Last Updated on May 9, 2024 by themubbi63
Do you want a tall dog that can look you straight in the eye if it wants to? Well, there are quite a few really tall dog breeds out there. Mind you, they can be hard to take care of since they need ample room and plenty of exercise. But if you’ve got the space for them, these dog breeds are a dream come true for many dog lovers.
15 Tall Dog Breeds
Great Dane
One of the tallest dogs in the world, Great Danes can easily reach 30 – 32 inches at the shoulder. These guard dogs are considered gentle giants and are sweet and affectionate by nature. They aren’t the heaviest dogs because their build is more slender and lithe than bulky. The tallest dog ever was a Great Dane with a height of 44 inches at the shoulder.
Scottish Deerhound
An old dog breed that has been around in Scotland for centuries, the Scottish Deerhound stands at about 30 – 32 inches at the shoulder. Bred to hunt deer, as the name implies, these dogs are generally quite friendly by nature. They aren’t likely to bark or growl at strangers much and are easy-going, affectionate family dogs. Watch their calorie intake because they tend to gain weight.
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Irish Wolfhound
Another tall hound breed, the Irish wolfhound might just be the tallest breed around, averaging about 35 inches at the shoulder. Once upon a time, this ancient dog breed was meant to hunt wolves and so they have a strong prey drive. But they generally aren’t ferocious or aggressive. Though powerful and athletic, they can be trusted around children and strangers.
Saint Bernard
The drooly, jowly Saint Bernard isn’t just tall, it’s also big and weighty. Standing at a height of about 30 inches at the shoulder and weighing 180 lb, they originate in the Swiss Alps and were bred to be working dogs. Their job? To rescue stranded travellers and bring them to Saint Bernard Hospice to the monks there. Gentle and adorable, the Saint Bernard will win your heart straightaway.
Neapolitan Mastiff
Neapolitans can stand as tall as 31 inches at the shoulder but the most famous thing about them isn’t their size. Oh no, it’s the folds and folds of loose skin that give it the signature goofy, droopy appearance. Originating in southern Italy, they’re known for being fearless and protective guard dogs. They’re silent by nature and can sneak up on intruders despite their big size.
Leonberger
Leonbergers look like Newfoundlands mixed with Saint Bernards and that’s exactly how they were created. Naturally, both these giant breeds mixed to produce another equally giant breed. Standing 31 inches tall at the shoulder, the Leonberger was bred to be a companion animal but it’s a versatile dog and can be trained for rescue, herding or tracking.
Greyhound
The leggy Greyhound is quite famous as a racing dog. Originating in Egypt, this dog breed is an old one and they’re known for their speed. What many people might not know is that they were one of the first sighthounds – bred to hunt by sight from their tall stature rather than by scent like a scenthound. A Greyhound typically stands 30 inches tall at the shoulder.
Borzoi
The elegant Borzoi isn’t one of the most well-known breeds but this Russian breed has been around for a while. Since the Romanovs ruled Russia, in fact. They look quite similar to the greyhound with the same kind of slim, tall physique and they also make for excellent racing dogs. A Borzoi can reach unimaginable speeds of 40 mph.
Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are big, heavy dogs from Newfoundland in Canada. Standing at a height of 28 inches and with big bones and muscular bodies, they look even bigger than they are because of their furry waterproof coats. This breed, just like the Labrador retriever, was originally bred to help fishermen. Because of their immense size, they could rescue anything, even people, who had fallen overboard.
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Anatolian Shepherd
The Anatolian Shepherd dog, from the Anatolia region in Turkey, is a massive livestock guardian that bears a lot of similarities to other livestock guardians in the area. Alert and protective, the Anatolian Shepherd is a working dog through and through and might not do that well just as a family companion. They stand at a height of 31.5 inches.
English Mastiff
The English Mastiff – or simply the Mastiff as it’s often called – holds the record for being the largest and heaviest dog. But their height isn’t something to sneer at either. Standing at a height of 31 inches, they’re remarkably patient and gentle for their size. These dogs are generally couch potatoes and don’t do much around the house although they were originally bred to be guard dogs.
Akbash
Then there’s the white Akbash, which is also a livestock guardian dog from Turkey (Turkey really has no lack of those). Considered a natural breed and an old one, these dogs can be massive, at a height of 32.5 inches. They’re intelligent and alert guard dogs but they don’t always do well as household pets because of their protective nature. They need a lot of socialization as pups.
Great Pyrenees
These big, white herding dogs are gentle giants. They do well with families and children despite their herding background. They aren’t overprotective by nature but they do have a pretty strong independent streak and need training because of that. They stand at an impressive height of 32 inches.
Afghan Hound
The divas of the dog world, Afghan Hounds have long, silky locks that any of us might be jealous of. Originating in the Afghanistan and Pakistan region of the Indian Subcontinent, they look much too fancy to be working dogs. But this ancient breed is a hunter and stands 29 inches tall. Afghan Hounds might actually be one of the oldest living breeds in the world.
Bukovina Sheepdog
Finally, the underrated Bukovina Sheepdog is a majestic 31 inches in height and comes in the signature coat colors of black and white or grey and white. Bred in Romania to guard and protect livestock, the Bukovina has been known to take down wolves. Intelligent and reserved, they are hard workers. But like most livestock guardians, they can be aloof and independent minded, making them harder to train.