Horses are huge animals. While they are calm and quiet in nature, their size is intimidating most of the time. If you were wondering about the largest horse breeds in the world, in this post you are going to get the answer.
Here is a list of the largest horse breeds in the world.
Shire
This giant-sized breed has its origin in Great Britain. It is officially the biggest horse in the world. It is also the tallest horse breed in record. You can find these horses in various colors such as black, grey, bay and roan.
Height: 16 – 17 hands
Weight: 1800 to 2400 pounds
Clydesdale
Clydesdales are energetic yet gentle horses. They are among the most well-known draft horses in the world today. They are used for a variety of purposes like agriculture, parading, and other purposes. They are also used as show horses and carriage horses.
Height: 16 – 18 hands
Weight: 1800 to 2000 pounds
Percheron
The Percheron breed is a breed from the region of Huisne river valley, which was once known as Perche. The breed actually got its name from this place. The breed is very heavy and strong. It comes with a lighter neck.
Height: 15.1 – 19 hands
Weight: 1900 to 2600 pounds
Belgian Draft
These horses are huge. The breed has evolved over a century to become taller and heavier than it used to be. They are used in carriages and for agriculture work.
Height: 16.1 – 17 hands
Weight: 1800 to 2200 pounds
| Fun Fact: The record for the tallest living horse in the world is held by a Belgian Draft named Big Jake. This horse is 20 hh, 2 3/4 inches tall. |
Suffolk Punch
This is an endangered horse breed in Great Britain. It has been mentioned in books dating back to the 14th century. Today, these giant-sized horses are used for farming, forestry and also as show horses.
Height: 16.1 – 17.2 hands
Weight: 1980 to 2200 pounds
Dutch Draft
The Dutch Draft is a result of cross-breedings between Ardennes and Belgian Draft horses. These are giant horses used for farm work and pulling heavy loads. During World War 2, there was a considerable decrease in their number and now it is one of the rarest breeds in the world.
Height: 15 – 17 hands
Weight: 1600 to 1800 pounds
Fjord
Fjord is one of the smallest among the group of large horse breeds. The origin of this horse dates back to some 4000 years. It is used as an agricultural horse. It is also seen in horse shows and events.
Height: 13.2 – 15 hands
Weight: 880 to 1100 pounds
Dole
Dole is a Norwegian horse breed which is also known by then names Dole Gudbrandsdal and Dølahest. It is a workhorse used for agriculture. It was also used for harness racing at one point.
Height: 14.1 – 15.3 hands
Weight: 1200 to 1400 pounds
Those were the world’s largest horse breeds. The fascinating thing about these horses is that they keep on evolving. Some of these horses were not so big hundred years ago. That tells us that the biggest horse breed record is always set to be broken.
Frequently Asked Questions about Largest Horse Breeds
What horse is bigger than a Clydesdale?
Belgian horses are much larger than the average Clydesdale.The usual size for an adult male Belgian ranges between 16-1/2 hands all the way up 18 or 19 hands tall, with their weight clocking in at around 1,800 lbs.
What are the 3 largest horse breeds?
The Shire Horse breed. The Belgian Horse breed and the Clydesdale Pony hold the record for the world’s largest horses.
What is the tallest hand horse?
The Guinness-World-Record for the tallest horse is Big Jake. At just 17 years old, he measures 20 hands and 2.75 inches tall (82.75 inches).
What is the largest horse breed in the world?
Shires are the largest breed of horse in the world. They’re famed for their size and height, with many holding records.