Everyone knows that dogs are fantastic. Every type of dog is the best dog, from tiny chihuahuas to big ol' mastiffs. This article is about the biggest doggos, the ones that could pass as ponies in terms of size. They're huge and fluffy and lovable, so here's some huge breeds you may not have seen before.
1. Great Pyrenees
These fluffy guys are related to the Newfoundlands, which we'll see later on. They remind me of enormous marshmallows, and really love guarding livestock and their owners! They're also wonderfully majestic.
Height: 28–32 inches
Weight: 110–120 lbs
2. Anatolian Shepherd
Another livestock guardian, this guy is intelligent, tough, and probably super lovable. He's from Turkey, and wants nothing more than to keep you and your family safe. He probably also wants some belly rubs.
Height: 29–32 inches
Weight: 110–140 lbs
3. Komondor
This very mop-like boy looks a lot like the Puli, which is a smaller, darker, also very moppish breed. He's very gentle and loving, and, what do you know, he guards livestock too! Just make sure to keep that lovely fur well-groomed.
Height: 28–30 inches
Weight: 110 – 130 lbs
4. Kuvasz
This boy is pretty much a small polar bear. He's a lot like the Great Pyrenees in that regard, and is a playful guy who hails from Hungary. Be sure to pet him lots.
Height: 28–30 inches
Weight: 99–110 lbs
5. Saarloos Wolfdog
Look at how wild he is! He looks like a tame coyote. Which, he basically is, being a breed that has wolfdog origins. He's got a wild temperament to match, so be sure to be patient and train him thoroughly if you want a great companion.
Height: 26–30 inches
Weight: 79–90 lbs
6. Sarplaninac
He's a more stocky boy, but is just as capable of guarding those livestock as the rest of them. He's a mountainous breed, and looks particularly majestic and proud.
Height: 22–24 inches
Weight: 77–99 lbs
7. Bernese Mountain Dog
Here's a pretty well-known guy. He's great with kids and is affectionate as heck, and also loves belly rubs and pretending to be a lap dog. Find him frolicking around in snow in the mountains!
Height: 25–28 inches
Weight: 86–110 lbs
8. Irish Wolfhound
As the name implies, wolfhounds were bred to hunt wolves. Nowadays people don't really do that, so he's just become a really great family guy. He's also a lotta scruffy, which makes him look kinda like a wise old man.
Height: 32–34 inches
Weight: 115–180 lbs
9. Newfoundland
I think it's kind of silly to name a dog after a country, but whatever. Newfoundlands are pretty much darker Great Pyrenees, and as such are also large fluffy marshmallow dogs. So much good fur!
Height: 27–29 inches
Weight: 130–150 lbs
10. Hovawart
This boy's name literally means "an estate guard dog," and that's what he does best. They're very majestic, family-friendly dogs, and their fantastic fur gives them prime model status.
Height: 25–28 inches
Weight: 55–88 lbs
11. Saint Bernard
These are big snow boys with huge wistful eyes and a lotta slobber and love to give. They're bred to rescue hikers and skiers and anyone who might get lost in an avalanche or snowy area. And they have hot cocoa to give the people they save! Such good boys.
Height: 28–35 inches
Weight: 140 – 260 lbs
12. Leonberger
These boys were literally bred to look like lions, and if that's not the coolest thing ever then I don't know what is. If I could ever valiantly ride a dog into battle, it would definitely be this boy.
Height: 28–31 inches
Weight: 100–160 lbs
13. Borzoi
Try to tell me these dogs don't look like they belong at a French cafe sipping vanilla chai tea while reading the latest in Vogue. They're just so sleek.
Height: 26-28 inches
Weight: 75–100 lbs
14. Greyhound
These boys were bred primarily for racing, and boy are they fast. They're also wonderful pets to adopt after they've retired, and would just as much love to sit on your carpet and be content than go fast.
Height: 28–30 inches
Weight: 60–88 lbs
15. Great Dane
Remember Scooby-Doo? He's one of these boys. He's also the tallest dog breed in existence--the tallest Great Dane stands at a whopping 7ft 6in, taller than the large majority of humans. Thank god Scooby didn't stand on his hind legs.
Height: 30–34 inches
Weight: 120–200 lbs
16. Mastiffs (Bull Mastiff, English Mastiff, French Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Italian Mastiff, Argentine Mastiff, etc.)
Mastiffs are huge, muscular dogs that work as fantastic guard dogs. They're fiercely loyal, powerful, slobbery mushes that also really think they're lap dogs. There's also a TON of varieties that go by different names, but I've just named them by their homeland here.
Height: 25–27 inches
Weight: 110–130 lbs
17. Pitbulls
So pitbulls aren't actually THAT big, but they are huge meatballs, and I love them a lot. They're also one of the most muscular breeds, so that's kinda big, right? I just love that they all seem to think they're lap dogs when they aren't. And just look at that smile! Perfect boys.
Height: 19-21 inches
Weight: 35 – 65 lbs
18. Wolfdogs/Coydogs
These guys are last because they're not even really a breed of dog. They are, however, majestic as hell, and should not be kept by anyone who doesn't have prior experience handling them and a lot of time and space to take care of them. But if you do commit to them, they will be the best companions anyone could ask for.
Height: Varies by mix
Weight: Varies by mix
19. Clifford the Big Red Dog
Okay, so maybe he's technically not real, but that doesn't even matter! He's the most iconic big dog there is, so of course I had to include him. The best boy there is.
Height: Big
Weight: Lots
So there you have it: some of the best big dogs around today. They're loyal, protective, strong, and most importantly, they're all very good boys.