What's the Tallest Dog Breed? Ranking the 10 Biggest Giants
What's the tallest dog breed? We rank the top 10 tallest breeds by height, compare weight, temperament, and cost, and help you decide which giant fits your home.
What Qualifies a Dog as the "Tallest" Breed?
When people search for the tallest dog breed, they're usually picturing a dog that stands eye-to-eye at the kitchen counter. But "tall" in canine terms means something specific: height at the withers — the highest point of the shoulder blades, measured while the dog stands squarely on level ground. This is the standard measurement used by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and all major breed registries worldwide.
To qualify for this ranking, a breed must meet all of the following:
- Minimum withers height: 27 inches (68 cm) or taller at the shoulder for the breed standard's upper range
- Recognized breed: Must hold full or foundation stock recognition with the AKC, FCI, or UKC
- Verifiable standard: Height data must come from an official breed standard, not anecdotal reports
- Active breeding population: The breed must have an active, accessible breeding community (no extinct or nearly extinct breeds)
We ranked breeds by their maximum standard height — the tallest a well-bred specimen should be according to the official breed standard. We also factored in real-world variability: some breeds routinely exceed their standard, and we note that where relevant.
The 10 Tallest Dog Breeds, Ranked by Height
The following breeds are ordered from tallest maximum standard height to shortest qualifying height. Each entry includes the data you need to compare them meaningfully — not just height, but what living with these giants actually looks like.
1. Irish Wolfhound
Max Height: 32+ inches (81+ cm) at the withers | Weight: 120–180 lb (54–82 kg)
Size Class: Giant | Key Trait: The tallest sighthound alive — males routinely clear 34 inches
The Irish Wolfhound holds the crown for tallest dog breed by a comfortable margin. Males should be a minimum of 32 inches per the AKC breed standard, but many males reach 34–36 inches in practice. Originally bred to hunt wolves and elk in Ireland, they carry a calm, almost introverted dignity at home. Expect a 6–8 year lifespan — the tradeoff for this extraordinary size.
Why it made the list: No other recognized breed has a higher minimum height standard. The Irish Wolfhound is the definitive answer to "what's the tallest dog breed."
2. Great Dane
Max Height: 32+ inches (81+ cm) at the withers | Weight: 140–175 lb (64–79 kg)
Size Class: Giant | Key Trait: Combines extreme height with substantial bone and mass
Great Danes rival the Irish Wolfhound in height and surpass them in overall body mass. The AKC standard sets the minimum for males at 30 inches, but dogs exceeding 32–34 inches are common in well-bred lines. The current world record holder for tallest living dog is frequently a Great Dane. They're famously gentle with families but require significant space — a standard doorway is 32 inches high, and a large Dane ducks to pass through.
Why it made the list: Great Danes hold most verified records for tallest individual dogs, and their combination of height and mass makes them the most visually imposing breed on the planet.
3. Scottish Deerhound
Max Height: 32 inches (81 cm) at the withers | Weight: 85–110 lb (39–50 kg)
Size Class: Giant | Key Trait: The tallest breed relative to its weight — rangy and athletic
Scottish Deerhounds are the Irish Wolfhound's leaner cousin. Males stand 30–32 inches at the shoulder, with a wiry, weather-resistant coat built for the Scottish Highlands. They were bred to chase and bring down red deer — a job requiring both height for stride length and endurance for long pursuits. At home, they're quieter and more reserved than Wolfhounds, bonding intensely with one or two people.
Why it made the list: At 32 inches maximum standard height, they tie with Wolfhounds on paper, though in practice they average about an inch shorter. Their lighter build makes them slightly easier to manage in a home setting.
4. English Mastiff
Max Height: 30+ inches (76+ cm) at the withers | Weight: 160–230 lb (73–104 kg)
Size Class: Giant | Key Trait: The heaviest breed by mass — height is secondary to sheer bulk
English Mastiffs may not top the height charts, but they're the heaviest dog breed in existence. Males start at 30 inches and can weigh well over 200 lb. The heaviest verified Mastiff on record, Zorba, weighed 343 lb. Despite their bulk, Mastiffs are famously docile — often described as "big lap dogs." They move slowly, drool heavily, and require reinforced furniture. Their lifespan averages 6–10 years.
Why it made the list: While not the absolute tallest, Mastiffs exceed 30 inches routinely and their overall body size — height plus mass — makes them one of the most physically massive dogs you'll ever encounter.
5. Leonberger
Max Height: 31.5 inches (80 cm) at the withers | Weight: 110–170 lb (50–77 kg)
Size Class: Giant | Key Trait: A versatile working giant — excels in water rescue, carting, and therapy work
The Leonberger was created in 1840s Germany by crossing Saint Bernards, Newfoundlands, and Great Pyrenees to produce a lion-like farm and family dog. Males stand 28–31.5 inches. They're among the most versatile of the giant breeds: they hold water rescue certifications, pull carts in competition, and serve as therapy dogs. Their double coat requires significant grooming — expect 15–20 minutes of brushing three times weekly.
