Large dog breeds: common features, rating, selection and care

Dogs of large breeds radiate nobility, dignity and confidence. Their become and impressive dimensions can not but cause admiration among others. On a walk, the owner of such an animal invariably gets exclusively enthusiastic and respectful views.

In accordance with the classification adopted by the International Cynological Federation, all existing dog breeds are divided into several separate groups. Despite the fact that there is no official size distribution of the breeds, it is customary to distinguish between giant, large, medium, small and dwarf dogs.

Giant breeds include animals whose height at the withers exceeds 70-75 centimeters, and weight in adulthood is at least 50 kilograms. To large breeds, in turn, it is customary to include dogs whose growth at the withers is more than 55-60 centimeters, and the weight in adulthood exceeds the mark of 25 kilograms.

According to dog handlers, for dogs of large breeds is inherent athletic or powerful physique. Athletic dogs have a dry constitution, a refined and strong skeleton, a narrow chest. They are more characteristic of mobility, activity, increased nervous excitability.Typical representatives of dog-athletes are shepherd dogs, Dobermans, dogs, Dalmatians.

Dogs of powerful physique, in turn, have a loose constitution, a massive and heavy skeleton, a barrel-shaped chest. They are characterized by phlegm, poise, and leisureliness. Bright representatives of this category are Molossians (Rottweilers, Mastiffs, St. Bernards).

Giant dogs are characterized by intense growth and active physical development in the first year of life. However, puberty in them occurs somewhat later than in dogs of small breeds. In litter, large puppies give birth to more puppies than dwarf individuals.

The impressive size and heavy weight determine the predisposition of these animals to a number of congenital and acquired diseases. For example, giant dogs more often than representatives of medium and small breeds suffer from diseases of the joints and musculoskeletal system, pathologies of the cardiovascular system, oncology and skin diseases.

Given the incredible power and strength of such animals, great attention should be paid to their socialization, competent and proper education. You can not neglect training, which must be practiced from the very first days of the appearance of the pet in the house. It is not allowed to pamper the animal, to neglect its physical and intellectual development.

Having a large breed dog, the owner must consider that he will have to pay enough attention to the four-legged friend.

The list of the largest dog breeds includes more than a dozen names. It includes not only the largest in the world, but also unusually beautiful, powerful and strong representatives of the canine family.

The breed of dogs is the molossoid type, considered one of the largest in the world. The height at the withers of adults is not less than 75 centimeters, weight - not less than 70 kilograms.

These are large, powerful and well-built animals with a wide long body and sculptured muscles. Color can be deer, fawn, brindle, apricot. The coat is short and thick. A distinctive feature of this breed is a recognizable black mask on its face.

In ancient times, the ancestors of modern English mastiffs were used for protection, as well as for hunting and bullying bears. The power and strength of the mastiffs allowed them to easily defeat wild animals. Modern English mastiffs are most often raised as companion dogs.

The disadvantages of this breed include predisposition to many serious diseases. So, English mastiffs are prone to severe joint diseases, ophthalmic, dermatological and nervous diseases. Often, representatives of this breed develop cancer, dangerous pathologies from the cardiovascular and endocrine systems are detected. Usually, the life expectancy of English mastiffs does not exceed 10 years.

Another well-known breed of giant dogs, bred in Germany in the XIX century. The average height of males is about 85 centimeters at the withers, and the females are about 75 centimeters. The weight of these giants can vary between 30-50 kilograms.

These surprisingly graceful and representative dogs are grown mainly as bodyguards, companions, reliable watchmen. The main features of their character - poise, self-confidence, calm, loyalty, distrust of strangers. With a competent approach to education and training, first-class and reliable companions, kind to their owner, children and other members of the owner's family, grow out of puppies of German dogs.

The following types of German Great Dane colors are accepted as standard: blue (light bluish-gray with silver tint), deep black, marble (white or gray with black spots), tiger, fawn. The coat is short, plentiful, smooth and shiny.

