Large dog breeds offer impressive temperament and gentleness. If you are a dog lover, no matter how big your dog is or how cuddly he is, you may promptly adopt him. You may love a larger dog breed and may have a fondness for adapting them. Yet before welcoming a larger dog breed, you will have to make a few considerations.
Caring For Large Dog Breeds
The largest dog breeds are working breeds that were originally bred to perform tasks such as guarding, pulling heavy loads, or hunting. These dogs satisfy themselves when a job task is given to them to execute. If enough exercise and mental stimulation have been provided to this dog breed, they remain happy and satisfied.
Even though large dog breeds are protective, gentle, and caring, you may have to incur a huge cost on their food, preventatives, pet insurance, training, grooming, and veterinary expenses. caring for large dog breeds is more expensive than caring for smaller dog breeds.
What Is the Largest Dog Breed in the World
The largest dog in the world is typically a Mastiff. It sounds like “Massive”. Yes, despite syllable changes in “Mastiff” and “Massive”, it is the world’s largest dog breed. The most famous species of this breed is an Old English Mastiff named Accama Zorba of La-Sus. It weighs 343 pounds, claiming the title of the world’s heaviest dog, and is 8 feet and 3 inches long when measured from nose to tail.
Mastiffs are calm and gentle. They require a lot of space and food. You might have to spend a lot on caring for Mastiff. Yet, you might not regret how much ever you spend on him though, because of their loyal and protective nature.
Let’s get to know some of the largest dog breeds in world.
Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is one of the tallest dog breeds, often standing over seven feet tall when on their hind legs. They are originally bred for hunting wolves and large game in Ireland. These gentle giants have a calm and friendly temperament, making them excellent family pets. Despite their size, they are gentle in nature and dog lovers call them “gentle giants.” They require a spacious environment and regular exercise but are generally laid-back and enjoy lounging around the house. Their scruffy-looking pooches make you groom them regularly due to their coarseness and roughness.
Great Dane
Great Danes frequently top the list of the largest dog breeds, but despite their name, they aren’t Danish—they’re German! These gentle giants are incredibly loyal and sweet. They often try to sit on their owners’ laps, earning them the nickname of the world’s largest lap dogs. Great Danes make excellent pets for large apartments thanks to their easygoing nature, offering a perfect blend of size and temperament for those with enough space to accommodate them.
Newfoundland
One of the most iconic big black dog breeds, the Newfoundland, turns heads wherever it goes. These gentle giants also come in other colors, including chocolate brown. They have bred for the water, Newfoundland dogs have webbed feet and thick, water-resistant coats, making them perfect for diving into cold ocean waters and assisting fishermen in hauling nets. Their aquatic talents extend to being excellent search and rescue dogs.
Newfoundlands can grow up to 200 pounds and six feet from nose to tail. Despite their size and bear-like appearance, their gentle nature and fluffy fur make them incredibly huggable and endearing.
They are sweet in temperament, loyalty, and intelligence, making them wonderful family pets who are great with children and other animals. They have a great history of working alongside fishermen in Canada highlights their strength and endurance, qualities still evident in the breed today.
Scottish Deerhounds
Scottish Deerhounds are originally bred for hunting stags in the rugged terrain of the Scottish Highlands. Scottish Deerhounds are impressive in stature and graceful in demeanor. These dogs are tall and have lanky bodies and long legs, which are essential for their historical role in chasing down large game. Despite their height, their heads are relatively small in proportion, a distinctive feature that may seem unusual but is a hallmark of the breed’s elegant silhouette.
Scottish Deerhounds get huge recognition in medieval Scotland. The noble dog lovers owned them at the time, reflecting their esteemed status and the skill required to handle them. This breed’s sweet temperament and boundless energy make them excellent companions, but they need ample space to exercise and stretch their legs.
Given their history as hunters, they thrive in environments where they have room to run freely. If you are planning to welcome a Scottish Deerhound into your home, you have to prepare yourself to provide them with plenty of open space to accommodate their physical and mental needs.
Dogue de Bordeaux
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Unlike the Scottish Deerhound, the Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the French Mastiff, has a notably large head. This robust breed was historically employed for pulling carts and carrying heavy loads. Additionally, the Dogue de Bordeaux played a crucial role in guarding livestock and protecting castles, making it an ideal companion for feudal lords who needed both a protector and a working dog.
They thrive in environments that provide a substantial amount of room as they have high energy levels and as they need ample space to roam. A grand castle would be ideal. But also pet owners can accommodate them in a large, secure, and fenced yard if a sprawling estate is not available.
Saint Bernards
Saint Bernards has a storied history in the Swiss Alps. They have an impressive size and gentle nature. These dogs earned the title of “Saint” due to their pivotal role in rescuing stranded travelers over many centuries. Known for their extraordinary size, the largest recorded Saint Bernard tipped the scales at an astounding 336 pounds!
Their dense, fluffy coats and warm personalities make them natural cuddle buddies, especially hikers seeking comfort in harsh conditions. However, their affectionate nature, as depicted in the movie “Beethoven,” can sometimes be quite demanding, requiring patience and understanding.
Tibetan Mastiff
Was that thunder rumbling through the sky? It was just the deep, resonant bark of this impressive canine. The Tibetan Mastiff, known for its robust build and commanding presence, is a breed with a long lineage that significantly influences many modern dogs.
Historically, Tibetan Mastiffs were employed by nomadic tribes to safeguard their flocks from predators, which is why they are so deeply ingrained with protective instincts and territorial behavior. They require a leader who is not only firm but also patient to manage their strong-willed nature effectively.
While they are devoted and affectionate with their families, they tend to be wary and reserved around strangers. They serve as a formidable deterrent to any potential intruders, making them excellent watchdogs, given their powerful bark and imposing stature.
Leonberger
This isn’t a lion, though Leonberger’s appearance is strikingly similar to lion. The Leonberger is a large, fluffy dog breed specifically developed to resemble a lion. It has an impressive mane-like coat and a robust build. Known for their friendly and sociable nature, Leonbergers are affectionate with people and often serve as search-and-rescue dogs, particularly in countries like Italy and Germany.
They share a characteristic with the Newfoundland breed: webbed feet, which make them excellent swimmers. The Leonberger’s thick, lion-like coat requires extensive grooming to maintain its health and appearance; in fact, they shed a considerable amount of fur, enough to potentially form a new dog from the discarded hair.
They are sensitive and have a gentle temperament, they thrive on positive interactions and a cheerful environment, so be prepared to match their exuberant and affectionate demeanor with plenty of smiles.
Boerboel
The Boerboel is a robust and imposing breed. It was originally developed in South Africa. This breed was specifically used for the demanding environment of South African farms, where it had to endure extreme weather conditions and fend off large predators such as lions and hyenas. Boerboels possess a muscular build with a distinctively thick neck, which contributes to their formidable presence.
Despite their imposing appearance, they are generally known for their calm demeanor. Pet owners have to give them adequate physical exercise and mental stimulation. Boerboels are particularly good with children and families.
They have enough patience and affection. However, they are a strong-willed breed, so their owner needs to exhibit a confident and authoritative personality. Boerboels may assert their dominance, so the pet owners must give them good leadership that leads them to take charge of walks rather than being guided by their owners.
You may refer to the “Top 20 Largest Dog Breeds” for more details on the world’s largest dog breeds.
