15 Amazing Tall Dog Breeds You Shouldn't Sleep On

Find out which of these tall dog breeds is right for you and your family.

15 Amazing Tall Dog Breeds You Shouldn't Sleep On

Some of the world's tall dog breeds get a bad rap as family dogs due to their sheer size, but don't let them intimidate you into thinking they're not worthy. These dogs have it all — they make loving, loyal companions and are often great guardians and watchdogs.

Without the proper training and socialization, any dog — even the tiny Chihuahua — can be problematic. If you have the room, the time and the willingness to give them what they need to be happy and healthy, these gentle giants can be loving members of any household.

15. Perro de Presa Canario

Height: 26 inches at the shoulder

Weight: 90-140 pounds

Life expectancy: 9-11 years

Bottom Line: Perro de Presa Canario

Perro de Presa Canarios (aka, Canary mastiffs or Spanish mastiffs) are powerful working dogs, who hail from Spain where they guard livestock and property. They can be devoted family pets but are not for everyone.

Presa Canarios need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation as well as proper training and socialization, as they may become overprotective of their chosen family and exhibit aggressive behavior toward those they don't know.

They are not recommended for first-time dog owners or families with small children.

11. Borzoi (Tie)

Height: 28 inches at the shoulder

Weight: 60-100 pounds

Life expectancy: 7-10 years

Bottom Line: Borzoi

The Borzoi is a big dog with a quiet and reserved personality. It is smart and independent, which can make it stubborn and not easy to train. This breed has a high prey drive, as they are hunting dogs and may not be suitable for families with cats or rabbits.

They can be high-energy and need consistent mental and physical stimulation. They enjoy running and playing outdoors, and they may become bored or restless if they do not get enough exercise.

11. Newfoundland (Tie)

Height: 28 inches at the shoulder

Weight: 120-180 pounds

Life expectancy: 8-10 years

Bottom Line: Newfoundland

Newfies can make great pets for the right person or family, as they are patient and kind. You'll want this breed on your side — their size makes them intimidating — but they are protective of chosen people and make excellent watchdogs.

The Newfie also loves water and is an excellent swimmer. Their thick, water-resistant coat helps them stay warm and dry in cold water, and they have webbed feet, which makes them all the more powerful in this environment.

If yours is a family who loves boating and beach vacations, this may be the dog for you.

11. Cane Corso (Tie)

Height: 28 inches at the shoulder

Weight: 90-110 pounds

Life expectancy: 10-12 years

Bottom Line: Cane Corso

The Cane Corso was originally bred in Italy for hunting wild boar and other large game, so you know just how powerful a dog this breed is. They are still used today as guardian and protection dogs but may also be loyal family companions.

These intelligent pups are great candidates for obedience training, which they need due to their protective instincts. Cane Corsos require an experienced owner who can provide them with the requisite exercise and mental stimulation. They can be domineering and territorial — this is one breed that needs rules and boundaries in the home.

It's important to supervise their interactions with children and teach young ones how to interact with this breed safely and respectfully.

11. Saluki (Tie)

Height: 28 inches at the shoulder

Weight: 40-65 pounds

Life expectancy: 12-14 years

Bottom Line: Saluki

The Saluki originated in the Middle East and is one of the world's oldest breeds. This breed is graceful, gentle and affectionate but is known just as well for its energy and speed.

Salukis are typically quiet and reserved but enjoy spending time with their human family. They have a strong independent streak, which can make training a challenge.

Due to their athleticism and energy, they require regular exercise and mental stimulation and need a lot of room to roam. As they are hunting dogs, they do have a strong prey drive, so socialization, when it comes to small children and animals, is essential.

10. Anatolian Shepherd

Height: 29 inches at the shoulder

Weight: 90-140 pounds

Life expectancy: 10-13 years

Bottom Line: Anatolian Shepherd

The Anatolian shepherd originated in Turkey, where it was used as a livestock dog. As a result, this breed is known for its strong, protective instincts. While generally calm and reserved, these dogs are hyper-vigilant when it comes to their territory.

They are independent and self-reliant but form strong bonds with their family members. Anatolian shepherds are good with children and other pets if they are socialized and trained early. As they are natural guardians, they may be overly protective; therefore, it's important to supervise them around unfamiliar people or animals.

6. English Mastiff (Tie)

Height: 30 inches at the shoulder

Weight: 120-200 pounds

Life expectancy: 6-12 years

Bottom Line: English Mastiff

English mastiffs are affectionate with their families and make excellent companion dogs. They are known for their calm and laid-back demeanor and will often bond closely with one or two individuals in the household.

On the flip side, they are brave and courageous and make excellent guard dogs. They are often used in law enforcement and search and rescue operations due to their strength and strong intuition, as they sense danger before it becomes apparent to us.

Mastiffs are good with children but can quickly become overprotective and aggressive. Early training and socialization is, therefore, important to keep them well-adjusted and not overly anxious.

