10 Abnormally Large Dogs In The World

Newfoundland

Unlike many larger breeds, the Newfoundland wasn't bred to be a guard dog. Instead, it was bred to help fishermen.

These big, muscular dogs are able to haul nets and lines from boats, pull carts and, most importantly, fetch anything that falls overboard into the water, including people.

The Newfoundland is an exceptional water dog and a strong swimmer. And there have been many rescues of people out at sea credited to these gentle-natured dogs.

Newfoundland dogs stand between 27 to 30 inches tall and weigh as much as 150 pounds. They look even bigger because of their thick double coat which keeps them warm even in icy water.

The Irish Wolfhound

Like the Scottish deerhound, the Irish wolfhound, as its name implies, was bred to chase down wolves.

Developed from war hounds into a dog that was used for hunting and guarding, the Irish wolfhound is ancient breed of canine, and may have been brought to Ireland as far back as 7000 B.C.

Though their primary use was hunting, today's breed of Irish Wolfhound are fairly quiet, reserved, intelligent and easy-going.

This breed is the tallest of all dogs, even taller than the Great Dane.

Males often stand as tall as 34 to 35 inches from foot to shoulder blade and stand over 7 feet tall on their hind legs.

They can weigh upwards of 140 pounds, and although the English Mastiff is as tall as a miniature horse, the Irish Wolfhound is equal to a donkey.

Related: 20 Pics Of Irish Wolfhounds To Show How Great (And Massive) They Are

Leonberger

This large breed of dog began as a mix between a Newfoundland and a Saint Bernard.

In the mid-1840s, Heinrich Essig of Leonberg, Germany, crossed a Newfoundland with a Saint Bernard for four generations, then added in a Pyrenean Mountain Dog to the mix.

The result of these several generations of breeding is the Leonberger. This breed stands between 27 to 31 inches tall and can weigh as much as 170 pounds.

But, despite their size, they are simply giant family dogs. Though their main purpose is as a companion animal, the breed does very well in everything from water rescue, to tracking, to hunting.

If it is an activity that requires both strength and smarts, the Leonberger is probably going to be good at it.

Related: 16 Images That Prove Leonbergers Are Too Majestic And Pure For This World

Caucasian Shepherd

This big dog was bred to do one thing only, and that is to protect sheep from wolves, and any other predator that dares attack a shepherd’s flock.

However, these dogs can and have been used to protect other livestock.

The Caucasian Shepherd is extremely popular in Georgia which has always been the principal region of penetration of Caucasian Shepherd dogs.

Also known as Caucasian Ovcharka, Caucasian Sheepdog, Kawkasky Owtscharka, or Kaukasische Schaferhund, Caucasian Shepherd dogs are strongly boned, muscular and even-tempered.

They are big enough that wolves most of the time will dare not attack the flock they are guarding.

But these dogs are very territorial and will even attack other strange dogs or their same breed.

The Anatolian Shepherd

Source: Wikimedia Commons

This canine was bred to be a shepherd’s companion and livestock guardian.

The interesting thing about them is that they were bred for their size and color so that they matched the livestock that they were protecting.

The breed was developed to withstand harsh climatic conditions and thrive in the lifestyle of nomadic shepherds by guarding their flocks of sheep and herds of goats.

Loyalty, hardiness and independence are the most valued characteristics of this breed.

These dogs should be kept in a pair at minimum. If not properly socialized and trained, Anatolians can become unmanageable with strangers, and sometimes with their owners.

So, there you have it. These were the 10 of the abnormally large dogs in the world!

Were you surprised with the sheer size and weight of these dogs? Do you have any favorites? Leave us a comment in the section below!

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