Great Danes rank among the heftiest breeds.
Dogs come in sizes so small they fit into your shirt pocket and so big they spill over the edges of your bed. Extra-large breeds can easily weigh 100 pounds or more. There are numerous varieties of extra-large dogs, some of which are work dogs and some that are popular as pets.
Great Dane
While male Great Danes typically weight about 120 pounds, females on average weigh about 100 pounds. Great Danes are well-suited to family life, but they tend to knock down small children easily.
Newfoundland
Male Newfoundlands generally weigh between 130 and 150 pounds, while females average between 100 and 120 pounds. Bred to rescue fishermen from icy water, Newfoundlands are extremely strong and loyal.
Great Pyrenees
Often confused with the white Newfoundland, the Great Pyrenees is its own breed. It is slightly smaller than the Newfoundland, with only the male typically weighing in at 100 pounds or more. These dogs were bred to guard flocks in France and Spain and do not do well in warm climates.
Irish Wolfhound
Gentle, patient and sweet despite its great size and high energy, the Irish wolfhound is a loyal, if shaggy family guardian. Males typically weigh about 120 pounds, while females typically weigh up to 105 pounds.
Beauceron
The Beauceron is a French herding dog that can weigh as much as 100 pounds. Beaucerons are brave and intelligent, but must have a lot of exercise. Without it, the breed has been known to start herding their human families.
Giant Schnauzer
The giant schnauzer is a fiercely protective guard dog that requires a strong trainer's hand and a lot of patience. The breed, therefore, typically is not recommended for new dog owners. Adult schnauzers can weight between 55 and 105 pounds.
Leonberger
The Leonberger is an especially large German herding and rescue dog that resembles a male lion. A fully-grown Leonberger can weigh anywhere from 100 to 170 pounds. Though large, the breed is quite sensitive and is more likely to walk away from conflict than face it.
Mastiff
Mastiffs come in many varieties. The bull and English mastiff typically weigh between 100 and135 pounds, while their French cousin weighs between 120 to 145 pounds and their Neapolitan cousin weighs as much as 165 pounds. Other mastiffs, such as the greater Swiss mountain dog and the rottweiler, typically weigh about 130 pounds. The Bernese mountain dog typically weighs between 80 and 110 pounds. Asian breeds, such as the Tibetan mastiff, weigh between 140 and 170 pounds, while the Japanese tosa can weigh anywhere from 80 to 200 pounds.
Old English Sheepdog
The old English sheepdog has a familiar shaggy face and large body. Bred as a herder, the old English sheepdog can weigh anywhere from 60 to 100 pounds.
Akita
The Akita has been a revered working dog in Japan for centuries and has become a popular show dog in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club. Both the American and Japanese varieties weigh between 75 and 120 pounds.
St. Bernard
Fully grown St. Bernards can weigh anywhere from 140 to 260 pounds. Though they tend to be gentle and protective, St. Bernards also tend to knock down small children and require a strong handler.
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