Observing a Great Dane alongside a Chihuahua can be quite amusing. Great Danes typically stand at about 32 inches tall, while Chihuahuas generally measure less than 9 inches.
Researchers in genetics are exploring why there’s such a huge size disparity among dog breeds, with the largest being up to 40 times larger than the smallest. Although the precise reason is still unknown, a variant of a growth hormone linked to ancient wolves has been discovered.
So, which dogs hold the title for being the largest in the canine realm? Let’s find out.
Who is the biggest dog in the world?
The latest holder of the biggest dog title was Kevin, a 3-year-old Great Dane residing in West Des Moines, Iowa. He measured an impressive 3 feet, 2 inches tall and was affectionately referred to by his owners as a “gentle giant.”
Tragically, Kevin passed away less than two weeks after being recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the tallest living dog at the young age of 3.
“We are grateful that he had the opportunity to break the record and enjoy his moment in the spotlight,” said his owner Tracy Wolfe to YSL News. “He loved the attention. It’s a shame that these larger breeds, like all dogs, can’t live longer. It always feels too short.”
Guinness World Records has not announced a new tallest living dog since Kevin’s passing. The previous two record holders were also Great Danes named Zeus.
The late Zeus, from Otsego, Michigan, is still recognized as the tallest dog ever. He was over 3 feet, 8 inches tall and reached a height of 7 feet, 4 inches when standing on his hind legs. Despite his large size, owner Kevin Doorlag said he was only known for slobbering on strangers and making therapy visits to schools and hospitals. Zeus passed away at age 5 in September 2014.
Guinness World Records reports that the longest and heaviest dog ever documented was Aicama Zorba of La-Susa, an Old English Mastiff owned by London resident Chris Eraclides. In 1987, Zorba weighed in at an astonishing 343 pounds and measured 8 feet, 3 inches from nose to tail.
Largest dog breeds
The English Mastiff is recognized as the breed of the largest dogs. Males typically reach heights of 30 inches or more, while females are generally around 27.5 inches or taller. On average, male English Mastiffs weigh between 160 to 230 pounds, and females average between 120 to 170 pounds. Their lifespan is usually between 6 to 10 years, according to the American Kennel Club.
Here’s a list of some of the biggest dog breeds by height and weight:
- English Mastiff: 27.5-30 inches and up, 120-230 pounds
- Spanish Mastiff: 28-35 inches and up, 140-200 pounds
- Pyrenean Mastiff: 28-31 inches, 120-190 pounds
- Irish Wolfhound: 30-32 inches and up, 105-120 pounds
- Neopolitan 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 and up
Who is the smallest dog in the world?
The smallest dog in the world is Pearl, a Chihuahua who weighs just 1.22 pounds and was born in 2020. This Guinness World Record holder stands at only 3.59 inches and measures 5 inches in length.
Chihuahuas are recognized as the smallest breed of dogs and typically weigh no more than 6 pounds.