Large dog breeds. Descriptions, names, nicknames and features of large dog breeds

Large dog breeds have many advantages. They have a very impressive and representative appearance, which can terrify any antisocial person. And for close people, these are the best and most tender friends.

Large dogs are excellent companions for walks in the city and hikes in the countryside. You can be absolutely sure that even in an unfamiliar place no one will lay a finger on you with such a dog.

The height at the withers of large breeds can be from 60 cm and above, weight - from 30 kg and more. Such dogs must have an appropriate living space, so a standard city apartment will not suit them.

To stay fit and healthy, large dogs require constant and rigorous exercise, including long walks or runs. Therefore, it is best to keep such a dog in a large house outside the city.

In large breed dogs, joint dysplasia often occurs with age, and gastric bloating or volvulus are also possible. You need to be prepared mentally and financially for treatment of other diseases characteristic of these breeds.

Remember that a big dog also means a big responsibility for its health and life. If you follow all the rules for caring for, feeding and raising a large dog, you will gain a true friend. The choice of such breeds is very extensive.

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English Mastiff

There is still debate as to what the largest dog breed . Some believe that it should be one of the representatives of the “wolfhounds”, but the majority still believe that it is an English mastiff.

This is a large animal, weighing more than 80 kg. Height – 75 cm. His physique is slender. The animal stands out with its massive head, which harmonizes well with other parts of the body. The color of the short coat is light apricot, but the muzzle has a dark “mask”. The mastiff's paws are slightly sloping, as are his shoulders. The chest is wide, and the tail is long and thick.

Unfortunately, such exterior features lead to frequent diseases, for example, elbow dysplasia. The English Mastiff also often suffers from leukemia, pyoderma and glaucoma. This dog is not only a loyal friend, but also an excellent guard. She quickly becomes attached to her owner and devotes her life to serving him.

Newfoundland

The Great Canadian breed has a fluffy and curly black coat that tolerates regular exposure to water. Large dogs grow up to 70 centimeters at the withers, are endowed with a gentle character, and are used as rescue dogs, guards and sometimes hunters.

The ancestors of the breed were Viking dogs, hence their good health, lack of fear of cold water, and also hunting instincts. It is interesting that it is difficult to imagine a modern Newfoundland in a fight with a bear, but this is exactly the type of hunting that was practiced with this breed. Now the breed has become a real favorite of large families, because a well-mannered representative of the breed is also a nanny for older children, capable of not only monitoring the child’s movement in the permitted territory, but also dragging him by the collar when trying to escape.

The breed is phlegmatic by temperament, which contributes to the formation of excess weight. To improve the health of this big guy, it is recommended to regularly take the dog for long walks and teach him to play active games from childhood.

Weimaraner

And this is a representative of hunting breeds, whose homeland is Germany. He is well versed in the terrain and has excellent instincts. The Weimaraner tracks game not only by smell, but also by its tracks on the ground. This large breed of dog looks very confident in the photo. It weighs about 45 kg and has a height of 65-75 cm.

The Weimaraner's psyche is quite stable; they are good-natured animals. These qualities make them good companions. However, they do not forgive insults. If you harm a dog once, he will remember it for the rest of his life. The animal has short dark gray or brown fur, very soft to the touch, large eyes and a slightly elongated muzzle.

Since the Weimaraner is a hunter, it needs to be walked for a long time, and at least 3 times a day. Otherwise, he will become sad. He is driven by the instincts of a hunter, therefore, sniffing out game is a priority task for him.

Particular attention should be paid to the animal's nutrition. Remember that food for large breed dogs should be premium, not economy class. But giving them human food, especially sweet ones, is not recommended.

Similar breeds

Great Danes are descended from mastiffs. Hence they contain:

threatening appearance;
strong backbone;
physical endurance;
fearlessness, courage.

Some breeds are similar to the Tibetan mastiff, endowed with rich fur that protects from bad weather. Most have short hair that needs to be combed out. In terms of working qualities, character, and exterior there are similarities with Molossoids.

Mixing with terriers gives the terrier-like Great Dane natural curiosity, courage, and determination. They have hunting instincts, manifested in the ability to catch up with prey, bite, and knock down.

Akita Inu

After the release of the film "Hachiko", everyone knows this cute dog as the most loyal of all. This is completely justifiable knowledge. The Akita Inu is an incredibly intelligent and loyal creature that centuries ago was used to guard the king and his family.

If you raise and train an animal correctly, it will serve you for a long time. But gaps in his upbringing are fraught with the formation of a bad character. A disobedient dog of impressive size is a big problem for the owner. However, difficulties in training an Akita Inu almost never arise, because it is an intelligent breed.

The body of the animal has long and very thick red-white hair (less often light gray). It somewhat resembles a fox. The dog's tail is long, rounded, its ears are small and erect. The owner of this animal should remember that it is quite noisy.

A dog of this breed can bark for any reason, however, the sounds it makes are very melodic. Beginning dog breeders are not recommended to get an Akita Inu, because it has a difficult character. For example, a newcomer may have difficulty suppressing her desire for dominance.

