Updated date:

Apr 22, 2021

What Are the Top 10 Tallest Dog Breeds?

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I like to share information about wildlife, animals, and pets—dogs in particular.

The Top 10 Tallest Dogs
Alex Blăjan, CC0 via Unsplash

Tall Dogs

When it comes to dogs, many people believe that bigger is better. If you're reading this, you might be thinking about getting a giant dog for a pet. While basing your decision off of height alone is not the most practical approach, many tall dog breeds do make wonderful pets under the right circumstances. Whether you are interested in getting one or you simply admire them, read on to find out more about these fantastic dogs.

The 10 Tallest Dogs in the World


Breed Name	Height	Weight
1. Irish Wolfhound	Avg. 28–35" \| Max. 37"	105–125 lbs
2. Great Dane	Avg. 28–34" \| Max. 42"	110–170 lbs
3. Scottish Deerhound	Avg. 28–33" \| Max. 35"	70–130 lbs
4. Tamaskan Husky	Avg. 29–33" \| Max. 34"	75–105 lbs
5. Great Pyrenees	Avg. 28–32" \| Max. 33"	110–125 lbs
6. Neapolitan Mastiff	Avg. 27–33" \| Max. 32"	100–150 lbs
7. Bucovina Sheepdog	Avg. 27–32" \| Max. 33"	120–150 lbs
9. Kangal Dog	Avg. 27–31" \| Max. 32"	90–120 lbs
9. Leonberger	Avg. 27–31" \| Max. 32"	99–165 lbs
10. Neopolitan Mastiff	Avg. 26–31" \| Max. 32"	200–220 lbs

10. Leonberger

The Leonberger is a tall, gentle giant, and it looks a little like a mini lion. This dog originated in Leonberg, Germany, from where it got its name. It is a courageous, intelligent and affectionate dog that is recognised for its stable and calm behaviour. The Leonberger is also known for being devoted and affectionate towards its family.


Breed Name	Leonberger
Other Names	None
Origin	Leonberg, Germany
Height	Female: 65–75 cm, Male: 72–80 cm
Weight	Female: 41–59 kg, Male: 48–75 kg
Life Span	8–10 years

9. Neapolitan Mastiff

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a natural guard dog and is friendly, calm, quiet and affectionate in nature. This dog is known for being gentle, caring and protective of children.


Breed Name	Neapolitan Mastiff
Other Names	Mastino, Mastini
Origin	Italy
Height	Male: 63–77 cm, Female: 58–70 cm
Weight	Male: 60–70 kg, Female: 50–60 kg
Life Span	8–10 years

8. Kangal Dog

The Kangal was bred to protect livestock in the Sivas province of Turkey, and it has a very powerful bite. It is alert, territorial, protective and reserved. There is some controversy about Anatolian Shepherds and Kangals, as many people claim that Kangal Dogs are actually the same as Anatolian Shepherds.


Breed Name	Turkish Kangal
Other Names	Kangal, Karabash, Turkish Kangal Dog
Origin	Sivas, Turkey
Height	Female: 72–77 cm, Male: 77–86 cm
Weight	Female: 41–54 kg, Male: 50–66 kg
Life Span	12–15 years

Turkish Kangal vs. Kurdish Kangal

7. Anatolian Shepherd

The Anatolian Shepherd was bred to protect livestock in Anatolia, which is a part of modern Turkey. This dog is a tall, strong, aggressive, protective and territorial breed that looks very similar to the Great Pyrenees and the Kuvasz. However, Anatolian Shepherds are more alert and active than those breeds.


Breed Name	Anatolian Shepherd
Other Names	Coban Kopegi, Karabas, Perro de pastor de Anatolia, Anatolischer Hirtenhund, Chien de berger d'Anatolie
Origin	Anatolia, Turkey
Height	Male: 71–76 cm, Female: 66–71 cm
Weight	Males: 45–68 kg, Female: 41–59 kg
Life Span	12–15 years.

6. Bucovina Shepherd

Bucovina Shepherds are naturally healthy, tall and strong dogs. They were bred in Romania to guard and protect livestock. They are reserved, tolerant, intelligent dogs, and they have a reputation for being able to take down wolves. They need early training and socialization, or else they have a tendency to become dominant and aloof.


Breed Name	Bucovina Sheepdog
Other Names	Ciobanesc Romanesc de Bucovina, Ciobanesc de Bucovina, Romanian Bukovina Sheepdog, Bukovina Wolfdog, Bukovinac, Bucovina Shepherds
Origin	Romania
Height	Female: 64–72cm, Male: 68–78 cm
Weight	Female: 32–41 kg, Male: 32–41 kg
Life Span	12–14 Years

5. Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees is a sheepdog descended from the Hungarian Kuvasz and the Maremmano-Abruzzese. Great Pyrenees are tall, strong, courageous, intelligent and friendly dogs and have a good reputation for being affectionate and protective towards their owners and family members.


