In short The biggest dog breeds are majestic giants — from formidable guardians to gentle giants. Ranked by average height at the withers.
How we rated
Ranked by average height at the withers (cm). Greater height = higher position.
Rankings:For apartmentsFor kidsFor beginnersMost affectionateQuietestHypoallergenicActiveSmartestGuard dogsLargestSmallestLongest-livedHealthiestCalmestCat-friendlyCold-hardyHunting dogsNon-drooling
1
Irish WolfhoundFamily 5.0Health 1.5Weather 3.081 cm2
Spanish MastiffFamily 4.0Health 2.5Weather 4.080 cm3
Great DaneFamily 4.5Health 1.5Weather 3.078 cm4
Pyrenean MastiffFamily 5.0Health 3.5Weather 5.077 cm5
English GreyhoundFamily 5.0Health 4.0Weather 2.076 cm6
Kangal Shepherd DogFamily 4.0Health 3.0Weather 4.576 cm7
Akbash DogFamily 4.0Health 4.0Weather 5.076 cm8
Anatolian Shepherd Dog (Karabash)Family 4.5Health 4.0Weather 5.076 cm9
Kuchi Dog (Afghan Shepherd)Family 3.5Health 3.5Weather 5.075 cm10
St. BernardFamily 4.5Health 2.0Weather 4.575 cm11
English MastiffFamily 5.0Health 3.0Weather 3.575 cm12
American StaghoundFamily 4.5Health 4.0Weather 3.073 cm13
Pyrenean Mountain DogFamily 4.5Health 3.0Weather 4.573 cm14
Moscow WatchdogFamily 4.5Health 3.5Weather 5.072 cm15
American Tundra ShepherdFamily 3.5Health 4.0Weather 5.072 cm16
LandseerFamily 5.0Health 2.5Weather 4.572 cm17
BroholmerFamily 5.0Health 3.5Weather 4.072 cm18
LeonbergerFamily 5.0Health 2.0Weather 4.572 cm19
Romanian Mioritic Shepherd DogFamily 4.5Health 4.0Weather 5.072 cm20
Bucovina Shepherd DogFamily 4.5Health 4.0Weather 5.071 cm21
Poligar Hound (Rajapalayam Dog)Family 4.0Health 3.5Weather 3.570 cm22
Black Russian TerrierFamily 4.0Health 3.0Weather 4.070 cm23
Central Asian Shepherd Dog (Alabai)Family 3.5Health 3.5Weather 4.570 cm24
Caucasian Shepherd DogFamily 3.5Health 3.0Weather 4.570 cm25
Buryat-Mongolian WolfhoundFamily 4.5Health 4.5Weather 5.070 cm26
KuvaszFamily 4.0Health 3.5Weather 4.570 cm27
KomondorFamily 3.5Health 3.0Weather 4.070 cm28
Rafeiro do AlentejoFamily 4.5Health 4.0Weather 5.069 cm29
NewfoundlandFamily 5.0Health 2.5Weather 4.569 cm30
Rampur GreyhoundFamily 4.0Health 4.0Weather 3.068 cmFAQ
What is the biggest dog breed?
By height, the Irish Wolfhound and Great Dane lead; by weight, mastiffs and Saint Bernards.
Do big breeds live shorter lives?
Sadly yes — giants live 7–10 years; the large size strains the heart and joints.
What should I consider with a big breed?
Space, controlled growth in puppyhood, feeding in small portions (bloat risk) and higher upkeep costs.