Large Dog Breeds

If you are at the start of the choosing a dog breed process, you might just be as far as choosing the size of dog you would like. This is often a starting point. Here is a list of popular large dog breeds to give you an idea of how many different dogs breeds there are:

· Afghan

· Akita Dog

· Alaskan Malamute

· Bernese Mountain Dog

· Bloodhound

· Boxer

· Bullmastiff

· Collie

· Dalmation

· Doberman Pinscher

· English Pointer

· English Setter

· German Shepard

· Giant Schnauzer

· Golden Retriever

· Great Dane

· Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

· Greyhound

· Irish Setter

· Irish Wolfhound

· Labrador Retriever

· Mastiff

· Neapolitan Mastiff

· Old English Sheepdog

· Otterhound

· Rottweiler

· Saint Bernard

· Weimeranner

· Wolfdog

Crufts Best in Show 2008- Giant Schnauzer

Best in Show at Crufts 2008 was taken by The Giant Schnauzer CH Jafrak Phillipe Olivier owned by Mr and Mrs K Cullen. This Giant Schnauzer is a seasoned dog pro having won Crufts three times!

What better than to post a blog about the Giant Schnauzer breed? They’re popularity is sure to soar following Phillipe’s win.

The Giant Schnauzer hails from Germany. In the 19^th century, a Great Dane was crossed with a Standard Schnauzer to create a rough haired, large, herding cattle dog. The Giant Schnauzer was born!

This breed has devoted fans. His good nature, loyalty and devotion to guarding his owners is what people love about the Giant Schnauzer.

Standing up to 70 cm tall, this muscular dog breed needs plenty of exercise. These are quick, intelligent dogs. This was utilized in World War I and World War II when they put to work contributing to the war effort.

The Giant Schnauzer will not be the best dog breed for everyone. They are lively, active and need a lot of space. If this sounds like your home, maybe you could choose a Giant Schnauzer!

Pictures of Crufts coming soon...

Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs originally hail from the canton (region) in Berne, Switzerland.

They are handsome, striking looking dogs. Standing tall at up to 70cm and displaying a thick black white and brown coat, they make an impressive site.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a gentle giant. They are renowned for their affectionate, gently and loyal temperaments. They get on well with people and often get on well with other pets, including cats! Bernese Mountain Dogs make great family pets.

Given their size, these dogs need a decent amount of space to live in and a fair amount of exercise. However they don’t want to run up and down mountains all day! Despite their size (or perhaps because of it), Bernese Mountain Dogs don’t have great stamina so shorter bursts of exercise may be better.

Sadly Bernese Mountain Dogs have a lower life expectancy than many pure breeds at around 8 years (compared to around 10 to 11 years). There is a higher rate of cancer, and other illnesses amongst this breed. But don’t let that put you off choosing a Bernese Mountain Dog, they make truly rewarding pets!

English Mastiff

English Mastiffs are big dogs! You may have seen yesterday’s post about Hercules, the World’s Biggest Dog, he is an English Mastiff.

These magnificent dogs are gentle giants; calm and affectionate with their owners. But predators beware, English Mastiffs are instinctively protective and will stand between their master and danger. This dog breed has been names in the top ten guard dog breeds!

Because of their size, English Mastiffs need a good amount of room for exercise and a carefully managed diet. English Mastiffs seem to have higher obesity rates than other breeds.

This breed makes an excellent family dog and they are good with children. Is the English Mastiff for you if you are choosing a dog breed?

World’s Biggest Dog

World’s Biggest Dog... (for the real one, read this post)

This is Hercules, what a lot of dog! This lovely English Mastiff weighs almost 300lb and has been named the World’s Biggest Dog by the Guiness Book of World Records.

Choosing a dog of this breed, the English Mastiff, doesn’t mean you’ll have a dog this size but they are large dogs at their average size.

There will be more information on the English Mastiff soon!

German Shepherd Dogs - Choosing A Dog Breed

German Shepherd Dogs (also known as Alsatians) are amongst the top ten most popular dog breeds in the UK.

They are lovely dogs; strong, affectionate and reliable. As well as making great family pets and guard dogs, German Shepherd Dogs work as guide dogs, police dogs, search and rescue dogs, security guard dogs and even in the military.

This is a protective, intelligent and fearless breed. As a puppy it is important to socialise your German Shepherd well. Ideally a German Shepherd will be calm and affectionate and non-confrontational in their home and alert outside, whilst being comfortable with strangers.

This is not an impossible feat with a German Shepherd Dog. They are responsive to training and are obedient.

As with all larger dogs they need plenty of exercise and outdoor space. If you are choosing a dog, a German Shepherd Dog will be a great choice if you’re looking for a larger dog.

Large Dog Breeds

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and this couldn't be more true than when talking about sizes. Small dog breeds can be so small you could fit them in your hand.

Large dog breeds can be so big they are taller than some people.

Check out these large dog breeds:

• Irish Wolfhound
• Great Dane
• English Mastiff
• Neopolitan Mastiff
• Newfoundland
• Saint Bernard

Looking after a large dog requires a lot of time and effort. They eat a lot and really need a large size home and plenty of exercise.

Despite their intimidating size, mostly large dogs are gentle giants and make great house pets, and guard dogs!