What Is the Tallest Dog Breed? 10 Giant Dogs Ranked by Height
What is the tallest dog breed? We rank 10 giant breeds by shoulder height, compare weight, lifespan, and costs, and help you pick the right gentle giant.
If you've ever stood next to a person on all fours at the dog park and wondered what is the tallest dog breed, you're not alone. Giant breeds consistently capture attention — and kitchen counter space. But "tallest" isn't just about one record-holding Irish Wolfhound. Several breeds regularly exceed 30 inches at the shoulder, and they differ enormously in temperament, energy, health risks, and lifetime cost.
This guide ranks 10 of the tallest dog breeds recognized by major kennel clubs using minimum breed-standard shoulder height as the primary criterion. We'll also compare them across weight, lifespan, exercise needs, and annual ownership costs so you can decide whether a giant breed fits your life — or whether a slightly smaller dog delivers the same presence without the same veterinary bills.
How We Ranked the Tallest Dog Breeds
- Minimum shoulder height (withers): Breeds must have a published breed standard listing a minimum height of at least 27 inches (68 cm) for males, per the American Kennel Club (AKC) or Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI).
- Recognized breed status: Only fully recognized breeds — not designer crosses or landrace types — are included.
- Height, not weight: Some heavy breeds like the English Mastiff are massively wide but shorter at the shoulder, so they appear in honorable mentions rather than the main ranking.
- Ranking method: Breeds are ordered from tallest minimum standard height to shortest. Where minimums tie, the breed with the higher typical maximum height ranks above.
Shoulder height (withers measurement) is the standard metric used by every major kennel club because it's reproducible — the dog stands square on level ground, and you measure from the floor to the highest point of the shoulder blades. Nose-to-tail length and "standing on hind legs" height are party tricks, not breed-standard measurements.
The 10 Tallest Dog Breeds, Ranked
The following breeds are grouped into two tiers: Elite Giants (minimum 30+ inches for males) and Tall Breeds (27–29.5 inches). Within each tier, breeds are ranked tallest-first.
1. Irish Wolfhound — Minimum 32 in (81 cm)
Size class: Giant sighthound | Typical male height: 32–34 in (81–86 cm) | Female: 30–32 in (76–81 cm)
Weight: 120–155 lb (54–70 kg) males, 105–135 lb (48–61 kg) females
Key trait: The tallest of all recognized breeds by minimum standard height.
Originally bred in Ireland to hunt wolves and elk, the Irish Wolfhound combines a rough, wiry coat with a gentle, almost cat-like demeanor at home. They need a securely fenced yard (minimum 6-foot fence — they can clear shorter ones) and 45–60 minutes of daily exercise, but they're notorious couch loungers indoors. Their lifespan of 6–8 years is among the shortest in the canine world, largely due to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and osteosarcoma prevalence. Expect to spend $1,800–$3,500 on a puppy from a health-tested breeder and $2,800–$4,200 annually on food, preventives, and screening.
2. Great Dane — Minimum 30 in (76 cm)
Size class: Giant working | Typical male height: 30–32 in (76–81 cm) | Female: 28–30 in (71–76 cm)
Weight: 140–175 lb (64–79 kg) males, 110–140 lb (50–64 kg) females
Key trait: Holds the individual world record for height — a Great Dane named Zeus measured 44 in (111.8 cm) at the withers.
Great Danes are often called "the world's biggest lapdogs." They bond intensely with their families and do poorly as outdoor-only dogs. Despite their size, they're moderate-energy: two 20–30 minute walks plus some yard time covers their needs. Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) is the breed's most dangerous risk — prophylactic gastropexy during spay/neuter costs $300–$600 and is strongly recommended. Lifespan: 7–10 years. Puppy cost: $1,500–$3,000. Annual care: $2,500–$3,800.
