Some dogs are so majestic, they make you look twice. Towering over most, with long limbs and even longer hearts, big and tall dog breeds bring a special kind of magic to your life. These are the gentle giants — graceful, goofy, and full of personality — who might think they’re lap dogs even though they weigh as much as a human.
Giant breeds aren’t just about size; they’re about presence. Whether it’s a Bernese mountain dog stretching across the couch or a Dogue de Bordeaux over the sidewalk, these dogs turn heads wherever they go. If you have the space, the heart, and maybe a reinforced couch, tall big dog breeds might just be your perfect match.
We’re spotlighting the most iconic tall dog breeds — the ones that combine size with sweetness, and stature with snuggles. Ready to meet your larger-than-life best friend? Let’s go big… really big.
Tall Big Dog Breeds
1. Irish Wolfhound
Imagine standing before a dog that could look you in the eye without trying. That’s the Irish Wolfhound for you. With an average height of 32 inches to 34 inches at the shoulder, these gentle giants make even the tallest humans feel a bit… well, petite.
Originally bred to hunt wolves (yes, you read that right), the Irish Wolfhound has a history as long as their legs. PetMD states that due to the Irish Wolfhound’s background as a hunting dog, they can exhibit a strong prey drive.
These giant dog breeds were the knights in shaggy armor of the canine world, brave and strong — but also incredibly sweet-natured.
They are often referred to as “couch potatoes with legs,” and it’s true. They love lounging around and getting belly rubs, even though they could easily take down an intruder (or a squirrel) with their impressive size and speed.
However, don’t expect these dogs to be the guard dog type. Instead, picture them as your giant teddy bear who just happens to be taller than your refrigerator. And speaking of size, you might want to invest in a dog-sized sofa because they love being close to you, sometimes, maybe a little too close.
2. Saint Bernard
If the Irish Wolfhound is a gentle giant, the Saint Bernard is like the lovable giant next door, always ready for an adventure.
Known for their stunning size, the largest dog breeds (we’re talking about dogs that can easily top 180 pounds), Saint Bernards are the kind of dog that turns heads as they stroll down the street — and not just because they might be taller than some people, but because they’ve got a presence.
While these dogs are famous for their rescue work in the Swiss Alps (you’ve probably seen them in movies with little barrels around their necks, right?), in reality, they are laid-back and more likely to save you from a boring day with their big-hearted nature.
Their love for human companionship is legendary — they’ll never say no to cuddles, and you might even find them trying to squeeze into your lap, despite being the size of a small pony.
What’s even funnier? Saint Bernards are known for being somewhat goofy, with that lovable, clumsy charm. It’s almost like they’re too big for their own good — every tail wag is a mini earthquake, and every step is an opportunity to knock something over (usually a cup of coffee, because dogs just know when you’re holding a hot drink).
3. Borzoi
Okay, so the Borzoi might not be as big as some of the other dogs we’ve discussed, but don’t let its slender build fool you. This is one sleek, long-legged, elegant giant that could make you feel like you’re living with royalty.
With their noble profile and flowing coat, Borzois look like they’ve stepped out of a Russian aristocrat’s portrait (they were originally bred by Russian nobility to hunt game like wolves).
Despite their regal appearance, these dogs are seriously sweet-natured and incredibly fast — we’re talking Greyhound fast. They’ve got the agility of a race car but the soul of a calm, dignified companion.
While they may look like they’re too fancy to roll around with the kids, the Borzoi is actually known for being gentle and affectionate.
If you can get past their initial aloofness, you’ll find that they’re surprisingly affectionate, often cuddling up on the couch with you after a quick, graceful sprint around the yard (don’t blink — they can zip around faster than you can say “fetch”).
4. Newfoundland
Meet the Newfoundland, also known as the “gentle giant of the sea.” With their thick, water-resistant coat and massive size (up to 150 pounds), Newfoundlands were originally bred to work alongside fishermen in cold waters, rescuing people who fell overboard. These dogs were the lifeguards of the North Atlantic — and they know how to make a splash.
Though they’re massive, they are also soft-hearted, sweet, and known for their affectionate, patient nature. If you’ve ever wanted a dog that will happily sit with you through a rainy day movie marathon, this is your breed.
Don’t let their size intimidate you; Newfoundlands are a famously loyal breed, good with children, and have a calm, laid-back attitude that makes them fantastic family companions.
Just a heads up, though: Newfoundlands shed. A lot. So be prepared for a daily hair-removal ritual and the occasional swampy dog smell after a swim (because they’re jumping into that lake if you turn your back for a second).
