Large Dogs – Everything You Need to Know About Them
Large dogs have an impressive stature and a resonant bark. They make excellent guard and protection dogs, giving their owners a sense of security. They are also excellent herding, hunting, rescue and sporting dogs.
Although they often arouse fear, and it is in their nature to defend their loved ones and private territory, these are very family-oriented dogs, loving, gentle and protective. They can be wonderful friends for the whole family, as well as good guardians and play companions for children and delightful cuddle buddies. Importantly, a large dog is more dog to love:) XL dogs are more balanced and confident and behave more calmly than smaller breed dogs, but due to their predispositions and enormous strength they require good training and socialisation, as well as building bonds and trust with their owner.
Large dog breeds
The group of large dogs includes over 100 different breeds from around the world. Among the largest are:
Great Dane — a synonym for elegance, moving with distinction and grace. This is one of the most well-known large breeds. It towers over most other dogs, reaching a height at the withers of 72 cm to as much as 90 cm. The Great Dane's coat has diverse colouring, and can be fawn, black, blue, harlequin, brindle or merle. Although the Great Dane easily makes friendships and is quite protective, it becomes alert when strangers are near its loved ones.
English Mastiff — male mastiffs measure at the withers from 70 cm to 91 cm and can weigh as much as 100 kg. They have a characteristic black muzzle, fawn, apricot or brindle colouring, and a strong and massive body structure with clearly defined muscles. The British Mastiff is an ancient dog breed which in medieval England was used as a hunting dog, guard dog and fighting dog. Since then mastiffs have become more family dogs, although they remain alert and pay attention to everything that happens around them.
Short-haired Saint Bernard and long-haired Saint Bernard — this shaggy giant has a big heart. It is charming, amusing and extremely patient. Loving and protective, it is considered an excellent nanny dog for children. Incredibly strong and enduring, it was originally used to track and rescue lost and injured tourists in the Swiss Alps. Its height at the withers is between 70 cm and 90 cm, whilst females are slightly shorter.
Irish Wolfhound — this is a gentle giant, controlled and friendly. Sensitive and loyal, it becomes very attached to its family and needs close contact with people. Surprisingly fast and agile for such a large dog. In ancient times it was used in battles to unseat warriors from horses and in hunts for wolves. It has a rough, medium-length coat which can be grey, brindle, red, black, white, red, fawn, wheaten and steel-grey. The minimum height for a dog is 79 cm, for a bitch 71 cm at the withers.
Leonberger — this is a faithful companion, appreciated for its elegance, loyalty and courage by, amongst others, Napoleon, Tsar Alexander, and King Edward. Due to its gentle nature and patience it is often chosen as a dog for families. At the same time, with its friendly disposition it is an excellent guard dog and works well on farms. The dog reaches a height at the withers of approximately 72–80 cm and weighs between 55 and 75 kg.
Newfoundland — is a well-balanced, patient, gentle and protective dog towards children, and at the same time strong and brave. Sociable and very devoted to his family, he needs close contact with people. Initially, he was used to retrieve fishing nets and to carry heavy loads in a team. Nowadays, he is used in water rescue, as he is an excellent swimmer with enormous passion for working in water. This giant with a water-resistant coat and webbed paws between his toes measures around 71 cm at the withers and weighs 68 kg.
