Is a giant dog right for me?

When thinking about getting a dog, naturally one of the first questions is ‘what kind of dog is right for me?’ Many dog ​​lovers already have a particular breed in mind. If you prefer one of the larger dog breeds, here is some basic information on giant breeds.

The basics

To be classified as a giant, a breed must weigh more than 100 pounds. However, keep in mind that many can exceed 200 kilos. In fact, the largest dog on record was a UK mastiff that weighed in at 343 pounds.

large gentleman

Contrary to surprisingly common misconception, giant breeds are not dogs to be feared. There is a very good reason that large breeds are often referred to as ‘gentle giants’ and that is because they are generally calm, patient, affectionate and friendly with adults, children and other animals.

In fact, you’re much more likely to come across an aggressive Jack Russell Terrier than a slimy Saint Bernard. Quite simply, giant dogs can afford to be relaxed and calm because, let’s face it, who is going to fight them?

giant sloth

Hand in hand with the calm demeanor of a giant race is their lukewarm approach to physical exercise. That’s not to say that giant dogs don’t need daily exercise, because they obviously do. However, unlike a Dalmatian, a giant dog will not want to run around the backyard.

So you don’t have to have acres of land to have a giant dog. An average-sized family home should be adequate for the dog’s needs, but you should also consider your own needs, because a giant dog will be a very large presence in your home.

popular giant dog breeds

Saint Bernard

The Saint Bernard is an extremely popular giant breed. It is a very powerful dog that was bred as a search and rescue animal in the Swiss Alps (everyone knows the image of a large Saint Bernard with a barrel of brandy around his neck). Due to his training as a rescue dog, the Saint Bernard has forged a wonderful relationship with humans and is known to be very protective of his family. Saint Bernards are usually brown, white, and black in color. The Saint Bernard is highly recommended as a family pet, but you may want to consider that its long coat will shed profusely.

Newfoundland

Another firm favorite is the Newfoundland, which is another powerful animal. Originally bred as a water dog, the Newfoundland is a big fan of swimming and will take advantage of the family pool. The breed is most commonly black, but there are gray, brown, and white varieties as well. One of the facets of the Newfoundland that makes it particularly attractive as a family pet is its incredible relationship with children. In fact, a Newfoundland will often appoint himself the protector of any child in the family. Intelligent, obedient, and eager to please, Newfoundlands make great pets. However, as with the Saint Bernard, it will shed profusely.

the mastiff

The mastiff is usually tan with a black mask around the face. As mentioned above, the largest dog ever recorded is a mastiff, so they truly are giants of the dog world. Mastiffs are known to be wonderful watchdogs, but they are extremely affectionate with their families. It is their loyalty that makes them popular as pets. They are good with children and other animals.

Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees acquired its name from its use as a watchdog for animals in the Pyrenees. They are extremely attractive dogs with a magnificent long white coat (which, unsurprisingly, will shed). Of course, due to its original upbringing as a working dog, the Great Pyrenees is intelligent and eager to please its human. Also, the breed is comfortable around other animals and children.

Giant dogs can bring a lot of love and affection to a family, but it’s always a good idea to research an animal before welcoming it into your home to make sure you can keep it happy and healthy.