Listed in this article are the five tallest dog breeds on the planet. Many adult dogs of these breeds are capable of putting their paws on the shoulders of some of the tallest of our species, while they are standing up. In fact, many average-sized people are dwarfed by these animals when they stand on their hind legs. Don’t be fooled by the heights you see listed here; these heights are the measurements from the dog’s shoulder to the floor. They are much taller when standing (not that their shoulder measurements are anything to scoff at).
World’s Tallest Dog Breeds #5: Neapolitan Mastiff
Neapolitan Mastiffs are big, wrinkly, loose-skinned and powerful dogs. They stand at a height of 24-31 inches and can weigh around 110-180 pounds. Their coat may be grey, black, tawny or mahogany and may have some brindle or white markings. Look out for their characteristically droopy jowls. They are capable of creating a drooly mess.
World’s Tallest Dog Breeds #4: Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are thick-coated, agile. They are also excellent swimmers and laborers. These tall dogs stand at a height of 26-30 inches at the shoulder and can weigh between 130 and 150 pounds. Their coat may be gray, black, brown or white and black. They are characteristically sweet-natured. In fact, it’s a breed standard for these dogs to be sweet, patient and good-tempered.
World’s Tallest Dog Breeds #3: English Mastiff
English Mastiffs are not only tall, but they are massive. They are the heaviest of all dog breeds. They stand at about 27.5- 32 inches at the shoulder and may weigh between 175 and 250 pounds. Their coat may be apricot, brindle or fawn. They are relatively gentle dogs, but are fiercely protective. They are not particularly active, but can make great laborers and guard dogs.
World’s Tallest Dog Breeds #2: Great Dane
Great Danes are known for being tall, but they are not very heavy, as far as big dogs go. They were bred from the heaviest dog breed in the world (English Mastiff) and the tallest (Irish Wolfhound). They stand at a height of between 28 and 32 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 100-120 pounds. Their coat can be brindle, fawn, black, harlequin or mantle. They are typically gentle, loyal and courageous.
World’s Tallest Dog Breeds #1: Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds are very tall, but not very heavy. Their build is like that of a greyhound. They can be between 30 and 35 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 105 and 125 pounds. Their coloring may be grey, brindle, red, black, white or fawn. They are very agile, strong and fast. In fact, they were once used to hunt the largest breed of deer that are known to have existed, Irish Elk.
All of these dogs are beautiful and powerful. However, anyone who wishes to own an individual of one of these tall dog breeds should bear a few things in mind. Firstly, these animals need room to exercise, so you may only want to consider one of these dogs if you live somewhere with plenty of dog-friendly parks or if you have a large yard. Secondly, dogs of this size, no matter how gentle they are, should be watched around small children and any people that are susceptible to being knocked over easily.