Why it made the list: Leonberger males reaching 31.5 inches put them firmly in the top five tallest breeds, and their versatility gives them an edge for active families who want a giant that can actually do things beyond lounging.
6. Neapolitan Mastiff
Max Height: 31 inches (79 cm) at the withers | Weight: 130–155 lb (59–70 kg)
Size Class: Giant | Key Trait: Dramatic loose skin and wrinkles — a living Roman guard dog
Neapolitan Mastiffs descend from the war dogs of ancient Rome. Males stand 26–31 inches, with the tallest specimens approaching 31 inches at the withers. Their most distinctive feature is the extraordinary amount of loose, wrinkled skin covering their head and body — a functional trait that protected vital areas in combat. They're deeply loyal and aloof with strangers, requiring experienced owners and early socialization using positive reinforcement methods.
Why it made the list: At their upper range, Neapolitan Mastiffs match or exceed several more popular tall breeds. Their unique appearance and guarding heritage make them a specialist's choice among giant breeds.
7. Saint Bernard
Max Height: 30 inches (76 cm) at the withers | Weight: 140–180 lb (64–82 kg)
Size Class: Giant | Key Trait: Alpine rescue heritage — built for deep snow and cold endurance
Saint Bernards originated at the Great St. Bernard Hospice in the Swiss Alps, where monks bred them for search-and-rescue in avalanche terrain. Males stand 28–30 inches. They're powerfully built with massive heads and deep chests. Despite their strength, they're notably gentle and patient — one of the most reliable giant breeds around children. Their thick double coat sheds heavily twice yearly, and they produce prodigious amounts of drool.
Why it made the list: At 30 inches maximum, Saint Bernards are among the tallest heavy-boned breeds. Their combination of height, weight, and gentle temperament makes them the most popular giant family dog in North America.
8. Newfoundland
Max Height: 29 inches (74 cm) at the withers | Weight: 130–150 lb (59–68 kg)
Size Class: Giant | Key Trait: Natural water rescue instinct — webbed feet and a waterproof coat
Newfoundlands are the swimming specialists of the giant breeds. Males average 28 inches, with some reaching 29 inches. Their webbed feet, oily double coat, and powerful hindquarters make them exceptional swimmers — they're still used in water rescue training programs in several countries. At home, they're famously sweet-tempered, earning the nickname "nanny dog" for their patience with children. Drool and shedding are significant management factors.
Why it made the list: While slightly shorter than the top entries, the Newfoundland's 29-inch upper range still qualifies it as a genuinely tall breed, and its unique water rescue capabilities set it apart from every other giant on this list.
9. Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Max Height: 29+ inches (74+ cm) at the withers | Weight: 110–150 lb (50–68 kg)
Size Class: Giant | Key Trait: Independent livestock guardian — one of the oldest working breeds
Anatolian Shepherds have guarded flocks in Turkey for over 6,000 years. Males stand a minimum of 29 inches per AKC standard — with no maximum specified, meaning some individuals exceed 31 inches. They're intensely independent thinkers, bred to make decisions without human direction. This makes them challenging for first-time owners. They need acreage, a job (even if it's just property patrol), and an owner who understands livestock guardian dog (LGD) behavior. Note: some municipalities have breed-specific legislation affecting Anatolians — check your local regulations before committing.
Why it made the list: With a minimum height of 29 inches and no upper limit in the standard, Anatolians are among the tallest working breeds. Their open-ended height standard means the tallest individuals can rival Great Danes.
10. Tibetan Mastiff
Max Height: 29+ inches (74+ cm) at the withers | Weight: 90–150 lb (41–68 kg)
Size Class: Giant | Key Trait: Ancient Himalayan guardian with a legendary lion-like mane
Tibetan Mastiffs are one of the oldest guardian breeds, developed to protect monasteries and villages in the Himalayas. Males stand a minimum of 26 inches, but many well-bred males reach 29+ inches. Their most striking feature is the enormous mane (especially in males) and a thick double coat adapted to extreme cold. They're independent, nocturnal by instinct (barking at night was their job), and intensely bonded to their territory. They thrive best in cold climates with experienced LGD owners.
Why it made the list: The tallest Tibetan Mastiffs exceed 29 inches and carry substantial mass, qualifying them as one of the world's tallest breeds. Their rarity in the US (roughly 200–300 AKC registrations annually) makes them a specialist's breed.