Irish Wolfhound

This is one of the most ancient breeds of dogs, which was used to hunt large animals. Two Irish wolfhounds were enough to kill a small bear. But this dog also had another purpose - protecting sheep from wolf attacks. Today, such a dog lives side by side with a person without any specific purpose. She is a wonderful companion and loyal friend.

The Irish Wolfhound is one of the largest breeds in the world. Many people may be scared when they look at her, but in vain, because she is a very kind dog who almost never behaves aggressively. However, if this dog feels threatened by another person, an enemy of its owner, it will confidently fight back.

The height at the withers of this dog is more than 80 cm, it weighs about 50 kg. Its fur is quite rough to the touch. By the way, it is long and lies in different directions. Its color can be brown, gray, apricot or black. If you already have dogs at home, then do not be afraid to get an Irish Wolfhound, he will certainly make friends with them. This dog also gets along well with small children.

The largest dog breeds. Top 30 (with photos)

29th place: Deerhound (Scottish deerhound) is one of the most ancient breeds of European hunting greyhounds, mentions of which were first recorded in Scottish chronicles back in the 16th century. The average weight of males is 40-50 kg, females - 35-43 kg, the minimum height is 75 cm for males and 70 cm for females. Amazing sense of smell and excellent reaction make Deerhounds natural hunters. They are very active, resilient, balanced, love children, are easy to train and easily remember commands.

28th place: Cane Corso (another name is Italian Mastiff ) is a breed from Italy that traces its roots to dogs used in war by the ancient Romans. Cane Corsos are focused on protection and security. The average height of males is from 64 to 72 cm, weight 45-50 kg. The average height of females is 60-64 cm, weight 40-45 kg.

27th place: The Russian Borzoi is a breed of hunting dog that dates back to the 17th century. The height at the withers of males is from 75 to 86 cm, females - 68 to 78 cm. Weight is 36-61 kg.

26th place: Dogo Argentino (another name is Argentine Mastiff ) is a hunting dog breed bred in Argentina in the 20s of the 20th century. The average weight of males is 45-65 kg, females 40-55 kg. Average height: males 60-68 cm, females 60-65 cm.

25th place: American Akita (another name is the large Japanese dog ) is a dog breed that arose in the USA after World War II on the basis of the ancient Japanese Akita Inu breed (the famous dog Hachiko belonged to this breed). Americans and Canadians do not consider the American Akita a separate breed, holding the view that the American and Japanese Akita are two varieties of the same Akita breed. Males of the American Akita breed weigh 45-66 kg with a height of 66-71 cm, females weigh 36-54 kg and a height of 61-66 cm. Japanese Akitas are shorter and lighter.

24th place: South Russian Shepherd Dog is a herding breed bred by the landowner Falz-Fein (1863-1920) in the south of Ukraine. There is an opinion that the ancestors of this breed were brought from Germany, and the breed itself is identical with the Old German, Old French and Old English Sheepdog (this type of Shepherd almost disappeared in Europe, but in our country, thanks to large-scale sheep breeding, they multiplied as guards against wolves and were preserved). The average height of males is 65–66 cm, females 62–66 cm, the average weight of dogs of both sexes is from 48 to 50 kg. This dog is not suitable for older people and people with poor health, as it requires an active lifestyle.

In the photo - South Russian Shepherd and Fox Terrier

23rd place: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a dog breed native to the Swiss Alps. The height of males of this breed is 65-72 cm, weight 50-64 kg, the height of females is 60-69 cm, weight 48-54 kg. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is not suitable for living in the city; it needs space, fresh air and exercise.

22nd place: Dogue de Bordeaux is an ancient French dog breed belonging to the mastiff group. In the Middle Ages they were used as hunting and fighting dogs, and today they are known for their excellent watchdog qualities and calm, friendly character. The minimum weight of these powerful, muscular animals is 45 kg for females and 52 kg for males. The height at the withers for females varies from 57 to 65 cm, for males - from 60 to 69 cm.

21st place: The Bullmastiff is a large breed of domestic dog, bred by English gamekeepers in the 19th century to protect estates. The height of bullmastiff males at the withers ranges from 64 to 71 cm, weight - from 50 to 59 kg. Females weigh on average from 45 to 54 kg, and their height varies from 61 to 66 cm. Brave, loyal, calm and balanced - this is how the character of bullmastiffs can be described. They are very disciplined, intelligent animals, easy to train and, having an excellent sense of smell, are wonderful bloodhounds.

20th place: Black Russian Terrier is a working dog breed bred in the USSR. The average weight of males is 50-60 kg, height 72-78 cm, for females the following indicators: weight 45-50 kg, height 68-74. This dog is not meant to be chained. The Black Russian Terrier requires constant communication with the owner, the family in which he lives.

19th place: The Anatolian Shepherd (Kangal) is an ancient breed of dog originally from Eastern Anatolia, Turkey, where it is still highly valued as a herding guard dog. The height at the withers, depending on the gender, can range from 71 to 81 cm, weight - from 40 to 65 kg. Kangals are very loyal, obedient, energetic, love children, have a sharp mind and are easy to train.

