As a dog lover, nothing fills your heart quite like a big dog breed. They need lots of room to roam, but come packed with plenty of advantages.
Big dogs are unwaveringly loyal and incredibly loving to their humans. However, some large dog breeds have a reputation for being independent. They prefer spending time on their own instead of being super cuddly or following you around.
These canines express their feelings differently from other breeds. For instance, if you are watching TV on the couch, they would prefer lying in a comfy corner instead of cuddling in your arms.
Remember! No dog, including the independent breeds, should be left alone or neglected for extended periods.
Here are the 7 big dog breeds known for their independent spirits.
Big Dog Breeds Known for Their Independent Spirits
1. Irish Wolfhound
Originally bred as hunting dogs, Irish Wolfhounds are gentle giants with a calm presence. These easygoing dogs bond deeply with everyone in the household. With proper socialization, most Irish Wolfhounds are comfortable around kids and other dogs.
Irish Wolfhounds are loyal and loving dogs, but are one of the most independent dog breeds. They are intelligent and easy to train, so you can easily teach them using positive reinforcement training methods. Hill’s Pet describes Irish Wolfhounds as emotional sponges.
Even a raised voice can hurt their feelings, so you have to be patient and calm during training. They excel at activities like obedience training, agility, and tracking. IWs are watchful and protective of their people, but do not make good guard dogs.
One of the tallest dog breeds in the world, Irish Wolfhounds need regular exercise and mental stimulation. Their wiry coat needs weekly brushing to look good.
2. Central Asian Shepherd Dog
Central Asian Shepherd Dogs, or Alabai, are powerful and large dogs known for their territorial nature and independence. They were originally bred as livestock guardians and have retained their protective instincts.
These unwaveringly loyal and fearless dogs are among the oldest dog breeds and make excellent guard dogs. Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are strong and muscular dogs covered in thick coats. These versatile dogs can withstand harsh elements.
Central Asian Shepherds are not clingy, according to PetMD. They will not follow you from room to room, but are not loners either. Self-assured, balanced, and quiet, Central Asian Shepherds are reluctant to welcome new people and animals.
Early training and proper socialization are important to turn them into well-mannered dogs. Central Asian Shepherds are even-tempered canines that adjust well to changes in their environment. However, they are strong-willed.
3. Caucasian Shepherd
Caucasian Shepherds or Caucasian Ovcharkas are giant dog breeds that were originally bred as working dogs. Their heavy bones, well-muscled bodies, and medium-length coats make them instantly recognizable.
Caucasian Shepherds are incredibly loyal dogs, but tend to be a bit independent. Their strong-willed personality makes them better suited for experienced handlers. Caucasian Shepherds thrive in large homes where they get lots of space to roam and exercise.
Caucasian Shepherds form strong bonds with their humans, but prefer spending time on their own. However, make sure you do not leave your Caucasian Shepherds alone for long periods; otherwise, they will become prone to separation anxiety.
At least an hour of physical exercise and mental stimulation is recommended to keep them healthy and content.
4. Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees were bred to be livestock guardians and watchdogs. Despite their large size, Pyrs are calm and mellow fellows. These gentle giants are highly protective of their family and tend to be suspicious towards strangers.
Pyrs are intelligent, wise, and easygoing dogs with independent personalities. They guard their property and loved ones by roaming around carefully and make excellent guard dogs. Since Pyrs were bred to make decisions independently, they are a bit strong-willed.
According to WebMD, the Great Pyrenees are highly perceptive dogs, sensitive to minor changes in their owner’s moods and emotions. A thick white coat is the trademark of these dogs. The coat provides them adequate insulation in cold weather.
Fortunately, it is resistant to dirt and tangles, which makes grooming easier. Moderate daily exercise is required for physical and mental stimulation.
5. Anatolian Shepherd Dog
One of the extra-large dog breeds, Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are calm livestock guardians hailing from Turkey. They have retained their protective instincts over time and are highly territorial. Their big bodies and strong-willed personalities demand an experienced handler.
Anatolian Shepherds are known for being independent dogs. They were bred to make decisions on their own with minimal instructions from the shepherd. Anatolian Shepherd dogs are not very lovey-dovey or cuddly, but tend to be incredibly loyal to their humans. However, they are highly suspicious of strangers.
Their powerfully built bodies are covered in thick coats that are especially designed to protect them from freezing temperatures. Despite being large dogs, they are quite calm and subdued and will not hesitate to jump into action if they perceive a threat.
Anatolian Shepherds are active and energetic dogs that need at least an hour of daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
6. Black Russian Terrier
Black Russian Terriers are intelligent, calm, and powerful dogs. These large and loyal canines belong to the working group and are certainly not for everyone. Their massive size can be a bit problematic for some owners.
Due to their large size, Black Russian Terriers do not travel easily and cannot be left alone for extended periods. So, you have to be careful while making travel plans. These impressive canines need plenty of space to roam and exercise and are not well-suited for apartment living.
Black Russian Terriers are strong-willed and somewhat reserved towards strangers. They make a better choice for owners who know how to handle a willful dog. Early socialization and proper training are important to turn them into well-mannered family pets.
7. Scottish Deerhound
Often referred to as ‘Royal Dogs of Scotland,’ Scottish Deerhounds are gentle giants. These big dogs have a loving, easygoing, and devoted personality. Despite their large size, they are well suited for family life and get along nicely with children.
Deerhounds are sensitive and affectionate dogs who form strong bonds with their humans. While they are immensely loyal to their humans, Scottish Deerhounds tend to be suspicious of strangers. These majestic coursing hounds are known for their courageous, brave, and independent spirit.
Do You Know? A Scottish novelist and poet described Scottish Deerhounds as ‘the most perfect creature of heaven.’
Scottish Deerhounds are smart dogs who pick up on cues and commands quickly. However, they do not have a very strong desire to please you due to their independent streak. Positive reinforcement is the key to unlocking their obedience.
Conclusion
Several big dog breeds are known for their massive size and intimidating appearance. However, their loving and gentle personalities do not match their tough looks. They are incredibly loving and loyal to their humans, but have an independent streak.
It means they are not very cuddly and use other ways to express their love for their people. These canines can spend some time on their own. However, any dog can develop separation anxiety. So, make sure you don’t leave your dog alone for too long.
