The English Mastiff
The English Mastiff, in terms of mass is the big daddy of all dogs and its dimensions particularly that of the male are something to be believed. Every inch of this dog gives off strength and power – if the planet Krypton had a dog then this would probably be it. The world record holding breed for weight, this dog can weigh up to two hundred and fifty pounds for a male and around fifty pounds less than a female. The breed has been around for a long time – the name probably derives from the Anglo-Saxon word for powerful -masty. It is generally recognized to be the oldest dog breed in the UK.
The dog is often used to guard, but makes a wonderful domestic pet as well. It is said that the face gives away the character if the dog and that is the case with the English Mastiff. It is very affectionate to its owners but combines both courage and dignity and will protect its owner from unfamiliar people with a polite but determined maneuver which puts the dog between the stranger and its owner. It is great with children and smaller dogs and will become firmly attached to the family unit to which it is introduced. A surprisingly gentle dog, it does have a tendency towards laziness if left to its own devices to a program of daily, regular and prolonged exercise is recommended to keep it in trim.
The Great Dane
The Irish Wolfhound (see below) usually takes the prize as the world’s tallest dog but the record at the moment is with a Great Dane by the name of Gibson who is a staggering 42.3 inches tall – a good ten inches taller than the average English Mastiff. As such the Great Dane is known as the ‘Apollo of all breeds’ and its history is thought to go back (perhaps) three thousand years. There are drawings on Egyptian tombs from this period that strongly resemble the Great Dane. The modern breed is thought to originate in either Denmark (hence the name) or, most likely Germany. Toon lovers will of course know the breed as the Scooby Doo dog!
The breed comes in a variety of colors from the common fawn and brindle to the harlequin which is a white coat with black tear patches over the entire body (a white neck is particularly sought out by owners – see Stella above). Although it is intimidatingly tall the Great Dane has an extremely friendly temperament and get on well with people, other dogs (and other pets!) alike. Some Great Danes can have certain dominance issues, which is true of pretty much each and every species of dog – and of course, supervision around young kids is essential. The Great Dane has a slow metabolism and needs a great deal of exercise to keep it in trim. A common misconception is that they do not need a lot of exercise as they generally plod along in a fairly docile way. The opposite is true – they need lots. Great Danes do suffer from some breed specific disorders and can sometimes be born blind, deaf or both.
The Irish Wolfhound
It does what it says on the packet – the Irish Wolfhound is so called because the breed originated for that very purpose, not, as many assume in its twenty first century family member role because it actually looks lupine. Although they are not the world record holder for the height of a single dog, they most certainly are on average. The male is usually between 33 to 36 inches and the female two to three inches shorter. They are not naturally inclined to guard (they were designed to hunt) but their sheer size would probably put any burglar off his task. They are also way too friendly – the chances are the Wolf Hound is more likely to approach the burglar as his new best friend than to deter him from his goal.
As such the Irish Wolfhound, more than many giant dogs can be trusted with children. They will also put up with quite a lot of ear and tail pulling (if your kids can reach) with patience and a sweet temper. They are very open to training and are of a generous and caring nature. They will – if you are out walking with them and are attacked – pretty much see off your attacker: despite their reluctance to guard they will be fearless if you are threatened. The great shame is that they are not long lived and at maximum you can hope for ten years. As with other dogs of this size they do need a lot of exercise and although originally a country dog they do take to urban living pretty well.
The Scottish Deerhound
Otherwise simply known as a Deerhound this lesser known giant breed looks like a rough coated greyhound but it is their size which distinguishes them. The history of the breed goes back to pre-Roman times and it is thought that the Scots and the Picts kept this breed to hunt deer (hence the name!). These dogs are about the friendliest you will ever meet and so, like the Irish Wolfhound, is not the best dog if you want something to guard your home. They are very eager to please and their gentle bearing means that they are loved the world over by their owner. When young, though Deerhounds get bored extremely easily and have a sort of canine ADHD which means that if you do not exercise them sufficiently you will probably come home to find your house looking like a burglar really has been there.
