Choosing a Dog Breed: Large Dogs

The only real dogs are big dogs. Perhaps only a large dog could have made the incredible journey from Scotland to Yorkshire Lassie undertook in "Lassie Come Home." The original Lassie movie was not only the best Lassie film, but one of the greatest children's films ever made. It starred a very young Elizabeth Taylor and Roddy McDowall. The faithful and determined Lassie was played by a Rough Collie named Pal. If you are considering buying or adopting a large dog, it is important to research the different dog breeds beforehand. Each dog breed has different characteristics and only the right ones will be the right fit for your family and home.

Labrador Retriever- These wonderful family and sporting dogs can be yellow, black or chocolate in color. Labs are intelligent, versatile and friendly dogs. They are good around children and other dogs. Their coat is not long, but it is a double coat so they require regular grooming. Labs are large and active dogs, so having a yard would be preferable.

German Shepherd- The famous Rin Tin Tin was rescued from WWI France and brought to the US where he starred in many movies. Rin Tin Tin IV later starred in the 1950's TV series "The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin." Today this breed is often employed as police, guard and service dogs, though they can also be loyal family dogs. These dogs are big and strong and possess a herding instinct, so good training is essential. This highly trainable and dependable breed requires regular grooming and exercise.

Collie- Rough Collies and Smooth Collies are considered varieties of the same breed in the US and Canada, while in the UK they are considered separate breeds. Other breeds of collie include the medium sized Border Collie, and the Bearded Collie (15th breed below). Smooth Collies have short hair while Rough Collies have a gorgeous, full coat. Today, Rough and Smooth Collies are primarily family and show dogs, unlike their herding ancestors. With training, they can be great with children and other pets. These gentle and intelligent dogs require regular exercise and grooming. The Smooth Collie actually requires more grooming even though it has shorter hair.

Golden Retriever- Like Labs, Goldens are great family dogs, hunting retrievers, and versatile service dogs. Goldens have longer hair, having a beautiful double coat that can be various shades of gold. They require more regular grooming. Highly intelligent, gentle and friendly, this breed is an ideal family pet. These dogs are very good with children and other dogs and pets. This is an active breed that likes companionship and regular exercise. Having a yard is preferable.

Rottweiler- When you hear a 'ruff' or 'bark' from behind you, be assured it is not a Rottweiler; this breed is only capable of saying 'woof.' The thick Rottweiler is not the biggest breed, but it may be the most powerful. These dogs are versatile working dogs and excellent guard dogs. However, this breed has a much calmer demeanor than the Doberman Pinscher. Rottweilers can be family dogs, but good training is essential. These protective dogs require regular exercise, but grooming requirements are minimal.

Doberman Pinscher- Like the Rottweiler, the Doberman usually has a black coat with tan markings. Dobermans also are excellent guard dogs. The muscular Doberman is smaller than the Rottweiler, but is faster and more active. Doberman Pinschers are a very aggressive breed, so being experienced at handling dogs is very important when acquiring one. They are not good around small children and other pets. They are an active breed needing regular exercise and have a high capacity for training. Grooming requirements are minimal.

Boxer- The square-faced Boxer is a solid service and working dog. These dogs are loyal companions and protective, making them good guard dogs. With training, they are good around children and other pets. They like companionship and regular exercise. Only minimal grooming is required. Like all of the previous breeds, having a fenced yard would be preferable. An apartment is possible with daily walks or outdoor exercise.

Saint Bernard- The famous rescue dog of the Swiss Alps, the St. Bernard is one of the biggest breeds by weight. These big dogs are intelligent, loyal and protective, making great family dogs. They are good around children and other pets. Putting up with some drool and regular grooming are downsides. These dogs should be regularly exercised, and having a yard is preferable. St. Bernards should not be placed in hot climates.

Siberian Husky- Siberians are the most popular breed of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. They have great endurance and like to work. These dogs are good around children and large dogs, but not around smaller pets. Siberians need to be in a cool climate and can tolerate extremely cold temperatures. These dogs require regular grooming and exercise. They are not apartment dogs.

Great Dane- The gentle giant is one of the world's tallest dogs and the world record for dog height belongs to a Great Dane named Gibson. These dogs are often guard dogs, but also make good family pets. With training, these amiable dogs are good around children and other dogs. They need regular exercise and having a yard is essential. Grooming requirements are minimal.