Tallest Dog Breeds: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Breed | Height (in / cm) | Weight (lb / kg) | Lifespan | Exercise (min/day) | Family Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Irish Wolfhound | 32–36+ / 81–91+ | 120–180 / 54–82 | 6–8 yrs | 45–60 | Excellent |
| Great Dane | 30–34+ / 76–86+ | 140–175 / 64–79 | 7–10 yrs | 45–60 | Excellent |
| Scottish Deerhound | 30–32 / 76–81 | 85–110 / 39–50 | 8–11 yrs | 60–90 | Good (reserved) |
| English Mastiff | 30+ / 76+ | 160–230 / 73–104 | 6–10 yrs | 30–45 | Excellent |
| Leonberger | 28–31.5 / 71–80 | 110–170 / 50–77 | 7–9 yrs | 60–90 | Excellent |
| Neapolitan Mastiff | 26–31 / 66–79 | 130–155 / 59–70 | 7–9 yrs | 30–45 | Moderate |
| Saint Bernard | 28–30 / 71–76 | 140–180 / 64–82 | 8–10 yrs | 30–60 | Excellent |
| Newfoundland | 28–29 / 71–74 | 130–150 / 59–68 | 9–10 yrs | 45–60 | Excellent |
| Anatolian Shepherd | 29+ / 74+ | 110–150 / 50–68 | 11–13 yrs | 60–90 | Moderate (experienced) |
| Tibetan Mastiff | 26–29+ / 66–74+ | 90–150 / 41–68 | 10–12 yrs | 45–60 | Moderate (experienced) |
How Do the Tallest Breeds Compare on Key Attributes?
Height alone doesn't tell you whether a breed fits your life. Here's how these giants compare across the factors that actually determine day-to-day compatibility:
Exercise Requirements
Giant breeds fall into two camps: the athletes and the loungers. Sighthounds (Irish Wolfhound, Scottish Deerhound) need open-field sprinting opportunities — a 30-minute leash walk won't cut it. Working guardians (Leonberger, Newfoundland) need sustained moderate activity like hiking or swimming. Mastiff types (English Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Great Dane) need moderate walks but are prone to overheating, so exercise should be shorter and scheduled for cool hours.
Lifespan and Health Costs
This is the hardest truth about giant breeds: they live shorter lives. According to data compiled in the Merck Veterinary Manual, giant breeds over 100 lb have a median lifespan of 7–10 years, compared to 12–15 years for small breeds. Budget for higher end-of-life care costs earlier — you may face cancer screening, cardiac evaluation, or orthopedic surgery by age 5–6. Annual veterinary costs for a giant breed typically run $1,500–$3,000 in routine care, with emergency visits adding $2,000–$8,000 per incident. Pet insurance premiums for giant breeds range from $80–$150/month in 2026.
Space and Housing
Every breed on this list needs more space than the average apartment can provide. Minimum recommendations: a fenced yard of at least 1/4 acre for mastiff types (they patrol perimeters) and 1/2+ acre for sighthounds (they need sprinting room). Indoors, plan for a dog bed measuring at least 48×36 inches — expect to spend $80–$200 on an orthopedic bed rated for 150+ lb. Standard interior doorways (32 inches wide) will be tight for a Great Dane or Irish Wolfhound.
Food Costs
A 150 lb dog eats roughly 5–7 cups of premium kibble daily. At current 2026 pricing for quality large-breed formulas ($1.50–$2.50/lb), expect to spend $150–$300/month on food alone. Giant-breed puppy formulas are essential during growth (18–24 months to maturity) to prevent rapid growth-related orthopedic disease — these specialized formulas cost 20–30% more than standard puppy food.
Honorable Mentions and Breeds That Almost Made the List
Several breeds came close but fell just short of our 27-inch minimum threshold or lacked sufficient data for inclusion:
- Great Pyrenees (27–32 inches): Qualifies on height, but their average falls at the lower end of our range. If we extended to 12 breeds, they'd be next on the list. Excellent family guardians with a calmer energy than Anatolians.
- Bernese Mountain Dog (25–27.5 inches): Falls just below our cutoff, though large males occasionally reach 28 inches. Shorter lifespan (6–8 years) is a significant concern.
- Dogue de Bordeaux (23–27 inches): Massively built but too short at the shoulder to qualify. One of the shortest-lived giant breeds at 5–8 years.
- Bloodhound (25–27 inches): Close on height but consistently falls below 27 inches. Included here because their length (nose to tail) makes them appear larger than their withers height suggests.
Breeds to Avoid If You Want a Tall Family Dog
Some tall breeds are poor matches for families with young children or first-time owners:
- Neapolitan Mastiff — Requires experienced handling, heavy socialization, and tolerance for extreme drool and snoring
- Anatolian Shepherd — Independent guarding instinct makes them difficult to manage in suburban settings; potential breed-specific legislation issues
- Tibetan Mastiff — Nocturnal barking, territorial aggression toward unfamiliar dogs, and cold-climate specialization limit their suitability for most households
Decision Framework: Which Tall Breed Fits Your Life?