Living up to eleven years, these dogs like nothing more than spending the day stretched out or sleeping on your largest couch. However, it must be exercised regularly and properly and although it enjoys the company of humans this is a breed that really needs a companion with its own DNA in order to be fully happy. In other words, this dog can pine on its own but will be perfectly happy in a pair. Like all the other breeds in this article they are fine with children but should be supervised with small ones as, due to their size, they can inadvertently knock toddlers down which will distress both dog and child.
The Newfoundland
This dog just loves the water. In fact they have been used for water rescue due partly to their musculature and also due to the fact that they have webbed feet – the combination of which makes them fantastic swimmers. They have a wonderful disposition and are very loving animals. One of the easier dogs to housebreak, they are quite daffy animals and are about as laid back as a dog can get. The downside is that they have to be groomed at least once a week otherwise their gorgeous coat will become tangled.
They are thought to be the strongest dogs in the world, beating all of the others on this list. They also make great watch dogs and are just about the best breed in the world when it comes to children – they really are the gentle giant of the dog world. Lord Byron said this about his Newfoundland (or Newfie as they are known) after it died. ‘Near this spot are deposited the remains of one who possessed Beauty without Vanity, Strength without Insolence, Courage without Ferocity, and all the Virtues of Man, without his Vices. This Praise, which would be unmeaning Flattery if inscribed over human ashes, is but a just tribute to the Memory of Boatswain, a Dog.’
The St Bernard
Originally a working dog, the St Bernard originates in the Swiss Alps where it was used in Mountain Rescue. It is a very large dog and can grow up to thirty six inches in height with a coat that can be both rough or smooth. They make wonderful pets but it is vital that thorough training takes place when the dog is young as they can be boisterous and need to be ready to take commands and be willingly controlled.
They are good with kids as long as the above is taken in to account. If you are looking for a dog for protection they are not the ideal choice. They will bark at intruders but that is about it – though of course their sheer size (like other dogs here) will probably act as a deterrent. If it were not for the St Bernard we might not have the soccer team Manchester United. In 1902 the team was about to go bankrupt and so held a fundraiser. The Captain of the team, Harry Stafford, brought his St Bernard and it drew the attention of JH Davis – an extremely wealthy brewery magnate. Davis wanted to buy the dog which Stafford refused. However, he did silver tongue Davis in to buying the entire club.
The Leonberger
From Leonberg in south west Germany this dog was bred – according to local legend – as a symbol of the lion in the crest of the town. So it is that this most leonine of dogs came in to being and the breed is gorgeous. The dog is extremely large but has an air of European elegance about it which makes it popular in well to do households. The male usually carries a lion like mane and they can reach up to thirty inches in height.
This is a very cool dog – almost unflappable – and unlike most of the dogs on this list the Leonberger can be used as a guard dog – albeit a mild one. When in a tight spot the Leonberger will use his size and weight to protect his owner rather than his teeth. This makes the breed sound a little aggressive but the Leonberger will imprint deeply and quickly on to his adopted human family. A very agile dog, the Leonberger needs a lot of exercise and often astounds it owners by its athleticism, especially considering the size of the breed. Until properly trained the dog can be a little like the St Bernard – over energetic and somewhat willful but after the third year usually calms down and becomes the gentle giant that this breed is known to be.
The Neapolitan Mastiff
This dog has history! Often used as a guard dog, its breed goes way back to the time of the Roman legions – it is just a shame there weren’t a few in the Gladiator movie. It seems that they were trained up by Roman Legions to fight alongside them. They wore harnesses upon which were sewn in spikes and blades. The Neapolitan Mastiff would then run under the horses of the enemy horses and disembowel them. They don’t do that today.
If you want a fearless guard dog that also really does prefer to be with the family rather than outside in a kennel then this could be the dog for you. However, it is not a dog for beginners and is not appropriate if you have small children. Proper training, because of its size, is paramount. If you think the ‘alpha roll’ training method will work on this breed, think again. Unless the dog is thoroughly socialized and trained they will be aggressive to strangers and other dogs in to adulthood.
