Jump to: Popular Giant Dog Breeds About Exercise Giant Dog Breeds List Training Supplies Health Before You Buy Food Grooming
At first glance, giant dog breeds are intimidating.
They’re a serious hunk of size.
They’re a family favorite.
While there is no universal statement for the size and weight of a giant dog breed, typically a giant dog breed will weigh at least 100 pounds and stand at a minimum of 24” tall at the shoulder.
This is only the starting point, however.
The largest recorded canine to date is Benedictine, a towering St. Bernard who filled all of 366 pounds.
The lifespan for a giant dog is typically fewer years than that of their smaller counterparts.
On average, giant dog breeds enjoy 8 – 12 years of life.
The mass on a giant canine requires them to work harder and thus places more strain on their organs.
As a result, aging comes quick as giant dogs are considered seniors as young as six years old.
Upon becoming a senior, increased attention should be directed toward proper diet and nutrition.
Hello, Powerhouse!
Say hello to any giant canine and you’ll likely encounter one incredible powerhouse.
Like the other breed sizes, there remains a large variety among today’s giant canine family.
From contrasting temperaments to differing activity levels and various grooming demands, the spectrum is vast when talking giant dog breeds.
Many giant dogs make superb family pets and with proper training, are quick to protect their loved ones.
Others will try to fit on your lap and resemble a gentle giant, while still others will simply love to chew at whatever they can get their teeth around.
Fortunately, the giant dog’s intimidating size renders them as choice watchdogs and guard dogs.
Oftentimes their appearance alone is sufficient to deter unwanted strangers and foes.
They’re also often alert by nature and are quick to signal when reality appears suspicious.
They will protect with their lives and work to keep danger at bay.
However, never try to expedite growth with a growing giant.
Giant dog breeds simply take longer than their smaller canine counterparts when it comes to maturing into full adult dog size.
Keep the diet healthy and allow growth to progress at a steady and consistent rate.
While a giant dog breed prefers his freedom and is most suitable for suburban or country living where yards are big and room to play is vast, these family pets are adaptable to smaller living conditions too.
Just be certain to provide a giant canine with sufficient exercise every single day and they’ll be content to settle in nearly anywhere.
Before Your Giant Dog Comes Home
Bringing a giant dog into your home is no small decision.
Be sure to do a little homework ahead of time so you’re informed about the commitment you are about to step into.
Also, before selecting your perfect little fur ball, be sure to first spend time together with the puppy to ensure he/she is a good match for you and/or your family.
Additional things to consider prior to bringing home your first giant dog include:
What are your expectations for giant dog breeds?
Perhaps a straightforward question at first glance, but really take time to consider what are you expecting when bringing home a giant canine?
If cuddles and snuggles are all you’re about, you may want to keep looking.
Also when talking dogs, an increase in size equals an increase in cost.
Therefore when comparing a giant dog breed to his smaller counterparts, it’s the giant who will consume more food and bring home higher vet bills.
Because their body size is larger, their shots and doses of medication are also higher.
There are also specific health problems connected to larger dog size which could affect the vet bill too.
In addition, travel costs could also get higher.
You simply can’t stuff a giant dog into your purse and walk onto a plane.
Plus, many hotels and motels don’t even allow dogs over 30 pounds to stay in their rooms.
With a giant in the house, plan to keep the coffee tables clear of anything delicate or easily breakable.
A simple swish of your canine’s tail could send items shattering to the ground.
And don’t forget those kitchen counters.
Some giant dog breeds are notable counter surfers and will eat your kitchen clean if permitted.
What are training requirements for giant breeds?
True to their size, giant dogs are no pushover.
While charming as little puppies, give these giants room to grow and they’ll be happy to run your home unless you establish early who the pack leader is.
Giant dogs require a firm, consistent and kind leader who reinforces positive behaviors and trains them through the ropes of life.
How much exercise is required for giant breeds?
Expect to provide your giant with plenty of room for stretching those growing muscles.
A simple stretch will take some space so be prepared to allow your giant lots of space and room to grow.
Exercise is also an absolute must for these buddies, whether it’s a stroll through the park, a hike outdoors, or a visit to an outdoor shopping mall, give these giants fresh air and a healthy dose of movement.