Specific diseases of dogs of this breed can be both congenital and acquired. Most often, German mastiffs suffer from joint problems (dysplasia, dislocations), digestive system diseases. They are prone to inversion of the intestines, hypothyroidism, impaired immune system functions. The organs of vision - one of the most vulnerable places of the German Great Dane. Observations show that these dogs more often than their counterparts suffer from eversion of the eyelids (entropion), microphthalmos, cataracts and glaucoma.

Serious diseases and malformations of the cardiovascular system are often detected in German Great Dane.

The breed is a very large hunting dog, considered a heritage of Celtic culture. The height of the males at the withers is at least 80 centimeters, the females - at least 70 centimeters. The minimum weight of these graceful and beautifully built animals is from 40 kilograms in bitches and from 55 kilograms in males.

Irish wolfhounds are characterized not only by impressive growth, but also by a spectacular exterior. Despite their solid weight, these dogs do not look massive and heavy. On the contrary, their muscular body looks harmonious, fit and strong. The gait of the Irish wolfhounds is light, swift, flying.

A characteristic feature of the exterior of the Irish wolfhounds is a tough, moderately long coat, giving the dog a somewhat disheveled, but at the same time charming look. Six longer on the superciliary arches and lower jaw six forms a kind of bang and beard on the dog's face. It is important to note that the wool of Irish wolfhounds requires specific care.

The character of these graceful and strong animals is good-natured, calm, friendly. It is noted that dogs of this breed are particularly equanimous, patient, self-confident. Initially, this breed was bred as a hunting one, but nowadays Irish wolfhounds are increasingly being raised as family companion dogs.

The protective and protective qualities of the Irish wolfhounds are poorly expressed, but they will not give offense either to themselves or their master. These dogs should be trained from a very young age, paying enough attention to the physical and intellectual development of animals.

Practice shows that these dogs are prone to digestive problems (bloating, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract), diseases of the joints and musculoskeletal system, diseases of the endocrine, cardiovascular system. Like other representatives of large breeds, Irish wolfhounds often suffer from diseases of the organs of vision - cataracts, glaucoma, retinal dysplasia. The lifespan of these animals is 6-8 years.With proper care, dogs of this breed live up to 10 years.

A popular breed of large dogs whose origin dates back to the 17th century. The average growth of the males of this breed varies within 80 centimeters, bitches - within 70 centimeters. The minimum weight starts at 70 kilograms.

Throughout the history of the breed, St. Bernards were used as rescue dogs, guide dogs, bodyguards, watchmen and guides. In the old days, they were also used as pack animals transporting food and medicine on difficult and winding mountain routes.

Saint Bernards are large majestic dogs with a powerful massive body, impressive head sizes. The coat can be either long or short. It is noteworthy that the coat of St. Bernards does not fall off and does not stray into tangles, so combing the dog is enough only 1-2 times a week. In addition, the coat of dogs of this breed has the ability to repel water, which allows the animal to feel good even on the most inclement and dank day.

However, these giants do not differ in good health. Observations show that St. Bernards often suffer from joint dysplasia, obesity, endocrine disorders, heart and vascular diseases.

A very spectacular breed of giant dogs, whose homeland is the island of the same name. In Russia, these dogs are otherwise called "divers" - for their special love for swimming and swimming. The average growth of males of this breed is about 70 centimeters, bitches - 65-66 centimeters. Depending on gender and individual characteristics, the weight of Newfoundlands can vary from 55 to 68 kilograms.

Despite the awesome and formidable appearance, These dogs are distinguished by their soft and friendly character, complaisance, obedience, and sociability. Dog handlers with experience argue that in critical situations, the inventive mind of Newfoundlands allows them to make decisions independently and correctly.

Like St. Bernards, Newfoundland wool repels water and does not get wet. According to the breed standard, light waviness of the coat is allowed. The classic color of this breed is a rich coal-black color. Allowed brown (brown-chocolate, bronze) and black and white. The coat in dogs of this breed is thick, long, soft and shiny.

Initially, these dogs were used as sled dogs, as well as as lifeguards on the water. Newfoundlands swim beautifully and are not at all afraid of water. Of all the existing breeds, they are perhaps the best swimmers.

Newfoundlands lend themselves well to training and learning. They easily find a common language with children, show increased attention to them, take care of them and protect them.

