Towering Titans: 14 Tall Dogs That Will Leave You in Awe
Towering Tail-Waggers: 14 Tall Dogs That Will Leave You in Awe
You might have to stand on your tippy-toes to give them ear scratches, but these leggy doggys are worth the reach! Tall dogs are known for their impressive stature, making them hard to miss in a crowded dog park.
However, many of them are gentle giants and make ideal family pets regardless of their size. If you're considering welcoming a tall dog to your household, this guide will help you get to know the top 14 tallest dog breeds and what you can expect from them.What Are Tall Dog Breeds?
Tall dog breeds are defined as canines that stand over 26 inches at the shoulder, making them some of the largest dogs in the world. These breeds come from a variety of origins, from the Great Dane and Irish Wolfhound to the Scottish Deerhound and St. Bernard.
Many tall dogs are majestic creatures, notwithstanding their height, making them ideal beloved pets for people with the room and resources to care for them.Why Are Tall Dogs Popular?
Breeds of tall dogs have been popular for centuries, and there are several reasons why they continue to be so. Firstly, their tremendous size can make an equally big impression on anyone who encounters them.
They’re also known for their strength, endurance, and loyalty, which makes them ideal guard dogs. Additionally, these tall-height dogs are often seen as regal and aristocratic, and they’ve been associated with wealth and prestige throughout history.Tallest Dog Breeds
Tall dogs stand out with their striking appearance and commanding presence. These elegant canines are known for their athleticism and strength.
1. Irish Wolfhound
Officially the tallest dog in the world — weighing between 105 to 120 pounds. But, how tall is an Irish Wolfhound?
Height: Minimum of 32 inches.
These dogs have a long and celebrated history in their homeland, with references in laws and literature dating back to the 5th century.
Even though they’re large hound breeds with imposing height — they’re true gentle giants with a sensitive and devoted disposition. However, with a strong prey drive, they’re likely to chase after small animals. That said, for the most part, they just like a swift gallop around the neighborhood before spending the rest of the day snoozing.2. Spanish Mastiff
The Spanish Mastiff is another tall dog breed — weighing 140 to 200 pounds. Despite their serious expression, they’re dedicated and affectionate pets, with a gentle and caring nature.
How tall is a Spanish Mastiff? They reach heights of 28 to 35 inches.
They were originally bred to guard Merino sheep in their native country, so they take pride in protecting those in their care. If you have a large yard and a need for a reliable and sturdy companion, the Spanish Mastiff is a great choice.
3. Great Dane
One of the most recognizable tall dog breeds — the Great Dane is known for their appearance in popular comic strips and cartoons such as Marmaduke and Scooby-Doo.
Considering their enormous size — weighing 110 to 175 pounds — they have a calm character. They’re also well-known for making wonderful family Fidos who get along well with both kids and other pets. They love napping and cuddling, making them the perfect companion for a cozy day in.
And, if you want to know — how tall is a Great Dane? The answer is 28 to 32 inches.4. Scottish Deerhound
The Scottish Deerhound falls among the tall skinny dogs, weighing between 75 to 110 pounds. These dogs were originally bred to be hunting scouts for gamekeepers on large highland estates, and have a loyal and easygoing personality.
However, they’re also skilled sighthounds and can reach speeds of up to 30 mph, so it's important to make sure they’re properly trained on a leash. And, if you're wondering — how tall is a Scottish Deerhound, look no further. They can stand between 28 to 32 inches tall.5. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is named after the mountain range between Spain and France, so it's no surprise that this breed is famous for its hardiness and love of outdoor adventures. And, they’re well known as tall fluffy dogs too.
How tall is a Great Pyrenees? They grow to a height of 27 to 32 inches.
Weighing between 85 to 100 pounds, these big bow-wows have a patient, kind, and composed nature and do well in socialization training. However, their beautiful, white fluffy coat requires regular grooming. Plus, they’re a seasonal-shedding breed, so not great if you have allergies.
6. St. Bernard
The St. Bernard is a gentle giant that’s both majestic and imposing with their broad build. But, how tall is a St. Bernard? This dog stands at 26 to 30 inches.
These dogs have a friendly and patient demeanor and are known to be great with children. They’re also most trainable, making them a great choice for families.
Originally bred to help rescue travelers lost in the Swiss Alps, they still have a strong protective instinct today. Given their size, as a tall big dog, with a weight hovering around 140 to 180 pounds — St. Bernards are relatively low energy and are happy to spend most of their day lounging with their humans.7. Greyhound
Although they have a slim build and were initially intended for hunting, Greyhounds are a tall dog breed renowned for their amazing speed and grace. And, while one of the fastest dogs on the planet, they don’t need to run flat out 247 — once they’ve had their fun, these canines are quite content catching some Zs.
How tall is a Greyhound? They can grow up to a height of 27 to 30 inches at the shoulder, and weigh between 60 and 70 pounds on average.
Greyhounds have a calm and friendly demeanor amid their athletic prowess, making them great family pets as well as companions for individuals alike.
8. English Mastiff
The English Mastiff is one of the tallest dogs in the world and is known for their massive size and gentle manner. These tail-waggers are incredibly smart and make great household pets — they’re patient and affectionate with children and other animals.