3. Scottish Deerhound — Minimum 30 in (76 cm)
Size class: Giant sighthound | Typical male height: 30–32 in (76–81 cm) | Female: 28+ in (71+ cm)
Weight: 85–110 lb (39–50 kg) males, 75–95 lb (34–43 kg) females
Key trait: Nearly as tall as the Great Dane but 40–60 lb lighter — built for endurance coursing over Scottish Highlands terrain.
Scottish Deerhounds are quieter and more reserved than Irish Wolfhounds, often described as "dignified." They have a rough coat that needs hand-stripping or trimming every 3–4 months ($80–$150 per session). Like other deep-chested sighthounds, bloat risk is elevated, and they're sensitive to anesthesia — your vet should use sighthound-specific protocols. Lifespan: 8–11 years. Puppy cost: $2,000–$3,500 (litters are small and breeders are few). Annual care: $2,200–$3,500.
4. English Mastiff — Minimum 30 in (76 cm)
Size class: Giant mastiff-type | Typical male height: 30+ in (76+ cm) | Female: 27.5+ in (70+ cm)
Weight: 160–230 lb (73–104 kg) males, 120–170 lb (54–77 kg) females
Key trait: Meets the 30-inch minimum height while also being the heaviest breed — a true double giant.
The English Mastiff is calm, low-energy, and surprisingly good with children despite its mass. They need only 30–45 minutes of gentle daily exercise — forced running or jogging damages developing joints in dogs under 24 months. Hip and elbow dysplasia screening (OFA/PennHIP, $200–$400 per evaluation) is non-negotiable for breeders. Drool management is a real lifestyle factor: keep towels handy. Lifespan: 6–10 years. Puppy cost: $1,500–$3,000. Annual care: $3,000–$5,000 (food costs alone run $150–$250/month).
5. Leonberger — Minimum 28 in (71 cm)
Size class: Giant working | Typical male height: 28–31.5 in (71–80 cm) | Female: 25.5–29.5 in (65–75 cm)
Weight: 110–170 lb (50–77 kg) males, 90–140 lb (41–64 kg) females
Key trait: One of the few giant breeds that genuinely enjoys water — they have a history as water rescue dogs in Germany.
Leonbergers are more active than Mastiffs and more biddable than Wolfhounds, making them a strong choice for owners who want a hiking companion at giant scale. They need 60–90 minutes of daily activity and thrive with jobs like cart-pulling or water work. The breed has a specific genetic test for degenerative myelopathy (DM) — ask breeders for results. Coat grooming is significant: daily brushing during shedding season, professional grooming every 6–8 weeks ($70–$120). Lifespan: 7–9 years. Puppy cost: $1,800–$3,000. Annual care: $2,800–$4,500.
6. Neapolitan Mastiff — Minimum 26 in (66 cm) but typically 28–31 in
Size class: Giant mastiff-type | Typical male height: 26–31 in (66–79 cm) | Female: 24–29 in (61–74 cm)
Weight: 150 lb (68 kg) males, 110 lb (50 kg) females minimum — many exceed this
Key trait: Massive loose skin and deep wrinkles give them an unmistakable silhouette; among the broadest and most imposing of tall breeds.
Neapolitan Mastiffs are serious guardians with deep loyalty to their families. They are not recommended for first-time owners — early socialization (minimum 100 positive exposures before 16 weeks) and consistent positive reinforcement training are essential. Wrinkle care requires daily cleaning to prevent skin fold dermatitis. They're low-energy but need structured mental stimulation. Lifespan: 7–9 years. Puppy cost: $2,000–$4,000. Annual care: $2,500–$4,000.
7. Saint Bernard — Minimum 27.5 in (70 cm)
Size class: Giant working | Typical male height: 28–30 in (71–76 cm) | Female: 26–28 in (66–71 cm)
Weight: 140–180 lb (64–82 kg) males, 120–140 lb (54–64 kg) females
Key trait: Bred for Alpine rescue, they have extraordinary cold tolerance and a calm, steady temperament that makes them therapy dog candidates.
