Tall Dogs Breeds: What You Need to Know Before Bringing Home a Large Furry Friend

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Posted Nov 6, 2024

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If you're considering bringing home a tall dog breed, it's essential to know that they require more space to move around than smaller dogs.

Tall dogs breeds can grow up to 30 inches or more in height, making them a great choice for families with large yards.

These breeds need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy, with some needing up to 2 hours of exercise per day.

Some tall dog breeds, like the Irish Wolfhound, are known for being gentle giants and make great family pets.

For another approach, see: Great Dane Puppys

Tall Dog Breeds

If you're looking for dog breeds that can reach impressive heights, you're in the right place. Some of the tallest dog breeds can grow up to 30 inches tall or more.

St. Bernards are one of the tallest dog breeds, with a height range of over 30 inches. They're known for their gentle nature and thick coats.

Irish Wolfhounds are another breed that can reach impressive heights, with some individuals growing up to 32 inches tall. They're known for their athletic ability and short coats.

Here's a list of some of the tallest dog breeds mentioned earlier:

  • St. Bernards
  • Newfoundlands
  • Leonbergers
  • Irish Wolfhounds
  • Black Russian Terriers
  • Great Danes
  • Mastiffs (including Tibetan Mastiffs, Bullmastiffs, Neapolitan Mastiffs, and Pyrenean Mastiffs)

Large Breed Considerations

Credit: youtube.com, The 10 Heaviest Big Dog Breeds

Large breed dogs require a lot of space to move around. They need room to stretch out and exercise comfortably.

When it comes to training, large breed dogs need early socialization and obedience training to become well-mannered dogs. This should start as soon as possible, ideally with a professional trainer or obedience classes.

Big dogs take longer to mature physically and mentally, so a slow and steady training routine is key. This means avoiding training regimens that are too taxing for large breed puppies.

Large breed dogs require fewer calories per pound than smaller breeds, but they still need high-protein, low-fat meals to stay healthy. Look for food that provides glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids to support joint health.

To prevent overeating and bloat, large breed dogs should be fed three smaller meals a day rather than one large meal. This will also help prevent obesity, a significant concern for large breeds.

A unique perspective: English Mastiff Large

Credit: youtube.com, Training Tips For HUGE Dog Breeds!

Here are some common health issues that can affect large breed dogs:

  • Bloat
  • Elbow and hip dysplasia
  • Arthritis
  • Wobbler syndrome
  • Dilated cardiomyopathy
  • Entropion

It's essential to develop a progressive health plan with your vet to address these potential issues. This plan should include a staged nutrition plan that caters to the slower maturation of larger dogs.

Specific Breeds

The Irish Wolfhound is one of the tallest dog breeds, reaching heights of up to 35 inches.

Reaching heights of 32-35 inches, the Irish Wolfhound is a gentle giant that requires regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

The Great Dane is another breed that can grow quite tall, with some males reaching heights of over 32 inches.

Their large size means they need plenty of space to move around and exercise regularly to prevent obesity and other health issues.

The Greyhound is a sleek and agile breed that can grow up to 30 inches tall, despite their slender build.

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Bull Mastiff

The Bull Mastiff is a loyal and loving breed that makes a great addition to many families. They typically weigh between 100-130 pounds and stand 24-27 inches tall.

Credit: youtube.com, ALL 22 Mastiff Breeds – Most of Them Going Extinct | Dog show

One of the best things about Bull Mastiffs is their calm and gentle nature, making them a great choice for families with children. They are also relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, with a low to moderate shedding factor.

Bull Mastiffs are highly trainable, but they do require early socialization and training to ensure they grow into well-behaved adults. They are naturally protective of their family, but with proper training, they can learn to be gentle and friendly with strangers.

Here are some key characteristics of the Bull Mastiff breed:

  • Weight: 100-130 pounds
  • Height: 24-27 inches
  • Personality: Affectionate, Obedient
  • Activity Level: Moderate to High
  • Shedding Factor: Low to Moderate
  • Life Expectancy: 7-9 years
  • Trainability: Moderate to High

Overall, the Bull Mastiff is a wonderful breed that makes a great companion for many families. With proper care and attention, they can thrive and bring joy and love into your life.

