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"My little dog—a heartbeat at my feet." 🐶

Sometimes, good things come in HUGE packages! Every dog is sweet and lovable, so when it's time to find a new companion for your family, your choices are endless! It doesn't matter if you're into large dogs or small dogs; they all have so much love to give. If you've also got a lot of love to give and some extra square footage, consider bringing home one of the tallest dog breeds for you and your family! A good starting place is to learn as much as possible about each breed before adopting. Understanding common breed characteristics and temperaments is one of the best ways to be a better pet owner for your future pup! For example, guard dog breeds need a firm hand and plenty of training and exercise to keep them happy. Doodle breeds often are a great choice for families with kids. Little dogs, such as French bulldogs, are portable so they can travel with you on the go, especially if you have socialized them properly. Smart dog breeds need extra activities to keep them stimulated. But before all else, no matter what breed you're considering, make sure you have the time commitment for a new family member. All breeds need plenty of exercise and enrichment activities to keep them happy and stimulated — and to keep them out of trouble! But this is doubly true of the tallest dog breeds, which come in an extra-large package. Don't forget you'll also need space to accommodate your big boy or girl. While a teacup poodle can curl up on your lap (and the tallest breeds just may try to do so, as well!), you need to be sure they have ample room for sleeping, exercising and exploring. Read on to learn about some of our favorite tallest dog breeds:

Some of them tip the scales at more than 200 pounds, so there's more to love! Before you consider adopting a dog, you need to decide what type of dog owner you are. If you live in a small space of would like a lap dog, you may prefer tiny dog breeds. If you'd like a larger pet (possibly even a guard dog), consider bringing home a large dog breed. There are many factors to consider before adopting any dog, but especially a large dog. We consulted with Dr. Nicole Savageau, doctor of veterinary medicine with The Vets, and James Ross, director of field operations for the mobile pet care service, to find out what potential pet owners need to know. Exercise needs: Before you adopt a large dog, be sure you're ready to give him an active lifestyle. According to Dr. Savageau, "Large dog breeds generally require more exercise compared to small dogs. They often have higher energy levels and need regular physical activity and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and behavioral issues." Training concerns: Be ready to put in the time and energy training your dog. Dr. Savageau explains, "Large breed dogs may have specific training concerns, especially related to their size and strength. Training should focus on proper socialization, obedience, and leash manners to manage their potentially powerful nature." Vet bills: Owning a large dog can be more expensive, and a potential pet parent should be prepared to spend more on everything from food to boarding costs. Medical costs can also be higher. James Ross says, "Pet owners with large breed dogs typically encounter higher veterinary costs. Procedures, surgeries, and medications are often more expensive for larger dogs due to their size and specific medical needs." Health concerns: Large dogs, such as Great Danes and Saint Bernards, are prone to certain health issues like GDV (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus), arthritis, and hip dysplasia. Their shorter lifespans, averaging 7 to 10 years, are influenced by factors like their faster metabolism and increased energy requirements. Keep these factors in mind as you peruse this list showing off the largest dog breeds, complete with photos, weights, and life expectancy. With the proper care and training, any of them could become a loving member of your family.