Top 12 Tallest Dog Breeds Whose Height Is Just One Great Feature

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Every dog is sweet and lovable, so when it's time to find a new companion for your family, your choices are endless! It doesn't matter if you're into large dogs or small dogs; they all have so much love to give. If you've also got a lot of love to give and some extra square footage, consider bringing home one of the tallest dog breeds for you and your family!

A good starting place is to learn as much as possible about each breed before adopting. Understanding common breed characteristics and temperaments is one of the best ways to be a better pet owner for your future pup!

For example, guard dog breeds need a firm hand and plenty of training and exercise to keep them happy. Doodle breeds often are a great choice for families with kids. Little dogs, such as French bulldogs, are portable so they can travel with you on the go, especially if you have socialized them properly. Smart dog breeds need extra activities to keep them stimulated.

But before all else, no matter what breed you're considering, make sure you have the time commitment for a new family member. All breeds need plenty of exercise and enrichment activities to keep them happy and stimulated — and to keep them out of trouble! But this is doubly true of the tallest dog breeds, which come in an extra-large package.

Don't forget you'll also need space to accommodate your big boy or girl. While a teacup poodle can curl up on your lap (and the tallest breeds just may try to do so, as well!), you need to be sure they have ample room for sleeping, exercising and exploring.

Read on to learn about some of our favorite tallest dog breeds:

Great Dane

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Great Danes are one of the tallest dog breeds. Males average between 30 to 32 inches in height at the shoulder and can weigh up to 175 pounds, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). Although they are considered a “gentle giant,” their large stature makes Danes excellent protectors of your home.

Greyhound

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Standing at 25 to 30 inches at the shoulder, the Greyhound was built for speed with its long, lean lines. Gentle and sweet-tempered, the Greyhound needs to run, so make sure you can provide ample exercise every day for this athletic breed.

RELATED: Easy Homemade Dog Treats You Can DIY at Home

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Irish Wolfhound

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At 30 to 32 inches tall at the shoulders, the Irish Wolfhound is the tallest dog breed. Once bred for wolf-hunting, as the name indicates, these gentle giants are easygoing, calm pets in the home, especially when socialized properly from a young age.

Scottish Deerhound

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At 30 to 32 inches in height at the shoulder, Scottish Deerhounds are another of the tallest dog breeds. An ancient breed that was bred to stalk deer in Scotland, the Scottish Deerhound likes to be a couch potato at times but needs regular exercise to stay lean and healthy.

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Great Pyrenees

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The Great Pyrenees is 25 to 32 inches tall and has a lush, thick coat that needs regular grooming. They were originally bred to protect sheep from wolves, and they still retain a guardian mentality. However, with the right socialization, they can be mellow companions.

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Newfoundland

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Standing at around 28 inches in height and weighing up to 150 pounds, the Newfoundland is a very large dog. However, the Newfie’s best characteristic is its sweet temperament, which makes them devoted family companions.

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Saluki

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One of the world's oldest dog breeds, the Saluki stands 28 inches at the shoulders. This slim, athletic breed was a hunting companion for thousands of years. They love to sprint, so they need loads of exercise, but they're gentle and sweet pets.

Neapolitan Mastiff

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Ranging in height from 26 to 31 inches tall, the Neapolitan Mastiff is a powerful guard dog that has been bred since the days of ancient Rome. They are a protective and watchful breed.

RELATED: Independent Dog Breeds That Can Be Left Alone

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Saint Bernard

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Averaging 29 inches in height and weighing up to 180 pounds, it’s no surprise that Saint Bernards were originally bred to be working dogs. They're playful, inquisitive, and good with kids, but they definitely require ample obedience training.

Black Russian Terrier

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Growing up to 30 inches at the shoulder, the Black Russian Terrier is a large, powerful breed with a calm demeanor. Bred as guard dogs, the Black Russian Terriers are loyal companions but wary of strangers.

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Afghan Hound

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The beautiful Afghan Hound is another tall and lean dog. It can grow up to 27 inches in height at the shoulder but typically weighs less than 60 pounds. It's one of the more independent breeds, but it does love to run and act silly. The breed requires ample exercise to stay happy.

Cane Corso

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Originally from Italy, the Cane Corso can grow up to 27 inches tall. With its muscular body and keen intelligence, early socialization and training are vital for this powerful guard dog breed to make a good companion.

Arricca Elin SanSoneContributing Writer

Arricca Elin SanSone is a writer, editor, and content creator who specializes in lifestyle and gardening. With a background in health reporting, she applies these same research skills when writing about the science of growing things. She trials new plants in her expansive garden, and her houseplant collection consists of 60+ varieties. Arricca has written thousands of articles for publications such as Country Living, House Beautiful, Good Housekeeping, Prevention, VERANDA, Southern Living, and more. She’s happiest when digging in the dirt, baking, or spending time with the people and dogs she loves.

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