Otherwise, you may just wind up with a grouchy, bored and destructive canine who won’t stop anytime soon enlightening you to the damage he/she can incur.
Which giant dog breed temperament best fits your personality?
There’s happy and jolly and melancholy and steady and so much more when searching dog temperaments.
Which personality are you most prone to mesh with?
Also be sure to note the coat type, color and shape of any canines you are considering.
Popular Giant Dog Breeds
The list gets long when talking giant dogs.
To get you started thinking, popular giants include:
They’re gentle, loving and a charm around the kids.
They’ve also got a mind of their own and are guardians at heart.
Muscle meets athleticism in the dashing Doberman Pinscher.
Commonly used in military and police force, these giants are intelligent to their core and know how to endure.
Naturally proactive, these giants are fond of hunting and sport a strong will.
They’re brave, intelligent and protective all in one.
Plus, they are fond of pleasing and don’t demand much exercise.
No need to worry with your Rottweiler nearby.
He’s a natural guardian who is trustworthy at heart.
He’s also dignified, obedient, and moderately intelligent.
These beauties will tolerate lots and are a gem with kids.
In addition, they are gentle through and through and serve as fantastic watchdogs.
List of Giant Dog Breeds
Below is a list of giant dog breeds. This giant dog breed list is perfect for scanning all giant dog breeds. It is also a great list if you need to copy and paste giant dog breeds.
Giant Schnauzer, Great Dane, Great Pyrenees, Greyhound, Irish Wolfhound, Kuvasz, Leonberger, Mixed Breed Giant, Neapolitan Mastiff, Newfoundland, Saint Berdoodle, Saint Bernard, Scottish Deerhound, Spanish Mastiff
Be In-the-know About Giant Dog Breeds
Before bringing home your giant canine, be sure to consider these five essential factors.
Food & Nutrition for Giant Dog Breeds
When talking food, avoid these foods at all costs while including vitamins essential to a growing puppies health.
Before you toss in too many supplements, however, speak first with a reputable veterinary to learn exactly what your specific breed needs in terms of proper quantity and appropriate supplements.
Among giant dog breeds, also keep fat and calcium to a minimum in the daily diet.
A high fat or caloric intake can result in expedited weight gain and can cause injury to bones and muscles which are still underdeveloped.
In addition, excess calcium can result in unpleasant skeletal problems.
With giant dog breeds, aim for a slow and uniform growth to increase healthier joints as puppies mature into giant adult canines.
Giant Dog Breed Health
Research potential problems for your selected breed and learn how to recognize the signs when something may be amiss.
You might also consider getting a good puppy insurance to keep you and your four-legged friend protected should tragedy strike.
Giant Dog Breed Grooming
Consider this your outlet for quality bonding time.
From brushing that beautiful coat to cleaning out the ears and trimming those nails, grooming can be a fantastic time for some quality one-on-one with your giant canine friend.
Be sure to also keep those pearly whites gleaming with a vet-approved toothpaste and bathe the giant only when needed with a gentle doggy shampoo.
Cheers to fresh breath and good dog health!
Giant Dog Breed Training
Giant dogs are among the smartest and most trainable canines.
They are eager to please and love to learn new things.
Nonetheless, habits are hard to break so avoid cooing at your puppy performing behaviors that you won’t later allow in the adult dog version.
Keep clear who is in charge and be consistent, kind and firm in your training.
As a result, you’ll be rewarded with a well-rounded and obedient giant buddy who is ready to take on the world.
Giant Dog Breed Supplies
Everything just gets bigger when it comes to the giant dog.
Check to be sure you’ve got the supplies needed to welcome your new pupper home.
Is that crate large enough?
Do you have the right type of food for the breed you’re bringing home?
What about your collar size?
Because the dog is big, be sure to also think big before swinging wide your door and bringing home your new best friend.
Final Giant Dog Breed Takeaways
No questions asked, they’re a big hunk of canine.
They act big, think big and love even bigger.
Train them well and you’ll discover a new best friend.
When done well, the reward – just like the dog – is sure to be a big one.
As the Editor in Chief, Anna Lengacher helps dog lovers learn the ropes of finding, raising, and caring for their dogs so they can enjoy many happy memories together.