18th place: Komondor (Hungarian Shepherd) is a large breed of shepherd dog known for its unusual appearance. Its massive body is covered with long white hair, curled into original cords. The average height of males is 70-80 cm, females - 65-70 cm, the weight of the former ranges from 50 to 60 kg, and of the latter - from 40 to 50 kg. Intelligent and balanced, Komondors are used as guard dogs; they are very affectionate and loyal, and easily adapt to life in urban environments.

17th place: The Pyrenees Mountain Dog is a breed of large working dog that originates from France. For hundreds of years, representatives of this breed were used by shepherds to guard livestock on the steep slopes of the Pyrenees Mountains. These gentle, strong-willed, good-natured and intelligent dogs have a strong physique and an elegant appearance. The height of males ranges from 70-81 cm, weight - 50-54 kg, as for females, their height at the withers is 65-75 cm, and weight is 36-41 kg.

16th place: Buryat-Mongolian wolfhound (another name is Khotosho ) is an ancient breed of dog, common in Buryatia and surrounding areas. According to the breed standard, males must be at least 74 cm, females - at least 66 cm. Weight - from 45 to 70 kg. Dogs of this breed have long lived at Buddhist monasteries and guarded herds of cattle, camels, and flocks of sheep. The Buryats and Mongols often used these dogs for hunting. Now Khotosho is a guard and guard dog, companion and bodyguard, used in searching for people in emergency situations.

15th place: The Caucasian Shepherd is one of the oldest breeds, whose homeland is the Caucasus. Representatives of this breed are characterized by a strong type of constitution and fairly large growth. The height at the withers, depending on the sex of the animal, varies from 64 to 75 cm, and the weight of adult individuals is 45-90 kg. Caucasian Shepherds have a decisive and courageous character and are distrustful of strangers. They are distinguished by their special endurance and undemanding nature, capable of adapting to any climatic conditions.

14th place: Kuvasz is an ancient breed of working dogs of Hungarian origin. In the Middle Ages, their status was so high that only royalty or people close to them were allowed to own a dog of this breed. The weight of males ranges from 48-90 kg, height at the withers - 70-76 cm, average weight of females - 34-68 kg, height - 65-70 cm. Kuvasz are strong, brave, loyal dogs that are very easy to keep.

13th place:
The Irish Wolfhound is a large breed of hunting dog that arose as a result of crossing dogs brought by the Celts to Ireland with local baiting dogs.
It has the status of one of the tallest dog breeds in the world. According to existing standards, the minimum height should be 79 cm (males) and 71 cm (females), and the minimum weight should be 54.5 kg and 40.5 kg. Despite their impressive size, Irish wolfhounds are by nature very quiet and calm creatures. They are loyal and loving dogs, great with children and relatively easy to train. 12th place: Neapolitan Mastiff (Mastino Napoletano) is a working breed of dog that appeared in the south of the Apennine Peninsula in ancient times. Since ancient times they have been used as guard dogs. Neapolitan Mastiffs have a strong, rough type of constitution. The height at the withers for females is 60-74 cm, for males - 65-79 cm. The weight of males ranges from 60 to 70 kg, females - from 50 to 60 kg. In addition to good guarding qualities, representatives of this breed are known for their playful and very friendly character in a home atmosphere.

11th place: Central Asian Shepherd Dog (other names - Turkmen Wolfhound or Alabai ) is an ancient breed of dog, native to the regions of Central Asia. The average height at the withers for males is 70-75 cm, for females - 65-69 cm. Weight can range from 50 to 80 kg for males and from 40 to 65 kg for females. Dogs of this breed do an excellent job as guards and security guards. Although Alabais seem clumsy, slow and very calm, they have an explosive character, excellent reaction and a strong, muscular body.

10th place: Leonberger is a large breed of dog, bred in 1846 in the German city of Leonberg by crossing St. Bernards, Newfoundlands and Pyrenean shepherds. The height of males ranges from 72-80 cm, and weight – 54-77 kg. The weight of females is 45-61 kg, the height at the withers is 65-75 cm. The Leonberger is a large and attractive dog type. They have a unique character that has created a reputation as an ideal family dog with a special love for children. Representatives of the breed are characterized as loyal, intelligent, easily trained, sensible dogs with excellent watchdog qualities.

9th place: Moscow Watchdog is a large working dog, bred in the 50s of the 20th century in Russia by crossing the following breeds: Caucasian Shepherd Dog, St. Bernard, Russian Piebald Hound. According to breed standards, the preferred height for males is 77-78 cm (minimum height 68 cm), the preferred height for females is 72-73 cm (minimum 66 cm), the minimum weight for males is 60 kg, females - 45 kg. The Moscow Guard is a self-confident, balanced, independent and sociable dog. It has excellent watchdog and security qualities. These dogs know no fear and never back down.

8th place: Boerboel is a breed of working dog with excellent guarding qualities, bred in South Africa in the 17th century. This is a large, hardy, powerful dog with good reaction and flexibility. The height of males at the withers is 64-70 cm, females - 59-65 cm, the weight of representatives of both sexes ranges from 70 to 90 kg. Boerboels need constant attention and care, which will consist not only of affection, but also of regular training and physical activity.

