Big Dogs on the Block

By J. A. Young

Out of the many, many reasons there are for choosing one breed of dog over another, many people say there is nothing quite like a big dog—patrolling the yard, herding the kids, and curling up with on the couch (if that’s allowed!).  Yet, like all breeds, big dogs have many individual characteristics and needs.  The subsequent article discusses a variety of big dogs along with a description of their breed’s traits and care requirements.

Known as a gentle giant, the mastiff is one of the oldest dog breeds.  While they make excellent guard dogs - their size alone is certainly intimidating (a minimum height of 30 inches) - these dogs are also considered to be mild-mannered and gentle.  A loyal companion, this dog will doubtlessly become a beloved member of the family. 

The other gentle giant of the canine world is the Great Dane.  It grows to a minimum height of 30 inches.  Big - they certainly are, but they are known to be affectionate toward their human families.  While once used to hunt boar, stags and wolves, today these giants can be trained as guard dogs or simply kept as lovable pets.

Irish wolfhounds have popped up in legends and songs for centuries.  Praised for its sweet and reliable temperament, this intelligent breed is a safe match for children.  They prefer plenty of space to trot around, but actually need about the same amount of exercise as smaller breeds.  The minimum height is about thirty-one inches.

The Akita breed is from the province of Akita on Honshu Island.  A strong and athletic dog, the Akita is a proficient hunter and retriever.  Dogs generally grow up to 28 inches tall.  During training, it requires a firm hand, but it makes for a courageous pet that is both loyal and affectionate. 

The Newfoundland breed of dog is a calm and gentle breed that is wonderful for homes where children are present.  Roughly 28 inches tall at maturity, these handsome dogs sport a course outer coat and thick under coat - they are very uncomfortable in warm climates for this reason.

The Old English sheepdog is a big dog that often forgets its size - it is a lovable dog that retains all its puppyish charm.  It makes an excellent family pet, but its lovely coat requires upkeep.  Dogs grow to a minimum height of 24inches.

The Great Pyrenees is a powerhouse of a dog breed.  Growing to about 30 inches in height, this breed is a good family pet that makes a great guard dog.  It needs plenty of exercise and a considerable amount of grooming, but it is a very obedient breed and worth the effort. 

While the Rottweiler can make a good pet, it is an ideal guard dog.  Its imposing strength and power make it not a dog to tangle with.  Dogs grow to about 27 inches in height.  For best results, individuals of this breed might do very well with obedience training.

While there are plenty more big dog breeds to consider - like German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies - always consult your lifestyle to see if you can meet these dogs needs before you select one.  Big dogs make lovable pets, but maintaining is bigger work and bigger expense.  From cleaning up after them in the yard to feeding them adequately, big dogs need, well, more than little dogs.  Nevertheless, once you find the right breed for your lifestyle, you will have a faithful friend big on heart as well as in size.

© Doityourself.com 2006