Before adopting the right breed, you need to have a look at a variety of factors. Size and temperament are important factors to consider before choosing the furry friend for your home. Large dog breeds are better suited for larger living spaces and homes with big yards.
Giant dog breeds vary in physical and behavioral characteristics. They may be large in size, but are usually gentle and affectionate to their owners. Many of them have a muscular build and make wonderful guard dogs.
However, some are too sweet to serve as guard dogs. Giant dogs are also prone to several health issues, such as hip dysplasia, gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), wobbler syndrome, and hyperthyroidism. Giant dogs usually have shorter lifespans than smaller dog breeds.
Here are some wonderful giant dog breeds and their temperaments.
Wonderful Giant Dog Breeds & Their Temperament
1. Great Dane
Great Danes are elegant, huge, and powerful dogs, often referred to as the ‘Apollo of Dogs.’ One of the tallest dog breeds out there, Danes look a bit intimidating but are real sweethearts who adore snuggles as much as you do.
Hill’s Pet describes Great Danes as ‘gentle giants.’ They are moderately playful and affectionate with children. Great Danes exhibit a loyal and calm temperament around their loved ones. Due to their easygoing nature, Danes are usually easy to train.
Like other large dog breeds, Danes have a short life expectancy. They are also prone to certain big dog diseases, such as hip dysplasia, GDV, Wobbler syndrome, and degenerative myelopathy. Great Danes are not overly energetic, but require enough space for play and exercise.
Taking your Great Dane on long walks at least twice a day provides these dogs with adequate physical stimulation.
2. Mastiff
Truly a gentle giant, the Mastiff is a large dog breed known for its massive size and calm disposition. Having a large head and muscular build, Mastiffs are very protective of their owners. These affectionate dogs form strong bonds with their owners.
Mastiffs can scare away potential intruders with their mere presence. They were originally bred as guard dogs and fighting dogs and have still retained some of those traits. Mastiffs behave patiently with children and love being around their family members.
Due to their large size, they are better suited for homes with big yards. However, they are not very active dogs and require only a moderate amount of exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
Their courage and prodigious strength make them a good fit for experienced handlers who know how to handle a big dog. Mastiffs are quiet dogs who need proper training and socialization to turn into well-behaved pets.
3. Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhound is the tallest of all dog breeds. These big dogs have a dignified and courageous personality. According to the American Kennel Club, they are too gentle to be fierce guard dogs, but their sight is enough to scare away potential intruders.
They generally exhibit a patient nature around kids, but need to be supervised around small children due to their large size. Early socialization and positive reinforcement-based training are important to turn Irish Wolfhounds into well-behaved pets.
Irish Wolfhounds were originally bred as powerful sighthounds, but are commonly employed as family dogs now. Like other large dog breeds, Irish Wolfhounds need more space to roam and exercise and do not thrive in smaller homes.
Irish Wolfhounds have a protective nature, and they need exercise throughout their lives. However, they have a high prey drive, which means they should only be allowed loose in securely fenced areas.
4. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards may look intimidating, but they are one of the best giant breeds for companionship. These strong working dogs were used to rescue people in the Swiss Alps, and their physical prowess and sharp instincts enabled them to do so.
Saint Bernards are incredibly affectionate and loyal companions with a gentle temperament. These gentle giants behave well with kids and other pets as well. Saint Bernards have an easygoing personality, and they love spending time with their people.
Their thick fur requires a fair amount of grooming to keep looking its best. Commonly used as service animals and search-and-rescue pups, Saint Bernards are big dogs with even bigger hearts. They make loyal companions, but don’t always realize how big they are.
Proper training is a great way to keep them under control. These friendly and calm dogs learn quickly, but are hard to handle due to their large size.
5. Great Pyrenees
Originating in the Pyrenees Mountains, these dogs were used to guard livestock and have still retained their protective instincts. Pyrs are massive dogs with a gentle disposition. These mellow companions make vigilant guardians.
One of the best guard dog breeds, the Great Pyrenees protects homes by patrolling their territory calmly. They save their energy to respond quickly when needed. Pyrs are active dogs but not overly energetic. They have moderate daily exercise needs for physical and mental enrichment.
Their thick double ocat is resistant to dirt and tangling. It does not require extensive grooming and needs only weekly brushing to stay in top-notch condition. The coat also protects against harsh weather.
This big dog breed is highly intelligent, but tends to think independently, so training may require patience. Great Pyrenees enjoy hiking and long walks with their family.
6. Leonberger
The Leonberger is a strong and large dog breed with a muscular body. Their webbed feet and thick double coat make them excellent swimmers. Having a gentle nature and serene patience, these big dogs make great companions for families.
Leonbergers are generally easygoing, even-tempered, and placid dogs. Their high confidence, incredible courage, and strong protective instincts make them excellent guard dogs. They get along well with children and are surprisingly playful for such a large dog, explains Purina.
Leos are all-around workers who exhibit high intelligence and sound judgment. Their large size and strength mean they need proper training and socialization to make loving pets. Leos excel at various canine sports, including agility, drafting, and pulling a cart.
7. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are one of the most attractive working dogs. Having an aristocratic appearance, Berners are big, fluffy dogs with a calm temperament. These affectionate and devoted companions are loved for their sweet personalities and beautiful coats.
Berners thrive in homes where they can spend plenty of time with their loved ones. Despite their large size, they are not overly energetic. Yet, they require regular exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation.
These good-natured canines are very social and behave well with kids. They will bark to let you know about the arrival of visitors, but then settle down soon. When introduced to other housepets at an early age, they live with them happily.
Conclusion
Giant breeds stand out in the canine world due to their massive size and striking appearance. Some of them have muscular bodies, while others have beautiful coats. Not only this, their temperaments vary as well.
Some of them are true gentle giants who stay incredibly loyal to their owners and are patient around kids. They love making new friends. But other large dog breeds are highly territorial and wary of strangers. Such canines make wonderful guard dogs.
Unfortunately, giant breeds usually have shorter lifespans. However, you can significantly improve your pet’s life expectancy by providing them with regular exercise and a proper diet.