7th place: Newfoundland (diver) is a popular giant dog breed native to the northeast coast of Canada. They were originally used as working dogs for fishermen. With their webbed feet, water-repellent coat, and natural swimming ability, Newfoundlands are excellent lifeguards. Males usually weigh 60-70 kg, females - 45-55 kg. Some members of the breed have been known to weigh over 90 kg. The largest Newfoundland record holder weighed 120 kg. The height of males ranges from 69-75 cm, and females - 63-68 cm. They are known for their gigantic size, enormous strength and extremely affectionate nature. In addition, they have high intelligence and the ability to make independent decisions.

As for enormous strength, this is not an exaggeration: the strongest dog in proportion to its own weight is a Newfoundland named Barbara Allens Dark Hans, weighing 44 kg, which dragged 2289 kg along a concrete surface in Bothell (USA) on July 20, 1979.

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6th place:
The Tibetan Mastiff is one of the most ancient breeds, which served in the monasteries of Tibet as a guard dog, and also accompanied nomads in the Himalayan mountains.
Height at the withers: males - 66-81 cm, females - 61-71 cm. Weight of males varies from 60 to 82 kg, females - from 40 to 60 kg. The Tibetan Mastiff is a very calm, reserved, obedient dog that combines the ability to guard the home and be a good friend to the family in which it lives. The main distinguishing feature of the breed is its amazing cleanliness (somewhat similar to that of a cat). Interesting fact: a representative of the Tibetan mastiff breed named Hong Dong is the most expensive dog in the world, for which a coal magnate from China paid 1.5 million euros. 5th place: Great Dane is the tallest dog breed in the world. The minimum height at the withers for males is 80 cm, for females - 72 cm, the weight of males can range from 54 to 91 kg, the weight of females is 45-59 kg. The record holder of this breed is a gigantic Great Dane from Michigan named Zeus, whose height is 111.8 cm, and standing on his hind legs, he reaches 2.2 m in height . The giant's weight is 70.3 kg. These large dogs combine power and nobility, strength and elegance. Great Danes can be described as kind, affectionate, loyal and obedient dogs.

In the photo - the tallest dog (Great Dane) and the smallest dog (Chihuahua)

4th place: The Pyrenean Mastiff is a breed of giant dog originally from Aragon, Spain. Representatives of this breed, which appeared in southwestern Europe in the company of Asian traders, were initially used as herding dogs. Pyrenean Mastiffs are very large dogs: the height of males is 77-81 cm, females - 72-75 cm. The average weight is 70-81 kg, although males weighing more than 100 kg can often be found. Pyrenean Mastiffs are known to be exceptionally intelligent and reliable dogs. Due to the remarkable qualities inherent in dogs of this breed, today they are often used as bodyguards and security guards.

3rd place: The Saint Bernard is a giant-sized dog breed descended from working dogs from the Italian and Swiss Alps, which were originally bred as rescue dogs. These are very strong, large dogs, whose height is 65-80 cm in females and 70-90 cm in males. According to breed standards, the weight of a St. Bernard should be above 80 kg; the most common dogs are more than 80 cm tall and weigh more than 100 kg. A St. Bernard named Benedictine, who weighed 166.4 kg, went down in history as the heaviest dog. Another St. Bernard named Major F. was recognized as the longest dog in the world, its length was 2 meters 59 cm . The calm, sensitive and friendly nature makes St. Bernards ideal companions.

2nd place: The Spanish Mastiff is a breed of giant dog native to Extremadura, Spain. Initially, the breed was used to protect livestock from wolves and other predators. The height of a male Spanish Mastiff ranges from 77-88 cm, weight - 80-120 kg, the height of a female at the withers is 72-88 cm, weight - 70-100 kg. This noble giant will be a wonderful friend to all family members and a reliable guard at home.

1st place: The English Mastiff is an old English breed of dog that holds the status of the largest dog breed in the world. The average height of these giants is 69-91 cm, and weight can vary from 68 to 110 kg for males and from 54 to 91 kg for females. The record holder of this breed is a huge English mastiff named Aikama Zorbo, who was included in the Guinness Book of Records with a height of 94 cm and a weight of 155.58 kg . Aristocratic Mastiffs are known for their strength, courage, poise and peacefulness. They cope well with both the role of a guard dog and the role of a companion dog.

South African Boerboel

Classic guard dog. She comes from Africa. It has excellent endurance and excellent health. It is worth noting that the South African Boerboel has many opponents. The reason is that these dogs often attacked people, the consequences of their attack were severe. Yes, this is a serious animal, bred specifically to protect people and territory, however, with the right approach to its upbringing, it will not grow up to be aggressive.

Advice! When training a Boerboel, you can use harnesses for large breed dogs . If he starts to resist following you, they need to be tightened further. The height at the withers of the animal is 65 cm, it weighs about 85 kg. The dog has a large, wide muzzle. The color of the short coat is fawn, less often brindle.

To turn a puppy of this breed into a well-mannered, balanced dog, he needs to be regularly monitored in order to correct his behavior. If he barks at every person who comes, there will be a need for a light punishment. You cannot hit a Boerboel, like any other dog, as this will make him angry and overly suspicious. This is an intelligent breed that responds to the emotions of its owner.

