Choosing a dog breed: large dogs

The only real dogs are the big dogs. Perhaps only a big dog could have made the incredible journey from Scotland to Yorkshire that Lassie undertook in “Lassie Come Home.” The original Lassie movie was not only the best Lassie movie, but one of the best kids’ movies ever made. Starring 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 purchasing or adopting a large dog, it is important to research the different breeds of dogs beforehand. Each breed of dog has different characteristics and only the right ones will be right for your family and home.

Labrador Retriever – These wonderful family and sporting dogs can be yellow, black, or chocolate in color. Labradors are intelligent, versatile, and friendly dogs. They are good with children and other dogs. Their fur is not long, but it is double, so they require regular care. Labradors are large and active dogs, so 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 1950s television series “The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin.” Today, this breed is often used as a police, guard and service dog, although they can also be loyal family dogs. These dogs are large and strong and have a herding instinct, so good training is essential. This highly trainable and reliable 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 collie breeds include the medium-sized Border Collie and the Bearded Collie (breed 15 below). Smooth Collies have short hair while Rough Collies have a beautiful 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 Retrievers – Like Labradors, Goldens make excellent family dogs, hunting retrievers, and versatile service dogs. Golds have longer hair, with a beautiful double coat that can be various shades of gold. They require more regular grooming. Highly intelligent, gentle and friendly, this breed makes 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. It is preferable to have a patio.

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

Doberman Pinscher – Like the Rottweiler, the Doberman generally has a black coat with tan markings. Dobermans also make excellent watchdogs. The muscular Doberman is smaller than the Rottweiler, but is faster and more active. Doberman Pinschers are a very aggressive breed, so having experience handling dogs is very important when purchasing one. They are not good with small children and other pets. It is an active breed that needs regular exercise and has a high trainability. Grooming requirements are minimal.

Boxer- The square-faced Boxer is a solid service and working dog. These dogs are loyal and protective companions, making them good watchdogs. With training, they are good with children and other pets. They like company and regular exercise. Only minimal preparation is required. Like all of the above breeds, a fenced-in 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 Saint Bernard is one of the largest breeds by weight. These large dogs are intelligent, loyal, and protective, making them excellent family dogs. They are good with children and other pets. Putting up with a bit of drool and regular grooming are downsides. These dogs need regular exercise and a yard is preferable. St. Bernards should not be placed in hot climates.

Siberian Husky – Siberians are the most popular breed in the Iditarod Trail sled dog race. They have great stamina and like to work. These dogs are good with children and large dogs, but not with 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 tallest dogs in the world, and the world record for dog height belongs to a Great Dane named Gibson. These dogs often make watchdogs, but they also make good family pets. With training, these gentle dogs are good with 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 liver (brown) or liver and white coat. These dogs are tireless, versatile gun and hunting dogs. They are good for an active family and do well with children. With training, they can get along with other dogs. The GSP is a loyal watchdog that needs regular exercise and minimal grooming. This is not an apartment dog.

Greyhound- The distinctively shaped greyhound is the fastest breed of dog in the world. These dogs can have coats of almost any color. They are versatile hunting dogs that make good family pets. With training, they do well with children and other dogs. Smaller pets are a bad idea and a fenced in yard is a must. 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 watchdog. Despite their massive appearance, these dogs are known to make friendly family companions. They are not recommended around small children and other pets. Regular exercise is a good idea, while only minimal preparation is needed.

English Setter, Irish Setter, Gordon Setter: These beautiful and elegant dog breeds were originally hunting companions. English and Irish Setters were bird dogs that became pointers. The Gordon Setter can be used as a personal hunting dog. Today these dogs make wonderful family pets. Setters require a lot of exercise and attention. They require regular care 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 with children and other pets. These dogs require regular exercise and grooming. A patio is recommended.

Old English Sheepdog: His hair tends to cover his eyes. This fluffy dog ​​is larger than the Bearded Collie. These cheerful dogs make wonderful family pets. They are affectionate and good with 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.