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 affectionateQuietestHypoallergenicActiveSmartestСторожовіНайбільшіНайменшіДовгожителіНайздоровішіНайспокійнішіДружні до котівМорозостійкіМисливськіНе слиняві
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Irish WolfhoundFamily 5.0Health 1.5Weather 3.081 cm2
Pyrenean Mastiff (Mastín del Pirineo)Family 5.0Health 3.5Weather 5.077 cm3
Anatolian Shepherd Dog (Karabash)Family 4.5Health 4.0Weather 5.076 cm4
English GreyhoundFamily 5.0Health 4.0Weather 2.076 cm5
Kangal Shepherd DogFamily 4.0Health 3.0Weather 4.576 cm6
Akbash DogFamily 4.0Health 4.0Weather 5.076 cm7
Kuchi Dog (Afghan Shepherd)Family 3.5Health 3.5Weather 5.075 cm8
English MastiffFamily 5.0Health 3.0Weather 3.575 cm9
Great Pyrenees (Pyrenean Mountain Dog)Family 4.5Health 3.0Weather 4.573 cm10
American StaghoundFamily 4.5Health 4.0Weather 3.073 cm11
Moscow WatchdogFamily 4.5Health 3.5Weather 5.072 cm12
American Tundra ShepherdFamily 3.5Health 4.0Weather 5.072 cm13
BroholmerFamily 5.0Health 3.5Weather 4.072 cm14
LeonbergerFamily 5.0Health 2.0Weather 4.572 cm15
Romanian Mioritic Shepherd DogFamily 4.5Health 4.0Weather 5.072 cm16
Bucovina Shepherd Dog (Ciobănesc de Bucovina)Family 4.5Health 4.0Weather 5.071 cm17
Poligar Hound (Rajapalayam Dog)Family 4.0Health 3.5Weather 3.570 cm18
Black Russian TerrierFamily 4.0Health 3.0Weather 4.070 cm19
Caucasian Shepherd DogFamily 3.5Health 3.0Weather 4.570 cm20
Buryat-Mongolian WolfhoundFamily 4.5Health 4.5Weather 5.070 cm21
KuvaszFamily 4.0Health 3.5Weather 4.570 cm22
KomondorFamily 3.5Health 3.0Weather 4.070 cm23
Rafeiro do AlentejoFamily 4.5Health 4.0Weather 5.069 cm24
Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Mastiff)Family 3.5Health 3.0Weather 3.568 cm25
Rampur GreyhoundFamily 4.0Health 4.0Weather 3.068 cm26
Mudhol Hound (Caravan Hound)Family 4.0Health 4.5Weather 3.568 cm27
Bulgarian Shepherd Dog (Karakachan Dog)Family 4.0Health 4.0Weather 5.068 cm28
Doberman PinscherFamily 4.5Health 3.0Weather 2.068 cm29
Estrela Mountain DogFamily 4.5Health 4.0Weather 5.068 cm30
East European ShepherdFamily 4.5Health 4.0Weather 5.068 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.