The tallest dog breeds in the world have evolved over centuries through selective breeding, originally serving various roles ranging from hunting companions to noble guardians. These impressive dogs can stand between 24 to 35 inches at the shoulder, allowing them to meet humans at eye level when on their hind legs.
Despite their large size, these breeds are often characterized by their calm and affectionate temperaments, making them cherished family pets across the globe.
Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is recognized as the tallest dog breed in the world, with males standing between 32 to 35 inches tall and females measuring 30 to 34 inches. This breed has its origins in ancient Ireland, where it was originally bred for hunting wolves.
The UKC breed standard describes them as “the largest and tallest of the coursing hounds, remarkable in its combination of power and swiftness”. Their lifespan of 6-10 years remains heartbreakingly brief.
Great Dane
The Great Dane stands 30-32+ inches tall for males and 28- 30+ inches for females, earning the nickname “Apollo of Dogs” according to AKC standards. These German-bred giants were originally developed to hunt wild boar but became beloved family companions.
AKC breed standards emphasize their friendly and dependable nature. Their short coat requires minimal grooming, but their massive hearts make them prone to cardiac issues requiring careful monitoring.
Scottish Deerhound
The Scottish Deerhound, historically known as the “Royal Dog of Scotland,” measures between 30 to 32+ inches in height for males and at least 28 inches for females.
The UKC breed standard emphasizes they are “obedient, friendly and docile. They are willing and easy to train”. Their incredible speed makes them surprisingly suitable for calm households.
English Mastiff
English Mastiffs are an impressive dog breed, with males typically standing over 30 inches tall and females around 27.5 inches. Notably, they hold the record for being the heaviest dog breed in the world.
Males of this breed can weigh over 230 pounds, earning them the nickname “gentle giants.” According to breed standards, they are generally characterized as good-natured and docile, particularly with their families.
Komondor
The Komondor is a large breed of livestock guardian, with males typically measuring over 27.5 inches tall and averaging around 31.5 inches, while females are generally over 25.5 inches. These ancient protectors were bred to protect sheep flocks from predators.
The unique corded fur of the Komondor develops naturally but requires careful maintenance to ensure its health and functionality.
Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are a notable breed, with males measuring 28-30 inches and females 26-28 inches tall. Renowned as rescue dogs in the Swiss Alps, they are known for their strength and endurance, often carrying barrels of brandy.
Their temperament is calm, friendly, and watchful, making them great family pets. Weighing up to 180 pounds, they shed a lot and drool significantly throughout the year.
Borzoi
The Borzoi, or “Russian Wolfhound,” is an elegant breed standing 28-32 inches for males and 27-30 inches for females. Originally bred for hunting, these sighthounds can reach 35-40 mph.
Despite their refined look, Borzois have strong hunting instincts and require secure fencing. They are also known for their calm demeanor, making them suitable for apartment living.
Kuvasz
The Kuvasz is a large dog breed, with males standing 28-30 inches and females 26-28 inches tall. Known for their pure white coats, they historically served as guardians for Hungarian royalty, showcasing bravery and gentleness.
Originally bred to protect livestock, they are independent and best suited for experienced handlers. Their thick double coats shed extensively twice a year, but their loyalty to families, especially children, makes regular grooming worthwhile.
Black Russian Terrier
The Black Russian Terrier is a large breed that stands 27 to 30 inches tall. Originally developed by Soviet military forces during the Cold War, these dogs are known for their intelligence, strength, and loyalty, making them excellent protectors and family companions.
Their thick, black curly coats provide weather protection but require professional grooming. These dogs are confident, alert, and courageous, benefiting from firm training to help channel their natural abilities.
Anatolian Shepherd
The Anatolian Shepherd is a large, independent breed developed in Turkey to guard livestock against predators like wolves and bears. Males typically stand 29 to 32 inches tall, while females range from 27 to 30 inches, weighing up to 150 pounds.
