Some dog breeds surpass wolves in size, while others closely match them. Wolves typically stand 26–32 inches at the shoulder and weigh up to 150 pounds, but many domestic breeds exceed these dimensions. These colossal dogs were bred for various purposes, from hunting to guarding livestock and even companionship. Here, we rank the 20 largest dog breeds, detailing how they compare to wolves in size, temperament, and purpose.
1. Mastiff
The Mastiff is one of the largest dog breeds, standing 30+ inches tall and weighing between 160–230 pounds. This breed easily outweighs and outmatches a wolf in size. With a lineage dating back to ancient Rome, Mastiffs were bred as war dogs and guardians. Despite their formidable stature, they are affectionate and gentle with their families. Their protective instincts make them excellent watchdogs, but they require training and socialization from an early age. Their massive frame demands plenty of space, and their deep loyalty makes them devoted companions when properly cared for.
2. Great Dane
Known as the “Apollo of Dogs,” the Great Dane is among the tallest breeds, often reaching 32 inches at the shoulder and weighing 140–175 pounds. Some can even stand over 7 feet tall when on their hind legs. Originally bred for hunting wild boars, they have retained their impressive size and athletic build. Despite their towering presence, they are gentle, affectionate, and thrive in family environments. While their size might seem intimidating, they are known for their loving and social nature. Regular exercise, socialization, and a firm but positive approach to training keep them well-behaved.
3. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound was bred to hunt wolves and other large game, living up to its name with a height of 32–35 inches and a weight of 120–180 pounds. Their tall, lanky frame gives them an elegant yet powerful presence. Despite their size, they are known for being gentle and affectionate, often described as “gentle giants.” Irish Wolfhounds require ample space to move and regular exercise to maintain their health. Their wiry coat needs moderate grooming, and their calm temperament makes them great companions. However, due to their shorter lifespan, prospective owners must be prepared for their needs.
4. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are muscular and powerful, standing 28–30 inches tall and weighing 140–180 pounds. Originally bred for Alpine rescues, they are strong enough to navigate snow-covered mountains and pull stranded travelers to safety. Despite their large size, they are affectionate and great with families, especially children. Their thick fur provides insulation against cold weather, but it requires regular grooming to prevent matting. They are gentle giants that thrive in cool climates and need regular exercise to maintain their health and happiness.
5. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is a powerful, ancient breed developed to protect livestock from predators. Standing 26–30 inches tall and weighing 90–150 pounds, they are massive and highly protective. Their thick fur, adapted to extreme cold, makes them appear even larger. These dogs are independent and strong-willed, requiring an experienced owner. While highly loyal to their families, they can be aloof with strangers and aggressive toward threats. Training and early socialization are essential to manage their protective instincts. Despite their size, they are relatively low-energy dogs, preferring to patrol their territory rather than engage in constant play.
6. Leonberger
Leonbergers are strikingly large dogs with a regal presence, standing 28–31.5 inches tall and weighing 110–170 pounds. Developed as a working breed, they are intelligent, social, and trainable. Their thick double coat gives them a lion-like appearance, requiring regular grooming. Despite their size, they are affectionate and gentle, often forming strong bonds with their families. Leonbergers thrive in active households where they can participate in outdoor activities. Their intelligence and willingness to please make them highly trainable, though they require early socialization. With proper care, they become loving, loyal companions who fit well in family settings.
7. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a giant, water-loving breed, standing 28 inches tall and weighing 130–150 pounds. Their thick, waterproof coat and webbed feet make them exceptional swimmers, originally bred for water rescues. Despite their large size, they are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, often referred to as “nanny dogs” for their protective instincts around children. They require regular exercise but are not overly energetic, making them manageable despite their bulk. Grooming is essential to maintain their thick fur. With the right care, Newfoundlands are calm, loving companions, perfect for families who enjoy outdoor activities.
8. Kangal
The Kangal is a powerful livestock guardian dog, standing 29–32 inches tall and weighing 110–145 pounds. Bred in Turkey, they are known for their exceptional guarding abilities and incredible bite force. Kangals are calm, composed, and highly intelligent, making them excellent protectors of both livestock and homes. While affectionate with their families, they are naturally wary of strangers and require early socialization. Their independent nature means they need firm training, but they form deep, loyal bonds. With proper guidance, Kangals become both formidable guardians and affectionate family members, provided they have enough space to thrive.
9. Anatolian Shepherd
Standing 29 inches tall and weighing 110–150 pounds, the Anatolian Shepherd is another formidable livestock guardian breed. Originating from Turkey, they have been bred for centuries to protect flocks from predators, including wolves. They are intelligent, independent, and highly territorial. Though affectionate with their families, they require early training and socialization to manage their protective instincts. Due to their working heritage, they need regular exercise and a job to keep them mentally stimulated. With proper handling, the Anatolian Shepherd is a loyal and fearless companion capable of defending their home and loved ones.
10. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a majestic livestock guardian, standing 27–32 inches tall and weighing 100–160 pounds. Originally bred to protect sheep from predators, they are independent thinkers and natural protectors. Their thick white coat provides insulation against cold weather but requires frequent grooming. While affectionate and calm with their families, they are highly alert and will instinctively guard their territory. They are intelligent but strong-willed, needing patient training and socialization. Due to their history as working dogs, they do best in homes with plenty of space and responsibilities to keep them engaged.
