Choosing an ideal pet for your home is a crucial decision. Everybody needs a pet that can blend well with their lifestyle. Many large dog breeds are well-suited for suburban living due to their sturdy build and affectionate nature.
While living in a suburb, these dogs get enough space to roam, access to parks, and a quieter life than in cities. The suburban environment provides them with a balance of activity and a relaxed lifestyle. Suburban homes have yards that provide enough room for relaxing and lounging.
Are you looking for the right dog for your suburban home? Make sure to understand the unique needs of the breed you are going to adopt. It will enable you to offer ideal companionship to your dog.
Have a look at these 9 large dog breeds for your suburban lifestyle.
Best Large Dog Breeds for Suburban Homes
1. Labrador Retriever
Breed Profile
Height: 21.5 to 24.5 inches
Weight: 55 to 80 pounds
Temperament: Friendly
Energy Level: Active
One of the most popular dog breeds, Labrador Retrievers are large dogs with good bone structure. Having a muscular build and a height of 21 to 25 inches, Labs constantly wag their strong otter tails. They are highly affectionate and intelligent dogs that can be easily trained.
Labrador Retrievers are high-energy dogs and eager to please their owners. They enjoy playing in a yard and thrive in a neighborhood where they can go for long walks. These family-oriented get well along with kids and other pets.
Labradors are the social dogs that greet the neighbors with a smile and happily join their owners for outings. These dogs need 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy.
2. Great Pyrenees
Breed Profile
Height: 25 to 32 inches
Weight: More than 85 pounds
Temperament: Gentle and aloof
Energy Level: Calm
Since the Great Pyrenees were originally bred to protect livestock against large predators like wolves and coyotes, they have an impressive size. Standing around 25 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder, the Great Pyrenees is the epitome of elegance and majesty. These are incredibly strong and fast dogs.
The Great Pyrenees is a fairly placid dog and can be an excellent companion if you live in a suburb. They love quiet time at home and prefer following an orderly routine. Due to their historical lineage, they can make wonderful guard dogs.
The Great Pyrenees is are intelligent, kind, and protective dog. They have the capability to adapt to different environments. According to WebMD, they can also sense subtle mood changes in their fellow humans and attune to their emotions.
3. Anatolian Shepherd
Breed Profile
Height: 27 to 29 inches
Weight: 80 to 150 pounds
Temperament: Loyal
Energy Level: Calm
Hailing from the rural areas of Turkey, Anatolian Shepherds were bred to guard livestock against large predators like jackals and bears. Anatolian Shepherd is a large breed with a muscular build. Extreme temperatures are not a big deal, but these pups need ample space to romp and play.
Anatolian Shepherds are ideal for a suburban setting because they prefer larger areas to patrol. They might not be well-suited for apartment living. They are known to form strong bonds with their owners.
In a suburb or a farm, Anatolian Shepherds multitask as pets, companions, farm guardians, and show dogs. Anatolian Shepherds are independent dogs with strong protective instincts.
4. Turkish Kangal
Breed Profile
Height: 27 to 33 inches
Weight: 90 to 145 pounds
Temperament: Gentle and affectionate
Energy Level: Active
Turkish Kangal dogs, also known as Kangal Shepherds, are large and sturdy dogs with a waterproof coat. Just like their size, Turkish Kangal dogs have big personalities. These independent dogs have a cool and calm temperament.
Kangal Shepherds thrive well in urban and suburban settings. They like spending time in larger spaces where they get enough room for patrolling or running. A growing Kangal puppy needs plenty of exercise, including walks and slow jogs.
Kangal Shepherds can run at a speed of 30mph and need at least 2 hours of physical exercise every day. These fierce and effective guard dogs are affectionate with their favorite humans and form strong bonds with them.