Among the diseases and problem states to which this breed is subject, the following are included:

• heat stroke (due to the dark coat color for Newfoundlands, overheating is terrible);
• eversion of the eyelids and cataract;
• joint problems (dysplasia);
• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• volvulus;
• endocrine disorders.

A breed of very large and elegant dogs, bred in Germany. Male growth is at least 72 centimeters, bitches - at least 65 centimeters. The average weight of these giants varies between 45-50 kilograms.

According to cynologists, Leonbergers have incorporated only the best features inherited from the ancestors of the original breeds - St. Bernards, Pyrenees mountain dogs, Newfoundlands. The natural power, endurance, patience and obedience of the representatives of this breed led to their use as draft and guard dogs. Today they are in demand as companion dogs, nanny dogs and guide dogs.

Typical features of this breed are equanimity, calmness, self-confidence, sociability, ability to quickly learn and remember new things. Leonberger wonderfully combines a calm disposition and a friendly, playful character. They are not characterized by a manifestation of aggression, but such dogs will not give offense to themselves and their master.

Leonbergers are large, powerful and harmoniously built dogs with a powerful body, with a wide elongated head, a relatively long but not sharp muzzle. Very expressive is the look of dogs of this breed, which exudes confidence, dignity and nobility.

Paws are strong, powerful and muscular, the back is wide and even, with a well-defined withers.

The coat of Leonberger is very plentiful, dense, dense. The coat is long, soft and smooth. Around the neck, the coat forms a voluminous collar resembling a lion's mane. Color - sand, fawn, red, red-bronze. An obligatory condition for the exterior is the presence of a characteristic black mask on the face.

Like other large and heavy dogs, leonberger are vulnerable to the development of joint diseases (hip dysplasia) and diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

A common breed of large guard and guard dogs, bred in the Soviet Union. It is a very ancient breed with a history of about 2 thousand years. The minimum growth of males of this breed is 68-70 centimeters, bitches - 64-65 centimeters. The average weight varies between 45-50 kilograms.

Dogs of this breed perfectly cope with security and shepherd tasks. They can be entrusted with the protection of any property - be it housing or livestock. These animals are characterized by fearlessness, determination, fidelity, sensitivity, good memory, learning ability and intelligence. They tolerate loneliness well, can spend hours watching the protected area, without requiring increased attention from the owner.

Caucasian shepherd dogs tend to be suspicious of strangers. They have great intuition, but a very difficult character. Outbreaks of aggression and anger are inherent in many dogs of this breed, during which animals are able to smash everything around them to smithereens.

Anger is one of the characteristic features of this breed., therefore, puppies should be raised and trained from a very young age. If you do not do this or treat the proper training of the dog scornfully, then it will be impossible to affect the dog in the future.

Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are powerful and massive dogs of the molossoid type. The distinctive features of their exterior are a large, slightly elongated and toned body, a deep and wide chest, a wedge-shaped powerful head with a flat forehead and a wide muzzle.

The appearance of the Caucasian shepherd dogs makes a strong impression on others.

The traditional color of the Caucasian shepherd dogs is gray-wolf, chocolate brown, fawn, red-brown. Variegated color is also allowed, as well as the presence of a specific dark mask on the face.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog have good healthhowever, this breed is not safe from diseases that are typical of large dogs. So, very often in animals of this breed twists and turns of the eyelids, joint dysplasia, bursitis, myopathy are found.

Breed of large dogs of the molossoid type, bred in Denmark. The height of the males at the withers is 75 centimeters, the bitches - 70 centimeters. The weight of individuals of mature age is able to reach 60 or more kilograms.

In ancient times, representatives of this breed were used as hunting, pickling and guard dogs. Fantastic strength and endurance allowed broholmers to easily cope with the protection and grazing of cattle, the corral of wild boars, bears and deer.

After World War II, the breed was on the verge of extinction, but this was avoided by the efforts of foreign dog handlers. But the number of broholmers today remains low, as a result of which puppies of this breed are impressively expensive.

Danish broholmers are powerful, athletically built dogs with a strong taut body, a large head, long and strong paws. Coat - short, dense and hard. The traditional color is light beige, bronze red, dark red. The presence of a dark mask on the face is allowed.