11. Black Russian Terrier
Standing 27–30 inches tall and weighing 80–130 pounds, the Black Russian Terrier is slightly smaller than a wolf but still an imposing presence. Originally bred for military and guarding purposes, these powerful dogs have strong protective instincts. Their thick, weather-resistant coat allows them to withstand harsh climates, and their muscular build makes them formidable watchdogs. Despite their strength, they are highly trainable and loyal to their families. They require consistent training, socialization, and mental stimulation to thrive. Regular grooming is necessary due to their dense fur, and they excel in working environments where they have a job to do.
12. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog stands 25–27.5 inches tall and weighs 80–115 pounds, making it slightly smaller than a wolf. Originally bred for farm work in the Swiss Alps, they are strong, agile, and excellent at pulling carts. Their distinctive tricolor coat is thick and requires regular grooming. Despite their large size, Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their affectionate and gentle nature, making them excellent family companions. They build close relationships with their owners and get along well with kids. However, their lifespan is relatively short compared to other large breeds, and they require moderate daily exercise to stay healthy.
13. Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino stands 24–27 inches tall and weighs 88–100 pounds, making it slightly smaller than a wolf but incredibly powerful. Bred for hunting large game, such as wild boar, these muscular dogs are agile and strong. Their white coat is short and easy to maintain, but they require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. The Dogo Argentino is extremely loyal and protective of its family, making it an excellent guard dog. However, due to its strong prey drive, early socialization and firm training are essential. With the right owner, they become affectionate, fearless companions.
14. Scottish Deerhound
Scottish Deerhounds stand 30–32 inches tall but weigh only 85–110 pounds, making them taller but lighter than wolves. Originally bred to hunt deer, they are graceful, fast, and known for their friendly nature. Their long, wiry coats require regular grooming, and they thrive in homes with large outdoor spaces. Unlike some of the more protective breeds on this list, Deerhounds are generally social and good-natured, getting along well with people and other dogs. They require consistent exercise to maintain their lean build, and while they are large, their gentle demeanor makes them easygoing companions.
15. Boerboel
Boerboels are powerful working dogs, standing 24–28 inches tall and weighing 110–150 pounds, putting them close in size to a wolf. Bred in South Africa as farm guardians, they are incredibly strong and protective. Their muscular build and natural guarding instincts make them excellent watchdogs, but they require early training and socialization. Despite their imposing presence, they are affectionate with their families and can be playful. Boerboels need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. With the right training, they are loyal, courageous companions who will protect their home with unwavering dedication.
16. Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff stands 26–31 inches tall and weighs 110–150 pounds, making it similar in size to a large wolf. Known for their loose, wrinkled skin and massive build, these dogs have a long history as protectors. They are naturally wary of strangers but deeply affectionate with their families. Neapolitan Mastiffs are calm and low-energy but require consistent training due to their strong-willed nature. Their large size means they need plenty of space, and their distinctive coat requires regular cleaning to prevent skin infections. Though they are excellent guard dogs, they thrive best with experienced owners who understand their needs.
17. Bullmastiff
Bullmastiffs stand 25–27 inches tall and weigh 100–130 pounds, making them slightly smaller than wolves but incredibly powerful. Developed to protect estates from poachers, these dogs are a mix of Mastiffs and Bulldogs, combining strength with agility. They are naturally protective and form deep bonds with their families. Even though they’re big, they’re surprisingly gentle and great with kids. Bullmastiffs do not require excessive exercise but need firm, consistent training from an early age. Their short coat is low-maintenance, and they are known for their quiet yet alert demeanor. They excel as both family pets and reliable guardians.
18. Cane Corso
The Cane Corso stands 25–27.5 inches tall and weighs 90–110 pounds, putting it slightly below a wolf’s size but still formidable. Originating from Italy, these dogs were bred for guarding and hunting. They are intelligent, trainable, and highly protective of their families. Cane Corsos require early socialization and firm training to manage their strong guarding instincts. They thrive in active homes where they have a purpose, as they need both mental and physical exercise. Their sleek, short coat requires minimal grooming, but their dominant nature makes them best suited for experienced dog owners.
19. Alabai (Central Asian Shepherd Dog)
The Alabai, or Central Asian Shepherd Dog, stands 27–32 inches tall and weighs 110–170 pounds, making it larger than many wolves. Bred to guard livestock, they are independent, fearless, and incredibly strong. Alabais require firm leadership and early training, as they can be territorial and reserved with strangers. While affectionate with their families, they are best suited for experienced owners who understand their guarding instincts. They need ample space and regular exercise to stay healthy and well-balanced. With proper care, Alabais are loyal protectors that will guard their home and loved ones with unwavering dedication.
20. Akbash
The Akbash is a Turkish livestock guardian, standing 27–32 inches tall and weighing 90–140 pounds, making it similar in size to a large wolf. Bred for endurance and intelligence, Akbash dogs are independent thinkers with strong protective instincts. They are naturally wary of strangers but deeply loyal to their families. These dogs require early socialization and training to manage their guarding tendencies. While they do not require excessive exercise, they need a job or purpose to stay mentally stimulated. With the right training, the Akbash is a calm yet highly effective guardian.
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