6. Greyhound (Tie)

Height: 30 inches at the shoulder

Weight: 60-90 pounds

Life expectancy: 10-14 years

Bottom Line: Greyhound

Greyhounds are calm, gentle and affectionate — they are often called couch potatoes because they enjoy lounging and napping for long periods of time. At the same time, this breed is a natural athlete known for its speed.

Greyhounds have a sensitive nature and respond well to positive reinforcement. However, they may also be stubborn and independent — patience and consistency when training is a must.

If you have smaller animals, it should be noted that this breed has a strong prey drive due to their history as hunting dogs, so it's important to supervise them around small animals. Again, proper training and socialization are important, so they can learn to coexist peacefully with other pets in the household.

6. Scottish Deerhound (Tie)

Height: 30 inches at the shoulder

Weight: 85-110 pounds

Life expectancy: 8-11 years

Bottom Line: Scottish Deerhound

Scottish deerhounds are happy, high-energy dogs that love to play. They need plenty of mental and physical stimulation — a sizable fenced-in yard and daily walks are a must.

Deerhounds, much like Wolfies, are gentle giants; however, they may be reserved or shy around strangers, and they may not be as outgoing or social as other breeds.

These intelligent and independent dogs can be stubborn and difficult to train (try moving one that doesn't want to walk!), therefore, proper socialization and training from an early age are essential.

6. Saint Bernard (Tie)

Height: 30 inches at the shoulder

Weight: 120-180 pounds

Life expectancy: 8-10 years

Bottom Line: Saint Bernard

St. Bernard Dog with keg ready for rescue operation

Saint Bernard dogs are friendly and affectionate dogs that are devoted to their chosen family. They were originally bred for rescue work in the Swiss Alps and are sensitive to those in need. They are loyal and gentle to a fault and generally good with children and other pets. However, because of their massive size, they may accidentally injure smaller animals and people, so it's important to supervise them during playtime.

Saint Bernards have thick coats that shed moderately, so regular grooming is necessary to keep their fur free of matting. They also drool quite a bit, so owners may need to keep a towel nearby. This breed is not overly energetic — while they love walks or engaging in light play, they are just as content to lounge around the house at the feet of their owners.

5. Neapolitan Mastiff

Height: 31 inches at the shoulder

Weight: 110-150 pounds

Life expectancy: 8-10 years

Bottom Line: Neapolitan Mastiff

The loyal and protective Neapolitan mastiff originated in Italy, where they worked as guard dogs. They are affectionate and can be quite gentle with their chosen family; however, they may be wary of strangers and can be aggressive toward other dogs, so early socialization and training are important.

They are not high-energy dogs but require regular exercise to stay fit as well as regular grooming to keep their coat healthy. Because of their facial structure, they are known for being sensitive to heat and may require extra precautions in the warmer months.

4. Leonberger

Height: 31.5 inches at the shoulder

Weight: 90-170 pounds

Life expectancy: 8-9 years

Bottom Line: Leonberger

Outdoor close-up leonberger dog posing on the river side in Cairngorms National Park, Scotland.

Leonbergers are friendly, outgoing pups that love being around people. They are also highly intelligent and easily trainable. They are generally adaptable to any living situation, but they do best in homes with a yard or outdoor space where they can run and play.

Leonbergers are prone to separation anxiety, so they are best suited for families who can spend a lot of time with them. They have a thick, fluffy coat, which requires frequent grooming to keep their shedding at a minimum.

1. Great Pyrenees (Tie)

Height: 32 inches at the shoulder

Weight: 90-160 pounds

Life expectancy: 10-12 years

Bottom Line: Great Pyrenees

Great Pyrenees make excellent family dogs, as they are known for their gentle nature, patience and affection, but, like the other dogs on this list, they need significant space for play.

This breed is known for being independent and protective, which can make them great guardians. However, they may be aloof with strangers — so socialization and training will help them feel comfortable in every situation.

The Great Pyrenees has a thick, white coat, which requires regular grooming to prevent it from matting and tangling. They are also heavy shedders, which may not work for those with allergies.

1. Great Dane (Tie)

Height: 32 inches at the shoulder

Weight: 100-200 pounds

Life expectancy: 8-10 years

Bottom Line: Great Dane

Great Danes can make good family dogs, as they are loyal and affectionate; however, they need plenty of room to roam. They are not ideal for small apartments or houses with limited space.

Danes are generally good with children, but their large size can sometimes be a concern. In their excitement, they may unintentionally knock over a child or otherwise cause them harm — therefore, they require adult supervision.

Additionally, Great Danes need regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

1. Irish Wolfhound (Tie)

Height: 32 inches at the shoulder

Weight: 105-120 pounds

Life expectancy: 6-10 years

Bottom Line: Irish Wolfhound

A big gray Irish Wolfhound lying in a falling foliage

Irish wolfhounds are known to be gentle giants. With their friendly, loyal and affectionate nature, they make great companions for families and individuals alike.

Wolfies are often described as being calm and dignified, but they can also be playful and energetic. They are generally good with children and other animals and have a reputation for being good-natured and patient. However, it's important to supervise interactions between children and dogs that are smaller in stature.