When it comes to choosing a dog, future owners may be confused with the sheer number of existing breeds and colors. In this article, the scope will be quite narrow, because we will talk about large smooth-haired varieties. Despite the fact that part of the breeds is eliminated automatically by the set parameters, you still have a huge number of possible options and you will have to think carefully, study the characters, especially the behavior and care, before you decide.
Remember, you are responsible for your pet, so choose wisely, taking into account all the nuances that we will try to dwell on.
Characteristic
Of course, large breeds are most often chosen not only at the call of the heart, but also for protection. With such a pet, it’s not scary to stay home alone, you can entrust him with the protection of the site, some are very positive about the supervision of pets for children. A large dog in the family is definitely a good helper, but it will require proper conditions. These dogs live quite a long time, on average about 12 years (rarely more than 18 years), so you need to be prepared for a long relationship and care.
A large dog needs the following:
- a separate space for rest and sleep in sufficient quantities;
- a place for physical activity if you have a private home or enough time with the owner to make daily walks;
- complete and balanced nutrition.
Important! Since only short-haired breeds are considered, frequent combing can be excluded, but care, timely visits to the doctor, vaccinations and bathing cannot be written off.
Varieties
It’s worth considering in more detail, which breeds belong to large smooth-haired dogs.
- Great Dane of Argentina. Like any dog, this dog looks like a real aristocrat. Basically, it is found with a white color, but sometimes individuals with black spots are found. This is both an elegant and quite powerful dog, it has massive limbs and an impressive chest. The character is calm, restrained, but the dog will be very active and will make you run whether you like it or not. The growth of the Argentinean mastiff on average reaches 70 centimeters, and the normal weight of an adult dog is kept at 65 kg.
- Dalmatian. Charming and unique in its color, the breed hails from Croatia. Initially, the dog was bred for hunting, so it is active, hardy, fast and graceful. At the same time, owners often note the wayward nature of these handsome men and a persistent thirst for attention. Training must take place under the supervision of a professional. The average height of males is about 60 cm, and weight is about 32 kilograms.
Interesting facts about the breed, see below.
- Doberman. This dog is not simple, most often it is used as a service dog. It has a catchy black-brown color, powerful muscles. Doberman lends itself well to training, so he can often be found on guard of objects, including those with increased danger, for example, prisons. The average height reaches 72 cm, and normal weight fluctuates around the mark of 45 kg.
- Rottweiler. In color, it looks like a Doberman: the prevailing black shade with a splash of red or brown. The dog was originally bred for sheep supervision, a breed originally from Germany. Despite its origin, the rottweiler is very complex, and in the absence of professional training it quickly loses control. Externally, these dogs can be called stocky, their growth rarely reaches more than 68 cm, and the weight should be within 56 kg. Another point that you need to know in advance - unfortunately, this breed is predisposed to skin and cancer diseases more than other dogs. In this regard, their average life expectancy reaches 10 years.
- French mastiff. This breed is also called the Great Dane. This is a very good family dog of brown color with a beautiful good-natured, completely non-conflict character. The breed is quite massive and, moreover, prone to rapid weight gain, so you need to carefully monitor the nutrition of the mastiff. Since the pet often becomes a beloved member of the family, where everyone tries to feed the charming, you need to adhere to strict rules in the diet and try to give preference to a strict schedule and professional feed. Normal will be considered weight in the region of 54 kg with growth in the region of 68 cm.
- Neapolitan Mastiff - This is another good-natured breed of dog with short hair. The most popular color is gray. Hanging ears, a wrinkled forehead and drooping cheeks are considered characteristic external features. The breed has a low level of aggression, despite the fact that before it was often used in gladiator dog fights. Now, many choose this pet for the family and home security. Training is recommended because the dog can feel head and be stubborn. In height, it reaches approximately 75 cm, and normal weight is almost equal to growth.
- Ca de bo. These are interesting, very social four-legged animals, very smart, well trained, but at the same time independent pets. Growth on average reaches a mark of 56 cm, and normal weight does not go beyond 35 kg. Color can be different: in the classic version it is fawn, but it can be tiger or black. If you need not just a friend, but an assistant and a guard, Ca de Bo will be a great choice.
- South African Boerboel. From the list presented, this breed is perhaps the most massive. Their weight can reach 90 kg, and the growth will be no more than 60 cm.Wide forehead, powerful limbs, thick tail, muscular tight neck. Boerboel is a very strong-willed and rather tough four-legged friend. The soft-bodied owner is completely unsuitable for such a dog. The owner should be matched, the dog should be brought up in severity, but, of course, not without love.
What type can be kept in the apartment?
Despite the fact that smooth-haired dogs, in principle, are inclined to become part of the family and settle in the house, not all breeds of large size are intended for keeping in the house. A large dog will need enough space to live. If the apartment will become the main location, the pet will need a place for walking, relaxing, playing and eating. In fact, for such a dog you will need a separate room and free access to other sections of the apartment.
The most successful breeds for urban dwellings are considered German Dobermans - discreet, friendly and family dogs.
Another option is a smooth haired labrador. Most likely, you know the playful and good natured character of this breed. Often due to their nature, these dogs are used as guide dogs.
To understand how a pet will behave, it is important not only to read all the possible information about it, but also to observe its parents, if you have such an opportunity.
Evaluate your strengths, remember that you will have to walk, wash, feed, engage in a new friend in a training and timely medical examination. We hope that you will become good hosts, and soon another wonderful dog will have his own home.
