Owning a large breed dog can be a wonderful addition to any home. Not only can they provide loyal companionship, but they can also offer protection and prevent boredom with their larger size. Many large breed dogs also need more exercise than smaller breeds, so they can be great for promoting both physical and mental wellbeing.
Choosing the best large breed dog for your home starts with understanding their various characteristics and needs. This article will discuss the most popular large breed dog breeds, their unique personalities, and the considerations for those looking to bring one home.
Benefits of Owning a Large Dog
Owning a large dog comes with a number of benefits. Large dogs tend to be more active and energetic compared to their smaller counterparts, making them ideal for active owners and families who love being outdoors.
They also tend to be more protective and can be great guard dogs. Since they are more visible and tend to draw more attention, they are also great for deterring intruders.
Large dogs are often seen as more loyal and devoted to their owners, making them excellent companions. Large breeds require more space and exercise than smaller dogs, but they are also less susceptible to certain health issues that can be more common in smaller breeds. That said, they can still be prone to hip dysplasia and other genetic issues.
Potential owners should research the breed and use a reputable breeder when selecting a large dog. In general, owning a large dog is a great choice for those looking for a loyal and energetic companion, who have the time and space to provide for the animal. If you think these benefits match your lifestyle, a large dog may be the perfect pet for you.
Popular Large Dog Breeds
Popular large dog breeds include the Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Rottweiler, and Bullmastiff. When picking out a pup, be sure to consider the exercise needs, grooming and shedding, temperament, and cost of each breed before making your decision. The Labrador Retriever is an active and playful breed that is great with children, while the German Shepherd is a loyal and intelligent guard dog.
The Golden Retriever is a good-natured and friendly breed that excels in obedience and agility training. The Rottweiler is proud and courageous, but can sometimes be aggressive if not properly trained.
The Bullmastiff is a gentle giant that requires minimal grooming and is usually very calm. When picking out an appropriate breed for your lifestyle, there is no one-size-fits-all answer, so take the time to research the breed thoroughly and get to know the breed before making your final decision.
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is one of the best large dog breeds as it is easy to train with a gentle and energetic temperament. It is a dedicated and hardworking breed that has been used as assistance dogs and hunting dogs. They are a great addition to the family, as they are intelligent and affectionate.
Their exercise needs are moderate, so they are suitable for apartments, if walked regularly.
Grooming and shedding requirements are relatively low, making them a practical choice for those with allergies. This breed is known to be one of the most expensive dog breeds as it requires a lot of attention and care. The Labrador Retriever is an ideal companion for any family.
German Shepherd
If you’re looking for an intelligent, loyal, and protective companion, a German Shepherd may be the perfect large breed dog for you. German Shepherds are one of the most well-known working breeds and serve as police, rescue, and military dogs. They can also be trained to compete in agility, obedience, and tracking events.
While they are intelligent and eager to learn, their protective nature means they need to be socialized early and often.
When it comes to exercise, German Shepherds need plenty of it. They do best with a minimum of two long walks daily, as well as playtime in a securely fenced yard. If not given enough physical and mental exercise, they may become destructive.
They also need to be groomed weekly to prevent mats from forming and to prevent their long, double coat from shedding. When it comes to temperament, German Shepherds are good-natured, but can be aloof with strangers.
They make a good family pet, but should never be left alone with children or other pets. Owning a German Shepherd can be expensive, as they require proper veterinary care, including vaccinations and flea and tick prevention.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are great large breed dogs because they are so sweet, loyal and obedient. They make great family pets and can be a lot of fun. This breed is generally laid back, friendly and is patient with children.
They are also highly intelligent and easy to train.
They are a bit higher maintenance than some breeds though. They have a moderate to high exercise need, need to be groomed regularly and can shed quite a bit. If you can dedicate the time and energy to taking care of a Golden Retriever, you will be rewarded with a loving and devoted companion!
Golden Retrievers are an excellent choice for people looking for a large breed dog with an affectionate and laidback personality. They are loyal and form strong bonds with their owners and are very eager to please.
They do need patience and consistent training, but their intelligence makes them highly trainable. With regular grooming, plenty of exercise and a lot of love, a Golden Retriever can be a fantastic pet for your family.
Rottweiler
If you’re looking for an intelligent and loyal companion, consider a Rottweiler. This breed is known for its strength and courage and is one of the most popular large breeds.
Though Rottweilers are relatively easy to train, they require a strong, confident owner who can provide consistent leadership and guidance. They thrive in homes with experienced owners who provide routine exercise and mental stimulation. Grooming needs are minimal and they shed an average amount.
