Top 7 Large Dog Breeds That Make the Best Pets

Largest Dogs in the World to Make the Best Pets

Owning a pet can bring many benefits. Pets can encourage us to have healthy habits like exercise, get outside, and socialize.

Pets can also help manage loneliness and depression by giving us companionship. And one of the most lovable pets are dogs.

Dogs are known to give unconditional love, devoted companionship, and constant entertainment. Dog lovers can testify how life is better with dogs around.

Although some people prefer smaller dogs, others believe that there is nothing better than giant dogs.

But before adopting a large dog breed, there are many things to consider. When dog size increases, food, supplies, and health care cost more.

To help you decide on this matter, we have listed some dog breeds you may consider having as a new family member.

Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular family dogs in the United States.

Golden Retrievers make great family pets, although they were originally bred as a hunting breed. This family-friendly dog, fun-loving and adventurous, enjoys high-energy activities.

They are naturally lovable, making them excellent therapeutic dogs. You just need to groom them properly since they shed moderately frequently.

Golden retrievers are a generally healthy breed.

Unfortunately, they are more prone to cancer than other dog breeds. It is highly recommended to provide them a healthy diet and get regular checkups at your local veterinary.

Height: 21.5 to 24 inches

Weight: 55 to 75 pounds

Saint Bernard

You can never go wrong with this furball since Beethoven showed us what this breed can do.

Saint Bernard’s are giant dogs with even bigger hearts. They are widely used in search-and-rescue and as service animals. They tend to be gentle, caring companions of the family. Plus, they get along well with children.

Do not overfeed a Saint Bernard, since the dog needs to eat enough food to maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight will strain the joints in the dog’s hips or elbows and trigger any problems.

Its temperament is more placid and it requires less exercise than many other breeds. The pound-for-pound food need for a Saint Bernard could be lower than for other breeds.

Height: 26 to 30 inches

Weight: 120 to 180 pounds

Great Dane

The Great Dane is referred to as the mighty “Apollo of Dogs” and is one of the largest dogs’ breeds. This is a regal, clever and obedient dog with a warm temperament.

Generally, these dogs are gentle, playful, friendly, and extremely loyal. Patient with kids, Danes make wonderful pets for the family. In most homes, a well-trained dog can excel.

Owners must be mindful that the breed’s number-one killer is bloating up. So far there isn’t a complete explanation of the causes of bloat.

Experts agree that many small meals a day and avoiding physical activity at mealtimes will help cut the risk of it occurring.

Height: 28 to 34 inches at the shoulder

Weight: 100 to 200 pounds

Samoyed

Because of their constantly upturned mouths, Samoyeds are famous for their “Sammy smile.” This breed is more than happy to put in a bit of work for their humans, whether it is herding, hunting, or carrying a sled.

The thick and fluffy white coat makes Sammies easy to recognize. Thus, they shed a great deal, so proper grooming is a must!

Samoyeds are usually healthy. Although they are vulnerable to some health problems, like all breeds. Some of these are: Glaucoma, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (RTA), Hip dysplasia, and Samoyed Hereditary Glomerulopathy (a genetic kidney disease).

Height: 21 to 23.5 inches (males); 19 to 21 inches (females)

Weight: 45 to 60 pounds (males); 35 to 50 pounds (females)

Bernese Mountain Dog

In Switzerland, the Bernese Mountain Dog originated. With its large frame and striking tri-colored coat, this gentle giant will win your heart.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is an outstanding family dog who gets along well with kids and most other pets. Moreover, it likes to be included in all family activities.

With a Bernese Mountain Dog in the house, you’ll never be lonely.

They are protective but not violent, trustworthy but independent, and robust but not exhausting. Sadly, this breed, unfortunately, lives shorter lives than certain other breeds.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is, like many breeds, vulnerable to certain hereditary conditions. Some of these are cancer, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand’s disease.

Height: 23 to 27.5 inches at the shoulder

Weight: 70 to 115 pounds

Newfoundland

Newfoundland is a large, versatile dog breed from Newfoundland. Recognized for its hard-working spirit with a sweet disposition. Smart, majestic, and very loyal is the breed.

Newfoundlands are also referred to as Newfs or Newfies. They make superb working dogs but are often relaxed and loving companions.

Fair warning: If you can’t take the slobber of a dog, a Newfoundland dog isn’t for you. This breed drools a great deal.

Also, to keep the thick coat of Newfies looking great, they need daily grooming.

Newfoundlands are vulnerable to many medical conditions. Gastric dilatation-volvulus and Hip dysplasia include these. As with any dog breed, it’s necessary to visit the veterinarian for regular checkups.

It could be possible for your vet to diagnose health issues early.

Height: 26 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder

Weight: 100 to 150 pounds

English Mastiff

The English Mastiff is one of the world’s largest dog breeds from England. On the outside, this giant breed looks fierce. But they are actually soft-hearted, easy-going companions on the inside.

They have the same wild puppyhood as every other race, kind, dignified, and brave. But they grow into a gentle and quiet dog who enjoys being with people.

This breed also drools a lot, so keep a handy rag around. And they are huge, ample living space, and obedience training are fundamental.

Their large size, however, also leads to their lifespan, which can be heartbreakingly short. Some of the medical conditions you should watch for are Hip Dysplasia, Gastric dilatation-volvulus, and Elbow hygroma.

Height: 30 inches and up (males); 27.5 inches and up (females)

Weight: 150 to 220 pounds (males); 120 to 180 pounds (females)

Takeaway

Unconditional love and encouragement can surprisingly be offered by a four-footed buddy. So, if you want to adopt or buy one, whether big or small, you should do some research on the breed you want.

You should also ask your local vet about how you and your family can choose the best type of dog.

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Author

Sun Rik

I’m a paradox in the world of writing. I love writing but I hate literature. And oh, I like to publish my own book someday, but I haven’t formulated the plot yet.