What Is the Tallest Dog Breed?

Several dog breeds compete for the distinction of being the tallest dog breed. Height is measured from the ground up to the shoulders. The breeds that regularly reach 30 inches or more in height are among the tallest of dog breeds and are usually males.

  1. World Record Holders

    • In 2004, Gibson, a Great Dane living in California, was declared the world̵7;s tallest dog ever by the Guinness World Records. He stood an impressive 42.2 inches. When Gibson passed away from cancer in 2009, another Great Dane named Titan took Gibson̵7;s place as the tallest living dog. He measures 42 inches tall.

    Great Dane

    • The American Kennel Club̵7;s standards for the Great Dane dictate that males should be at least 30 inches tall when measured at the shoulders. Their height is not limited, although shorter males are disqualified from show competitions.

    Irish Wolfhound

    • The ̶0;ideal size̶1; of the Irish Wolfhound according to the AKC, ̶0;ranges from 30 to 34 inches tall at the shoulder," with a minimum of 32 inches for males. Irish Wolfhounds must be within these limits to meet AKC standards. As a breed, they are generally considered to be the tallest.

    Mastiff

    • Like the Great Dane, the Mastiff breed standard requires the males reach at least 30 inches in height. The Mastiff height is also not limited.

    Scottish Deerhound

    • Males of this breed reach heights of 30 to 32 inches. Taller dogs can fall within the breed̵7;s standards if they do not appear to be overly built.