Rottweilers can be territorial, so it’s important to socialize them early and often to ensure they are well-mannered around other animals and people. They can also be stubborn and require a patient, loving owner to keep them in check. Though they can be expensive, they can be a loyal, loving addition to any family who is willing to take the time to train and socialize them properly.
Bullmastiff
If you are looking for a large dog breed that is loyal and courageous, the Bullmastiff might be the perfect fit for you. These gentle giants are strong and imposing, yet their patience and obedience make them great for families.
They are also devoted and highly trainable, so teaching them commands and tricks won’t be a problem. When it comes to exercise needs, Bullmastiffs have moderate energy and don’t require too much walking or running.
As far as grooming and shedding goes, they have short coats and only need occasional brushing. They are quite laid back with a good-natured temperament, so they get along with children and other pets. When it comes to cost, however, Bullmastiffs can be quite expensive, with high vet bills and regular feeding expenses. If you are willing to take on the financial responsibility, the Bullmastiff makes a great companion and is definitely worth the investment.
Considerations
When considering a large dog breed, there are several things to keep in mind. One of the most important things to consider is the exercise needs of the breed.
Large dogs require a lot of exercise and activity and may not be suitable for an owner who can’t provide ample time to walk or play with the dog. Grooming and shedding should be taken into account. Some large breeds have heavy coats that require frequent grooming, while others have moderate shedding that can be managed with regular brushing.
The temperament of the breed is important and should be taken into consideration. Some large breeds are gentle and loyal, while others can be more independent and require more training. The cost of a large breed should also be taken into consideration, as they often come with a higher price tag.
Exercise Needs
Exercising your large dog is essential for their mental and physical health. Without enough exercise, your four-legged friend can become restless, irritable and overweight.
To give your pooch the best quality of life and keep them healthy, you should aim to take them out for at least two hours of exercise a day. That could be two long walks, a few trips to the dog park, or an hour of fetch or tug of war in the backyard.
Make sure to give your pup plenty of time to run and play off-leash – it’s good for their spirit and will help wear them out! If you are somewhat limited in time, try breaking up their exercise routine. This can be done by taking your dog for a walk in the morning and then having a play session in the afternoon.
You can also try combining exercise with training – teaching your pup commands and tricks will help keep them mentally stimulated. Consider hiring a doggie-walker or doggie-daycare if you are away from home for most of the day.
Make sure to keep your pup safe while exercising.
If you visit a dog park, choose one that is clean and well-maintained. Always keep an eye on your dog while they are playing with other dogs and adhere to all safety regulations. Be aware of your pup’s energy level and take breaks if they need to rest. With the right amount of exercise and care, your large pup will be healthy and happy for years to come.
Grooming and Shedding
Grooming and shedding are two important things to consider when choosing a large dog breed. Large breeds are often high-maintenance in terms of grooming, and shedding can be a real problem.
Investing in a good quality brush and visiting the groomers regularly can help to keep your dog’s coat healthy and looking great. Shedding can be managed with regular brushing, using the right grooming tools, and bathing only when necessary.
Frequent vacuuming and brushing can help keep fur from collecting in your home. Make sure you have the time, energy, and patience to groom and manage a large dog. It’s important to remember that each breed has different grooming needs and some require more time and effort than others.
Temperament
When considering the temperament of a large dog breed, it’s important to remember that all dogs have individual personalities. While some are more laid-back and patient, others may be more high-energy and active. It’s important to take the time to research the temperaments of the breeds you’re interested in to make sure they fit your lifestyle.
Be sure to also spend time with the dog to get to know its personality before deciding which breed is right for you. Large dog breeds require patience and consistency with training.
They may take a bit longer than smaller dogs to learn, as they can be headstrong and stubborn.
With a firm, consistent training routine, these breeds can be well-mannered and obedient. Make sure to socialize your dog so that it can learn proper manners around other people and animals. With a positive reinforcement training technique, you can ensure that your large dog is a well-balanced and joyful companion.
Cost
When considering the cost of a large dog, it is important to take into account all associated expenses. Large breeds require a commitment of time, money and energy.
They need a large space to run and can be quite expensive to maintain. Vet bills, grooming, toys, and other supplies can quickly add up.
It is wise to research the breed you are considering and budget for all associated costs before investing in a large dog. Though these costs can be expensive, the rewards of ownership are immeasurable. Owning a large dog can be an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable experience.
They offer companionship, loyalty, and can even provide a feeling of security. When compared to the cost of some other luxuries, the cost of owning a large dog is small. With love and proper care, your large dog will provide you with years of love and loyalty, making the investment well worth it.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
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