Have you ever watched a tiny puppy morph into a towering giant before your very eyes? Some dog breeds start off as adorable, tiny bundles of joy and transform into majestic, massive creatures.
This astonishing growth journey hints at the incredible diversity within the canine world. These breeds showcase fascinating growth, turning from pint-sized pooches into gentle giants. Here’s a closer look at some of these extraordinary breeds known for their surprising size transformations.
1. Great Dane
Great Danes are often called the “Apollo of Dogs,” a fitting title for these noble creatures. As puppies, they are playful, clumsy, and no different in size from most medium dog breeds. However, give them just a year, and they transform into towering dogs, often standing taller than an average human on their hind legs!
The growth rate of a Great Dane puppy is a wonder. By the time they are fully grown, they can weigh anywhere from 110 to 175 pounds (ref). Their friendly demeanor, coupled with their impressive size, makes them beloved by many.
Despite their size, they are gentle, affectionate, and great with children, making them excellent family pets.
2. English Mastiff
The English Mastiff holds the title for one of the heaviest dog breeds, with some individuals tipping the scales at over 200 pounds (ref). Starting life as compact puppies, English Mastiffs undergo a significant growth rush within their first two years, evolving into massive, muscular dogs.
Their colossal frame is matched by a heart just as large. English Mastiffs are known for their gentle temperament, loyalty, and patience. Despite their intimidating size, they are known as gentle giants deeply devoted to their families. Their sheer size and loud bark make them excellent guardians of the home.
3. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands begin their journey as fluffy, bear-like puppies and grow into sturdy, massive dogs. With males often weighing between 130 and 150 pounds (ref). Known for their incredible swimming ability, these gentle giants were originally bred to help haul nets for fishermen and rescue people at risk of drowning.
Their thick, water-resistant coat and webbed feet make them natural swimmers. Beyond their physical capabilities, Newfoundlands are renowned for their kindness, patience, and loving nature, making them fantastic companions, especially in homes with children.
4. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs start their lives as soft, cuddly puppies that you would never guess could grow into large, powerful dogs, averaging between 80 to 115 pounds (ref). Originally bred as farm dogs in the Swiss mountains, their impressive strength made them useful for herding cattle and pulling carts.
As adults, Bernese Mountain Dogs showcase a majestic tri-colored coat and a sturdy physique. They’re as warm-hearted as they are strong and famous for their loyalty and affectionate nature. Their calmness and patience make them excellent pets for families.
5. Irish Wolfhound
Initially bred for hunting wolves, Irish Wolfhounds are the epitome of gentle giants. They might start off as slender, wiry puppies, but don’t let that fool you. These dogs can grow to stand 32 inches tall at the shoulder, sometimes even taller (ref).
Apart from their impressive height, Irish Wolfhounds are known for their serene and friendly personality. Despite their historical role as fierce hunters, they are surprisingly gentle and get along well with children and other dogs.
Their commanding presence, combined with a peaceful demeanor, makes them unique pets.
6. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are famous for their rescue work in the snowy, dangerous passes of the Swiss Alps. As puppies, they are playful, chubby furballs that grow into massive dogs, with adults typically weighing between 140 to 180 pounds (ref).
Bred for search and rescue, Saint Bernards are unmatched in size, strength, and resistance to cold. Yet, their friendly nature, intelligence, and patience have made them beloved family pets.
Saint Bernards carries an aura of nobility and courage, along with a friendly disposition towards children.
7. Leonberger
Leonberger puppies might trick you into thinking they are just fluffy, cuddly balls of fur, but they grow into majestic, lion-like dogs. A fully grown Leonberger can weigh up to 170 pounds and showcase an impressive mane around its neck and chest (ref).
These dogs are as affectionate and loyal as they are big. Known for their gentle temperament, Leonbergers make great family pets. They are intelligent and playful and have a penchant for being quite the water dogs, enjoying swimming whenever they can.
8. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is an ancient breed revered for its imposing stature and vigilant nature. They start off as fluffy, engaging puppies but quickly grow weighing between 90 and 150 pounds (ref). They were bred to protect sheep from predators in the Himalayas, which explains their significant size and protective instincts.
Unlike the continuous barking of some guard dogs, Tibetan Mastiffs choose their moments, often patrolling silently at night.
Their thick, luxurious coat, especially prominent around the neck, gives them a lion-like appearance and provides insulation against cold climates. Despite their independent nature, they form strong bonds with their family, showcasing a profound loyalty. Due to their guarding instincts, they might be wary of strangers but are gentle and patient with their loved ones.
9. Cane Corso
As puppies, Cane Corsos are spirited and energetic, growing into formidable protectors of their domain. Originating from Italy, their lineage goes back to Roman war dogs, explaining their muscular build and courageous heart. They are agile and responsive, making them excellent candidates for various types of training.
Cane Corsos has a strong protective instinct, which makes early socialization and training crucial. They’re incredibly loyal to their families and approach guard duties with a seriousness that hides their playful nature as puppies.
Despite their powerful appearance, they’re known to have a loving and gentle side towards their families, making them exceptional companions.
10. Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees pups are irresistibly fluffy, growing into majestic dogs that embody grace and strength. Weighing well over 100 pounds as adults, they were bred to guard flocks in the Pyrenees mountains, facing off wolves and bears (ref). This history contributes to their calm yet fearless demeanor.
Characterized by their lush white coats and calm, observant nature, the Great Pyrenees possess a patient and loving temperament. They are gentle with children and protective over their families. They show a keen sense of danger and a willingness to stand between their loved ones and any threat.
Despite their size, they move with a surprising elegance and have a regal presence that’s hard to ignore.
11. Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux is the quintessential guard dog – robust, muscular, and imposing. However, these dogs, who mature into adults weighing 110 pounds, begin their journey as affectionate, playful puppies (ref). They are one of France’s most ancient dog breeds, historically used for hunting, guarding, and working.
With a distinct appearance characterized by a massive head and muscular physique, the Dogue de Bordeaux radiates strength. Nevertheless, their demeanor with family is gentle, affectionate, and even clumsy, making them a joy to have around.
They form deep bonds with their owners, thrive on affection, and may consider themselves lap dogs despite their size.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.