What Are the Top 10 Tallest Dog Breeds Are You Ready to Own a Tall Dog

When it comes to dogs, many people believe that bigger is better. If you're reading this, you might be thinking about getting a giant dog for a pet. While basing your decision off of height alone is not the most practical approach, many tall dog breeds do make wonderful pets under the right circumstances. Whether you are interested in getting one or you simply admire them, read on to find out more about these fantastic dogs.

RANK 1 - Great Dane - Height - Avg. 28–34" | Max. 42" The Great Dane is a large, tall mastiff breed that originated in Germany. It is considered by many to be the tallest dog breed in the world. The world’s tallest dog, 'Gibson', was indeed a Great Dane, but the average height for Great Danes is slightly less than that of the Irish Wolfhound. Great Danes are gentle, friendly and affectionate dogs, and they can be trusted around kids and other pets.

RANK 2 - Irish Wolfhound - Height - Avg. 28–35" | Max. 37" The Irish Wolfhound is an ancient dog breed that was bred for hunting wolves and for use in war. It is the tallest dog breed in the world. These dogs are friendly and kind in nature, though they can also be powerful, athletic and courageous. They have hunting aptitude, but they only become aggressive and ferocious when needed. In general, Irish Wolfhounds are calm, gentle dogs that can be trusted around kids, strangers and other pets.

RANK 3 - Scottish Deerhound - Height - Avg. 28–33" | Max. 35" The Scottish Deerhound is a hunting dog—specifically, a sighthound. They were bred in Scotland to hunt the Scottish roe deer. Scottish Deerhounds are tall, athletic dogs and have great running stamina and speed. They look like a rough-coated Greyhound, and they are calm, gentle, obedient and intelligent by nature.

RANK 4 - Tamaskan Husky - Height - Avg. 29–33" | Max. 34" Tamaskan Huskies are tall, sturdy and athletic dogs. They were bred in Finland to work as sled dogs, but they are more popularly known as 'wolf dogs'. Tamaskans are alert, intelligent, devoted and protective dogs. They are usually friendly, gentle and calm, but issues can arise if they become territorial or display alpha behaviours. They need early training and socialization.

RANK 5 - Great Pyrenees - Height - Avg. 28–32" | Max. 33" The Great Pyrenees is a sheepdog descended from the Hungarian Kuvasz and the Maremmano-Abruzzese. Great Pyrenees are tall, strong, courageous, intelligent and friendly dogs and have a good reputation for being affectionate and protective towards their owners and family members.

RANK 6 - The Anatolian Shepherd was bred to protect livestock in Anatolia, which is a part of modern Turkey. This dog is a tall, strong, aggressive, protective and territorial breed that looks very similar to the Great Pyrenees and the Kuvasz. However, Anatolian Shepherds are more alert and active than those breeds.

RANK 7 - Bucovina Sheepdog - Height - Avg. 27–32" | Max. 33" Bucovina Shepherds are naturally healthy, tall and strong dogs. They were bred in Romania to guard and protect livestock. They are reserved, tolerant, intelligent dogs, and they have a reputation for being able to take down wolves. They need early training and socialization, or else they have a tendency to become dominant and aloof.

RANK 8 - Kangal Dog - Height - Avg. 27–31" | Max. 32" The Kangal was bred to protect livestock in the Sivas province of Turkey, and it has a very powerful bite. It is alert, territorial, protective and reserved. There is some controversy about Anatolian Shepherds and Kangals, as many people claim that Kangal Dogs are actually the same as Anatolian Shepherds.

RANK 9 - The Leonberger is a tall, gentle giant, and it looks a little like a mini lion. This dog originated in Leonberg, Germany, from where it got its name. It is a courageous, intelligent and affectionate dog that is recognised for its stable and calm behaviour. The Leonberger is also known for being devoted and affectionate towards its family.

RANK 10 - Avg. 26–31" | Max. 32" The Neapolitan Mastiff is a natural guard dog and is friendly, calm, quiet and affectionate in nature. This dog is known for being gentle, caring and protective of children.