Seeing a Great Dane alongside a Chihuahua can be a humorous sight. Great Danes often reach heights of around 32 inches, while Chihuahuas typically measure under 9 inches tall.
Scientists are still investigating why dog breeds vary so dramatically in size—some being as much as 40 times larger than others. While the exact reason is unknown, researchers have identified a growth hormone variant linked to ancient wolves.
So, which dogs claim the title of the biggest in the world? Let’s take a look.
What is the biggest dog in the world?
The most recent record holder was Kevin, a 3-year-old Great Dane from West Des Moines, Iowa. Standing 3 feet, 2 inches tall, Kevin was affectionately called a “gentle giant” by his owners.
Unfortunately, Kevin passed away less than two weeks after being named the tallest living dog by Guinness World Records. “We are so glad he got to hold the record and enjoy the spotlight,” his owner Tracy Wolfe told USA TODAY. “These giant breeds—and all dogs—never live long enough. It’s always too short.”
Guinness has yet to name a new tallest living dog. The previous two titleholders were also Great Danes named Zeus.
The late Zeus from Otsego, Michigan, still holds the record as the tallest dog ever. Measuring over 3 feet, 8 inches tall (and 7 feet, 4 inches on his hind legs), Zeus was known for his gentle nature and served as a therapy dog, visiting schools and hospitals. He passed away in 2014 at age 5.
According to Guinness World Records, the longest and heaviest dog ever recorded was Aicama Zorba of La-Susa, an Old English Mastiff owned by Chris Eraclides of London. In 1987, Zorba weighed 343 pounds and measured an incredible 8 feet, 3 inches from nose to tail.
Largest dog breeds
The English Mastiff is the largest breed by weight and height. Male mastiffs typically stand 30 inches or taller, with females averaging 27.5 inches or more. Males weigh 160–230 pounds, while females range from 120–170 pounds. Their lifespan is about 6–10 years, according to the American Kennel Club.
Here are some of the largest breeds, based on size and weight:
- English Mastiff: 27.5–30+ inches, 120–230 pounds
- Spanish Mastiff: 28–35+ inches, 140–200 pounds
- Pyrenean Mastiff: 28–31 inches, 120–190 pounds
- Irish Wolfhound: 30–32+ inches, 105–120 pounds
- Neapolitan Mastiff: 24–31 inches, 110–150 pounds
- Saint Bernard: 26–30 inches, 120–180 pounds
- Great Dane: 28–32 inches, 110–175 pounds
- Roman Miortic Shepherd Dog: 22.5–29 inches, 100–130 pounds
- Newfoundland: 26–28 inches, 100–150 pounds
- Leonberger: 25.5-31.5 inches, 90-170 pounds
- Anatolian Shepherd: 27–29 inches, 80–150 pounds
- Scottish Deerhound: 28–32 inches, 75–110 pounds
- Dogue de Bordeaux: 23–26 inches, 99–110+ pounds
What is the smallest dog in the world?
The world’s smallest dog is Pearl, a Chihuahua weighing just 1.22 pounds. Born in 2020, Pearl stands only 3.59 inches tall and measures 5 inches long, according to Guinness World Records.
Chihuahuas are the smallest dog breed, typically weighing no more than 6 pounds.
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