From the towering Irish Wolfhound to the gentle Great Dane, discover the tallest dog breeds in the world and their fascinating origins.
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but some breeds tower above the rest, in both height and heart. These gentle giants have been companions, protectors, and working partners to humans for centuries.
Selective breeding has shaped dogs to fit specific roles and environments. From guarding livestock to serving as loyal family members, these breeds showcase the incredible diversity and adaptability of man’s best friend.
With over 340 recognized breeds, dogs exhibit an incredible range of sizes, shapes, and characteristics.
From the tiny Chihuahua to the massive Great Dane, dogs come in a variety of coat types, colors, and lengths.
Their adaptability is equally impressive, with some breeds excelling in roles such as herding, hunting, and companionship.
Dogs have been selectively bred for thousands of years, resulting in this remarkable diversity that continues to fascinate humans.
The Top 20 Tallest Dog Breeds in the World
- Irish Wolfhound (35 inches)
Standing at the top of the list, the ‘the tallest dog breed’ is often regarded as the tallest dog breed, with males reaching up to 32 to 35 inches (81 to 89 centimeters) at the shoulder. Originally bred in Ireland for hunting wolves, this tall and lean dog is known for a gentle and calm demeanor despite its imposing size.
- Great Dane (32 inches)
Known as ‘the Apollo of dogs,’ the Great Dane combines strength and elegance, with males standing at 30 to 32 inches (76 to 81 centimeters) tall. This giant breed has held records for the world’s tallest dogs, including notable individuals like Zeus and Giant George.
- Scottish Deerhound (32 inches)
The Scottish Deerhound, with males standing around 30 to 32 inches (76 to 81 centimeters) tall, was originally bred to hunt red deer in the Scottish Highlands. Despite their hunting background, they are gentle and friendly, making them excellent companions.
- Great Pyrenees (32 inches)
The Great Pyrenees, standing 27 to 32 inches (68 to 81 centimeters) tall, is an intelligent, protective, and watchful breed. Originally bred to guard livestock in the Pyrenees Mountains, they are known for their gentle and sweet nature, making them excellent family companions.
- Borzoi (32 inches)
The Borzoi, bred in Russia as hunting dogs, can run at speeds of up to 40 miles (60 kilometers) per hour. These elegant dogs, known for their silky coats, grow to 28 to 32 inches (71 to 81 centimeters).
- Leonberger (31.5 inches)
The Leonberger is a giant dog breed, with males standing around 28 to 31.5 inches (71 to 80 centimeters) tall. They were originally bred in Germany as working dogs and are known for their friendly and gentle nature, making them excellent family pets.
- English Mastiff (31 inches)
The English Mastiff stands 28 to 31 inches (71 to 79 centimeters) tall. Known for being one of the largest dog breeds in terms of mass, they are gentle and loving companions.
- Neapolitan Mastiff (31 inches)
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a powerful guard dog breed, standing 26 to 31 inches (66 to 79 centimeters) tall. Known for their loose, wrinkled skin and imposing presence, they are protective and loyal to their families.
- Greyhound (30 inches)
Standing 28 to 30 inches (71 to 76 centimeters) tall, the Greyhound is a lean dog. Known for their incredible speed, they are gentle and friendly companions.
- Kuvasz (30 inches)
The Kuvasz stands 28 to 30 inches (71 to 76 centimeters) tall. Originally from Hungary, they were used as livestock guardian dogs and are known for their independence and protective nature.
- Black Russian Terrier (30 inches)
The Black Russian Terrier stands 27 to 30 inches (68 to 76 centimeters) tall. Originally bred in Russia for military and working purposes, they are known for their intelligence and protective nature.
- Saint Bernard (30 inches)
Standing 26 to 30 inches (66 to 76 centimeters) tall, the Saint Bernard is a giant breed known for its rescue work in the Swiss Alps. They are gentle and friendly, making them excellent family pets.
- Tibetan Mastiff (30 inches)
Standing between 26 and 30 inches (66 to 76 centimeters) tall, the Tibetan Mastiff is one of the world’s oldest dog breeds. Originally bred by nomadic cultures of Tibet, China, Nepal, and India to protect sheep from predators, they are known for their independence and protective nature.
- Anatolian Shepherd Dog (29 inches)
Standing 27 to 29 inches (68 to 74 centimeters) tall, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a protective and watchful breed. Originally bred in Turkey to guard livestock, they are known for their independence and intelligence.
- Newfoundland (28 inches)
The Newfoundland is a giant breed, with males standing around 28 inches (71 centimeters) tall. Originally bred in Canada as working dogs for fishermen, they are known for their strength, gentle nature, and excellent swimming abilities.
- Bernese Mountain Dog (27.5 inches)
The Bernese Mountain Dog stands 25 to 27.5 inches (63 to 70 centimeters) tall. Originally from Switzerland, they were used as farm dogs and are known for their caring nature, making them excellent family pets.
- Cane Corso (27.5 inches)
Standing 25 to 27.5 inches (58 to 70 centimeters) tall, the Cane Corso is a powerful and athletic breed. Originally from Italy, they were used as guard dogs and are known for their intelligence and loyalty.
- Boerboel (27 inches)
Standing 24 to 27 inches (61 to 68 centimeters) tall, the Boerboel is a powerful guard dog breed from South Africa. They are protective and loyal, making them excellent guard dogs.
The Boerboel is a large and powerful breed of dog originating from South Africa.
Developed in the 18th century as a guardian and working dog, they were bred to protect farms and families from predators such as lions and leopards.
Boerboels are known for their distinctive appearance, with a muscular build and short coats that can be various colors including fawn, brown, and black.
They are loyal and protective of their families but can be wary of strangers.
- Dogue de Bordeaux (27 inches)
Standing 23 to 27 inches (58 to 68 centimeters) tall, the Dogue de Bordeaux is a powerful and muscular breed. Originally bred in France for guarding and hunting, they are loyal and protective companions.
The Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the 'French Mastiff' , is an ancient breed originating from France.
It was bred in the 16th century for guarding and companionship.
Weighing between 99-110 pounds, this massive dog has a distinctive fawn or brindle coat.
Its short, easy-to-maintain coat requires minimal grooming.
The breed is known for its gentle nature, making it an excellent family pet.
However, due to its large size, regular exercise and training are essential.
- Rottweiler (27 inches)
The Rottweiler stands 24 to 27 inches (61 to 68 centimeters) tall. Originally from Germany, they were used as herding and guard dogs and protective and are known for their strength.
- howstuffworks.com | The Tallest Dog Breed Originally Hunted Wolves in Ireland