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User Comments
Mr Ghaz
On August 24, 2009 at 3:40 am
Wonderful!.. A very interesting read and well presented piece. Thanks for sharing this great stuff.
Melody Arcamo Lagrimas
On August 24, 2009 at 5:53 am
Love the St. Bernard and the Great Dane.
papaleng
On August 24, 2009 at 10:23 am
I once have a Great Dane and he is so loyal and lovable.
Glynis Smy
On August 24, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Oh I miss my old st bernard, Tiny. Don’t miss the slobber though!
Bailey Thompson
On August 24, 2009 at 3:32 pm
Great piece. Although, my dog is only 6 pounds. I don’t think a big dog would fit in well!
Louie Jerome
On August 24, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Great read. My dog weighs more than I do and stands taller than me if he puts paws on my shoulders, but he would be small beside a great dane.
Juancav
On August 24, 2009 at 10:06 pm
Lovely big dogs,they are bigger friends.
cebuanaeyez
On August 24, 2009 at 10:45 pm
We could not have dogs around…allergy. However, I am not allergic to your articles
Lauren Axelrod
On August 25, 2009 at 12:28 am
I love big dogs, although my latest purchase from the Humane Society was by accident and she’s a little runt. I still love her though.
Frank
On August 25, 2009 at 3:01 am
You missed the Landseer
perhaps because it is variety of the Newfoundlands in UK/USA (only).
I got two of this gentle giants. The Leonberger is at least 25% Landseer, they are bigger than Newfoundlands and as big as St. Bernhards.
http://www.landseer-stuttgart.de/pico/index.htm
Roberta
On August 25, 2009 at 3:09 am
Love big dogs!! The bigger and droolier the better! We have a bull mastiff and, as we often tell him, he is THE BEST DOG IN THE WORLD!
hz
On August 25, 2009 at 4:20 am
hello
you have overlooked or not been aware of the CAUCASIAN MOUNTAIN DOG also known as the KAVKAZIAN SHEEPDOG
…for example;
http://www.champion-puppies.com/caucasian_mountain_dog.htm
paul
On August 25, 2009 at 6:24 am
I was hoping to see/ read about a great pyranese, or bernese mountain dog.
Seen both @ 150 lbs plus.
beautiful animals all around.
AngelaDavid
On August 25, 2009 at 6:37 am
Amazing and delightful article. I so enjoyed. I love the Irish Wolfhound! I want one! Love the article!
JCHume
On August 25, 2009 at 7:58 am
Love big dogs. My Presa, Tito, is about 140 lbs now. He’s the king of slobber. Love your dog articles and pics.
anon
On August 25, 2009 at 8:43 am
Turkish Kangal – 30 inches tall, 160 lbs. A very responsible, even-tempered dog, but an outdoors breed mainly. Not extremely sociable.
jon
On August 25, 2009 at 8:56 am
My Great Pyrenees is probably disappointed to be left off this list. At about 150lbs, he looks more like a polar bear than a dog, especially when he stands on his hind legs.
GPs also vie with the Newfie over best with children, as my toddler literally hops on him while he sleeps. But they make good guard dogs, too, with their loud bark and getting between you and any bad guy. My GP instinctively knows who is to be trusted and who isn’t.
Joe Dorish
On August 25, 2009 at 10:25 am
Love the big dog breeds though they tend to slobber more and not live as long as the smaller breeds but they are better pets IMHO.
jon
On August 25, 2009 at 10:32 am
Also, GPs only rarely produce much slobber, because that would require energy.