5. Tibetan Mastiff
Breed Profile
Height: More than 24 inches
Weight: 70 to 150 pounds
Temperament: Loyal and aloof
Energy Level: Calm
One of the biggest dog breeds, Tibetan Mastiffs are known for their calm and lion-like appearance. Originally bred in the Himalayas to protect homesteads and livestock, they have now become family pets. According to PetMD, Tibetan Mastiffs are intelligent dogs.
Tibetan Mastiffs need a separate space as their “own kingdom.” A fenced yard is important for their safety and peace of mind. Despite their size, they can adjust to a suburban lifestyle as long as they get enough space to stretch their legs.
Tibetan Mastiffs need a cool place to retreat from hot weather. I would recommend that you designate a cooling area in your Tibetan Mastiff’s yard or home using shade or cooling mats. It will help them manage their thick double coat during summer.
6. Maremma Sheepdog
Breed Profile
Height: 23.5 to 28.75 inches
Weight: 66 to 100 pounds
Temperament: Loyal and independent
Energy Level: Moderate
Maremma Sheepdog is a large and heavy dog with a protective white coat. Having history as a flock guardian, they are intelligent and suspicious of strangers. Maremma sheepdog forms strong bonds with their family members.
You will often find a bored Maremma indulging in destructive behaviors, so they definitely need an experienced owner. Due to their size, exercise needs, and large space requirements, they make ideal pets for rural or suburban homes.
Life with a Maremma Sheepdog is never dull! They protect your family, keep your garden free from foxes, and loyalty that money cannot buy. Proper socialization and training can help them differentiate between a friend and a foe.
7. Boerboel
Breed Profile
Height: 22 to 27 inches
Weight: 150 to 200 pounds
Temperament: Gentle
Energy Level: Calm
Boerboel is another large and muscular dog with lots of strength and agility. These fierce guard dogs have a dignified demeanor.
Boerboels are the cuddly buddies that make ideal therapy dogs. They are loyal and easygoing with an even temperament.
Having a height of 22 to 27 feet and weighing around 150 to 200 pounds, these dogs are capable of defending property and livestock in harsh weather. Due to their history, they possess a natural instinct to assess threats.
Boerboels are not recommended for novice owners. They can become dominant and reactive in the absence of proper training. Therefore, Boerboels need proper socialization from a young age. A firm owner using consistent training and positive reinforcement methods suits them the best.
8. Central Asian Shepherd
Breed Profile
Height: 25.5 to 27.5 inches
Weight: 88 to 110 pounds
Temperament: Fearless and independent
Energy Level: Moderate
Central Asian Shepherds are one of the oldest breeds known for guarding livestock. These large and muscular dogs weigh around 88 to 110 pounds. They are agile and can run endlessly to chase the predators.
Just like all other livestock guardians, Central Asian Shepherds have some typical traits. They are intelligent, affectionate, and protective. These hardworking pups tend to be assertive towards strangers.
Central Asian Shepherds get along well with older children. However, they might not be the right dogs for families with younger kids and vulnerable adults due to their size.
9. Komondor
Breed Profile
Height: 25.5 to 27.5 inches
Weight: 80 to 100 pounds
Temperament: Protective and independent
Energy Level: Moderate
With the males standing 27.5 inches tall and the females standing around 25.5 inches tall, the Komondor is another large dog breed. These dogs are protective and vigilant, yet friendly and social by nature. They are highly intelligent and highly trainable dogs, ideal for the suburban or rural lifestyle.
Do you know? A Komondor’s cords can take up to 24 hours to dry after a bath. They reach their full length in 5 years, says Purina.
A Komondor might be the right choice for your suburban home if you are looking for a devoted and loyal dog with natural instincts to guard.
Komondors generally love big places and require large yards to run. For this reason, they might not be suitable for a small living space like an apartment.
Conclusion
Some large dog breeds make ideal pets for suburban homes. However, their big size can be a little problematic for families with young kids and vulnerable adults. Therefore, train them properly before adopting. Give love and get love from these cuddly fur balls!
