Dogs of all sizes: these are the 10 smallest and biggest adorable dog breeds – from the tiny Chihuahua to the gentle giant English Mastiff
There are 221 different purebred dog breeds to choose from, as well as plenty of crossbreeds, so there’s a lot of thought to go into before selecting the latest addition to your family. Many of us have decided to welcome new four-legged friends into our homes over the past two years – according to Kennel Club figures, dog ownership has soared nearly 8% – and demand for puppies after lockdown remains high.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with psychologist Stanley Coren’s book “The Intelligence of Dogs” ranking breeds by instinct, obedience and adaptability. One thing to consider before making a decision is that certain dog breeds suit different lifestyles, especially when it comes to size.
If you lead an active lifestyle and have a house with a garden, a large dog may be your best option, while if you’re less athletic and live in an apartment, a small pooch may be a better choice. So here are the 10 largest and smallest dog breeds.
The English Mastiff is officially the tallest dog in the world. According to the Guinness Book of Records – a dog called Zorba weighed 142.7 kg and was 27 inches tall in 1981.
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The majestic Great Dane may not quite be the tallest dog in the world, but it is the tallest. The Guinness Book of World Records includes a Great Dane called Zeus who stood 44 inches off the ground. They can be huge but are known to be affectionate and playful.
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Originally bred to rescue people in the Alps, the Saint Bernard is big and strong enough to travel miles in deep snow. Weighing up to 91 kg, they are loyal and make excellent watchdogs.
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Weighing up to 70kg, Neapolitan Mastiffs are gentle Italian giants known to love their family unconditionally, but can be wary of strangers.
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