Choosing between the top three tallest breeds — Irish Wolfhound, Great Dane, and Scottish Deerhound — comes down to your specific situation. Use this framework to narrow it down:
- Apartment or small yard → Great Dane (surprisingly good apartment dogs if exercised; they're couch potatoes indoors)
- 1/4 to 1/2 acre fenced yard → Irish Wolfhound (needs room to stretch but isn't a high-mileage runner)
- 1+ acre with open space → Scottish Deerhound (needs the most sprinting room of the three)
- Young children (under 8) → Irish Wolfhound (most patient and gentle; lowest risk of accidental knocking-over due to calmer movement)
- Older children / teens → Great Dane (playful and goofy; can match a teenager's energy)
- Quiet adult household → Scottish Deerhound (reserved, dignified, bonds deeply with one or two people)
- 45–60 min/day available → Irish Wolfhound or Great Dane (moderate exercise needs)
- 60–90 min/day available → Scottish Deerhound (higher exercise drive, needs regular galloping)
- Puppy from a responsible breeder: Irish Wolfhound ($2,000–$3,500), Great Dane ($1,500–$3,000), Scottish Deerhound ($2,000–$3,000)
- First-year total cost (puppy purchase + food + vet + supplies): $5,000–$9,000 for any of these breeds
- Annual ongoing cost after year one: $2,500–$4,500/year (food, preventive care, insurance, grooming supplies)
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the tallest dog breed ever recorded?
The tallest dog ever verified by Guinness World Records was a Great Dane named Zeus, who measured 44 inches (111.8 cm) at the withers before his death in 2014. Among living dogs, Great Danes consistently hold the tallest records. However, the Irish Wolfhound holds the tallest breed standard minimum — meaning the average Wolfhound is taller than the average Great Dane, even if the tallest individual Great Danes exceed the tallest individual Wolfhounds.
Are tall dog breeds good with children?
Irish Wolfhounds, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, and Newfoundlands are among the most child-friendly breeds in existence — gentle, patient, and tolerant. The main risk is accidental: a 150 lb dog can knock over a toddler simply by wagging its tail or turning quickly. Always supervise interactions between giant breeds and children under 5, and teach children not to climb on or startle the dog.
How much does it cost to own one of the tallest dog breeds?
Expect $5,000–$9,000 in the first year (puppy price, initial veterinary exams, vaccinations, spay/neuter, supplies, and food). Annual costs after the first year run $2,500–$4,500. Over an 8-year average lifespan, total lifetime cost ranges from $22,000 to $40,000. Pet insurance can help manage unexpected veterinary expenses — compare policies from providers like Trupanion, Healthy Paws, and Nationwide, all of which cover giant breeds in 2026.
Do tall dogs have more health problems?
Yes. Giant breeds are predisposed to several serious conditions. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the most common include: hip and elbow dysplasia (30–50% prevalence in many giant breeds), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat — a life-threatening emergency), osteosarcoma (bone cancer), and hypothyroidism. Always consult your veterinarian about breed-specific screening protocols, and buy from breeders who perform OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) health testing on their breeding stock.
Can tall dog breeds live in apartments?
Surprisingly, yes — with caveats. Great Danes are well-known apartment dogs because they're inactive indoors and sleep 14–16 hours per day. Irish Wolfhounds can adapt to apartment life if given daily access to a secure area for off-leash running. However, breeds like the Leonberger, Anatolian Shepherd, and Scottish Deerhound need more space and activity than most apartments can support. Regardless of breed, you'll need a ground-floor unit or elevator access — carrying a 150 lb injured dog down four flights of stairs is a scenario you want to avoid.
What's the difference between the tallest and the heaviest dog breed?
Height and weight don't always correlate. The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest breed (32–36+ inches) but weighs 120–180 lb. The English Mastiff is shorter (30+ inches) but weighs 160–230 lb — making it the heaviest. Think of it like a basketball player versus a sumo wrestler: both are enormous, but in completely different dimensions.
Where should I get a giant breed puppy?
Always source from a responsible breeder who performs health testing (OFA hips, elbows, and cardiac evaluation at minimum), provides a written health guarantee, and has a take-back clause requiring you to return the dog to them if you can no longer keep it. The AKC Marketplace lists breeders by breed, but verify health testing independently through the OFA database. Giant breed rescues — such as Great Dane Rescue or Irish Wolfhound Rescue — are also excellent options, often placing adult dogs that have already been health-evaluated and temperament-tested.
Tom Renshaw
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
