The tallest dog in the world. What breeds of dogs are considered the largest

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Among dog lovers, preferences are usually divided between large and small breeds. Some pet owners believe that the dog must certainly be impressive in size and give birth to dogs of large breeds. Well, to each his own, but the majesty and serious appearance of the huge four-legged cannot be taken away. What dog breeds are considered the largest? Our material will answer this question.

The tallest dog in the world

There are different gradations of parameters. Someone builds a rating, starting with the dogs with the largest weight, someone - by height. The latter would be more correct, since the weight of these animals varies greatly, both between breeds and within the same breed group. The growth of the animal is more indicative.

The tallest dog in the world (the record is recorded in the Guinness Book) passed away in 2010. The size of this handsome man is simply amazing. This title was worn by the dog of the Great Dane breed (photo above), which lived in an American family in Arizona for almost 8 years. Animal's nameGiant George, it had a height of 110 cm, the length of the giant's body was 2 meters 20 centimeters, and the weight was 111 kg. Impressive size, isn't it?

Today, another representative of the same breed, the Great Dane, who has the formidable nickname Zeus, has taken the palm.

Great Dane: the history of the breed

The origins, where the Great Dane dog breed originated, send us back centuries, to the gray mountains of Tibet. The ancient people who lived in those days were forced to tame wild Tibetan dogs to help them graze their cattle. From them, the breed group of Great Danes began its history, which became the progenitors of modern dogs of this species.

Somewhat later, ancient Great Danes began to be used as fighting dogs. This was facilitated by the huge size and vicious disposition. They fought in the army "shoulder to shoulder" with the soldiers. This contributed to the spread of the breed around the world, some of the dogs settled in the conquered territories.

As a result of a series of those historical events, most of the great danes concentrated in Germany, giving the Great Dane breed the final form (photos confirm the huge size of these dogs).

The Germans perfected the breed, from the middle of the 19th century crossing Great Danes with other dogs for baiting. By this time, two breed branches had formed there: the southern Ulm Great Dane and the northern - Danish.

The norms of a single standard of Great Danes came in 1890, then this breed was officially recognized and described. In Russia, until the mid-sixties of the last century, this highestthe dog in the world was not widespread. Today, Great Danes in our country are loved, bred, taken to international exhibitions.

Great Dane Breed Standards

At present, the standard classifies Great Danes as companion dogs, and also treats them as guards and guards. The dog should be characterized by a noble appearance, combined with large growth and harmoniously built body.

Cynologists consider the Great Dane to be a dog of perfect appearance, worthy of being immortalized in a statue. The following colors are fixed by the standard: white with black spots (harlequin), red, brindle, black and blue. The height of the dog at the withers for females is from 72 cm, for males - from 80.

Character and temperament of Great Danes

The dog's character matches his majestic appearance. These dogs are calm and always behave with dignity. In extreme situations, they show restraint, at the same time being devoted defenders of their master and members of his family.

Greens have considerable intelligence and are considered by many to be more than a dog. In many homes, the Great Dane is a real family member and a great friend. Of course, this dog can be spoiled in character and made vicious, but only by improper upbringing and mistreatment, which the Great Danes will not tolerate. You should not once again provoke someone who has powerful jaws and huge strong teeth. The tallest dog in the world will be able to confidently stand up for himself and for those he loves.

Irish wolfhounds

If you wonder what breedsdogs are considered the largest in the world, one cannot help but recall the Irish wolfhound. Representatives of this breed occupy an honorable second place in this list. The growth of individual males can reach up to 87 centimeters at the withers, which is not inferior to Great Danes. These dogs are touching with their "beard" and faithful, benevolent gaze of everyone who sees them.

The Irish wolfhound is comfortable at home, does not make too much noise and fuss, but during walks it can show its hunter instinct and move quickly.

These dogs tend to be friendly and sensitive. They meet strangers calmly, but always remain on the alert. Probably, devoted fans of the breed just like the combination of large size with sociability and devotion.

English Mastiff

The English Mastiff is the last dog breed in the top three giants. The Great Dane dominates in height, while the Mastiff dominates in weight. A massive large body, a huge wide head - these are the bright breed signs of this dog.

Today, the largest representative of this breed can be called a dog named Hercules. He receives natural nutrition without supplements for growth (some owners do not disdain unnatural ways of gaining weight in their pets), and his weight is 128 kg.

Mastiffs reach a maximum height of 75 centimeters, females - 70. Despite their heavy and powerful appearance, mastiffs are built harmoniously.

These dogs have well developed musculature onmuzzle, thanks to which it has the ability to look very expressive. By dog features, you can literally read the mood of the pet and, it seems, even guess the course of his thoughts. The dog can have a sad, thoughtful, perky look with a sly look in his eyes - it looks very funny.

During the long-term formation of this breed, as well as breeds of other large dogs, breeders tried to smooth out such qualities as aggression and excitability so that the dog became suitable for keeping in a family in a city apartment.

At the moment, these are very good-natured and obedient dogs who love children and take care of them in every possible way. These dogs are in great need of the attention of the owner and miss in his absence. If necessary, they easily become formidable and fearless defenders.

There are plenty of other large breed dogs, we only looked at three. The main thing to remember when making such a friend is that this is not for one day or even for a month. The dog will live in your family for years, and you need to weigh your financial capabilities. Can you provide such a large pet with good nutrition? It is also necessary to assess how much your living space allows you to accept a large dog without prejudice to all residents, so that your coexistence brings only joy.