Breed Name	Great Pyrenees
Other Names	Pyrenean Mastiff, The Pyrenean Mountain Dog, Chien de Montagne des Pyrenees, Pyrenean dog
Origin	Central Asia/Siberia
Height	Male: 70–82 cm, Female: 65–74 cm
Weight	Male: 50–54 kg, Female: 36–41 kg
Life Span	10–12 years

4. Tamaskan Husky

Tamaskan Huskies are tall, sturdy and athletic dogs. They were bred in Finland to work as sled dogs, but they are more popularly known as 'wolf dogs'. They are similar to wolves in their appearance, especially in their coat, colour and face. Tamaskans are alert, intelligent, devoted and protective dogs. They are usually friendly, gentle and calm, but issues can arise if they become territorial or display alpha behaviours. They need early training and socialization.


Breed Name	Tamaskan Husky
Other Names	Tamaskan, Tamaskan Wolf Dog
Origin	Finland
Height	Female: 61–66 cm, Male: 63–71 cm
Weight	Males: 30–45 kg, Females: 23–38 kg
Life Span	14–15 years

3. Scottish Deerhound

The Scottish Deerhound is a hunting dog—specifically, a sighthound. They were bred in Scotland to hunt the Scottish roe deer. Scottish Deerhounds are tall, athletic dogs and have great running stamina and speed. They look like a rough-coated Greyhound, and they are calm, gentle, obedient and intelligent by nature.


Breed Name	Scottish Deerhound
Other Names	Deerhound
Origin	Scotland
Height	Male: 76–81 cm, Female: 71 cm
Weight	Male: 38–45 kg, Female: 34–43 kg
Life Span	8–9 years

2. Great Dane

The Great Dane is a large, tall mastiff breed that originated in Germany. It is considered by many to be the tallest dog breed in the world. The world’s tallest dog, 'Gibson', was indeed a Great Dane, but the average height for Great Danes is slightly less than that of the Irish Wolfhound. Great Danes are gentle, friendly and affectionate dogs, and they can be trusted around kids and other pets.


Breed Name	Great Dane
Other Names	Deutsche Dogge, German Mastiff
Origin	Germany
Height	Female: 71–81 cm, Male: 76–86 cm
Weight	Female: 45–59 kg, Male: 54–90 kg
Life Span	7–9 years

1. Irish Wolfhound

The Irish Wolfhound is an ancient dog breed that was bred for hunting wolves and for use in war. It is the tallest dog breed in the world. These dogs are friendly and kind in nature, though they can also be powerful, athletic and courageous. They have hunting aptitude, but they only become aggressive and ferocious when needed. In general, Irish Wolfhounds are calm, gentle dogs that can be trusted around kids, strangers and other pets.


Breed Name	Irish Wolfhound
Other Names	None
Origin	Ireland
Height	71–90 cm
Weight	40–69 kg
Life Span	6–8 years

Irish Wolfhound vs. Great Dane

Are You Ready to Own a Tall Dog?

There are many criteria to consider when choosing the right dog breed for you. You should only go for a larger dog if your situation allows for it. Are you ready to commit time, money and space to a large dog? If you think you would be a good owner for a bigger dog breed, you can refer to this article to help make your choice!

Comments

ARADHYA (author) on July 13, 2020:

Dear Balaji,

There are many other dogs, taller than American BT.

You can find them on net.

Bolaji on June 29, 2020:

American Bull Terrier is the tallest

Dylan on May 05, 2020:

Surprised the Rhodesian Ridgeback isnt here to be honest mines 8 months and very tall already

Suki on July 03, 2019:

Irish wolfhounds actually get larger than 35 inches they grow from around 28-36 inches and a lot of times even 38 inches. I have an Irish wolfhound of my own. Great Danes also grow 28-32 inches.

devarsh khatri on July 30, 2018:

st bernard, english mastiff, bully kutta? well, I think rest of the list is ok.

aravind kumar on November 06, 2017:

Wonderful dog pictures

ARADHYA (author) on March 09, 2017:

@Grab: Thanks for your notice.

I Agree wikipedia has the details - "St. Bernard? 70 to 90 cm (28 to 35 inch) height" and according to that statistics them must be in list of top 10.

But I haven't seen any "St. Bernard", taller than 31".

Gab on March 05, 2017:

Where is St. Bernard? 70 to 90 cm (28 to 35 inch) height and 65 to 120kg (140 to 260 lb) weight according to Wikipedia