Advantages and disadvantages of giant dogs

Giant-sized pets have both positive and negative qualities. Their undoubted advantages include:

Good nature.
Predominance of balance and calm.
Contact and love for spending time together with the owner.
Ease of training.
Reliability and devotion.
Excellent guard and security qualities.
Lack of inclination to harm and spoil things.
Endurance.
Lack of love for frequent or causeless barking.
Impressive appearance.

The disadvantages of large pets are:

Relatively short life expectancy.
Significant costs of maintenance and especially food.
Fairly poor health and the need for regular veterinary supervision.
Large dimensions requiring adequate space.
A certain level of laziness.
Excessive saliva production, which can be a problem in keeping your home clean.
High cost of puppies.
Labor-intensive care.

Central Asian Shepherd Dog (Alabai)

If you dream of having a charming puppy who will fetch you a ball and play tag, then Alabai is not your option. The dog is incredibly loyal, ready to risk his life for the sake of his owner, but you shouldn’t expect games and funny behavior from him. Previously, Central Asian Shepherd Dogs were used to guard livestock, but today they are actively exploited in the military sphere.

Alabai is a large dog endowed with a sharp mind, excellent endurance and strength. He has virtually no fear, however, this does not prevent him from remaining observant and cautious. The breed quickly adapts and socializes. This dog gets along well with pets and children. Moreover, she shows concern for them.

With the wrong approach to training, an alabai can become a dangerous animal that attacks every person who comes into the house. These are beautiful dogs with small ears and thick, dense hair of different colors (black, white, red, gray).

Alabai (weight – 50-80 kg, height – 70-75 cm)

The Alabai, or Central Asian Shepherd Dog, has been serving man since very ancient times. Thus, in Turkmenistan, archaeologists found terracotta figurines of the 2nd-4th centuries, which are dedicated to large, broad-chested dogs with an impressive head. For centuries, these shepherds have protected their owners, guarded houses and herded herds. It is only outwardly that Alabai seem slow - they have a quick reaction and a difficult, stern disposition.

Alabais are also known as Turkmen wolfhounds. Today the breed is considered a symbol of this country. And in November 2022, a 15-meter gilded monument to Alabai was even erected in Ashgabat. The largest representative of the breed lives today in Russia. A shepherd named Bulldozer weighs 125 kg and eats 5 kg of meat and 10 liters of porridge per day.

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Dogo Argentino

If your territory needs protection, then you cannot find a better dog. The Dogo Argentino is a traditional watchdog that rarely gets sick and is almost easy to care for. The dog's height is 65 cm, weight is 60 kg. The Dogo Argentino boasts well-developed muscles. He has a massive and slender physique. Most often, the short fur of this animal is colored white.

This is not only hardy and strong, but also an inquisitive and active dog. Unfortunately, it is difficult for her to get along with other pets, since, by nature, she is very jealous. The Dogo Argentino will not forgive its owner for betrayal or neglect. It requires regular attention and care.

If you raise such a dog, raising him with love and respect, he will serve faithfully. Well, if you offend him and don’t pay attention, on the contrary, the dog will become embittered and distant. Important! Large breed dogs should be delivered by a professional. A pregnant animal should be taken to a veterinarian after its water breaks.

Greyhound

Greyhounds, also called Russian wolfhounds, are known for their signature elongated snouts (some reach 20-23 cm in length). The smooth “gait” and hanging silky hair made these dogs excellent companions for representatives of the Russian aristocracy in their time.

Greyhounds thrive in calm environments and require gentle handling.

Malamute

The body of this strong animal is incredibly resilient. Malamute is a kind, courageous, courageous and persistent dog that quickly becomes attached to its owner. This is one of the oldest breeds of domestic dogs.

Remember, keeping a Malamute in a cramped apartment is prohibited. If you do not provide him with the proper conditions, first of all, if you do not provide him with a large space, he will run wild, become withdrawn and detached.

This breed is very active. The animal loves to spend time outdoors, rummaging in the ground, snow, sand. He also likes to search the area for objects hidden by the owner.

German dog

The animal is famous for its long slender legs. Its standard height is 75 cm. It weighs from 60 to 80 kg. In the dog world, the Great Dane is a true giant. But despite its enormous size, it is not evil. On the contrary, the breed is unusually friendly, playful and affectionate.

Lovers of exotic animals can safely own this animal, because it will never offend them. In addition, he gets along well with children. As a guard or protector, the Great Dane is completely useless. He will warmly welcome thieves who come to the house, without knowing their intentions. Attackers may be afraid, perhaps, of its impressive size.

The color of the animal is often spotted. Some individuals resemble Dalmatians, others resemble classic Weimaraners. There are gray, white, apricot, black and brown Great Danes. Their fur is short, their ears droop, and their cheeks droop.

Origin

Several thousand years ago, huge, ferocious dogs were brought to the territory of modern Britain. We are talking about the Molossian Dogs, famous for their size and cruelty, bred in Ancient Rome. They came to Great Britain along with Roman soldiers during long campaigns of conquest.

The Romans left, but the dogs remained. Several centuries later, there were several types of Great Danes: hunting, Danish, wild boar and German. The main selection work aimed at breeding the latter began to be carried out in the middle of the 19th century. Otto von Bismarck, the then Chancellor of Germany, had a hand in the appearance of the breed. The Count was famous for his love for the representatives of the breed; at his suggestion, its first standard was approved in 1880.

