When you think of big dogs, the Great Dane usually comes to mind. Known for their towering height and gentle personality, Great Danes are often considered the giants of the canine world. But did you know there are several other dog breeds that can rival—or even surpass—the Great Dane in height, weight, or overall presence? Whether you’re a dog lover fascinated by large breeds or considering adding a giant pup to your family, exploring these massive dogs is a journey worth taking.
From the noble Irish Wolfhound to the powerhouse English Mastiff, these breeds bring strength, loyalty, and a commanding presence to any home. In this article, we’ll highlight 10 massive dog breeds that tower over the Great Dane, either in size, build, or bulk. Each breed featured combines impressive stature with unique traits that make them truly stand out. Get ready to meet the real giants of the dog world.
1. Irish Wolfhound
People often say that the Irish Wolfhound is the world’s biggest dog breed. When standing on its hind legs, it is even bigger than the Great Dane. The reason for these gentle giants’ huge size and strength is that they were first bred in Ireland to hunt wolves and protect property. There are men who are up to 35 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 140 and 180 pounds. Irish Wolfhounds are known for being calm and nice, even though they are big and scary.
They are loving and loyal, and they get along great with kids and other pets. Their big bodies, though, mean they need a lot of room to move around, so they do best in homes with big yards. Unfortunately, they only live about 6 to 8 years, which is shorter than the average. When it comes to height and elegance, the Irish Wolfhound really stands out as a breed that is even taller and more noble than the Great Dane.
2. English Mastiff
One of the biggest dog breeds in the world is the English Mastiff, which often weighs a lot more than a Great Dane. Not only do they look bigger and stronger than other people, but they may not always be taller. Males can weigh anywhere from 160 to 230 pounds, and some can weigh more than 250 pounds. In the past, these dogs were bred in England to protect farms from big predators and guard them.
Their huge size and protective traits made them perfect for this job. Even though they are big, English Mastiffs are known for being gentle and loving, and they are sometimes called “gentle giants.” Their family bonds are very strong, and they get along well with kids and other pets. But because they are so big, they need to be socialized and trained early on to avoid accidents. They have a stately look thanks to their slow, lumbering walk and expressive eyes. They are an amazing breed that is bigger and heavier than the Great Dane.
3. Saint Bernard
Another huge breed that can easily match or even beat the Great Dane in size, especially when it comes to bulk and strength, is the Saint Bernard. These dogs were first bred in the Swiss Alps to help with rescue tasks. They are very strong and can weigh anywhere from 140 to 180 pounds, with some going over 200 pounds. They might not always be bigger than a Great Dane, but their thick coats and big bodies make them look stronger and more in charge. Even though they are big, Saint Bernards make great family dogs because they are gentle, friendly, and patient.
In particular, they are great with kids and are known for being calm. Because they come from the mountains, they do well in cold weather but have trouble in hot weather. Because they are so big and strong, they need to be taken care of properly, with lots of room and the right kind of training. Saint Bernards are truly a breed that is both big and kind, with huge bodies and big hearts.
4. Leonberger
The Leonberger is a strong breed of dog that looks a lot like a cat. Its size and majestic appearance often surprise people. Most males are between 28 and 31.5 inches tall and weigh between 130 and 170 pounds. They might not always be taller than a Great Dane, but their thick double coat and strong bodies make them look like they are much bigger than they really are. As a working dog, the Leonberger comes from a mix of the Newfoundland, the Saint Bernard, and the Great Pyrenees. All of these dogs are known for being big and strong.
Not only are these dogs huge, they are also very smart and friendly. In addition to being patient, loyal, and protective, they make great family pets. Because they are calm, they get along well with kids and other pets, but because they are big, they need to be trained early on. Leonbergers are one of the biggest dog breeds because of their lion-like mane and royal bearing. Many people think they are even more impressive than the Great Dane.
5. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is a famous breed that is known for being big, having a thick coat, and being independent. They are 26 to 30 inches tall and weigh between 100 and 160 pounds. Their thick, fuzzy hair makes them look even bigger. Tibetan Mastiffs are very loyal and protective. They were originally bred to protect animals and temples in the Himalayas. They may not always be taller than a Great Dane, but their size, strength, and intimidating attitude often make them look much bigger.
They have strong wills and like to be alone, so they need owners with a lot of experience who can train them in a strict but regular way. When it comes to strangers, Tibetan Mastiffs are usually not very friendly, but they are very loyal to their families. They also do better in cold places because their fur is thicker. After reaching full size, the Tibetan Mastiff is a powerful dog that often looks stronger and more majestic than the Great Dane.
6. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a huge mountain dog breed that is great at keeping homes and animals safe. Not only are these dogs big, they are also very strong and durable. Males can grow to be 32 inches tall and weigh between 100 and 160 pounds. They might be a little shorter than a Great Dane, but their thick, fluffy hair and wide body make them look much bigger and stronger. The Great Pyrenees was first bred in the Pyrenees Mountains, which are in the middle of France and Spain. Their job there was to protect sheep from wolves and bears.
They love their families very much, especially their kids, and are very gentle and patient. Their calm nature makes them great pets to have around, but they are also very independent and defensive, and they will often bark to let you know about anything strange. Their majestic looks and domineering presence make them one of the most amazing breeds. They are huge, but they are also very strong and have strong personalities.
7. Caucasian Shepherd Dog
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a huge breed that comes from the Caucasus Mountains, where it was bred to keep livestock safe from wolves and other wild animals. People love these dogs because they are so big, have thick fur, and are so strong. It is possible for males to weigh between 110 and 200 pounds and be 28 to 34 inches tall, which makes them bigger and heavier than the Great Dane. They look like fluffy giants because of their thick double coat. The breed is very protective, loyal, and territorial, which makes them great guard dogs but hard for first-time parents.
They need to be socialized early on and have a lot of room to run around. Caucasian Shepherds usually don’t show love to people they don’t know, but they are very close to their families. Because they like to be alone and are strong, they need strong guidance. Because of their huge size and strong senses, they are one of the few breeds that can really be bigger and stronger than a Great Dane.
8. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are big, friendly dogs that are known for being good swimmers and having a sweet personality. Many men are 27 to 30 inches tall and weigh between 130 and 150 pounds. Even though they might not be taller than the Great Dane, their thick coats and strong bodies make them look much bigger and stronger. These dogs were first bred in Newfoundland, Canada, where fishermen used them to save people in the water and pull big things. They are great swimmers because their webbed feet and love of water make them so.
People often call Newfoundlands “nanny dogs” because they are so calm and caring around kids. They love their families very much and are loyal and gentle. Because they are so big and lazy, they don’t do much inside, but they do need regular exercise. The thick, waterproof coat of these dogs helps them do well in colder regions. Newfoundlands are very big dogs that are also very friendly. When they are fully grown, they can easily be as big or bigger than Great Danes.
9. Kangal
The Kangal is a strong and protective guard dog for animals from Turkey. It is known for being very big and very strong. Most males are 30 to 34 inches tall and weigh between 110 and 145 pounds. They might not always weigh more than a Great Dane, but because they are tall and powerful, they look even bigger in real life. In fact, the Kangal is known for having the strongest bite force of any dog breed. This comes from its history as a guard dog against big animals.
When it comes to their family, these dogs are very loyal, smart, and calm, but they can be wary of strangers. Kangals need to be socialized early on and trained consistently to stay bold and well-behaved. They do best in places with space and work to do because that’s how they learned to work. The Kangal is a real giant among dogs. Their height, strength, and fearlessness make them often more powerful and intimidating than the Great Dane.
10. Boerboel
The Boerboel is a big working dog that was created in South Africa to protect farms and homes. These dogs are strong, muscular, and quick. They usually weigh between 150 and 200 pounds and are 24 to 28 inches tall. They may not be as tall as a Great Dane, but their sheer muscle mass and impressive strength make them look much scarier. Boerboels are very protective and territorial, which makes them great guard dogs. They are smart and sure of themselves, and they need a person with a lot of experience who can train and lead them well.
Even though they have violent guarding traits, they love and are loyal to their families. Boerboels are known for being quiet but aware, and they are always ready to protect their family if they need to. They do best in large spaces where they can move around easily and let off steam. The Boerboel is one of the strongest and largest dog breeds in the world, easily beating the Great Dane in terms of strength, size, and ability to guard.
Bottom Line
While the Great Dane is an iconic giant, it’s not the only towering breed out there. Many other dogs, like the Irish Wolfhound, Saint Bernard, and Caucasian Shepherd, rival or exceed the Great Dane in size, weight, and strength. These massive breeds not only capture attention with their size but also bring deep loyalty, intelligence, and unique personalities.
Owning such a large dog requires space, training, and commitment, but the reward is a truly devoted companion. If you’re considering a giant breed, understanding their characteristics is the first step toward finding the perfect fit for your lifestyle and home.
FAQs
What dog breed is bigger than a Great Dane?
The Irish Wolfhound is often considered taller than a Great Dane and can surpass it in overall height when standing on its hind legs.
Are larger dog breeds harder to care for?
Yes, giant breeds typically need more space, food, and exercise. They also require early training and regular vet care due to their size.
Do these massive dog breeds live long?
Unfortunately, most giant breeds have shorter lifespans, usually ranging from 6 to 10 years, depending on the breed and health care.
Are giant dogs good with children?
Many massive breeds, like Newfoundlands and Saint Bernards, are known for being gentle and protective around children, but supervision is always advised.