dog from Germany. They got their unusual name due to the same name of the German city - Leonberg. These dogs are distinguished from others by their rather long, black and tan hair. Their coat also has a unique water-repellent coating, which helps them to withstand severe frosts and cold. Males of this breed of dogs grow up to 75 centimeters in height and gain up to 70 kilograms in weight. If we talk about temperament, then in the right hands these dogs are very clever, reliable as guards and extremely playful.

• Irish Wolfhound. Along with Tibetan mastiffs, it is considered one of the most ancient dog breeds in the world. These pets are distinguished not so much by a strong constitution or a large weight, as by a high growth up to 86 centimeters. Regarding the weight of this breed can not be called a record holder - on average, individuals lack 55 kg (males). The first mention of this breed are found in the records of ancient Rome, IV century BC. er These bright representatives of hunting dogs are characterized by incredible speed, maneuverability and the ability to track down prey at great distances. This breed can not be attributed to any specific character traits, the Irish wolfhounds are extremely individual, and in the hands of different owners can behave in completely different ways.

• Moscow Watchdog. This breed appeared only in the middle of the XX century in Russia. For its creation was used the material of many Russian and European breeds, among which are the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and St. Bernard. If we consider the characteristics described in the standard of this breed, then the males of this breed grow up to 78 cm in height, and in terms of weight, they can gain up to 70 kg. Regarding the nature of this breed can be called extremely calm, independent and balanced.

• Neapolitan Mastiff. Another amazing breed of guard dogs, which differs from the rest of the unique skin of the folded type - the body, muzzle and chest of these animals are covered with solid folds. Thanks to this appearance, these pets look like a huge living drop.It was a representative of the Neapolitan Mastiff under the nickname Fang that you could see in the movie "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets." These dogs grow to 74 centimeters in height and up to 70 kilograms in weight. Despite their large size and appearance, these dogs are amazing kind-hearted people who don’t like souls in all members of their family, and especially in children.

• Deerhound. Quite young, but common in Scotland and England hunting breed. Official recognition came to Dirhoundam only by the end of the XIX century. These pets differ from other relatives by their robust and slim physique, as well as surprisingly developed olfactory qualities. According to the standard, Dirhound males grow up to 80 centimeters at the withers and up to 50 kilograms in weight.

• Quvas These dogs are considered one of the most ancient among the official breeds in Hungary. In the Middle Ages, individuals of this breed were considered a sign of elitism - only people of high class could own them, in particular, kings and those close to the royal family. These pets have a fairly high height - up to 76 centimeters, as well as a surprisingly high weight among individual individuals - up to 90 kg. This type of service dogs is considered to be one of the easiest to keep: Kuvasas are loyal, reliable and brave when it comes to protecting their owners.

Among the individuals of the above breeds there are champions with respect to individual qualities and merits - let's get to know them better.

• The biggest dog in the world. Among the breeders of the English Mastiff is known such name as Aikama Zorbo - this is the largest male dog of the English Mastiff in the world, who was rightfully recognized as the largest dog in the world. In the Guinness Book of Records, this dog was recorded with the following parameters: height - 94 centimeters, weight - 155.6 kilograms, length (from nose to tip of tail) - 251 centimeters. Male was born in 1981, his owner was the English breeder Chris Iraklides.

• The tallest dog in the world. A dog named Zeus, a very well-known name among breeders of large dog breeds, is considered a prominent representative of Danish dogs. This dog was simply phenomenal height of 112 centimeters and weighing more than 70 kilograms. Under this growth, Zeus was listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the tallest dog in the world. The owners of Zeus noted that every day their pet required at least 14 kg of fresh food for the full functioning of the body. Despite the fact that Zeus died in 2014, he remains an extremely popular dog among all dog owners.

• The hardest dog in the world. Among St. Bernards, the most prominent representatives are the male Benedictine, who, with an anomalous weight of 166 kg, has gone down in history as the heaviest dog in the world. Among the representatives of this breed there are also very long individuals that fell into the Guinness Book of Records. For example, another male named Major F., with a length of 259 centimeters from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail, was recognized as the longest dog in the world.

• The most expensive dog in the world. Among Tibetan Mastiffs, there are no prominent representatives regarding size or height, but the Tibetan Mastiff named Hong Dong is known today as the most expensive dog in the world. This story is most popular in China. Judging by the data, the coal tycoon, who gave 1.5 million euros for it, became the buyer of the individual.

• The strongest dog in the world. It is not for nothing that the opinion that it is the Newfoundlands that are the most powerful and powerful dog breed in the world is popular in the world.This opinion was formed on the basis of the achievement of the bitch of this breed named Barbara Allens Dark Hans. With its low weight (about 45 kg) and a small height this dog managed to drag 2.29 tons of cargo across a concrete surface in 1979.

Any dog ​​has its own individual needs, and therefore it is difficult to create an exact set of rules of care, equally valid for each breed of dogs. Below is a list of general recommendations that will be useful in keeping most of the large breeds of dogs.

• A place. An obligatory factor in the content of a large four-sided friend is the provision of a large amount of space for his games, fun and jogging. Experienced breeders are advised to take large dogs only in multi-room apartments or in private houses with a large and fenced area. It would be nice if the territory will be equipped with a number of special simulators for training and training.

• Hygiene. As already mentioned, the larger the dog, the greater the concerns it delivers to its owners. To maintain a tidy and healthy appearance, you should brush your teeth, wash your eyes and look at your ears at least once a week. In addition, most large breeds of dogs have long and tough coat, which requires regular care. For an integrated and professional care for the appearance of a pet, breeders advise you to contact grooming salons at least once every six months.

• Walking Regardless of breed, age and gender, any dog ​​needs regular walking in the open air. Some of the above breeds cannot be kept at all in a closed apartment - fresh air and daily adventures are vital for the healthy functioning of their bodies. A stagnant and inactive way of life will make any dog ​​passive and even aggressive.

• Children. Despite the fact that most of the large breeds of dogs belong to exceptional kindness, in the first months of the appearance of an adult dog in the house, closely follow all the contacts of the pet and your children. Any pet has its own threshold of patience, after which these dogs can unwittingly cause serious injury to your child. The same goes for walks in the fresh air - these dogs should always be displayed only in a muzzle and with a leash.

• Upbringing Some of the above dog breeds have an extremely self-confident, independent and strong character that not every breeder will be able to cope with. A very important point in the education of these dogs is the establishment of their authority as the owner from the very first days of the appearance of a pet in the house. If the upbringing turns out to be unsuccessful, you will have an absolutely uncontrollable and capricious pet in your hands who will sweep everything in its path. Large dogs are very poorly trained in adulthood - the pet feels its size and strength, and therefore simply does not perceive the owner as the one who has the right to order him.

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