Dogs are an endless source of joy, and discovering the right dog for you can be a life full of special memories. A large-sized dog is probably a better choice if you have a large home and a spacious yard where your dog can stretch its legs and roam free. Some large dog breeds are also excellent guard dogs, protecting their families.
This guide introduces you to seven incredible breeds perfect for large spaces, from the calm demeanor of Great Danes to the ever-loving Saint Bernards. Whether you are looking for a gentle giant or an energetic playmate, the options are heartwarming.
Dog Breeds For The Large Living Spaces
Here are the 7 best dog breeds for large spaces:
1. Great Dane
Great Danes are also known as the “Apollo of the Dogs”; reportedly, they were first bred for hunting as boar hounds in Germany.
They are one of the tallest dogs compared to the most dominant dog breeds on earth, with males reaching up to 32 inches and weighing up to 170 lbs. Due to their friendly, affectionate, and slightly clumsy nature, dogs are known as gentle giants. These big dogs get along easily with children.
Due to their size and strength, Great Danes require socialization and training at an early age. They tend to be moderately active and need a few short regular walks.
Great Danes are big eaters: a mature Great Dane eats 8-10 cups of food daily. To prevent health hazards, such as bloat, serve them smaller meals twice to thrice daily.
2. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is one of the oldest large dog breeds, and it may have existed as early as 7000 BC. They were initially bred in Ireland to hunt wolves before becoming status symbols for nobles. These are tall dogs, often measuring up to 35 inches and having a massive build.
Despite their large size, Irish wolfhounds are generally quite, gentle and good-natured, and form a very close bond with their owners. Long shaggy colourful coats are also a part of their unusual and appealing appearance.
They require enough exercise, both walking and off-leash play. However, exercise should be normal in young puppies, as their joints are still developing and too much activity can place stress on their growing joints.
3. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is large and sturdy with a powerful appearance. They are brawny, muscular dogs that range from 70 to 115 pounds when full-grown. The tri-color coat in these big dogs is their very special feature. This Shepherd has a luxurious double coat that is soft and silky, adding to its magnificent look and standing up to cold weather.Â
They are pack-oriented animals and love being part of a family. They often bond with their humans. They can sometimes be stubborn and may need to be encouraged during training. They have a lot of hair and require regular grooming.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), routine examinations, disease screening, and early intervention are critical to keeping your dog healthy. On average, dogs live about six to ten years, so caring for them properly is much more necessary to ensure a happy, fulfilling life.
4. Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a large and striking breed that is a mix of strength, heart, and beauty. Malamutes are famous for their wolf-like looks and their friendly, affectionate attitude. Because of their high intensity and specialized needs, many Malamutes become shelter dogs when their owners find them to be too much.
They are not a low-maintenance breed and their mental and physical care needs to be a main concern. Owners will need to provide for at least one hour of exercise daily combined with mental stimulation. Pulling sleds/carts, hiking, jogging, or even enrolling in a dog-sport are all ways to help him feel useful.
Even people living in apartments, where outdoor exercise may be limited, then diet management is more important than ever. Malamutes can easily suffer in hot weather. Apartment-dwellers need air conditioning, cold water and refraining from outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day in warm regions.
5. Leonberger
Leonbergers are impossible to miss. These dogs are as big as their history would suggest, with a stout body and a lion-like grace. The males are especially striking and have a heavy mane covering their neck and chest that gives them a very regal appearance.
They are very receptive to positive reinforcement and painless training methods which is just wonderful as they can be a real pleasure to train. Though Leos have gentle nature for sure, they also have a fun, even naughty side. From their lamb-like play as they help with various household chores, to their cheeky shenanigans as puppies, these little jokers will bring humor into any home.
They can live in harmony with cats, other small breeds, and even farm animals, as long as they are well socialized as puppies. As it is with most large breeds, there are some health challenges that the Leonberger breed is disposed to such as Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus) and Hypothyroidism. Considering these, WebMD recommends routine examinations to avoid health issues.
6. Anatolian Shepherd
The Anatolian Shepherd is a stunning and intelligent dog breed with roots that date back centuries to the Anatolian region of what is now modern-day Turkey. The common coat colors of these dogs are fawn, white, and gray, with a black mask being strong.
They will have an intelligent expression with almond-shaped eyes that range in color shades of brown to amber and rounded, droopy ears that contribute to their dignified appearance. Their affectionate nature means that if you are a loved one you will be treated gently.
These large breeds come with independence – they are known to decide if a command is worth following, which can be tough for inexperienced dog owners. Because they were bred as working dogs, Anatolian Shepherds do best in a large, open environment rather than smaller living spaces.
They are not appropriate for apartment life and need a home with a big yard or, even better, access to the countryside where they can run and keep an eye on things.
7. Saint Bernard
St Bernards are a dog breed that are known for their legendary size and being a large dog known for their beautiful short coat and amazing history of working with rescue groups in the snowy Alps. With their mesmerizing looks and loving nature, these stunning pets have had no problem winning their way into the hearts of families everywhere.
Saint Bernards may have the appearance of a lumbering giant, but they are actually every bit as strong as they look because they were bred for the job. They are generally quite dogs and don’t bark incessantly, though they will warn their parents of any perceived threats.
Even light activities, including a 30-minute regular exercise, will do the trick. But they also like longer walks, hiking, and playing in the snow outdoors. Meanwhile, these dogs require a large area to move around and can not live in small apartments.
Saint Bernards are also more susceptible to some types of cancers, such as osteosarcoma (bone cancer) and lymphoma. According to Purina, regular veterinary examinations are important to detect and treat these diseases early.
Conclusion
Inviting a large dog breed into your home is like welcoming a bit of high–energy nature’s majesty right into your living room. These beautiful friends come wrapped in a fur coat, but they will steal your heart and home with their big, open hearts and playful presence.
Whether they are apartment-friendly dog breeds or playing in the large yards, lumbering at their owner’s side, or just crashing on the couch. Many dogs bring big happiness into a home. So, as you imagine the perfect dog to fit your own lifestyle, work down that important factor of the limited space and the care.