Saint Bernards are gentle, patient, and famously good with children. They're moderate-energy (30–60 minutes daily) and prefer cold climates — heat above 85°F (29°C) is dangerous without air conditioning. They come in short and long coats; both shed heavily. Breed-specific health concerns include hip dysplasia (up to 47% affected per OFA data) and entropion. Lifespan: 8–10 years. Puppy cost: $1,500–$3,000. Annual care: $2,800–$4,200.
8. Newfoundland — Minimum 28 in (71 cm)
Size class: Giant working | Typical male height: 28 in (71 cm) average | Female: 26 in (66 cm) average
Weight: 130–150 lb (59–68 kg) males, 100–120 lb (45–54 kg) females
Key trait: Natural swimming ability with webbed feet and a water-resistant double coat — they excel in water rescue and dock diving.
Newfoundlands are among the most biddable giant breeds, ranking high for trainability. They need 45–60 minutes of daily exercise, ideally including swimming. Their thick double coat requires brushing 3–4 times per week, and they're not suited to hot climates. Subaortic stenosis (SAS), a heart condition, affects roughly 5–10% of the breed — cardiac screening by a veterinary cardiologist costs $300–$500. Lifespan: 9–10 years. Puppy cost: $1,500–$2,500. Annual care: $2,600–$4,000.
9. Anatolian Shepherd Dog — Minimum 29 in (74 cm)
Size class: Giant livestock guardian | Typical male height: 29+ in (74+ cm) | Female: 27+ in (69+ cm)
Weight: 110–150 lb (50–68 kg) males, 80–120 lb (36–54 kg) females
Key trait: One of the tallest livestock guardian breeds, with a 6,000-year history protecting flocks in Turkey.
Anatolian Shepherds are independent thinkers bred to make decisions without human direction — this makes them challenging for casual pet owners. They need experienced handlers, secure 6-foot fencing (they're territorial roamers), and extensive early socialization. They're generally healthy for a giant breed, with a lifespan of 11–13 years — unusually long for their size. Puppy cost: $1,000–$2,500. Annual care: $1,800–$3,000 (lower vet costs, but fencing and containment expenses are significant).
10. Dogue de Bordeaux — Minimum 23.5 in (60 cm) but typically 27–29 in
Size class: Large-to-giant mastiff-type | Typical male height: 23.5–27 in (60–69 cm) | Female: 22.5–26 in (57–66 cm)
Weight: 110+ lb (50+ kg) males, 99+ lb (45+ kg) females
Key trait: Massive head-to-body ratio and broad, muscular build — they appear larger than their withers height suggests.
The Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff) rounds out this list because many males reach 27–29 inches despite a lower breed-standard minimum. They're loyal, calm, and deeply bonded to their families but can be dog-aggressive, especially same-sex. Brachycephalic features mean they overheat easily and may require special anesthesia protocols. Lifespan: 5–8 years — one of the shortest among all breeds. Puppy cost: $1,800–$3,500. Annual care: $2,500–$4,500.
Breed Comparison Table: Height, Weight, Lifespan, and Cost
| Breed | Male Height (min) | Weight Range | Lifespan | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Irish Wolfhound | 32 in (81 cm) | 120–155 lb (54–70 kg) | 6–8 yr | $2,800–$4,200 |
| Great Dane | 30 in (76 cm) | 140–175 lb (64–79 kg) | 7–10 yr | $2,500–$3,800 |
| Scottish Deerhound | 30 in (76 cm) | 85–110 lb (39–50 kg) | 8–11 yr | $2,200–$3,500 |
| English Mastiff | 30 in (76 cm) | 160–230 lb (73–104 kg) | 6–10 yr | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Leonberger | 28 in (71 cm) | 110–170 lb (50–77 kg) | 7–9 yr | $2,800–$4,500 |
| Neapolitan Mastiff | 26 in (66 cm)* | 150+ lb (68+ kg) | 7–9 yr | $2,500–$4,000 |
| Saint Bernard | 27.5 in (70 cm) | 140–180 lb (64–82 kg) | 8–10 yr | $2,800–$4,200 |
| Newfoundland | 28 in (71 cm) | 130–150 lb (59–68 kg) | 9–10 yr | $2,600–$4,000 |
| Anatolian Shepherd | 29 in (74 cm) | 110–150 lb (50–68 kg) | 11–13 yr | $1,800–$3,000 |
| Dogue de Bordeaux | 23.5 in (60 cm)* | 110+ lb (50+ kg) | 5–8 yr | $2,500–$4,500 |
* Breed standard minimum is lower, but typical male heights reach the range shown. Annual cost includes food, routine veterinary care, grooming, preventives, and insurance. Emergency care and major procedures (e.g., bloat surgery at $3,000–$7,000) are not included.