Neil
On August 25, 2009 at 12:53 pm
What about the Tibetan Mastiff?
zelarack
On August 25, 2009 at 1:56 pm
awesome
Redburn
On August 25, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Nice article but ugly creatures
stan hoople
On August 25, 2009 at 4:51 pm
neat stuff but i really could have done without the picture of the newfoundland sportin’ the red rocket
Rana Sinha
On August 25, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Nice article. Great dogs, but I still love my Daxie more.
portia944
On August 25, 2009 at 7:31 pm
Great research! Thanks, now my daughter wants a dog. lol
JoshuaD
On August 25, 2009 at 9:38 pm
Well done. I have always wanted a Mastiff but have never had a home that was truly big enough for them to be comfortable in.
athena goodlight
On August 25, 2009 at 11:03 pm
I enjoyed reading this. What an amazing account of these large dogs. Dogs have big hearts for their masters, too. Great article!
Sheri
On August 25, 2009 at 11:36 pm
Great article. I loved looking at all the wonderful pictures. I currently own a German Shepherd. She was a rescue and I love her very much. One day I also hope to own a Newfie, God willing. I think that is one of the most beautiful breeds both inside and out, slobber included…smile.
My shepherd loves it when our grandchildren come to visit and she thinks they\’re visiting HER, not us. If I tell her, \’the kids are coming\’, she knows what that means and gets very excited and runs to the front and back door waiting. At night she likes to spend some time laying out in front of our home listening to every noise in the woods, like she\’s guarding us from all the little night time critters that come out. But she thinks she\’s doing her job and I love her for it! She\’s very gentle and likes pretty much everyone. From time to time though, she does act like someone might not be such a good person after all as she will stand guard and not let them pass until I say it\’s ok. She doesn\’t hurt them, just stands there so that they don\’t want to go any farther. But that\’s only been a couple of times with people she thought might be a threat to us.
If I\’m alone at night, she makes me more scared than anything else, haha. She knows I don\’t like to be alone so she goes from window to window and door to door and growls and goes into a stance with her ears listening for every little sound. Geesh, she\’s worse than I am at night.
I couldn\’t ask for a better dog!
Josh P.
On August 25, 2009 at 11:43 pm
You forgot my breed!
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog was developed in Anatolia (Turkey) to guard flocks of sheep from wolves, bears, wild dogs, jackals, and even cheetahs (currently). They can stand almost three feet tall (on all fours), and weigh around 150 lbs. Dogs of this type possibly existed as long as 6,000 years ago.
The Anatolian is also called Çoban Köpeği (shepherd dog), Karabaş, Akbaş, Kangal dog, and Anatolian Karabash dog, and over the centuries, regional variations have developed – I have the sort fancied in the UK.
Wikipedia: “The Anatolian was developed to be independent and forceful, responsible for guarding its master’s flocks without human assistance or direction. These traits make it challenging as a pet; owners of dogs of this breed must socialize the dogs to turn them into appropriate companions. They are intelligent and can learn quickly but might choose not to obey; this is not a dog for a beginning or shy owner. They become very protective of other animals in the household, and will treat them as their “flock.” They have also been known to chase bears to protect their charges. According to Turkish shepherds, three Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are capable of overcoming a pack of wolves and injuring one or two of them.”
Somsri
On August 26, 2009 at 1:35 am
Good pictures..
unown971
On August 26, 2009 at 6:55 am
The picture of the neapolitan mastiff was cute. Great article.
domzo
On August 26, 2009 at 7:09 am
Irish Wolfhounds are the biggest dogs on earth. Foreigners often cannot even identify them as dogs, they’re literally 4-5 ft tall from the ground. Extremely friendly though.
JLEck
On August 26, 2009 at 1:47 pm
Great article for dog lovers everywhere!
Rajesh Kumar Ram
On August 26, 2009 at 2:05 pm
Nice article with nice photos! Thanks!!
Curtis S
On August 26, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Great Piece. I love Scottish deer hounds.
Aktoastmaster
On August 26, 2009 at 8:59 pm
ha ha
big dogs
Jamie Myles
On August 26, 2009 at 11:49 pm
What a great article. I love the pictures.
phanikumar
On August 27, 2009 at 2:03 am
Wow very nice
Purnomosidhi
On August 27, 2009 at 3:45 am
Bravo .. great article
fishfry aka Elizabeth Figueroa
On August 27, 2009 at 6:42 pm
Now those are dogs that I can get my arms around.
