You've got to give it to the great, big dogs. Super-sized pooches have that much more love to give, with extra large licks and seriously strong tail wags that have the power to whack everything in reach (so, really, keep your breakable vases and china protected). Canines of all shapes and sizes are worthy of an affectionate scratch behind the ear and a meaningful belly rub, but there's just something about the gentle giants that can prompt even the coldest of characters to look on with admiration and glee. Revel in the stupendousness of the four-leggeds below.
The baseball-eating mastiff "Beast" in the classic 90s film "The Sandlot" was cast as a slobbery villain. In truth, this extra large breed tends to be good-natured and docile (though still slobbery). Mastiffs can weigh as much as 230 pounds.
These playful mammoths often suffer from identity crises: Many Leonbergers believe they are lap dogs when, sometimes growing to more than 170 pounds, they often outsize their owners. The great big canines love kids and grownups alike and, with proper training and socialization, make excellent family dogs.
Dogos are cheerful, humble and friendly, according to the American Kennel Club. Sounds like a best friend we'd all be lucky to have! This pointy-eared pet, also known as the Argentinian Mastiff, has a big head and chest that contribute to his weight, which can reach 100 pounds.
Here we have another famous 90s dog breed. In "Beethoven," the protagonist St. Bernard pup battled an evil veterinarian (you'll be glad to know the dog won the fight). This breed is typically friendly and outgoing and known to be a good "babysitter" for young tots. Male St. Bernards can reach more than 200 pounds.
They're called "great" for a reason. This dependable and friendly dog breed can exceed 200 pounds in weight and almost 3 feet in height. Quite a tall pooch!
Newfies are super sweet and wildly warm; they've got a thick, heavy coat that sheds everywhere. These big-boned beauties are as strong as they are big: Growing up to 150 pounds, the dogs were originally used as "all-purpose working dog[s]," with the strength to haul fishing nets through strong currents and save a human from drowning in rough waters, according to Animal Planet.
What's bigger than an Irish Wolfhound? Two Irish Wolfhounds! These scraggly-haired pups are courageous and dignified. The breed is nicknamed the "gentle giant," and appropriately so: Males weigh in at an average of 120 pounds and two and a half feet tall, making them the tallest type of sighthounds.
The Boerboel is the "new" dog in town, not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club until 2015. Also known as the South African Mastiff, these confident canines can weigh up to 200 pounds. Because they're an active breed, Boerboels are not suited for apartment life. They need some space to show off their statuesque figures.
This dog is not a lion, nor is it wearing a wig. The fancy-looking Tibetan mastiff has an independent and calm nature, according to the AKC. While they can be a bit stand-offish toward strangers, they are loyal to their families. These dogs can weigh more than 150 pounds and often their bodies are only slightly longer than their tails. Wouldn't want to be whacked with that, would you?!
These mighty terriers are a loyal bunch; they grow to become incredibly protective over their families and have a lot of love for those who care for them. The dependable pup can outweigh 145 pounds.
No, that's not a giant mop pictured above. Meet the Komondor, a brave and dignified breed that probably doesn't care if you mistake it for something in a janitor's closet. These hairy pooches were originally raised as sheepdogs, and their coats helped them to blend in with their flocks. Males can tip the scales at more than 80 pounds.
Their sweet and age-defying puppy dog eyes kind of say it all: These shepherds are a loyal crew. The giant tail-waggers, though slender, can pack 150 pounds on their frames.
This short-haired long-bodied darling is considered Turkey's national dog, even appearing on the country's postage stamps. On average, an adult male weighs around 130 pounds and can run up to 30 miles an hour. It appears to be adept at hugs.
Why the long face? This breed, also known as the French Mastiff, is actually quite affectionate. The lesson here: Don't judge a pooch by its jowls. Despite their intimidating stature of about 140 pounds, these heavy droolers are incredibly attached to their owners and don't like to be left alone.
How much does a polar bear weigh? More than this furry stunner that somewhat resembles the arctic native. Even still, this pooch is hefty, carrying more than 120 pounds on its slim frame. These dogs are gentle and and affectionate with their families, but wary of intruders.
A smart and majestic breed, the cane corso, also known as the Italian mastiff, would probably be able to throw down a plate of spaghetti and meatballs in a matter of seconds. (This isn't recommended.) The males can reach more than 110 pounds. Despite their enormity, these dogs are easy to train.
*Seriously: Never ride a dog.
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