Honorable Mentions: Heavy But Not Quite the Tallest
These breeds are enormous by weight but fall short of the 27-inch minimum at the shoulder, which is why they don't appear in the main ranking:
- Tibetan Mastiff — Males stand 26+ in (66 cm) but weigh 90–150 lb (41–68 kg). They're heavily boned and appear larger than their withers height suggests. Independent and territorial — not a casual pet breed.
- Caucasian Shepherd (Ovcharka) — Males reach 26–30 in (66–76 cm) but the FCI standard minimum is 25.5 in for males. Extremely powerful livestock guardians requiring expert handling.
- Boerboel — Males stand 24–27 in (61–69 cm) and weigh 150–200 lb (68–91 kg). Stocky rather than leggy; they're guard dogs with serious bite-force capability.
- Bernese Mountain Dog — Males stand 25–27.5 in (64–70 cm). Beautiful and gentle but their 7–8 year lifespan and high cancer rate keep them off the tallest list.
Breeds to avoid if height is your goal: Greyhounds are often assumed to be among the tallest breeds, but males only reach 28–30 in (71–76 cm) — tall, yes, but they're lean and light (65–70 lb), giving a very different visual impression than a broad giant breed. Similarly, Standard Poodles top out at 15+ in — large for a Poodle, but nowhere near giant territory.
Decision Framework: Which Tall Breed Fits Your Life?
Choosing between giant breeds comes down to four lifestyle factors. Use this flowchart to narrow your top three:
- What's your experience level?
- First-time owner → Newfoundland, Saint Bernard, or Great Dane. These breeds are forgiving of training mistakes and eager to please.
- Experienced owner → Leonberger, Irish Wolfhound, or Scottish Deerhound. More independence or sensitivity requires confident handling.
- Expert/professional handler → Anatolian Shepherd, Neapolitan Mastiff, or Dogue de Bordeaux. Strong guardian instincts and potential dog-aggression demand skilled management.
- How much daily exercise can you commit to?
- 30 minutes or less → English Mastiff, Dogue de Bordeaux, Neapolitan Mastiff. Low-energy giants that lounge most of the day.
- 30–60 minutes → Great Dane, Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, Irish Wolfhound, Scottish Deerhound. Moderate walkers that also enjoy couch time.
- 60–90+ minutes → Leonberger, Anatolian Shepherd. These breeds need real physical and mental work to stay balanced.
- What's your climate?
- Hot/southern US → Great Dane, Dogue de Bordeaux (with AC and limited outdoor time), Anatolian Shepherd (heat-adapted). Avoid double-coated breeds like Newfoundland and Saint Bernard.
- Cold/northern US → Newfoundland, Saint Bernard, Leonberger, Scottish Deerhound. These breeds thrive in cold weather but struggle above 80°F (27°C).
- Mixed/temperate → Irish Wolfhound, English Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff. Moderate tolerance in both directions.
- What's your annual budget for dog care?
- Under $2,500/year → Anatolian Shepherd (lower vet costs, minimal grooming). Realistically, most giant breeds will exceed this budget in years with health issues.
- $2,500–$4,000/year → Great Dane, Newfoundland, Saint Bernard, Scottish Deerhound. Manageable with pet insurance ($60–$120/month for giant breeds).