German Shorthaired Pointer- This intelligent and active breed has a coat of liver (brown), or liver and white. These dogs are tireless, versatile gun and hunting dogs. They are good for an active family and do well around children. With training, they can get along with other dogs. The GSP is a loyal watchdog who needs regular exercise and minimal grooming. This is not an apartment dog.

Greyhound- The distinctively shaped Greyhound is the world's fastest dog breed. These dogs can have coats of almost any color. They are versatile hunting dogs that make good family pets. With training, they do well around children and other dogs. Smaller pets are a bad idea and a fenced yard is a necessity. Greyhounds need regular exercise, but only minimal grooming.

Mastiff- One of the largest dog breeds in the world is the Mastiff. There are many types of Mastiff such as the English Mastiff, Bullmastiff and Tibetan Mastiff. This loyal and protective breed is often used as a guard dog. Despite their massive appearance these dogs are known to be gentle family companions. They are not recommended around small children and other pets. Regular exercise is a good idea, while only minimal grooming is necessary.

English Setter, Irish Setter, Gordon Setter- These handsome and elegant breeds of dog were originally hunting companions. The English and Irish Setters were bird dogs that developed into pointers. The Gordon Setter can be used as a personal bird dog. Today, these dogs make wonderful family pets. The setters require a lot of exercise and attention. They require regular grooming and having a yard is recommended.

Bearded Collie- This long haired, shaggy dog is almost a medium sized dog. This herding breed is related to the Old English Sheepdog. These active and playful dogs make good family pets. They are good around children and other pets. These dogs require regular exercise and grooming. A yard is recommended.

Old English Sheepdog- Their hair has a tendency to cover their eyes. This shaggy dog is larger than the Bearded Collie. These jolly dogs make wonderful family pets. They are affectionate and good around children. They can also be a bit clumsy and may try to herd things. They require regular exercise and grooming as they will shed during the warmer months.

Dog Breed Characteristics - Large Dogs

Not too sure which type of dog to buy? This is part 3 of 3 articles that addresses the different needs and characteristics of some of the popular dogs.

Giant Schnauzer

The Giant Schnauzer is a large, powerful, dominant dog which needs a firm, consistent but friendly owner. They can be good with children if obtained since young and trained. Early and consistent training is necessary as Giant Schnauzers tend to be very willful. They like to run around, and don't usually see people in their way and can injure children easily. They need a lot of exercise and busy professionals should avoid getting this breed. If they are denied of exercise and left on their own, they can get very destructive.

Golden Retriever

One of my favourite breeds as well. They are well known for their "patience, kindness and friendliness", and thus serve poorly as a guard dog. However, they are extremely good with children and can be trained easily. Golden Retrievers are very attached to their owners. Leaving them alone in a room can cause the dog to become very sad and distressed. Frequent grooming is needed to reduce the amount of shedding. Intelligent and eager to please, they are also employed in rescue missions, drug detection missions, and serve well as guide dogs for the blind.

Great Dane

Great Danes are well known for their huge size and gentle personality. They have been in the Guinness World Records for the tallest dog. They are generally good with humans (including strangers) and other pets. Grooming is minimal. They need regular exercise because they possess a good amount of energy.

Old English Sheepdog

They are best known for their shaggy grey and white fur which also covers their face, including their eyes. They intelligent, funny, sociable, and adaptable. They are also good with young children, and hence earned the title "Dear Nanny". Owing to their herding instinct, they have been known to push family members away from dangerous objects or people. They can also get very stubborn at times. They are often known as the Dulux dog, as a result of them appearing in the advertising of Dulux paint.

Labrador Retriever

They are exceptionally gentle, intelligent, energetic and good-natured, and Labradors are generally considered good companions for people of all ages. They are comparable to the Golden Retrievers. They respond well to praise and attention, and with proper training, the Labrador is one of the most trustworthy, obedient and multi-talented breeds in the world. They love to play in water, so be sure to bring them to the beach often. Due to their friendly nature, they are not suitable as guard dogs. However, an uncontrolled adult Labrador can get really problematic. So, be sure to give them the proper dog training.

Choosing A Large Dog Breed For Your Family

Some dog lovers prefer small dogs that can be a lap dog, or ones they can carry easily, but others prefer bigger dogs and opt for a large dog breed as their family pet. There are many advantages to a large dog breed, they often have higher energy levels for playtime and there can be less concern over injuries from over-excited children. However a large dog breed may have specific needs that need to be met. With so many different breeds to choose from, the decision as to which one is the most suitable for a family pet can be a difficult one.