German Shepherd

German Shepherds are known for their striking black and tan coats. They can grow up to 22-26 inches tall.

Their weight can range from 50-90 pounds, making them a medium to large breed. They have a moderate to high shedding factor, so be prepared for regular grooming.

Credit: youtube.com, The 5 German Shepherd Breed Types!?! Simply Explained!

These dogs are highly trainable, with a trainability level of High. They are also loyal and confident, which makes them great companions. German Shepherds are originally from Germany.

Here's a quick rundown of their key characteristics:

  • Height: 22-26 inches
  • Weight: 50-90 pounds
  • Shedding Factor: Moderate to High
  • Trainability: High

With proper training and socialization, German Shepherds can thrive in various lifestyles, from high-energy work to more relaxed environments.

Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees is a gentle giant, known for its white double coats and calm demeanor. They can weigh more than 100 pounds and stand as high as 32 inches.

Their independent nature makes them willing to take directions, but they also have a protective side and will spring into action if needed. This breed displays affection freely, but also has a low prey drive, making them a great fit for families with other animals and kids.

Great Pyrenees are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, as their coats are tangle- and dirt-resistant and only shed seasonally. However, they do require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

If this caught your attention, see: Are Great Danes Mastiffs

Credit: youtube.com, Great Pyrenees Dog Breed Guide - Why Are They Called Guardian Dogs? | Dogs 101 - Great Pyrenees

Here are some key facts about the Great Pyrenees breed:

  • Height: 25-32 inches
  • Weight: 85-110 pounds
  • Shedding Factor: Seasonal
  • Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
  • Trainability: Moderate

With proper training, Great Pyrenees can thrive in family life, thanks to their patient and kind nature. Short and playful training sessions are recommended to avoid boredom and keep them engaged.

Leonberger

The Leonberger is a majestic breed that's perfect for families with large, fenced-in yards. They can weigh up to 170 pounds and stand between 25.5 to 31.5 inches tall, making them a gentle giant.

Their outgoing and obedient personalities make them a great choice for first-time dog owners. They love to meet new people and play with their humans, but they still require ample time and energy.

These dogs have a luxurious coat that can be reddish brown or yellow with black fur around their noses and eyes. They shed heavily, so be prepared for regular grooming sessions.

Leonbergers are social dogs that thrive on attention from their family. They're not lapdogs, but they make excellent therapy dogs due to their affectionate nature.

Here are some key facts about the Leonberger breed:

  • Weight: 90 to 170 pounds
  • Height: 25.5 to 31.5 inches
  • Personality: Social, obedient
  • Activity Level: Moderate
  • Shedding Factor: High
  • Life Expectancy: 7 years
  • Trainability: High

Bernese Mountain

Credit: youtube.com, BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG - Characteristics and Care

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a popular breed for families, and for good reason - they're known for their friendly demeanors and playfulness.

These dogs are relatively tall, with females ranging between 23 and 26 inches high and males falling between 25 to 27.5 inches tall.

Their weight is also impressive, with females weighing between 70 to 95 pounds and males weighing between 80 to 115 pounds.

One thing to note about Bernese Mountain Dogs is that they require more grooming than some other breeds, thanks to their double coat and medium-length hair.

Here's a quick rundown of their size:

Otterhound

The Otterhound is a unique breed with some impressive physical characteristics. They can weigh up to 115 pounds.

These dogs are bred in the UK and are known for their strong sense of smell and swimming ability. Their powerful chest and shoulders make them well-suited for their original purpose.

Otterhounds can grow to be quite tall, standing over two feet high. Their weight range is quite broad, spanning from 80 to 115 pounds.

Here are the specific measurements for Otterhounds:

  • Weight: 80 to 115 pounds
  • Height: 24 to 27 inches

Anatolian Shepherd

Credit: youtube.com, Dogs 101 - Anatolian Shepherd

The Anatolian Shepherd is a breed that stands out for its physical stature, with males averaging 29 inches in height and females 27 inches. They're a sturdy bunch, weighing between 110 to 150 pounds for males and 80 to 120 pounds for females.

Anatolian Shepherds have a strong work ethic, which can make them less open to strangers and more independent than other breeds. This is because they enjoy having jobs to perform, whether it's herding livestock or taking on other responsibilities.