Other breeds from the group of large dogs are:
- Akita Inu
- American Akita
- Alaskan Malamute
- Australian Kelpie
- Anatolian Shepherd Dog
- Barbet
- Black and Tan Coonhound
- Boerboel
- Broholmer
- Briard
- Bloodhound
- American Bulldog
- Bullmastiff
- Bouvier des Flandres
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- White Swiss Shepherd
- Cane Corso
- Chesapeake Bay Retriever
- Sloughi
- Afghan Hound
- Azawakh
- Spanish Greyhound
- Polish Greyhound
- Borzoi
- Scottish Deerhound
- Hungarian Vizsla
- Curly Coated Retriever
- Chesapeake Bay Retriever
- Slovak Cuvac
- Dalmatian
- Dobermann
- Canary Dog
- Dogue de Bordeaux
- Argentine Dogo
- Large Munsterlander
- Norwegian Elkhound
- Fila Brasileiro
- Flat Coated Retriever
- English Foxhound
- American Foxhound
- Golden Retriever
- Greyhound
- Groenendael
- Hanoverian Scenthound
- Hovawart
- Husky
- Irish Red Setter
- Komondor
- Canary Mastiff
- Kuvasz
- Landseer
- Labrador Retriever
- Spanish Mastiff
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Tibetan Mastiff
- Pyrenean Mastiff
- Otterhound
- Kangal
- Belgian Malinois
- Beauceron
- Caucasian Shepherd Dog
- Carpathian Shepherd Dog
- Polish Tatra Sheepdog
- Central Asian Shepherd Dog
- Maremma Sheepdog
- Majorcan Shepherd Dog
- German Shepherd
- Old German Shepherd Dog
- Dutch Shepherd
- Rough Collie
- South Russian Ovcharka
- East European Shepherd
- Raven Shepherd
- Ibizan Hound
- Pointer
- Pudelpointer
- Appenzell Mountain Dog
- Estrela Mountain Dog
- Pyrenean Mountain Dog
- Bucovina Shepherd Dog
- Pharaoh Hound
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Rottweiler
- Sarplaninac
- Giant Schnauzer
- Swiss Shepherd Dog
- English Setter
- Irish Setter
- Scottish Setter
- Saluki
- Picardy Spaniel
- Tosa Inu
- Thai Ridgeback
- Tervueren
- Irish Terrier
- Black Russian Terrier
- Tornjak
- Akbash Dog
- Braque de l'Ariège
- Braque Dupuy
- Cesky Fousek
- Gascon Pointer
- Spanish Pointer from Burgos
- Weimaraner
- German Shorthaired Pointer
- Slovakian Rough Coated Pointer
- Bracco Italiano
- Vizsla
- Czechoslovak Vlcak
Information about all these breeds you will find by clicking here >>>large dogs
Conventional classification of large dog breeds
The group of large breeds is very diverse. Dogs have large sizes, but they differ in build. Some are muscular, heavy and massive, whilst others are tall, slender and long-legged. The main criterion is height.
Dogs are considered large when their height measured at the withers, that is from the ground to the highest point of the shoulder blades, exceeds 60 cm. However, there are animals such as the Great Dane or Irish Wolfhound that can grow to as much as 100 cm, which is why the differences in height at the withers between individual breeds can be very significant. Weight is similar. Usually the minimum weight for large dogs is around 40 kg, but there are exceptions such as the Saluki, whose height reaches 70 cm with a weight of around 25 kg. On the other hand, Mastiffs achieve the largest body mass, capable of weighing as much as 100 kg.
Large dogs – for whom?
Large dogs are excellent family dogs that get on brilliantly with all family members. As gentle, patient and affectionate animals, they are exceptionally protective, especially towards children. Their sociable nature means they also get along very well with other animals, for example cats. However, they are not only family friends; such large dogs are also excellent guards and protectors. Their appearance alone effectively deters potential attackers or burglars, and additionally their strong and alert nature means they are ready to defend both their loved ones and the entire property.
Most XL breeds are also excellent companions for long walks, hiking, jogging or cycling, or outdoor exercise. However, you should remember that not all of them are sporting dogs, especially the heaviest ones such as Mastiffs or Saint Bernards, because their musculoskeletal system, due to its structure, is less well adapted to long runs than the Afghan Hound, Rhodesian Ridgeback, or Dalmatian.
Additionally, the group of giant hunting dogs is suitable for tracking and search work. Therefore, depending on your preferences, large dogs are appropriate both for families with children and for people who need a protector or property guard at their side, or a companion for sports activities.