Small dogs are funny, and sometimes I find them too, boney.
Great photos of some very awesome dogs.
Thanks for sharing
Ruby Hawk
On August 27, 2009 at 8:43 pm
Those are big dogs. My son had a huge dog and I was going to ask you why you didn’t have a picture of it but I am having a senior moment and can’t remember what it was. I remember her name was Jasmine but that doesn’t help.
christylynn
On August 27, 2009 at 10:19 pm
Good article those are some big dogs, the big ones tend to scare lol. I like the smaller breeds myself. check out some of my articles. take care
Payge
On August 28, 2009 at 2:01 am
A dog lover I am not,,,but it was interesting to read about and see the pictures.I didnt know dogs got that huge!I definatly learned something tonight …great article and pictures.
Zunairah
On August 28, 2009 at 3:55 am
Hi ! I am very much afraid of dogs,But I really like the images you collected and the information is very nice..Thanks for sharing…
Mary Ann Castle
On August 28, 2009 at 8:05 am
Good pics and text but I do have a question:
Why do people want to have a dog that slobbers, I mean I am really interested. What is it about that issue that doesn’t bother people?
Nikita K
On August 28, 2009 at 9:58 am
I love these beasts and this is such an interesting article and so well researched. Some absolutely gorgeous dogs with very apt pictures. Good job!
aqib00
On August 28, 2009 at 11:36 am
hahaha..really nice article… i like this alot..and really informative..
PR Mace
On August 28, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Outstanding article. My brother had Danes and they are wonderful dogs. He had one that would pull the kids out of the swimming pool if they got too close to the side. She did not like those kids swimming.
skydancer
On August 28, 2009 at 5:54 pm
This really is a wonderful compilation! I have never owned a dog, however, I plan to someday. I want a white German Shepherd!
I loved all the pictures – some of those breeds are mighty cute looking!
RJ Chamberlain
On August 29, 2009 at 2:06 am
All fantastic dogs R J. My personal favourite has to be The Newfoundland. Nice work.
RJ
garrett1996
On August 29, 2009 at 2:24 am
sweet article man
all i can say is that keepin this up ull b a millionaire haha
Armthehobos
On August 29, 2009 at 3:06 am
Everyone loves a big cuddly dog. Great article.
sahhech
On August 29, 2009 at 7:36 am
sweetee article its cool!!!!!!!!!!!! i never seen dat
emmahaynes
On August 29, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Awww I love St Bernards and English Mastiffs!
Mark Bentley
On August 31, 2009 at 11:58 am
Aww, who wouldn’t love such wonderful animals? Thanks. Personally I prefer smaller, more manageable dogs, but a great article.
Charles Buckman-Ellis
On September 10, 2009 at 1:01 pm
We have had 8 Irish Wolfhounds. They are exceptional in every way. Each one still occupies a large space in our hearts.
We only had one dog live 7+ years, the rest died between 5 and 6. This makes them difficult to own. Their lives and ours met at important and very intimate levels; therefore, when they die, it’s like losing a piece of your soul.
That said, having a Wolfhound in your life will change you unless your heart is made of stone.
Amy
On September 15, 2009 at 12:57 pm
I LOVED this article! Dogs are my favorite animals. Especially big dogs! I think the bigger, the cuddlier and cuter! I am desperate for a Great Dane. Loved reading this article very much!
DA Cournean
On September 23, 2009 at 7:59 pm
Dogs rule!
KristenKreashko
On October 3, 2009 at 1:09 am
I want a great dane so much!
samuel augustin
On October 13, 2009 at 10:59 am
the article was so so great. i too have a dog article on gomestic but yours is better.
B Nelson
On October 20, 2009 at 10:23 pm
Big dogs are sometimes much less work than small active ones. Just they take up more room on the Sofa.
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