Want to know about the largest Great Dane in the world? Be patient, there is a separate subsection dedicated to it.

Dogue de Bordeaux

A specific feature of the breed is a serious look. However, despite the enormous body weight and wide muzzle, the Dogue de Bordeaux cannot be called an angry dog. Yes, his character is difficult. He often shows stubbornness and resentment, however, this does not prevent the animal from remaining faithful to its owner.

Despite the seriousness in his gaze, this dog becomes very attached to the person raising him, remaining faithful to him throughout his life. With people who treat the Dogue de Bordeaux well, he will be gentle and loving.

This breed is considered one of the most cautious and suspicious. She will never offend her owner and members of his family, but she will also not attack others unnecessarily.

Due to its strong attachment to people living nearby, the dog will prefer to share sofas, beds, and even a table with them. However, you should not spoil such a pet too much. The Dogue de Bordeaux is a very strong animal with short red hair, drooping cheeks, ears and folds on the muzzle.

Negative sides

Is there a world's largest Great Dane? More likely no than yes. But German exists, it is written about below. This section describes in detail the disadvantages of representatives of the breed:

Great Danes are phlegmatic. Because of this, they seem to be clueless and resistant to training. Giant dogs are smart, but they require patience to train.
Representatives of the breed often have health problems. Hip dysplasia, entropion of the eyelids, fragility and fragility of bones are the minimum diseases from which the animal suffers.
When a charming puppy appears in the house, it is important to let him know who occupies a leading position in the hierarchy. If you miss this moment, the baby will take advantage of the current situation. Phlegmatic and sweet giants masterfully know how to manipulate their owners.

Wolfdog

A rather rare breed, which was bred by crossing a shepherd and a wolf. From the first she inherited friendliness and intelligence, and from the second she inherited a developed sense of territoriality and the need to communicate with similar individuals.

Despite the fact that the wolf-dog has dog genes, it is completely different from this canine. Their gait, appearance and even their gaze were borrowed from the wolf. At night, he may even start howling at the moon. To raise a puppy of this breed into a well-mannered dog, he needs to be trained daily. Any behavioral resemblance to its wild counterpart must be condemned.

The wolf dog is a strong, morally stable breed that does not know fear or retreat. He will never allow his owner to be harmed. However, an inexperienced dog breeder may have difficulty raising this pet. The fact is that the dog is prone to dominance, and this quality must be fought. Otherwise, it will become uncontrollable.

Where to buy a puppy?

What the largest Great Dane looks like is written above, as well as the breed standard. We kindly ask those who want to have such a pet: buy it only in a specialized nursery. When purchasing a puppy without documents, there is a risk of running into a sick baby or one with an unstable psyche. In city life, the last option is the most frightening.

The price for a good puppy with a pedigree, vaccinations and checks for dysplasia starts from 50,000 rubles.

When choosing a future pet, pay attention to its appearance:

Clean and shiny eyes indicate the health of the baby.
The coat should be soft, without greasy coating. The presence of dandruff on the baby's hair is unacceptable.
The skin color is soft pink, without any spots, dots or stripes. If you notice red dots on the skin, forget about buying a puppy from this kennel. He is allergic, and the owner does not bother much about selecting high-quality food for small Great Danes.

Moscow watchdog

From the name of the breed it is clear that it was introduced for the purpose of protecting the territory. She has well-developed powers of observation and a territorial sense. The Moscow Watchdog has a massive body (weight - 40-50 kg), tall stature and thick fur. Outwardly, it resembles a hybrid of a St. Bernard and a Caucasian Shepherd Dog.

The priority task for this dog is to protect the territory where the owner and his family live. The dog is suspicious of people who come to see it, but is not aggressive, but only on condition that the owner himself let them in. No one without his permission will dare to set foot on the land guarded by the Moscow watchdog; she will not allow it.

This is a very noisy dog that can bark at anyone who comes close to its territory. So, she is trying to communicate her watchdog intentions. Despite the willfulness of the breed, it is quite easy to train. But there is no need to teach the Moscow guard, because this is inherent in it by nature.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

One of the largest and most ancient breeds. The dog's height is more than 70 cm, and its weight is more than 65 kg. He was brought out in the Caucasus. The animal is not at all afraid of the cold, because it is protected by long thick fur. Individuals with short hair are rarely found.

Interesting fact! Until the Caucasian Shepherd is six months old, its ears must be cropped. The fact is that many centuries ago, this breed was used to protect domestic sheep from wolves. A fight with these predators could lead the dog to defeat due to the fact that it would protect its vulnerable spot, its ears.

The character of this animal is strong and persistent. If you raise a puppy with love and care, he will not grow up to be an aggressive dog towards others. He needs to be trained regularly.

Saint Bernard

The Saint Bernard is one of the top five largest dogs in the world. This breed was bred for rescue work in the Alps. The height of the average representative of the breed is up to 90 cm and weighs more than 100 kg.

Among the St. Bernards there are three leaders who are distinguished by their appearance:

The first is a dog named Benedictine. He weighed more than 166 kg, for which he received the title of “The heaviest dog in the world.”
The second is a male named Major F. His peculiarity is that his body length from the tip of his nose to his tail is 2.59 cm.
The third is a dog named Brandy. He entered the Guinness Book of Records in 1977 as “The Strongest Dog” after he was able to pull a carriage with rails weighing 2 tons 905 kg over a distance of 4.57 m in 90 seconds.