Myths associated with large dog breeds
Many myths and beliefs have grown up around large breeds, which in reality are far from the truth. Here are a few of them:
- They are more aggressive — many people confuse aggression with defensive instinct (protecting loved ones in a threatening situation is not aggression) and attribute it especially to large breeds. This is related to their size and weight, as well as the consequences of a potential attack, which are usually more drastic than in the case of small dogs, and also the awareness that an 80-kilogramme dog is harder to keep on a lead. Meanwhile, the size of dogs has no impact on their aggressive behaviour, attack on humans, or other animals. In fact, large breeds, due to their monumental stature, are more self-confident, and therefore calmer and more balanced. In terms of a dog's behaviour, much depends on its character, training, socialisation and the bond built with its owner;
- They cannot live in small spaces — it is usually believed that large dogs should live in a house with a garden. Meanwhile, a garden alone will not meet dogs' needs. The more space, the better, but canine giants can also live in a flat (of course, one in which they can move freely) provided that the owner ensures they have an adequate number of walks, exercise and play. The need for more space is rather due to the dog's character and its requirements regarding movement and energy level. For example, German Great Danes are able to adapt perfectly to smaller spaces;
- They get ill more often — this opinion probably stems from the fact that they usually develop illnesses related to the musculoskeletal system, such as hip dysplasia, which limit their activity, or they are at risk of a life-threatening gastric torsion. However, smaller breeds also have a tendency towards certain illnesses, and their frequency does not depend on the size of the dog.
Large short-haired dogs
The coat of short-haired dogs is easier to maintain. It is enough to comb it regularly with a brush to remove dead hair. However, in comparison to long-haired dogs, those with short hair moult more intensively, tolerate cold poorly and cannot live permanently outdoors. Short-haired breeds include:
• Akbash
• Azawagh
• Beauceron
• Boerboel
• Black and Tan Coonhound
• Bloodhound
• Broholmer
• Bullmastiff
• White Swiss Shepherd Dog
• Cane Corso
• African Sighthound
• Arabian Sighthound
• Spanish Sighthound
• Polish Sighthound
• Hungarian Sighthound
• Chesapeake Bay Retriever
• Canary Dog
• Argentine Dog
• German Mastiff
• Dogue de Bordeaux
• Dalmatian
• Fila Brasileiro
• American Foxhound
• English Foxhound
• Spanish Greyhound
• Greyhound
• Kangal
• Labrador Retriever
• Neapolitan Mastiff
• Tibetan Mastiff
• Spanish Mastiff
• Belgian Shepherd Dog
• Majorcan Shepherd Dog Ca de Bestiar
• Scottish Shepherd Dog Short-haired
• Pharaoh Hound
• Ibizan Hound
• English Pointer
• Rottweiler
• Saluki
• Sloughi
• Swiss Herding Dog,
• Rhodesian Ridgeback
• Tosa Inu
• Weimaraner
• German Shorthaired Pointer
• Italian Pointer Bracco Italiano
• Spanish Pointer from Burgos
• Slovak Wirehaired Pointer
• Gascon Pointer
• Braque de l'Ariège Pointer
• Braque Dupuy Pointer
Large long-coated dogs
Long-coated dogs require more intensive grooming. To keep their coat and skin healthy, they need frequent brushing and combing. This helps prevent matting and tangling of the hair and remove dead hair. On the other hand, shedding from long-coated dogs is easier to remove from clothes and carpets than in the case of short-coated dogs. Long-coated breeds include:
• Saint Bernard
• Bernese Mountain Dog
• Briard
• Afghan Hound
• Gordon Setter
• Hovawart
• Komondor
• Landseer
• Leonberger
• Newfoundland
• Otterhound
• German Shepherd Dog (Long-haired)
• Tatra Shepherd Dog
• Caucasian Shepherd Dog
• Central Asian Shepherd Dog
• Bukovina Shepherd Dog
• Sarplaninac
• Irish Setter
• Tornjak
Large Hunting Dogs