Known for their endurance and strong territorial instincts, they require experienced owners who understand their protective nature and unique psychological needs.
Greyhound
Greyhounds stand 28-30 inches for males and 27-28 inches for females, the fastest dogs on Earth capable of reaching 45 mph speeds. These ancient sighthounds have graced Egyptian tombs and European courts, prized for their speed.
Despite their racing heritage, Greyhounds are surprisingly lazy house pets who enjoy lounging. Their thin skin and minimal body fat make them sensitive to temperature extremes, requiring coats.
Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees reach 27-32 inches for males and 25-29 inches for females. They were originally bred to guard sheep flocks in the Pyrenees Mountains. Their thick white coats and natural guardian instincts made them invaluable protectors against wolves and bears.
These nocturnal guardians possess independent thinking and protective instincts requiring early socialization. Their beautiful, flowing coats shed year-round, but their gentle nature with children makes grooming worthwhile.
Newfoundland
Newfoundlands measure 28-29 inches for males and 26-27 inches for females, but compensate with massive bone structure and webbed feet designed for water rescue. These “lifeguard dogs” originated in Canadian waters, saving countless sailors with natural swimming abilities.
Breed standards consistently describe their temperament as exceptionally gentle and docile. They weigh up to 150 pounds and make excellent family pets despite requiring regular grooming for their coats.
Leonberger
Leonbergers stand 28-31 inches for males and 26-29 inches for females. They were deliberately bred in Germany to resemble lions with their flowing manes. These multipurpose working dogs excel at cart pulling, water rescue, and family companionship with equal enthusiasm.
Breed standards describe them as friendly, agreeable companions. They are particularly well-suited for family life and distinguished by their natural affinity toward children. Their thick coats require extensive grooming.
Neapolitan Mastiff
Neapolitan Mastiffs, descended from Roman war dogs used in amphitheater battles, reach 26-31 inches for males and 24-29 inches for females. These wrinkled giants possess distinctive loose skin and powerful builds, making them effective estate guardians.
Their massive heads and abundant wrinkles give them unmistakable appearances that effectively deter intruders. Despite their intimidating looks, breed standards describe them as gentle with family members.
Tibetan Mastiff
Tibetan Mastiffs stand 26-30 inches for males and 24-28 inches for females. They are ancient guardians of Himalayan monasteries and nomad camps. These lion-maned dogs possess thick double coats, protecting them from extreme altitudes and temperatures in Tibet.
Originally bred to guard against snow leopards and wolves, Tibetan Mastiffs maintain strong independence and protective instincts. They require experienced owners who understand their aloof, guardian-oriented personalities completely.
Akita
Akitas reach 26-28 inches for males and 24-26 inches for females, and Japanese spitz breeds symbolize good fortune and loyalty based on UKC breed standards. These powerful dogs originally hunted wild boar and bears, developing incredible courage and dignified personalities.
With their curled tails and erect ears, Akitas’s striking appearance reflects their noble heritage. Breed standards describe them as alert, responsive, and dignified dogs whose clean habits suit house pets.
Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds, aristocratic sighthounds from Afghanistan’s mountainous regions, reach 26-28 inches for males and 24-26 inches for females. Their flowing silky coats and regal bearing made them prized possessions of Afghan nobility used for hunting leopards and gazelles.
These elegant dogs possess independent personalities and require extensive grooming to maintain their stunning coats. Breed standards describe them as aloof and dignified with strong prey drive.
Dogue de Bordeaux
Dogue de Bordeaux dogs measure 24-27 inches for males and 23-26 inches for females. They are French mastiffs known for their massive heads and powerful builds. These ancient guardians protected French estates and fought in medieval arenas, developing incredible strength over centuries.
With wrinkled faces and muscular bodies weighing up to 140 pounds, they make impressive family protectors. Breed standards describe them as devoted, even-tempered dogs with calm confidence.