Broholmers lend themselves perfectly to training, they are smart, intelligent, obedient. Their distinguishing features are calm disposition, devotion, friendliness. These dogs are wary of strangers, but for no reason do not show aggression.

A fairly old breed of very large corpulent dogs, bred in Spain. Males of the Pyrenees mastiffs reach about 80 centimeters at the withers, females - about 73 centimeters. The weight of adults is at least 70 kilograms.

The original purpose of the dogs of this breed was grazing and cattle protection. To date, Pyrenean mastiffs are used primarily as bodyguard dogs.

Representatives of this breed are very large powerful dogs with a harmoniously folded, proportional body, strong bones, a wide massive head and strong paws.

Coat - bristly, moderately long, but not fluffy. The standard color is white with spots of pale gray, brown-red, black, marble or sand. A characteristic feature of the breed is a mask on its face.

Iberian mastiffs are very intelligent, loyal and adequate animals. Dogs treat their owner with great love and respect, but are able to obey other members of the family. These luxurious giants treat children very carefully, patiently perceive their pranks.

Iberian mastiffs are very trainable, which contributes to their unique memory. Most often, they have enough of a general training course, since the protective and protective skills in dogs of this breed are innate. In some cases, only a minor correction of existing abilities may be required.

Given that this breed dates back to the Molossian type, its representatives are characterized by a predisposition to a number of specific diseases.

The oldest breed of powerful and powerful dogs bred in Turkey. The growth of males and females of this breed can reach 80 centimeters. Weight indicators on average range from 40 to 65 kilograms.

In ancient times, dogs of this breed were used for hunting lions and protecting livestock from predatory animals. To date, Kangals are used as security guards protecting farm herds. Dog handlers claim that these dogs have no competitors in the ability to reliably guard and protect livestock. Despite their impressive size and visual corpulence, Kangals are ways to develop impressive speed in pursuit of predators.

Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are powerful dogs with a rectangular proportional body, a large wide head, and muscular limbs. The coat may be short or moderately long. The traditional color is sand, white, brindle, fawn, white with biscuit marks. A dark mask is preferred.

Kangals are very easy to train, easy to learn. They are characterized by a subtle mind, lightning reaction, distrust of outsiders. Kangals treat children with great care, so they can be fearlessly entrusted with the role of an attentive nanny.

When planning to get a dog of a large or giant breed, the potential owner must take into account the many nuances associated with the selection, maintenance, care and education of these animals. It is important to take into account the fact that such dogs require a master with a certain character, able to occupy a dominant position and possess the skills of proper handling of large dogs.

At the very beginning, you should decide on the purpose of acquiring a large breed dog. Most often, such pets are brought in to protect the house, protect the family and property. Often, large dogs are acquired for the role of companions that can brighten up the leisure of the owner and members of his family.

The choice of its breed depends on the purpose the potential owner of a large dog pursues.

It is important to familiarize yourself with the standards of the breed you like and the requirements for its exterior in advance.If a puppy is acquired for the purpose of further participation in exhibition events, it is necessary to carefully study its pedigree, inquire about the achievements and awards of its parents. In this case, even at the stage of choosing a puppy, it is necessary to completely exclude possible disqualifying defects from him.

If the potential owner plans to get the animal exclusively for himself, then Puppy matching breed standards can play a secondary role.

Special attention should be paid to the behavior of the puppy. He should be agile, cheerful, active, alert, but not aggressive or cowardly. A healthy puppy shows curiosity and interest in strangers, willingly plays with his brothers. When moving, the puppy should not limp or roll to the sides. Such gait defects often indicate joint problems and poor coordination.

Despite the fact that many dogs of large breeds are able to take root in urban apartments, it is best to keep them in a private house - in an aviary, which has a sufficient area. Keeping such dogs on a chain is strongly discouraged.

Large dogs require not only a sufficient amount of free space, but also regular physical activity. Almost all dogs of large breeds are predisposed to obesity, which, in turn, often leads to diabetes mellitus, the development of diseases of the joints and musculoskeletal system.

These animals require an appropriate diet enriched with vitamins and minerals.

About the features of the largest dog breeds, see below.