The best breeds of large dogs

Looking for a loyal, calm, intelligent and affectionate pet? Many of the best large breed dogs have all of these qualities.

“I won’t lie, I like big dogs!”

Some people just can’t help but fall in love at first sight when they see a big dog walking towards them. If you’re a fan of big animals, then according to PetLife, you like breeds weighing over 25 kg and taller than a meter. If you’re ready to love an even bigger dog, breeds weighing 45 kg or more are classified as giant, or very large. However, there is no international standard for how large a dog should be. If a Leonberger lives in your family, then even the largest Labrador will look like a small puppy against his background.

Is there a best large breed dog? What are their benefits? This question is difficult to answer. The dog that is best for one person may not be the best for another, and your choice should depend on the answers to a few questions. Do you live alone or do you have a family with small children? Are you looking for a dog with an independent personality or one that will always want to be by your side? Do you want a dog that will lead an active lifestyle, or one that will curl up next to you and lie there for hours? If you know for sure that you love big animals but aren’t sure which breed is right for you, do your research first.

super puppies

When you study large dogs from the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed descriptions, you will notice one trait that almost all of these top fifteen large breed dogs share: loyalty. The Neapolitan Mastiff, Bullmastiff, Newfoundland, Dogue de Bordeaux and Great Dane are very large dog breeds that have a long history of exceptional loyalty and devotion to their owners. While most large and very large animals have fairly calm temperaments, there are a few breeds that will need extra space to release their energy. Regardless of their size, large breed dogs can actually thrive in small spaces like apartments, as long as they get enough exercise outside of the home (and you keep fragile things out of the reach of their giant tails).

An example of a fairly active large dog is the Bernese Mountain Dog. This animal weighing 35–55 kg belongs to the group of herding dogs and loves to be outdoors. If you are active and enjoy hiking, the Mountain Dog might be right for you. Remember that most large dogs in the working group require a fair amount of daily running and exercise, but the Dogue de Bordeaux, for example, will be happy to just go for a walk. This breed, which AKC notes became famous after the release of Turner and Hooch, may seem a bit complicated at first, but the dedication and well-bredness of these animals make them excellent four-legged friends for life. Finally, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog is a breed that, on the one hand, requires daily physical activity, and on the other hand, does not mind lying on the couch with you. The calm and affectionate nature of this dog with a soft and fluffy coat makes it a favorite of many fans of large breeds.

More dog – more cost

It is important to remember that larger animals need more food and more grooming, which comes at a higher cost. When deciding to adopt a large dog, you need to be sure that you are prepared for the extra expense. Large breed puppies will need to buy many different collars, beds and leashes before they reach their adult size. Some large breeds are more prone to hip and bone problems as they age, and you should talk to your veterinarian about conditions your puppy may develop in the future. To keep your costs out of control, follow your veterinarian’s advice on the most appropriate food selection, feeding schedule, and exercise for large breed pets. The best large breed dogs are healthy dogs, and in order to keep them healthy, you need to study their needs early and provide the right care in a timely manner. In addition, it should be remembered that large pets tend to age faster than their smaller relatives. They generally reach senior dog status earlier and generally have a shorter lifespan.

Finally, it should be noted that large breed dogs have access to many more things in the home. Generally speaking, they will perceive any food left on the table or near the stove as a snack waiting for them. What’s more, if you plan to let them climb on furniture, be prepared for the fact that you will constantly run into your pet, because they can take up an entire sofa! Because of their size and range, training these animals is critical to maintaining a healthy home environment. But don’t worry – these dogs are very often calm and quite capable of learning.

If you haven’t thought about a particular breed yet, then remember that there are hundreds of large dogs in shelters that need a permanent home. With such a huge selection of large and very large breeds, you are sure to find a dog that will hold a huge place in your heart.