Potential dog parents need to consider a variety of factors before choosing the right dog breed for their home. Size is the most important of them. If you live in a large home with a big yard, a giant dog breed may be the right fit for you.
Big dogs require more food and veterinary care compared to smaller dogs. Giant breeds generally need a larger living space to move around comfortably. They also vary greatly in their temperaments. Some make ferocious guard dogs, while others are gentle giants.
Despite their large size, they are usually incredibly loyal to their owners and form strong bonds with them. Some giant breeds are very energetic and need plenty of exercise for mental and physical stimulation. Others are moderately energetic and have no extensive exercise needs.
Have a look at these 7 incredible giant dog breeds and their big-time appeal.
Incredible Giant Dog Breeds & Their Big-Time Appeal
1. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs, affectionately known as Berners, are large dogs known for their strikingly beautiful coat and affectionate nature. These sturdy canines were originally bred in Switzerland as farm dogs. Berners are super-sized dogs with a big heart that matches their personality.
Bernese Mountain Dogs tend to be very intelligent and have an eager-to-please nature, which makes them good at training, according to PetMD. Patient around children and pets, Berners make true gentle giants. However, they may be a bit shy of strangers.
Berners are adaptable to changes in their environments and less likely to develop anxiety as adults if trained and socialized properly. Their large size and impeccable strength make them better suited for experienced handlers.
However, you need to train your Berner not to jump on people. Despite their large size, Berners need moderate daily activity every day to stay happy and healthy.
2. Leonberger
Leonbergers are strong and muscular dogs of German origin. These lush-coated canines are incredibly loyal to their pet parents, gentle with children, and calm around their family members. Leos are huge and powerful dogs with an aristocratic grace.
Male Leos sport a lion-like mane around their neck and chest, explains the American Kennel Club. With their serene patience and gentle nature, Leonbergers relish companionship and form deep, unbreakable bonds with their humans. They tend to be friendly, but have keen intelligence and sound judgement.
Thanks to these traits, Leonbergers make excellent watchdogs. Mighty Leos need lots of grooming, ample room to roam, and unconditional love. They have an easygoing personality and an eager-to-please nature, so they can be trained easily.
Leonbergers love having a job to do and enjoy activities like swimming and agility training. Leos were bred to be independent and are better suited for experienced handlers.
3. Great Dane
Originally bred for hunting wild boar and guarding estates, the Great Dane is a giant dog breed with a muscular build. Being gentle giants, Great Danes thrive in family settings and tend to behave well around kids. They are also known as ‘Apollo of Dogs.’
One of the tallest dog breeds out there, Great Danes are friendly, dependable, and loyal dogs. Danes are people pleasers and make new friends easily. However, their large size makes them vulnerable to various health issues.
Do You Know? Great Dane is often called a ‘heartbreak breed’ as it is prone to a heart conditon called dilated cardiomyopathy.
Great Danes may seem sedate, but they need daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation. A brisk walk two to three times a day would be sufficient for them. Great Danes have a short and smooth coat that does not shed much and requires weekly brushing to look good.
4. Newfoundland
Newfoundland is another large dog breed with a loving personality. These strikingly powerful and heavy-boned working dogs are known for their sweet disposition and dignified bearing. Affectionately known as Newfies, they are gentle and patient around kids.
Being softies at heart, Newfies are often called ‘nanny dogs’ due to their kind behavior towards kids. Their great size, strength, and protective nature make them natural guard dogs. They have a calm demeanor, but their intimidating presence can easily scare away potential threats.
With early training and proper socialization, Newfoundland dogs make wonderful companions for families. They have moderate energy levels and need a fun activity to stimulate their mind and body. However, Newfies drool and shed a lot, so keep a vacuum and towel handy.
Do You Know? Newfies’ thick double coat and webbed feet make them avid swimmers. They have also been serving as water rescue dogs for several decades.
5. Irish Wolfhound
One of the largest breeds, Irish Wolfhounds are loved by coursing hunters as they were specifically bred to hunt and kill wolves. They were primarily bred as sighthounds. Irish Wolfhounds were able to inspire literature, mythology, and poetry with their impressive size and presence.
These sturdy and swift dogs have long legs, comparatively narrow bodies, and deep chests, explains Hill’s Pet. An Irish Wolfhound’s heart is as big as its body. It is a gentle, affectionate, and easygoing pooch, having a sensitive personality.
However, they are big enough to scare away potential intruders. Irish Wolfhounds have a calm demeanor, and they tend to be moderately energetic. They need ample space to exercise their giant bodies. With proper training and socialization, they get along nicely with kids.
Irish Wolfhounds make loving family dogs and should not be left alone for too long. Otherwise, these gentle giants will develop separation anxiety.
6. Saint Bernard
This extra-large dog breed was primarily bred to rescue lost travelers in the Swiss Alps. Having a powerful and muscular appearance, Saint Bernards can easily deter potential intruders with their mere presence. They may be short-haired or long-haired.
These incredibly loyal canines love their humans and have a calm and easygoing temperament. Saint Bernards are gentle giants who need plenty of space to roam and exercise. They are notoriously good and patient with kids.
Saint Bernards are friendly with all family members and pets, including cats and dogs. They are smart and eager to please canines, but also have a stubborn streak. Their size and strength make them better suited for experienced owners.
7. Mastiff
Mastiffs are massive, heavy-boned, and courageous canines of prodigious strength. They are docile and dignified with their favorite humans, but make formidable protectors of their people and territory. With their thickly muscled bodies and large heads, Mastiffs weigh more than many outgrown men.
These wrinkly dogs have their faces masked in black. Mastiffs are giant dogs who can warn off potential hazards with their intimidating looks. Unfortunately, they have a short lifespan, like many other giant dog breeds. Despite their large size, Mastiffs are gentle at heart.
They exhibit a calm demeanor to their loved ones and have a family-friendly nature. Mastiffs are incredibly loyal to their owners and bond tightly with them. Proper training and socialization starting from an early age are crucial for this big dog breed.
Conclusion
Giant dog breeds leave a remarkable impression due to their large size and well-muscled bodies. Despite their imposing stature, these canines are gentle and kind at heart. They are incredibly loyal to their owners and form strong bonds with them.
Some giant dog breeds make wonderful guard dogs due to their territorial nature and strong protective instincts. Even if they are not aggressive, they can scare away intruders with their formidable presence. They turn into well-behaved pets with proper training and socialization.
