People love tall dog breeds for a bunch of reasons. From their majestic appearance with a graceful stride and impressive presence to their high energy and athleticism, they have it all.
Tall dogs have this regal and elegant look that makes them stand out from the crowd and they often carry themselves with confidence and poise.
You feel a sense of security and protection when you have a tall dog by your side. They can tower over other animals and humans, which can make them excellent guard dogs.
With big height, they also have big and lovable hearts to match their size. So, what is the tallest dog breed in the world? Here are the top 10 tallest dog breeds in order with pictures.
10. Neapolitan Mastiff
Male Height: 26 to 30 inches (66 to 76 cm)
Female Height: 24 to 28 inches (61 to 71 cm)
Neapolitan Mastiffs are indeed one of the tallest dog breeds. Their height is not solely due to their long legs or tall bodies but it is primarily attributed to their robust bone structure and overall size. They have a massive appearance, with a broad chest, thick neck, and powerful legs.
While height is an important characteristic, the Neapolitan Mastiff breed standard also emphasizes overall balance and proportion. Their height should be in harmony with their weight and other physical features. Combined with their loose, wrinkled skin and droopy facial features, they have a unique and distinctive appearance and an intimidating presence.
9. Kangal
Male Height: 30 to 32 inches (76 to 81 cm)
Female Height: 28 to 30 inches (71 to 76 cm)
The Kangal's height makes it one of the tallest breed of dog. Their tall stature is not only visually impressive but also serves a purpose. These dogs were originally bred in Turkey to guard livestock, particularly sheep, against predators like wolves and bears. Their height allows them to intimidate potential threats and protect their flock effectively.
Kangals are well-balanced and agile. They possess strong muscular bodies that enable them to navigate difficult terrain and chase down predators if necessary. They also have a large, broad head with a powerful jaw, a thick and muscular neck, and a deep chest. These traits contribute to their overall strength and protective abilities.
8. Borzoi
Male Height: 28 to 32 inches (71 to 81 cm)
Female Height: 26 to 30 inches (66 to 76 cm)
Borzois are often described as elegant and graceful dogs. They have long, slender bodies, a narrow head with a long muzzle, and a silky, flowing coat. Their overall appearance exudes a regal sense. Despite their large size, Borzois are incredibly fast. They have been known to reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour (64 km/h).
The Borzoi, also known as the Russian Wolfhound, has its roots in Russia. It was originally bred by Russian nobility to hunt wolves and other large game in the open plains. Borzois are usually characterized by their gentle and serene temperament despite their history as hunting dogs.
7. Leonberger
Male Height: 28 to 31.5 inches (71 to 80 cm)
Female Height: 25.5 to 29.5 inches (65 to 75 cm)
The Leonberger is considered one of the tallest dog breeds in the world. They are often described as "gentle giants" due to their friendly and patient nature, making them great family pets. They have a powerful and muscular build contributing to their impressive height.
The breed's name, Leonberger, is derived from the town of Leonberg in Germany, where the breed was developed in the 19th century. They were initially bred as working dogs and companions for nobility. Their height is not the only impressive aspect of their appearance. They also have a thick double coat, which helps them withstand cold weather.
6. Tibetan Mastiff
Male Height: 24 to 26 inches (61 to 66 cm)
Female Height: 22 to 24 inches (56 to 61 cm)
The Tibetan Mastiff is popular as one of the beautiful tall dogs. Their height is not just due to their large size but also their strong bone structure and muscular build. They have a sturdy and robust frame, which adds to the overall height.
Tibetan Mastiffs are known for their agility and grace. They are surprisingly nimble and can move with excellent speed for such a large dog. This makes them excellent guard dogs, as they can quickly cover large distances to protect their territory. These dogs have historically been used as guardian dogs in the Himalayan region, where they were bred to protect livestock from predators such as wolves and bears.
5. Newfoundland
Male Height: 28 to 30 inches (71 to 76 cm)
Female Height: 26 to 28 inches (66 to 71 cm)
The Newfoundland dog breed is known for its massive size and is considered one of the tallest dog breeds in the world. The record for the tallest Newfoundland dog stands at 35 inches (89 cm) tall, making it one of the tallest dogs ever recorded.
Newfoundland dogs have a strong and sturdy build, which helps them excel in water rescues. Their height allows them to navigate through deep waters easily. They have webbed feet, which aids them in swimming. They are excellent swimmers and have been known to save drowning people even in freezing cold waters due to their thick double coat that provides insulation.
4. Saint Bernard
Male Height: 27-30 inches (68-76 cm)
Female Height: 25-28 inches (63-71 cm)
Saint Bernard is among the large dog breeds with a staggering height. Along with their height, Saint Bernards are also known for their weight. Males can weigh between 140 and 180 pounds (64 to 82 kg), while females can weigh between 120 and 140 pounds (54 to 64 kg).
They were originally bred as rescue dogs in the Swiss Alps. They were trained to locate lost or injured travelers in the snow-covered mountains and provide them with warmth until help arrived. Despite their massive size, Bernards are famed for their gentle and friendly temperament.
3. English Mastiff
Male Height: 30 to 34 inches (76 to 86 cm)
Female Height: 27 to 32 inches (69 to 81 cm)
The English Mastiff dog breed has an average height of 30 inches (76 cm) at the shoulder, with some individuals reaching up to 36 inches (91 cm). They are known for their calm and friendly temperament and are often described as being patient, loyal, and good-natured. A male English Mastiff named Zorba holds the record for the heaviest dog ever recorded.
The breed has a rich history, dating back to ancient times. Mastiffs were used by ancient civilizations such as the Babylonians, Assyrians, and Romans for various purposes, including guarding homes, hunting, and even in warfare. But don't be fooled by their size because they are not particularly active dogs and tend to be quite lazy. They have a tendency to lounge around and enjoy a relaxed lifestyle.
2. Great Dane
Male Height: 30 to 34 inches (76 to 86 cm)
Female Height: 28 to 32 inches (71 to 81 cm)
Great Dane are one of the best big dogs. They are often referred to as "gentle giants" due to their calm and affectionate demeanor despite having a imposing stature. The world record for the tallest dog ever recorded was held by a Great Dane named Zeus. He stood at an astounding height of 44 inches (112 cm) at the shoulder.
These dogs have a unique trotting gait called "single tracking," where their front and back legs move in a straight line, resulting in a graceful and effortless stride despite their size. Due to their height, they need larger living spaces and taller fencing to accommodate their size.
1. Irish Wolfhound
Male Height: 32 to 34 inches (81 to 86 cm)
Female Height: 30 to 32 inches (76 to 81 cm)
Irish Wolfhound is the tallest breed of dog known for their towering height and gentle nature. The breed's height was initially developed for a specific purpose. They were bred in ancient Ireland as war dogs and hunting companions for wolves, boars, and deer. Their tall stature allowed them to intimidate and take down these large animals.
The puppies of this dog breed have an astonishing growth rate. They can gain around 1 to 2 pounds per day during their first few months. They typically reach their full height by around 18 to 24 months of age. However, it takes them longer to mature compared to other breeds.
Petjurni Team