But honestly, who can resist that sweet face and those giant paws? Bonus points if they’re carrying around a stick in their mouth that’s bigger than your entire living room.
5. Neapolitan Mastiff
Meet the Neapolitan Mastiff, a dog whose wrinkles alone could make up an entire novel. With their massive, muscular build and an abundance of skin folds, these adorably ugly guys look like they’ve been sculpted by ancient artists — but with a whole lot of personality to match their epic appearance.
They may look like they belong on the cover of a “doggie tough-guy” magazine, but beneath that tough exterior is one of the sweetest, most loyal companions you could ever meet. According to the AKC, the U.S. Neapolitan Mastiff Club describes the breed’s head as “astounding,” and they credit the club for choosing the perfect adjective.
Neapolitan Mastiffs are known for their loyalty to their families and their protective nature. They may seem like they’re plotting world domination with their serious expressions, but in reality, they just want to be the gentle protector of the home.
Once you’ve earned their trust, expect to be showered with affection and a whole lot of slobbery kisses (but hey, if you’ve got a dog this big, you should probably expect some slobber).
With their intimidating appearance, it’s no surprise that these dogs can be quite the guard dogs. But don’t let that scare you away — once they realize you’re part of the family, they’ll be the first to snuggle up next to you, perhaps while drooling on your shoes in the process.
And if you’re into a little bit of comedy, watching a Neapolitan Mastiff try to fit into a space that’s too small for them is absolute gold. (You’ll be wondering how a dog that big can manage to look like a bumblebee in a tiny field.)
6. Great Dane
If size were the sole factor in determining a breed’s popularity, the Great Dane would win every contest. Known for their towering height, these dogs can stand over 30 inches at the shoulder and easily tip the scale at around 140-175 pounds.
But despite their enormous size, this popular dog breed is surprisingly gentle. In fact, they’re often called “gentle giants” — and for good reason.
Great Danes have a calm demeanor and a heart of gold. They are affectionate, friendly, and get along well with children and other pets, making them a fantastic family companion. While they may look intimidating to someone who hasn’t met them yet, once you get to know them, they’re just really big lap dogs.
And let’s talk about their goofy side for a moment. Despite their noble and regal appearance, Great Danes have a sense of humor that can make anyone laugh. They tend to get a little clumsy at times, especially when trying to navigate around furniture they’ve outgrown.
You might find your Great Dane trying to squeeze into a spot that’s too small for them — picture a giant trying to fit in a kid’s chair, and you’ll get the idea. The image is priceless!
7. Anatolian Shepherd
While the Great Dane might be a gentle giant, the Anatolian Shepherd is a dog that commands respect — and for a very good reason. Known for their powerful build and protective instincts, these dogs were bred to guard livestock in the rugged landscapes of Turkey.
With their incredible loyalty, intelligence, and mighty presence, Anatolian Shepherds are perfect for those looking for a dog with a strong sense of duty.
Anatolians are impressive, with a muscular frame and a fearless demeanor. But don’t mistake their tough exterior for a lack of affection. While they are reserved and independent by nature, they are deeply devoted to their families. They are natural-born guardians, often taking their role as protectors very seriously, and are incredibly alert to their surroundings.
Purina says that while the Anatolian Shepherd is loyal and friendly with family members and familiar people, the breed retains its strong working instincts, remaining wary of strangers and quick to respond to any perceived threat. However, because of their strong protective instincts, Anatolian Shepherds are best suited for experienced dog owners.
Despite their serious role as guardians, Anatolians also have a softer side — they can be incredibly affectionate with those they love and will happily rest their large head on your lap after a long day of protecting the family.
Conclusion
Tall, big dog breeds command attention with their impressive size, strength, and presence. From the Scottish Deerhound to the English Mastiff, these powerful breeds are among the largest dog breeds in the world, often standing taller than most large dogs and weighing well over 100 pounds. Breeds like the French Mastiff, Cane Corso, and Italian Mastiff boast not only size but also the muscular build of an athletic breed, originally developed as working dogs for guarding, pulling, and even hunting.
Many of these dogs have a thick double coat, particularly those developed as mountain dogs or livestock guardians, like the Black Russian Terrier, which enables them to endure cold climates while working outdoors. Despite their size and strength, many tall breeds have a sweet temperament, making them excellent family dogs when raised with early socialization and early training. These gentle giants often form deep bonds with their humans, displaying loyalty and protective instincts—qualities that also make them great rescue dogs.
It’s important to note that the care and upbringing of these powerful dogs demand responsibility. Proper training from a young age helps manage their strength and temperament, especially around children and other dogs. Their sheer size also means they require more space, exercise, and a balanced diet to remain healthy and well-behaved.
