The Largest Dog Breeds in the World

Some people prefer large dogs. These canines often make great pets, but they require lots of space for play and exercise. If you live in a rural area, or in the suburbs with a large yard surrounding your home, you might want to investigate these breeds when choosing a larger type of dog for a family pet.

1. The Akita

Country of origin: developed in Japan in the 1600s.

Original use: dog fighting and hunting

Present day use: a companion or guard dog

Characteristics: devoted, mild-mannered, cautious, intelligent and active

Appearance: sturdy, with small brown eyes, small, erect, triangular ears, and a large black nose. It comes in a variety of colors: brown, black, orange or white

Height and weight: the adult Akita will be from 24-28 inches tall and weigh between 70 and 130 pounds.

2. The Anatolian Shepherd

Country of origin: Turkey

Original use: defending herds of sheep from wild predators in the middle ages.

Present day use: it is still used as a sheep dog, but can adapt to life as a family pet.

Characteristics: very intelligent, observant and alert, loyal, independent, strong-willed, natural protectors. Strangers must be introduced with caution.

Appearance: strong and agile, with muscular legs and a robust neck. The coloring may be fawn with a black mask, pinto, white or brindle.

Height and weight: adult dogs stand 27 to 29 inches and may weigh from 100 to 125 pounds.

3. The Great Dane

Country of origin: Germany

Original use: they were used as war dogs or hunting dogs in the middle ages

Present day use: companion or guard dogs

Characteristics: loyal, affectionate, good with children, friendly and reliable, they enjoy being with people and they rarely bark.

Appearance: strong and powerful, this dog has medium-set dark eyes and ears that fold forward. Its color may be black, blue, fawn, mantle, harlequin, or brindle.

Height and weight: Great Danes are from 30 to 32 inches tall, and weigh from 120 to 160 pounds.

4. The Irish Wolfhound

Country of origin: Ireland

Original use: they were created in the 1800s for hunting wolves

Present day use: companion or guard dog

Characteristics: gentle, kind and affectionate and loyal, great with children and strangers alike.

Appearance: puppies appear clumsy, since they grow very quickly. Adults are tall with strong, muscular legs. They are an impressive sight, with huge head, long muzzle and small ears. The topcoat appears rough and shaggy. The Irish Wolfhound comes in many colors; among the most common are black, white, grey, red and brindle.

Height and weight: these dogs stand between 30 and 34 inches high, and weigh between 100 and 150 pounds when adults.

5. The Mastiff

Country of origin: England

Original use: for fighting and military use

Present day use: a reliable guard dog and loving companion.

Characteristics: gentle, easygoing, playful and protective of the family, great with children but suspicious of strangers. The mastiff will bark if it senses danger. These dogs need obedience training when they are young to make they comfortable with other dogs and new people.

Appearance: dark eyes, set wide apart, small thick ears, a flat nose and a short, wide, dark muzzle. Its topcoat is short and straight and its color varies from fawn, to apricot, and brindle.

Height and weight: Mastiffs stand from 27 to 32 inches high and can weigh from 150 to 190 pounds or more.

If your home is situated on a very large piece of property and you want a truly stunning and impressive pet, one of the above breeds may be just what you’re looking for.

To view photos of these dogs and more large breeds, please check the following link:

http://www.petinsuranceonline.co.uk/articles/ten-biggest-dog-breeds-in-the-world.html

Reference:

PetInsurance
Ten Biggest Dog Breeds in the World
Accessed: February 23, 2011

http://www.petinsuranceonline.co.uk/articles/ten-biggest-dog-breeds-in-the-world.html