The St. Bernard's appearance can be deceiving. While seemingly calm and slow, the dog instantly shows agility and swiftness. The breed is suitable for protecting owners and guarding.

Leonberger

Another large breed known for its friendliness. Initially, it was bred in Germany to guard territory and carry heavy loads, but the Leonberger's gentle nature could hardly scare away intruders. Therefore, today he is known as the traditional family companion dog.

A huge advantage of this breed is its good intellectual potential. Many dog handlers consider her to be one of the smartest dogs. The animal quickly “grabs on the fly” everything that is taught to it. Love for people became the reason to use him as a guide.

The Leonberger has a light long coat that is very soft to the touch. He is distinguished not only by his good-natured attitude towards people, but also by his suspicion of strangers. However, we should not forget that this breed was bred for protection.

Komondor (weight – 50-60 kg, height – 70-80 cm)

This dog is also known as the Hungarian Shepherd. Among all other large breeds, the Commander stands out due to its appearance - it is a real wolf in sheep's clothing. The peaceful appearance with long, corded fur is combined with the strength of a shepherd and powerful jaws. Thanks to the unusual cover, the dog is both protected from overheating and camouflaged among the sheep. Dog handlers believe that such an unusual coat is an inheritance from their ancestors, shaggy shepherd dogs. But the Hungarians like the legend about the appearance of the Komondor as a result of the connection between a wolf and a sheep.

Strong immunity allows dogs to adapt to any weather conditions. A calm nature helps you interact with people. Today, Komondors, as before, herd flocks of sheep and serve as watchmen.

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Bobtail

The peculiarity of the breed is long hair, often white and black, covering the entire body, even the muzzle. Because of it, it will not be possible to see the animal’s eyes. This is a very kind and intelligent dog, which, however, can be used to guard the territory. Previously, it was intended to protect livestock from wolves.

The character of a bobtail depends 100% on the characteristics of its upbringing. A dog of this breed that has grown up in love will be distinguished by its attachment to its owner and a gentle attitude towards others, but dogs that have been offended, on the contrary, will become embittered and distrustful. Most bobtails are playful, friendly and very active. They adore children and enjoy playing with them.

How to choose the best puppy

The upbringing of the dog depends on how seriously the future owner approaches this issue. The following is required:

study the characteristics of the breed, its history, examples;
choose a nursery or breeders offering offspring from good sires for sale; consult with experts about the gender, age of the puppies, and behavioral characteristics.
Orientation – dog size. A small dog will grow into a huge, healthy, strong dog that will need a lot of exercise.
A conscientious owner, the seller will boast of titles, awards, and the pedigree of his parents. Cleanliness of lines is an important factor influencing the future of a dog. Upon purchase, a purchase and sale agreement, a veterinary passport, and a puppy card are drawn up.

Greyhound

The breed was bred in England to hunt large animals. Greyhounds are distinguished by their huge long legs, thin body and elongated snout. Such a dog can easily catch a fox or a hare.

He is distinguished by incredible devotion, sharp mind and quick reaction. Despite the impressive size of the animal, it is not at all dangerous to others, even to small children. However, with his owner’s other pets, the dog behaves quite reservedly.

To feel comfortable, the Greyhound needs a large territory. He needs to be walked daily, even if you live in a private house. And if you want to teach this dog commands, prepare a treat, because without reward, he will not carry them out.

Advantages and disadvantages

Among the positive features are the following:

chic, aristocratic look, emphasized elegance;
the ability to remain calm in the most difficult moments;
the opportunity to spend free time outdoors and nature;
minimal care.

While raising the breed, the owner learns a lot about its characteristics, shares his experience with others, and finds new friends and associates.

The negative aspects are the size of the pet. All mastiffs are distinguished by truly gigantic parameters among dogs. Attentive attitude and canine experience will allow you to raise a true friend.

Doberman Pinscher

Everyone knows this short-haired black dog with long straight ears. Dobermans are wonderful companions, excellent watchdogs and protectors. They have a well-developed sense of territoriality, they easily learn and adapt to new conditions.

Doberman is a wayward breed of dog that chooses one owner for its entire life. He does not forgive insults and evil towards himself. The dog is very demanding of the people around him and tends to dominate. For this reason, it should only be trained by an experienced dog breeder.

Among the advantages of the breed:

Easy care.
Sharp mind, quick learner.
Observation.
Fast adaptation.
Friendly attitude towards others.

The Doberman Pinscher has not only fans, but also opponents. There are many known cases of their attacks on people, some even resulting in death. However, it is known for sure that in the absence of provocation, these dogs do not attack. It is worth remembering that the Doberman is a watchdog, therefore, without the owner’s permission, you cannot enter his territory.