If you are set on a large dog breed then the following points may help you with your choice:

Firstly you need to ask.....Who will Care for the Dog?

The primary caretaker of the animal is important, larger dogs require a responsible adult in charge who can control their exuberance and take the time to train the dog properly. Children and older or frailer adults are not the best choice to care for these pets. Give consideration also to the child who promises to care for the dog prior to purchase but who may lose interest in his responsibilities throughout the lifespan of the pet. Therefore it is best to make the addition of your new pet as a family effort, and so each family member is assigned to some aspect of the dogs care. By spreading the responsibility it will help to ensure your large dog breed gets the attention and care he needs and by doing so every family member will get the opportunity to enjoy your new pet equally.

How much Space will your large dog breed need?

Dogs come with a variety of energy levels, and this must be taken into consideration when deciding on which breed is best for your circumstances and in particular when you are considering a large dog breed.

A dog that becomes bored can look for alternative entertainment which could result in him becoming destructive; this can be a big problem with a large dog breed.

Your pet will need plenty of room to run with daily walks and playtime in order to help him stay healthy and happy. Larger dogs tend to need more space, for example a large garden or yard to play in. But remember the fence will need to be sufficient in substance and height to stop your lovely big dog escaping!

Be careful also with happy waggy tails around the house as objects can be knocked off innocently when your happy or excited dog is in a small room.

If you are absolutely certain that an energetic large breed dog is the right choice for you and your family, just make sure you have the room to accommodate this big, energetic and powerful animal.

Choosing a large dog breed for your family will require a lot of research and planning, however it will be worth it when you have the right choice of dog that fits in well with your family. Take the time to choose the right dog for you, and that pet in turn should return the effort by giving you and your family many years of enjoyment and companionship.

Favorite Large Dog Breeds

There are many people who love large dogs. That is obvious by the number of large dog breeds listed in the AKC top ten favorite dog breeds. The Top Ten list includes Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherd Dogs, Golden Retrievers, and Boxers. And since Poodles are eighth in the list, you could say that five large breeds are in the top ten since Standard Poodles average over 50 pounds.

Why are so many large dogs found in the top ten when they can appear so intimidating, cost a lot more to feed than smaller dogs, require more room, and require firmer training than, say, a Pug or Pomeranian?

There is something special about having a large dog. Unless you have owned one of the large dog breeds you might not understand the feeling owners get calling this large dog "friend" and "companion." Many of the large breeds are also among the most gentle breeds.

With the exception of the German Shepherd Dog, Weimaraners, Rottweilers and the Doberman Pinscher, every large dog listed below is extremely affectionate (rating four or five stars out of a possible five). Many of the largest breeds seem to be the most affectionate and gentle, while others among the largest breeds, such as the Rottweiler and German Shepherd Dog, are terrific guard dogs.

The top ten favorite large dogs are not, for the most part, the giants of the dog world. After all, Irish Wolfhounds and St. Bernards, among the biggest and heaviest dogs, are 39th and 77th on the AKC list of favorite dogs. Still, Great Danes, only a few inches smaller than the Irish Wolfhound, occupy the position of 24th favorite, and Mastiffs (a breed that can weight about 190 pounds, just below the St. Bernard) are 32nd favorite.

Here is the list of top ten with 11th and 12th thrown in for good measure:

Labrador Retriever (1st) German Shepherd Dogs (3rd) Golden Retrievers (4th) Boxers (7th) Rottweilers (17th) Pointers, German Shorhaired (19th) Doberman Pinschers (21st) Great Danes (24th) Siberian Huskies (25th) English Springer Spaniel (26th) Weimaraners (30th) Mastiffs (32nd)

Considering that there are 155 dogs listed in the American Kennel Club (in 2006), it is a significant achievement to be listed in the top 30. Eleven of the large dog breeds accomplish this, with Mastiffs coming in close behind at position 32. And note that large breeds occupy three of the top four positions, which is really impressive.

But why are these large dogs so popular even though they require more space, more food, and often more energy to control than little Chihuahuas (number 11) or Pugs (number 13)? The fact is some people prefer large dogs over small. Who can argue that a Mastiff or Great Dane does not elicit awe and admiration from everyone who sees one? They are very imposing dogs.