- $4,000+/year → English Mastiff, Leonberger, Dogue de Bordeaux. Higher food costs and more frequent specialist visits drive expenses up.
Health Realities of Owning the Tallest Dog Breeds
Giant breeds share a cluster of health risks that prospective owners must budget for emotionally and financially:
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV / bloat): The #1 emergency killer of deep-chested giants. Risk factors include eating one large meal per day, eating rapidly, and exercising within 1 hour of eating. Prevention: Feed 2–3 smaller meals, use a slow-feeder bowl, and discuss prophylactic gastropexy with your veterinarian (cost: $300–$600 when combined with spay/neuter). Emergency bloat surgery costs $3,000–$7,000.
- Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM): Especially prevalent in Irish Wolfhounds (up to 40% in some lines) and Great Danes. Annual cardiac screening after age 3 is recommended — expect $200–$400 per echocardiogram.
- Osteosarcoma: Bone cancer affects giant breeds at 10–20x the rate of small breeds. Irish Wolfhounds, Great Danes, and Saint Bernards are at highest risk. Amputation + chemotherapy costs $8,000–$15,000 and extends survival by 6–12 months on average.
- Hip and elbow dysplasia: Joint malformation causing arthritis. OFA screening costs $200–$400. Look for breeders who publish results — "vet checked" is not the same as OFA-certified.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the tallest dog breed in the world?
By breed standard minimum height, the Irish Wolfhound is the tallest recognized breed, with males required to be at least 32 inches (81 cm) at the shoulder. However, individual Great Danes have exceeded Wolfhound heights — the late Zeus, a Great Dane from Michigan, held the Guinness World Record at 44 inches (111.8 cm) at the withers.
Is the Great Dane taller than the Irish Wolfhound?
On average, no — the Irish Wolfhound has a higher minimum breed standard (32 in vs. 30 in for male Great Danes). But individual Great Danes can be taller than individual Wolfhounds, and the tallest dog ever recorded was a Great Dane. Breed standard minimums describe the floor, not the ceiling.
How much does it cost to own the tallest dog breeds?
Expect $2,200–$5,000 per year depending on the breed, your region, and whether health issues arise. Food alone costs $100–$250 per month for a 120+ lb dog eating quality AAFCO-approved kibble. Pet insurance for giant breeds runs $60–$120 per month and is strongly recommended — a single bloat surgery can exceed $7,000.
Are the tallest dog breeds good family dogs?
Most tall breeds — especially Great Danes, Newfoundlands, Saint Bernards, and Irish Wolfhounds — are gentle and patient with children. The main risk isn't aggression but accidental injury: a 150 lb dog can knock over a toddler simply by turning around. Supervision and teaching children to respect the dog's space are essential. Breeds like the Anatolian Shepherd and Neapolitan Mastiff are more guardian-oriented and require experienced families.
Do tall dog breeds need a big yard?
Not necessarily. Irish Wolfhounds and Great Danes are famously low-energy indoors and can adapt to apartment living if they get adequate daily walks. However, sighthounds (Wolfhounds, Deerhounds) need access to a securely fenced area for off-leash running at least a few times per week — their prey drive makes them unreliable off-leash in open areas. A minimum 6-foot fence is recommended for most giant breeds.
How long do the tallest dog breeds live?
Giant breeds have the shortest lifespans in the canine world, typically 6–10 years. The Anatolian Shepherd is a notable exception at 11–13 years. The Dogue de Bordeaux has one of the shortest at 5–8 years. If longevity is a priority, consider that a Standard Poodle or Labrador Retriever will typically live 12–14 years — nearly twice as long.
Always consult your veterinarian before choosing a giant breed, especially if you have concerns about managing health conditions like bloat, cardiac disease, or joint dysplasia. A vet familiar with giant breeds can help you evaluate breeders, set up appropriate screening schedules, and discuss preventive measures like gastropexy.
Anouk Beaumont
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