Large hunting dog breeds are working dogs adapted for tracking, chasing, flushing and retrieving game. They have an excellent sense of smell, are fast, brave and persistent. Depending on the work they perform, they are scent hounds, gundogs, flushing dogs, trackers and retrievers. The large hunting breeds include:
• Bloodhound
• Chesapeake Bay Retriever
• Curly Coated Retriever
• Large Munsterlander
• Golden Retriever
• Labrador Retriever
• Pointer
• Pudelpointer
• English Setter
• Irish Setter
• Scottish Setter
• Irish Terrier
• Russian Terrier
• Irish Wolfhound
• Czech Fousek
• Burgos Pointer
• Weimaraner
• German Shorthaired Pointer
• Bracco Italiano
• Hungarian Shorthaired Vizsla
• Slovak Wirehaired Pointer
• Gascon Pointer
• Braque de l'Ariège
• Braque Dupuy
Large Guard Dogs
Large guard dogs are massive, muscular dogs with powerful jaws, strong and durable. They have a guarding instinct, are territorial, alert and intelligent. Although distrustful of strangers, they are nevertheless well-controlled and do not display aggression. They mainly descend from Tibetan mastiffs, fighting molossers, wolf-like dogs or those that hunted large game. Guard dogs include:
• Bullmastiff
• American Bulldog
• Cane Corso
• Doberman
• Great Dane
• Groenendael
• Laekenois
• Spanish Mastiff
• Neapolitan Mastiff
• Tibetan Mastiff
• Pyrenean Mastiff
• Belgian Shepherd Dog Malinois
• Briard
• Caucasian Shepherd Dog
• German Shepherd
• Central Asian Shepherd Dog
• Rottweiler
• Giant Schnauzer
• Tervueren
• Black Russian Terrier
Large herding dogs
Herding dogs are intelligent, strong and persistent dogs. They are gentle, but also firm and independent. They can work hard even in difficult terrain. They are courageous and resilient, and thanks to their thick coat, they are resistant to weather conditions. Their task is to guard and herd livestock, deter predators and alert through barking about the appearance of intruders. Typical herding dogs are fast, agile, have a nimble body and a pointed muzzle, which helps them move livestock. Large herding dog breeds include:
• Bernese Mountain Dog
• Saint Bernard
• Beauceron
• Briard
• Bouvier des Flandres
• White Swiss Shepherd Dog
• Slovak Cuvac
• Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
• Fila Brasileiro
• Komondor
• Kuvasz
• Australian Kelpi
• Kangal Shepherd Dog
• Polish Tatra Sheepdog
• Belgian Shepherd Dog
• Carpathian Shepherd Dog
• German Shepherd
• Pyrenean Shepherd
• Portuguese Shepherd Dog
• Maremma Sheepdog
• Majorca Shepherd Dog
• South Russian Ovcharka
• Raven Shepherd Dog
• East European Shepherd
• Czechoslovak Wolfdог
Large dogs and activity
All dogs enjoy exercise and need to run around in order to be healthy and maintain fitness. However, depending on the breed, temperament and build, they lead a more or less intensive lifestyle. This is also the case with large dogs. Some are very energetic and active, others are slow and majestic, and still others like to lounge on the sofa. It is important to adapt activity to their needs. Dogs such as the Russian Sighthound, German Pointer or Husky need plenty of exercise and are adapted to long, intense runs. Heavier and more massive dogs like the Tibetan Mastiff, Saint Bernard or Leonberger will prefer calmer walks or hikes, while the Great Dane will rather enjoy lounging on the sofa.
Large dogs and children in the family
Contrary to popular opinion, most large breeds are perfectly suited for families with children. Large dogs are gentle, balanced, sociable and patient. They love children very much and are extraordinarily affectionate and protective towards them. They also enjoy playing together and chasing a ball. They are loyal and faithful friends who will ensure that no harm comes to children in their presence. Particularly recommended breeds for children are Labradors, Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Golden Retrievers, and White Swiss Shepherds. Many of them are used in dog therapy due to their gentle nature and empathy. It is important that gentleness and affection come from both sides. It is worth teaching children to also be delicate and unobtrusive towards the dog.