They’re also low energy and happy to spend most of their day lounging with their pet parents. Weighing in at a whopping 120 to 230 pounds, these dogs are a true force to be reckoned with. But just how tall is an English Mastiff? They stand at a spectacular 27.5 to 30 inches, making them among the largest dog breeds in existence.9. Anatolian Shepherd
The Anatolian Shepherd is a tall and athletic dog that weighs as much as 80 to 150 pounds. Their double coat is typically a shade of tan, with a variety of colors and patterns present. And, with their thick, weather-resistant undercoat, this Shepherd is a formidable breed built to endure harsh environments.
But, the big question — how tall is an Anatolian Shepherd? This breed stands at a grand height of 27 to 29 inches, making them a commanding presence that can't be ignored.
An intelligent and loyal breed, the Anatolian makes an excellent guard dog. They’re alert and protective of their family and territory, and need plenty of exercise to remain healthy and happy. But, their human needs to have strong leadership skills to keep this Shepherd in check.
10. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a tall, powerful breed originally bred to help fishermen in Newfoundland, Canada. This canine has a gentle and loving nature, and is an excellent family pet. They're also highly trainable and superb water dogs — with their webbed feet and water-resistant coat.
Moreover, how tall is a Newfoundland? Well, they tower at 26 to 28 inches in height.
Weighing anywhere from 100 to 150 pounds — Newfoundlands are incredibly devoted and affectionate, and they dote on youngsters. They also make awesome therapy dogs, and are often used for search and rescue operations.
11. Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a tall dog breed with origins tracing back to Southern Italy. Their ancestors were used for guarding Italian nobles.
With a weight of 110 to 150 pounds, just how tall is a Neapolitan Mastiff? They reach 26 to 31 inches. This breed has a unique appearance, with a massive head and large, droopy jowls.
But, they’re a placid breed, faithful and devoted to their human family. And, their high vigilance makes them fabulous watchdogs, although they don’t tend to bark much.
12. Borzoi
With their long, silky coats and graceful appearance, the Borzoi — also known as the Russian Wolfhound — is a striking and regal breed. Originally bred for hunting wolves, the Borzoi has a history as a skilled and fearless hunter. But despite their heritage, they have a gentle and affectionate nature that makes them beloved family pets.
However, considering their athletic and agile build, you might think — how tall is a Borzoi?
These dogs can stand up to 28 inches and above at the shoulder, and weigh between 60 to 105 pounds. This makes them one of the tallest sighthounds in the world. With their lofty and striking appearance, they’re sure to turn heads wherever they go.13. Leonberger
The Leonberger is a majestic and powerful breed that stands out as one of the taller dog breeds. Moreover, weighing in at an impressive 90 to 170 pounds, how tall is a Leonberger? They’re an astounding 28 to 31 inches tall.
Originally bred in Germany for use as a companion animal and watchdog, the Leonberger is known for their intelligence, loyalty, and friendly nature. Their thick fur coat, typically a golden or reddish-brown color, requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition.
If you have the space and commitment to care for such a large breed, the Leonberger can be an incredible addition to your family.
14. Kuvasz
The Kuvasz is a tall and muscular breed of dog from Hungary, known for their bravery and loyalty. They were originally bred to guard livestock and have a strong instinct to protect their owners. Kuvaszok weigh 70 to 115 pounds. So how tall is a Kuvasz exactly? These amazing dogs are 26 to 30 inches tall.
A working dog at heart, they require a significant amount of exercise to keep them content and healthy. And while the Kuvasz are intelligent, independent, and sweet-natured, they can be stubborn and require firm and consistent training from an early age. This breed is not for first-time pet parents.
Conclusion
Tall dog breeds come in all shapes and sizes, from the lithe and athletic Irish Wolfhound to the massive and powerful English Mastiff. Notwithstanding their heights, many of these breeds are highly flexible and fit into home life.
Regardless of which breed you choose, it's important to remember that tall dogs require a significant amount of exercise, training, and socialization to thrive. If you're ready to welcome a tall dog into your life, be sure to do your research and choose a breed that matches your lifestyle and family dynamic. With the right training and care, these towering tail-waggers can be wonderful and loving companions for years to come!Tall Dogs FAQs
What Is the Tallest Breed of Dog in the World
The Irish Wolfhound is considered the tallest breed of dog on the planet, typically reaching a minimum of 32 inches tall and weighing up to 140 pounds. The breed is known for being extremely strong and powerful, making them capable of hunting and guarding large areas.
What Are the Really Tall Dogs Called?
Dogs that are taller than average are sometimes referred to as "giant" or "large" breeds. Examples include the Great Dane, Irish Wolfhound, and English Mastiff, which can stand well over 30 inches tall at the shoulder.
What Are the Common Health Concerns for Tall Breeds?
Common health concerns include:
Elbow dysplasia.
Cruciate ligament tears.
Routine veterinary check-ups are essential for tall breeds in order to catch any early signs of joint issues and ensure a healthy and active lifestyle.
Are Tall Dog Breeds Good Guard Dogs?
Yes, tall dog breeds are often good guard dogs because of their large size and protective nature. Breeds such as the Anatolian Shepherd, the Leonberger, and the Kuvasz are especially good guardians.