Yet despite their size most of these large dogs are very gentle and affectionate. Imagine a Mastiff with the temperament of a typical Chihuahua. Just the thought is frightening. Instead, the Mastiff is among the most lovable and gentle dog breed.

The Labrador Retriever is so far ahead of all the other breeds in popularity that it will be awhile before any other breed overtakes them, if it ever happens at all. No matter how you look at it, large dogs are among the most favorite dog breeds in the United States.

Beware of the Dog - The Top 10 Most Dangerous Large Dog Breeds

Many studies have been done to determine casualty rates when it comes to dog bites and one study carried out recently confirmed that annually, there were at least 4.7 million cases of dog bites in the USA.

In another recent study, it was also confirmed that on daily basis, at least 1,000 Americans are given emergency treatment for injuries sustained from dog bites. The higher percentage of these victims are children and at least half of them were bitten on their faces. In 2006, 30 deaths were recorded as a result of injuries related to dog bites, 14 were children. In 2007, a total of 35 such deaths were recorded with the number of children being 18. In 2008, it was 23 deaths recorded and children involved were 16. In the year 2009, 32 deaths occurred and 20 children were involved. In 2010, out of 33 deaths recorded, 20 were children.

Prior to all these cases, it has become established that there is no dog breed that is not dangerous, though there are certain breeds which have been classified as most dangerous breeds. This fact was confirmed by the studies carried out in 2000 by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in which 25 dog breeds were said to have been involved in 238 fatal dog bites between 1979 and 1998.

Some of the most dangerous large dog breeds are listed below:

? Husky: This is an ancient Siberian breed and weighs between 35 and 55 lbs with 20-24 inches as its height. This breed of dog is known to have difficulties associated with its training which makes it pertinent that people who do not have a broad knowledge of dog handling avoid getting one as a pet. They cherish the company of fellow dogs but mainly of their own breed and have fun by howling up at the moon.

? German Shepherd: This is a German dog which weighs 70-85 lbs and its height is measured at 22-26 inches. They are originally bred to guard sheep while they graze and also used by some locals and Police in patrols, this is largely due to the fact that they are known to be strong and confident.

? Presa Canario: Its origin is confirmed to be from Africa, precisely Canary Islands. It measures 100-125 lbs in weight while in height it measures 25-26 inches. It is a result of mixed breed of Bull Dog and Mastiff which combines to give it its immense power and bravery. This dog was bred purposely for combat and hunting expeditions which are the reasons why they serve mainly as guard dogs and also used in herding.

? Alaskan Malamute: This dog has its origin from North America and weighs 80-110 lbs and 23-28 inches in height. Their strength is such that they always engage in pure physical activities otherwise they will resort to destroying things around them. To avoid this, owners are advised to improvise a convenient playground for this breed of dog. Their being bred for work made it possible for them to get used to unfavorable conditions like cold weather

? Doberman Pinscher: This is a German dog breed which weighs 65-90 lbs and measures 26-28 inches in height. They were originally bred for guarding and defending their owners. When it comes to engaging them in any form of violent play, they react aggressively. It does not spare seconds in retaliating in the face of a supposed attack.

? Pit Bull: This is a US bred dog that weighs 55-65 lbs and measures 18-22 inches in height. The dog was originally bred to engage in combat and up till date, they are sadly being used for that same purpose. It is a strong dog which is not scared by its opponent, it defeats its prey by locking its powerful jaws on it and holding onto it till the prey is confirmed dead by the dog. It is no longer news that many people have actually being killed by this breed.

? Rottweiler: This dog has its origins from Germany and weighs 85-110 lbs and its height at 23-27 inches. It makes good use of its strong jaws and massive strength to protect whoever owns it. They take to not tolerating strangers and dogs of different breed.

? Chow Chow: This dog breed originates from China and its weight is 40-65 lbs and 18-22 inches in height. The main purpose of breeding this dog was for hunting and sheep or cattle herding. It is known to give full concentration to caring for itself and does not approve being disturbed. It has massive strength and likes engaging in exercise.

? Boxer: It was originally from Germany and its weight is placed at 50-70 lbs and height at 20-25 inches. Research has shown that if someone desires to properly train this stubborn dog, they should have patience and a few different training methods to find one that works.

? Dalmatian: This dog is originally from Balkans, India and weighs 40-70 lbs and measures 20-24 inches in height. They like outdoor activities including playing and running. They are fighting dogs, hunting dogs, herding dogs and even royal dogs.