by Debra Steele

Created on: August 04, 2009

So you want a large dog. Your living arrangements and financial stability will have a lot to do with your decision. If you have a large yard, and prepared to invest in pet health care, training classes, large amounts of food, toys, bedding, vacation housing, and 100% of your devotion and attention, here is a list of ten of the largest dog breeds.

1. Saint Bernard

The average weight for this breed is up to 200 pounds. Their shoulder height ranges between 27 - 30 inches.

2. English Mastiff

The average weight for this breed is up to 190 pounds. Their shoulder height ranges between 27 - 30 inches. This breed is the largest because of their overall mass.

In 2001, an English Mastiff named Hercules was put in the Guinness World Book of Records for weighing in at 282 pounds. He also had a 38 - inch neck.

An English Mastiff from the UK, named Zorba, weighed in at 343 pounds and measured almost 8 feet long from nose to tail and holds the title as the world's largest dog.

In 1999, an English Mastiff from the UK, named Kell, was put in the Guinness World Book of Records for weighing in at 286 pounds at the age of two.

3. Neapolitan Mastiff

The average weight for this breed is up to 180 pounds. Their shoulder height ranges between 26 - 31 inches.

In England, a Neapolitan Mastiff named Sheroo weighed in at 280 pounds.

4. Newfoundland

The average weight for this breed is up to 150 pounds. Their shoulder height ranges between 28 - 30 inches.

Samson, a Newfoundland, Great Dane mix, is 37 inches at the shoulders, 6 feet and 5 inches tall when he stands on his hind feet, 94 inches from nose to tail, and weighs 101 pounds.

5. Dogue de Bordeaux

The average weight for this breed is up to 145 pounds. Their shoulder height ranges between 23 - 30 inches.

6. Presa Canario

The average weight for this breed is up to 130 pounds. Their shoulder height ranges between 21 - 25 inches.

7. Irish Wolfhound

The average weight for this breed is up to 125 pounds. Their shoulder height ranges between 30 - 35 inches. This breed is often referred to as the tallest breed. One Irish Wolfhound was recorded as being five feet tall standing on all fours.

8. Great Dane

The average weight for this breed is up to 120 pounds. Their shoulder height ranges between 28 - 32 inches.

In 2004, Gibson, a harlequin Great Dane, measured 42.2 inches tall which helped him earn the title of the tallest dog. Gibson was 170 pounds.

9. Great Pyrenees

The average weight for this breed is up to 120 pounds. Their shoulder height ranges between 27 - 32 inches.

10. Kuvasz

The average weight for this breed is up to 115 pounds. Their shoulder height ranges between 28 - 30 inches.

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