Features of maintenance and care

A dog that requires a special approach. Simple rules will help you raise a good friend, a reliable assistant:

First, consider the location of the bed. Most mastiff-type dogs have a coat without undercoat. They are afraid of drafts, dampness, and changes in humidity. A place for a dog to rest is a warm bedding located in a convenient place.
The size of the Great Dane does not allow it to be kept in a small apartment. For a stately, aristocratic, strong dog, dwellings with a large area and kennels are needed.
The dog is prone to being overweight and obese. You need long-term exercise, hour-long walks, running, jumping. Availability of free time is another factor.
It is not advisable to own a Great Dane breed for those who do not have canine experience. By nature, dogs are independent and stubborn. Some of them are prone to aggressive behavior. This must be stopped by the ability to manage behavior.

A varied diet will help you quickly build a healthy body. The dog food industry offers a variety of prepared foods to choose from. Consult your veterinarian about a particular type of food. You can cook it yourself, but you will have to calculate the full supply of vitamins and microelements.

Does not require constant bathing. During shedding, the coat needs to be brushed daily. Folds in the skin need to be treated.

Irish Setter

It is impossible not to notice this large, bright red dog with long wavy hair. She is very beautiful, lively and incredibly charming. The animal is considered an excellent hunter, but today it is more valued as a companion. Due to its excessive activity, keeping an Irish Setter is not easy.

He is inquisitive, active and very gentle with the people around him, especially with children. The animal cannot bear parting with its owner. If, for some reason, he senses imminent separation, he loses his appetite and becomes apathetic. Bird hunting is the Irish Setter's favorite pastime.

Dachshund

It is impossible to imagine a list of long-faced dogs without the dachshund. The extra long body, drooping ears and elongated muzzle made the pet extremely popular. At the same time, the owner does not need to create certain conditions for the animal to feel happy.

Since Dachshunds are prone to aggression, early socialization and training are necessary to prevent negative behavior.

Cane Corso

The animal harmoniously combines the qualities of a hunter and a watchman. The Cane Corso is a strong and fearless dog breed that adores its owner and does not tolerate strangers. You don’t have to count on an adult dog of this breed being nice to parishioners. Therefore, in order to avoid an unpleasant incident, when guests arrive, it should be locked in an enclosure.

The dog's weight is about 50 kg, height is 65 cm. Its coat is smooth and short, color is black. Light-colored individuals are less common. Cane Corso is an owner, he will not tolerate betrayal. It chooses one owner and remains faithful to him throughout its life. It is important for him that the owner shows care and love. When a dog has a reason to be jealous, it makes it aggressive.

The largest Great Danes living in the world

So, which representatives of the breed are the largest? The photo shows the largest Great Dane in the world. His name was George, a blue dog lived in America, along with his owners. The giant's weight reached 111 kg, height - 110 cm at the withers. George's height, standing on his hind legs, exceeded all conceivable and inconceivable limits. He was 213 cm.

The dog died in 2013, a few days before his 8th birthday.

He was replaced by a Great Dane named Zeus. This male is 1 cm taller than his predecessor, his height is 111 cm.

Labrador Retriever

And if you want to have a large, good-natured friend at home who will get along with children and other pets, then the Labrador Retriever is your option. The dog is famous for its gentle and playful attitude towards others. But, it is worth keeping in mind that a spoiled dog of this breed can become uncontrollable, therefore, a big problem for the family.

The Labrador's love for people became the reason for using it in rescue operations, helping the blind, etc. It is not only an excellent assistant, but also a faithful friend. Some dogs of this breed are even used as psychotherapists. They feel people's emotions, and if they are negative, they try to stop them, surrounding the person with tenderness.

There are black, apricot, white and brown representatives of this breed. Regardless of your choice of pet, don't forget to give it a name. Popular names for large breed dogs :

For a boy: Oscar, Lord, Wolf, Jazz, Joy, Archie, Boy, Vulcan, Bruce.
For girls: Marta, Zita, Jessie, Zlata, Lucky, Ista, Millie, Sonya, Dora.

Character

The Great Dane is the largest dog among numerous breeds. A king among dogs, he has a noble disposition.

Puppies are restless and curious, their charming nose will go everywhere it fits. It is advisable to remove wires, adapters, and Internet cables from the puppy’s field of vision, because the baby will taste everything that comes his way. The same problem with clothes and shoes, Great Dane puppies will definitely recognize their taste.

The biggest Great Dane willingly makes contact, what can we say about a puppy exploring the world. He will not demand every minute affection, because representatives of the breed have a sense of self-esteem. In order to show its affection for the owner, the small pet follows on his heels, tries not to let him out of sight, and at the first opportunity lies down at his feet. Such is the case with a matured dog, which has realized that the owner is the leader of the pack.

How to raise a dog? First of all, you need to know about her mental abilities. Great Danes are highly trainable and do not have the innate stubbornness that other large breeds have. However, there is one caveat: the dog requires a respectful attitude towards his person. An attempt to subdue him using physical force will end in complete failure. The dog will stop accepting the sadistic owner, or even fight back for himself.

It is advisable for people taking their first steps in the world of dogs to acquire a different breed. The Great Dane is the largest dog among other representatives of this or that breed, and it is quite difficult to cope with him. Without experience in raising dogs, you can end up with a huge phlegmatic machine, which at the moment of danger becomes an angry monster. It is more appropriate to remain silent about the number of crippled people and animals that fell under the dog’s hot paw.