There’s a reason why people love dogs - they are loyal, playful, and they can protect you when needed. While for some, a Chihuahua or a Bichon Frisé is enough to lead a happy pet owners’ life, others dream about getting a large dog breed. And why wouldn’t they? These giants are huggable, gentle, easier to train, and, of course, stronger. Not to mention that having a large dog can make you feel safe.
However, choosing the breed can get quite challenging as there are so many options out there. If you find yourself facing this problem, read on and learn about the best large dog breeds for you. Just remember - general characteristics are one thing, but a dog’s character and personality are another.
German Shepherds
This is definitely a breed that nearly everyone knows! Also known as Alsatian, German Shepherds originated in Germany in the 1800s and have a lifespan of 9-13 years. They are highly intelligent and are more than capable of being working dogs. This is not news to German Shepherd fans as they have been trained to be used as guide dogs, police dogs, military dogs, and much more for decades now.
Above all this though, they are truly a faithful companion and can be very loving. They are great with families but not so good with other dogs. They also hate to be alone and need a lot of space to run. It is quite hard to find purebred, so you should learn how to recognize purebred German Shepherds with this guide.
Newfoundland
Newfoundland is a large breed of working dog from the northeastern region of Canada (Newfoundland is an island northeast of Nova Scotia). This is one of the most friendly and gentle dogs out there. They are easy to train, and they always want to please, even if it means helping you out with your chores!
They’re good with children and other animals, so they get along well with everyone. They’re big and strong, but they won’t hurt smaller dogs or cats. They enjoy playing in the water, and they’re very protective of their owners. They’re also great with strangers, but they will definitely need some training so they don’t react defensively.
Boxer
Boxers can be described as energetic, social, loyal dogs with a lot of personality. They are obedient and easily trained, so if you want a dog that can provide protection while also being a faithful companion, this might be the breed for you.
They have a tendency to bark a lot, but only when there’s a reason to. You can’t go past their ears, the creased ears are one of their most characteristic traits. These dogs don’t like being left alone. Boxers require a lot of exercise every day, so if you can’t provide them with enough physical activity, you should reconsider getting this breed.
Bullmastiff
This is another great dog for people who love big breeds as they are loyal, playful, and they tend to get along well with kids. That being said, even though they are not aggressive by nature, if they feel challenged in any way, they will react defensively. They are very intelligent, which makes them easier to train. However, they will need a lot of exercise. They also tend to drool quite a lot.
Great Dane
The Great Dane was originally bred for hunting boars and deer. Great Danes have also broken the Guinness world record for the tallest dog - several times at that. These dogs are super affectionate on the inside, but on the outside, they look kind of scary (even though it’s just because of their size). They make great companions for active families that already have experience with large breeds. They are very intelligent and good learners, but they may be a little too energetic and hard to control for beginners.
Bernese Mountain Dog
These dogs look gorgeous - they have short fur and a beautiful black coat with white markings on their chest, or feet, or both! Despite their size - they can reach up to 25 inches (64 centimeters) at the shoulder - they are very playful dogs that love swimming and running around. They are easy to train and fun to be around.
Great Pyrenees
This is another large dog breed that needs quite a lot of exercise every day, so if you don’t plan on spending lots of time outdoors with your new best friend, the Great Pyrenees might not be the right breed for you. In the past, they have been used to guard sheep, so they are very protective of their territory and their household.
Dogue de Bordeaux
If you want a dog that looks like a bear but acts like a teddy bear, this might be the breed for you. These dogs are great companions for first-time owners. They’re loyal and playful with everyone they meet, which makes them great family pets. But don’t let their soft personality fool you, because these dogs can certainly defend themselves!
Great Swiss Mountain Dog
These dogs can reach up to 30 inches (76 centimeters) tall.However, despite their size, they are very affectionate dogs that love cuddling, pleasing people, and playing with children. They are also incredibly intelligent: they are easy to train and learn quickly - so if you want a breed that will be both a great family pet AND a strong guard dog, this might be your best bet.
St. Bernard
This is one of the largest dog breeds out there, with an average height of about 28 inches (70 centimeters) for males and 27 inches (67 centimeters) for females. They’re also pretty heavy and can weigh around 100 pounds (45 kilograms) or more. A St. Bernard is an adorable and cuddly giant that loves playtime and always wants to be involved in everything you do. However, you need to keep in mind that this is not a dog always the best pick for first-time owners as they are difficult to train, and they need immense patience.
The Bottom Line
There’s no denying that dogs make for great companions. After all, there's a reason why people say that they are man's best friend. They are loyal, caring and can offer protection when you need it.
While small dog breeds can be a great choice if you live in a small space or don’t have the time or stamina to exercise with a larger dog, sometimes the heart wants what it wants - that being a big dog! While large breeds don’t always have the best reputation, any dog owner would know that this is a load of rubbish and they can be timider than smaller dogs!
We hope that after reading this article, you have a better idea about which large dog breed will be the best choice for you and your family. However, you also need to remember that the breed is one thing - it’s the dog’s character and personality that matter more.