Their independent nature can make training a bit more challenging, but with patience and consistency, they can learn to trust and obey their handlers.

General Information

Tall dog breeds are a delight to own, but they do require some extra attention. They can live up to 10-12 years, providing you with a long-lasting companion.

Irish Wolfhounds, one of the tallest breeds, can reach heights of up to 35 inches. Their massive size requires a spacious living area.

Their short coats are relatively low maintenance, but their long ears can be prone to infections. Regular grooming is essential to keep their ears clean and healthy.

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American Eskimo Dog
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Many big dog breeds are affectionate canines who live to serve their family members, making them great companions for therapy work or as childhood friends.

It's essential to train and socialize large dogs when they're very young to prevent potential behavioral issues.

These dogs need to respond to commands like "down" and "drop it" because they don't know their own strength.

To prevent bloat, which can cause a dog's stomach to twist around itself, it's crucial to slow down how quickly your dog consumes food and to avoid elevated bowls.

Taking Care of Your

Taking care of your big dog is a big responsibility, but with the right approach, you can give them the best life possible. Big dogs need early socialization and training to become happy, healthy, and well-mannered companions.

Training is a lifelong process that doesn't end once your pup grows up. In fact, it's essential to work with a professional trainer or attend obedience classes to teach your big dog good behavior and obedience.

Panting Shaggy Dog in a Harness on Top of a Rocky Mountain Above the Lake
Credit: pexels.com, Panting Shaggy Dog in a Harness on Top of a Rocky Mountain Above the Lake

A slow and steady training routine is key for large breed puppies, which take longer to mature physically and mentally. This means avoiding overexertion and focusing on gentle, consistent training.

To optimize nutrition, focus on high-protein, low-fat meals that provide glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids. These ingredients improve joint health, which is a significant concern for large breeds.

Large dogs require fewer calories per pound than smaller breeds, but they need more food to keep them fit and healthy. Aim for three smaller meals a day, rather than one large one, to prevent overeating and bloat.

Here are some common health issues that can affect big dogs:

  • Bloat
  • Elbow and hip dysplasia
  • Arthritis
  • Wobbler syndrome
  • Dilated cardiomyopathy
  • Entropion

Regular exercise is essential for big dogs, but it's also crucial to avoid high-impact activities that can put excessive strain on their joints. Instead, opt for low-impact exercises like swimming, which is a great way to keep your big dog active and healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is a giant dog?

Giant dogs can range from 25 to 35 inches in height, depending on the breed. Some breeds, like the English Mastiff, can even reach heights of over 30 inches.

What qualifies as a giant dog?

Dogs are generally considered giant when they weigh around 90 pounds or more, with some breeds reaching up to 200 pounds or more. Common giant breeds include Akitas and others that can grow to massive sizes.

What height is considered a large dog?

To be considered a large dog, a breed typically needs to be at least 24 inches tall. This height requirement is part of a standardized dog sizing system used by breeders.

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  2. breed selector tool (akc.org)
  3. Giant George (wikipedia.org)
  4. Mollosser breed (mastiffcanada.org)
  5. Big Dogs Huge Paws (bigdogshugepaws.com)
  6. Wobbler syndrome (osu.edu)
  7. The Mastiff (dogtime.com)
  8. Tosa dogs (akc.org)
  9. according to the AKC (akc.org)
  10. According to the AKC (akc.org)
  11. 150-pound canine (akc.org)
  12. According to DogTime (dogtime.com)
  13. according to PetMD (petmd.com)
  14. Bullmastiff dogs (akc.org)
  15. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs (gsmdca.org)
  16. according to the AKC (akc.org)
  17. 130-pound frame (akc.org)
  18. according to the AKC (akc.org)
  19. Irish Wolfhounds (akc.org)
  20. Cane Corsi (thesprucepets.com)
  21. The Top 23 Largest Dog Breeds (usatoday.com)

Lucy Orn-Mills

Writer

Lucy Orn-Mills is a versatile writer with a passion for canine culture. With a keen interest in the world of dogs, she has penned articles on a wide range of topics, from the charming Border Terrier to the rich history of dog breeds originating in Scotland and England. Lucy's expertise extends to the fascinating realm of Terriers, a group of breeds known for their feisty and affectionate nature.