Giant dog breeds are perfect for families, despite the fact that their size can be intimidating to some. Learn about The 10 Largest Canine Species today. While the tiny paws of a teacup puppy may be a source of joy for some, there are those who would prefer a dog with more muscle. Despite their large size, which makes them the best cuddle companions and, when well socialized, can become amazing family members.
Giant dog breeds can be intimidating and will require more upkeep and a lot more space than a Chihuahua or a Shih Tzu. A giant dog breed may be ideal for you if you have a large house and a comfy couch. Read on to learn about the 10 Largest Canine Species. Dogs come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. From the Chihuahua to the Great Dane, this list includes 10 of the biggest canine species.
1. English Mastiff
The English Mastiff is one of the largest living dog breeds, with an estimated height and weight of 27-35 inches and 200-230 pounds, respectively. This breed, which has a history of being used as a weapon and is thought to be descended from ancient war dogs, is now more commonly found as a companion animal and couch potato. This giant dog breed is highly intelligent, so when they’re not cuddling up with their favorite humans, they often serve in the police, the military, or other security roles.
2. Bernese Mountain Dog
It’s important to note that adult Bernese Mountain Dogs may weigh up to 65 kg. Popularly considered to be one of the least aggressive breeds of the dog toward people, the Bernese Mountain Dog makes for a wonderful addition to any household.
When we first got our Bernese Mountain Dog, the PDSA warned us, “You’ll need to be aware that Bernese Mountain Canines may be costly dogs to own, not least because of the quantity of food they require! Due to their bigger size and susceptibility to certain health issues, the cost of insurance and veterinary care is often higher for these dogs as well.
3. Saint Bernard
Did you know that Saint Bernard was originally bred in a Swiss monastery, where its angelic demeanor was cultivated? They were ideal for guarding the holy land because of their size (typically 28-30 inches). However, it was quickly realized that these dogs made excellent search and rescue dogs in the Swiss Alps and that their gentle demeanor and gentle eyes were a welcome sight to stranded hikers. One of the most popular large dog breeds, they are still used in search and rescue operations around the world and are known for their gentle demeanor.
4. Newfoundland
Because of their penchant for water, you may have heard of this giant dog breed. In addition to their stellar reputation as lifeguards and water sport enthusiasts, Newfoundland’s webbed feet give it an additional advantage in the water. These dogs, which typically range in height from 27 to 29 inches, are extremely bright and, because of their lifeguarding heritage, will often try to “save” swimming members of their own families. Newfoundlands are great for cuddling because of their big, fluffy bodies and their friendly personalities.
5. Dogue de Bordeaux
This large dog, sometimes called a French Mastiff, typically stands between 24 and 26 inches tall and has a peculiar wrinkled appearance. Dogue de Bordeaux dogs are often thought to be descended from the ancient livestock guardian breed Molossus, and they have served a variety of purposes throughout history. This giant dog breed has seen and done it all: from hunting big game on French estates in the 12th century to herding cattle and even serving as a formidable war dog. Just in case you didn’t know. If you’re thinking about getting a Dogue de Bordeaux, it’s important to know that they are prone to dermatitis because of their excessive skin folds.
6. Leonberger
The Leonberger is a large, fluffy dog that resembles a mix of a Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, and Pyrenean Mountain Dog. This large dog breed, whose height typically hovers around the 30-inch mark, is bred for strength and intelligence and used primarily for tracking and herding. Without proper obedience training, they can develop destructive tendencies, so they are best suited for more experienced owners. While the Leonberger makes a wonderful family pet with the right training and socialization, it’s not always the best choice for households with very young children due to the breed’s sensitivity.
More on Animesonnet.com: Top 10 Cutest Animals in the World, here
7. An Anatolian Shepherd
The American Kennel Club claims that the Anatolian Shepherd is a breed that originated in Turkey around the year 2000 B.C. This giant dog breed is still used for its original purpose in Turkey, which is to guard livestock and property. The average lifespan of the 32-inch tall Anatolian Shepherd is 13 to 15 years, making it one of the longest-lived large dog breeds. Just in case you didn’t know. Since 1994, cheetahs in Namibia have been protected by Anatolian Shepherds. The number of cheetah deaths has decreased dramatically since conservationists introduced Anatolian Shepherds to the area to protect livestock.
8. Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a large, calm dog breed that was originally developed in Southern Italy for the purpose of protecting its owners’ homes. Their bulky, slack appearance is a defense mechanism in case they ever come under attack. This breed of a large dog, which stands about 31 inches at the shoulder, is best suited to a home environment because it craves companionship from its human masters. Their massive, sagging jowls make them drooling nuisance, so be prepared.
9. Great Dane
The Great Dane is one of the tallest breeds of dog because it is a hybrid of the English Mastiff and the Irish Wolfhound. This large dog breed, which can reach a height of 30–34 inches, was developed by German aristocrats for the dual purposes of protecting their estates and hunting boar. Nowadays, Great Danes have been highly sought after as family pets thanks to their amiable and energetic personalities.
10. Caucasian Shepherd
A breed of dog developed in Eastern Europe, the Caucasian Shepherd, is purpose-built for guarding and herding livestock. This breed of dog, which can reach a height of over 30 inches at the shoulder, was developed in the Caucasus Mountains to guard livestock against predators thanks to its massive size. Because of their independent spirit and tendency to be suspicious of strangers and other dogs, these dogs are best owned by confident individuals. However, if raised with children and given the right kind of training, the Caucasian Shepherd can make a wonderful family pet.
Conclusion
In order to control canine behavior in neighborhoods, legislation based on dog breeds is ineffective. Those who have had bad experiences with specific breeds or who have heard of attacks by certain dog breeds in the media may find some solace in breed-specific bans, but these bans do nothing to effectively regulate the behavior of any breed or of dogs and their owners in general.
Inaccurate breed identification by officials, The potential of arbitrary or inappropriate enforcement of breed bans increases when they are applied to mixed-breed dogs, when animal control and judicial systems are overburdened, and when a really “dangerous dog” may not be identified as such because it does not fit into the stated breed categories.