Did you know that one of the largest dog in history was a Great Dane by the name of Zeus? He stood at a whopping 112 centimeters (44 inches).

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, with some being as small enough to fit in a handbag, whereas some are large enough to smother a fully grown human. There are so many different breeds, but here is a list of the 10 of the largest dog breeds in the world. 
10. Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Caucasian shepherd dog (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

At number 10 is the Caucasian Shepherd Dog. They are quite large but are not very heavy, a fully grown adult male should be about 70 centimeters tall (28 inches) and can weigh about 45 kilograms (99 pounds). They are a sturdy breed, with somewhat aggressive temperaments. They are mildly intelligent, and very obedient breed that was bred in the Caucus Mountains to fend against mountain predators.

9. Kuvasz

Kuvasz (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A breed originating out of Tibet, but commonly associated with Hungary. The Kuvasz is another extremely large dog. Adult males can grow to be 76 centimeters (30 inches) tall and weighing up to 68 kilograms (150 pounds) almost twice the size of the previously mentioned Caucasian Shepard Dog! They are easily recognized by their thick white fur, and large size. They were associated with Hungary due to the royal family using them exclusively as hunting and guard dogs.

8. English Mastiff

English mastiff (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Changing gears a little bit, the English Mastiff isn’t the tallest dog however it is the heaviest. It currently holds the record as the heaviest dog with an English Mastiff named Hercules holding the record weighing in at 127 kilograms (282 pounds).

Generally however, most adult males of this breed will weigh no more than 113 kilos (250 pounds) and they don’t get much taller than 75 centimeters (30 inches). They are generally docile, and loveable pets but require a lot of space to move around in because of their large frame.

7. Irish Wolfhound

Irish wolfhound (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Far and away largest dog breed on this list is the Irish Wolfhound. Thin and gangly the Irish Wolfhound was bred to be fast and intimidating, to assist with the hunting of wolves and boars. With adult males measuring up to 78 centimeters (32 inches) and weighing about 54 kilograms (120 pounds) standing on their hind legs they can be as tall as 7 feet!

6. St. Bernard

St. Bernard (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The well-known St. Bernard is easily recognizable due to the fact that, that it has gained international respect and recognition for its valuable help in alpine rescue missions. It is also known as the national dog in Switzerland due to this.

The St. Bernard is one of biggest dog breeds, with adult males measuring approximately 90 centimeters (35 inches) and weighing up to 120 kilograms (264 pounds). They have been known to be very dependable, and especially strong as they are some of the strongest dogs in the world. Due to their large size however, they must be well trained to live as domesticate pets.

5. Newfoundland

Newfoundland (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Originally bred as a working dog for the fishermen of Newfoundland, Canada – Newfoundlands are large, dependable dogs that were bred by fisherman from the land which they are named for. They are some of world’s biggest dog breed.

Adult males can measure up to 70 centimeters (30 inches) and can weigh up to 80 kilograms (176 pounds). They are known to be extremely adept at water rescue, as their thick coats of fur and webbed feet allow them to navigate the frigid Atlantic Ocean easily.

4. Leonberger

Leonberger (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Perhaps the most interesting story on this list, the Leonberger is not as massive as some of the other breeds on this list but still stands impressively at 80 centimeters (31 inches) and weighing 150 pounds (68 kilograms).

The story goes that they were bred for mainly to imitate the lion of the German city of Leonberg, and afterwards people discovered they inhibited many of the qualities of a lion itself, while still being able to be trained. As such they made excellent search and rescue or working dogs, and are well adjusted to living with humans. Their most striking feature is the black “mask” which covers their face.

3. Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff)

Dogue de Bordeaux (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Like the English Mastiff further up this list, the Dogue de Bordeaux is one of the oldest breeds in Europe. Sharing about the same measurements as the English Mastiff, a fully grown adult male will be about 69 centimeters (27 inches), and weigh about 68 kilograms (150 pounds).

By far the most distinctive feature about the French Mastiff is their gigantic heads, sporting the largest heads of any canine species. They are extremely energetic dogs, requiring many walks throughout the day and a lot of food to replenish their energies.

2. Anatolian Shepherd

Anatolian Shepherd (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

One of the strongest breeds on this list, the Anatolian Shepherd was mainly used to guard flocks of goats and sheep in the Anatolian Mountains from everything from wolves, bears, and jackals. They aren’t the largest breed, but are known to be able to take out wolves with their strength and resourcefulness.

They measure about 78 centimeters (31 inches) and can weigh 68 kilograms (150 pounds). They are not well adjusted to domestic life, as they are used to being alert for any signs of predators. They have also been documented as being able to take on wolves in defense of their herds, making them extremely dependable guardians.

1. Great Dane

Great Dane (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Number one on our list couldn’t be anything but the famous and recognizable Great Dane. The most recognizable Great Dane of all time perhaps being the animated Scooby Doo. Like the previously mentioned Zeus, Great Danes can grow to be frighteningly tall.