Here are the dog breeds that are small enough to fit into a handbag – and those that are the gentle giants of the canine world.
Plenty of us decided to welcome new four-legged friends into our homes in the last couple of years – according to Kennel Club figures dog ownership soared by nearly eight percent – and post-lockdown demand for puppies remains high.
There are a whopping 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds, so there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest addition.
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There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt. One thing worth considering before making a decision is that certain breeds of dog suit different lifestyles – particularly when it comes to size.
If you lead an active life and have a house with a garden then a large dog may be your best option, while if you are less sporty and live in an apartment a small pooch may be a better choice.So, here are the 10 largest and smallest breeds of dog.
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The English Mastiff is officially the largest dog in the world. According to the Guiness Book of Records – a dog called Zorba weighed in at 142.7 kg and stood 27 inches high in 1981.
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The majestic Great Dane may not quite be the largest dog in the world but it is the tallest. The Guinness Book of Records include a Great Dane called Zeus who stood an amazing 44 inches from the ground. They may be huge but are known for being loving and playful.
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Originally bred to resue people in the Alps, the Saint Bernard is big enough and strong enough to trek through deep snow for miles. Weighing in at up to 91kg they are loyal and make great guard dogs.
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Weighing in at up to 70kg, Neopolitan Mastiffs are Italian gentle giants that are known for loving their families unconditionally, but can be wary of strangers.
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Large and majestic, the Irish Wolfhound is the tallest breed of dog recognized by the AKC and was originally bred as a big-game hunter. While their ancestors date back to ancient times, the Irish Wolfhound first gained popularity in the 15th century to help control the wolf population in Ireland. Today Irish Wolfhounds are known as dignified, eye-catching companions.
One of the most famous giant breeds, the Saint Bernard hails from the Swiss Alps. The massive and powerful breed was first developed to locate and rescue people who had gotten lost in the snow and buried by avalanches. The Saint Bernard’s charismatic friendly expression has helped it gain popularity in film and television, and become beloved by dog lovers.
An intimidating ancient breed, Tibetan Mastiffs are known for being strong-willed and independent. These dogs are extremely protective and are considered guardians of the Himalayas because they were used to guard monasteries in Tibet. Not a breed for beginners, these noble dogs are known for making up their mind about a situation and responding accordingly, regardless of training.
These giant terriers are as imposing as they are intelligent. The Black Russian Terrier was developed by the Soviet government in the 1930s to create a powerful guard dog. The dogs maintain those protective qualities, are very loyal to their families, and will often be aloof with strangers. These large dogs should be both powerful and have a reliable temperament.
Known as the royal dog of Scotland, this giant coursing dog is one of the tallest breeds of dogs in the world. Bred to hunt, the Scottish Deerhound is very courageous and was born to run. It’s a sensitive breed that’s deeply connected to family and can struggle with being left alone. With a strong drive to chase, the Scottish Deerhound should only be allowed to run in a fenced area or on leash.
The Newfoundland are typically 27 to 30 inches tall and up to 150 lbs in weight, but they can look much bigger than this due to their thick and heavy coat. Their thick coat can help to keep them warm in cold waters as the Newfoundland is famously a very strong swimmer capable of helping fishermen and rescuing anything (or anyone!) that may go overboard.
This breed looks a lot like a greyhound in terms of their physique but make it onto our list by nature of their huge proportions. Although they are quite lean, the Deerhound can grow up to a height of 32 inches! As their name suggests, they were originally bred to work with deer in the Scottish Highlands.
This breed is another imposing figure, and can be anything up to 30 inches in height. On top of this, they are also one of the heftiest breeds and their average weight is anything up to 250 lbs. The record weight for this breed is a whopping 343 lbs! Despite their bulk, they have a gentle nature and their easy going temperament makes them a good option for families.
Originally from Germany, the Great Dane was a crossbreed of Irish Wolfhound and English Mastiff breeds. The average weight for the breed is between 100 and 120 lbs, which doesn’t make them overly hefty but their average height does make them one of the bigger breeds. They tend to be around 28-30 inches tall but, in the case of Zeus who holds the record for ‘Greatest Dane’, can potentially grow as tall as 44 inches! The Great Dane is often thought of as the biggest dog but there are actually taller and heavier breeds (as you’ll see!).
This breed hails from the area of Mexico and are one of the most well known of the very small dog breeds, typically weighing only 4-6 lbs. You’ll probably remember Paris Hilton toting her pup, Tinkerbell, in a series of small handbags. The Chihuahua has a lot of heart and are loyal and affectionate pets who often form very strong bonds with their owners.
FAQ
What is the 3 smallest dog breed?
- Chihuahuas. The smallest breed weighs on average 2kgs. …
- Yorkshire Terriers. Yorkies are tiny, lovable creatures weighing around 3kgs. …
- Pomeranians. These fluffy, small dogs weigh between 2-4kg. …
- Papillons. Papillons weigh an average of 4-5kg, including their jumbo ears. …
- Affenpinschers.
What breed of dog is the smallest?
- Chihuahuas. The smallest breed weighs on average 2kgs. …
- Yorkshire Terriers. Yorkies are tiny, lovable creatures weighing around 3kgs. …
- Pomeranians. These fluffy, small dogs weigh between 2-4kg. …
- Papillons. Papillons weigh an average of 4-5kg, including their jumbo ears. …
- Affenpinschers.
What is the 2 biggest dog breed?
- Chihuahuas. The smallest breed weighs on average 2kgs. …
- Yorkshire Terriers. Yorkies are tiny, lovable creatures weighing around 3kgs. …
- Pomeranians. These fluffy, small dogs weigh between 2-4kg. …
- Papillons. Papillons weigh an average of 4-5kg, including their jumbo ears. …
- Affenpinschers.