The dog in the house is a reliable friend and guard who will not let his master get bored. But not every breed is suitable for apartment maintenance. The article talks about large breeds. The breed of the puppy is a fundamental factor of choice. Which one do you prefer? How to care for a puppy and how to feed? About all this later in the article.
It is interesting
Let's start with some interesting facts. You will learn about the ten largest dog breeds in the world. Their list looks like this:
- Tibetan mastiff is the most expensive and largest breed. Dogs are distinguished by a strong psyche and excessive aggression towards strangers. And given their height (80 cm at the withers), it is not surprising that the dogs look intimidating.
- Scottish reindeer greyhound, or deerhound. This handsome giant is somewhat inferior in size to the dogs of Tibet. Its height at the withers reaches 76 centimeters. The animal is graceful, stately, bred for deer hunting. When the gray dog runs, it seems that he is floating in the air.
- Leonberger. Another monster among dogs. He competes in height with the Tibetan mastiff, and can outweigh him with weight. At 80 centimeters at the withers, a male dog is capable of reaching a weight of 75 kilograms. A huge teddy bear, dimensionlessly loving members of the family in which he lives. German breed bred for protection. There will be no passage for strangers, and hardly anyone dares to challenge such a formidable guard.
- Newfoundland, or a diver. The huge black dog became famous far beyond its homeland. The breed was bred in the suburbs of Canada. The main function of Newfoundland is to help fishermen pull out nets from the water. In Russia, the dog was turned into a nanny for children. With such a nanny is not scared to leave the baby. The height of the animal is 66-74 cm, the weight reaches 50-60 kilograms.
- German dog. Good-natured giant, whose height reaches 80 centimeters. A separate section of this article is devoted to dogs.
- Irish Wolfhound. These dogs reach 85 centimeters. They are bred for hunting, people are treated adequately. To develop aggression in the breed is extremely undesirable. They are affectionate with their family members, loyal to strangers. If you raise your voice by a dog, you can get a pretty tough answer.
- Mastino napoletano. Today the Neapolitan mastiff is undeservedly forgotten, but in vain. Representatives of the breed are handsome and smart. The growth of a gray handsome reaches 77 centimeters, and it can weigh 70 kilograms. And despite its size, this is a rare kindness animal. It gets along well with children, loves people. He becomes evil only when his master is in danger. The disadvantage of these dogs is excessive laziness and clumsiness.
- English mastiff. Dog Hercules, reaching a height of 90 centimeters. Individual representatives of the breed can weigh up to 110 kilograms. Such a pet is not suitable for choleric people. He needs a strong arm, a spacious enclosure and access to freedom. With strangers calm, but will fight back, if necessary.
- Saint bernard. Another giant with incredible friendliness. The height of the dog reaches 90 centimeters. And when this huge “bear” runs to an outsider, in a hurry to show its love for the world, it is not surprising that the stranger does not really want to get acquainted with the dog.
- Iberian Mastiff. The growth of the animal reaches 80 centimeters, and weight - 70 kilograms. The dog is bred as a shepherd and watchman, is suspicious of strangers. At home she is affectionate and sociable with the owners.
This is the complete list of giant dog breeds. It is extremely undesirable to have these dogs in the apartment. The ideal option is your own house with a huge aviary. Some breeds are aggressive towards outsiders, and walking with them in the city is problematic.
Large dog breeds
Above we have listed the ten largest dog breeds in the world. Next, breeds that are considered simply large will be indicated.
The complete list of dog breeds considered large or large is quite long. The following are the most popular breeds:
- Great Dane of Argentina. A snow-white miracle, wary of strangers. Not suitable for families with children, because he does not too much like them.
- Bernese Mountain Dog. Dogs with an amazing psyche: patient, responsive to affection, loving everyone and everything. Great companion for a child. If you need a pet for the family, and not on guard, this breed is a good choice.
- Belgian Shepherd Dog Malinois. Dogs are very temperamental. Suitable for people who love an active lifestyle and are ready to devote most of their free time to communicating with a four-legged pet.
- East European Shepherd Dog is a breed close to the German Shepherd. Smart dogs can be watchmen, friends, and nannies for children. A universal dog with the right training can be perfect.
- German Shepherd. Queen among the breeds. It is used in the service of the authorities, for home security, in sports competitions and as a companion.
- Collie. The breed has almost lost its popularity. These long-haired beauties are suitable for families with children. The perfect friend for the baby.
- Labrador. Another family friend. The dog is not a guard, these are companions-lumps. The animal is phlegmatic, it must be slowed down and pushed to action.
- Doberman. Choleric dogs for solid people. Dobermans are characterized by excessive suspiciousness to strangers. With improper upbringing, a dog can become a killing machine.
- Rottweiler. Despite their menacing appearance, the dogs are quite friendly. They do not like strangers, but this does not mean that the pet attacks an outsider just like that. They are able to act decisively if the owner is in danger, loyal to children.
- Central Asian Shepherd Dog, or Alabai. A large breed bred for shepherding purposes and protection. Perfect watchmen.
Large breed dogs, the list of which is quite large, are excellent watchmen and companions, but they need a lot of space.
German Shepherd
The article tells about the most popular dogs of large breeds. One of the first items on the list is the German Shepherd. Puppies of large dog breeds are pretty and touching. But before you get a cute baby, you need to learn about the breed as much as possible.
German shepherd is a versatile dog. The breed was bred at the end of the XIX century in Germany. Initially, she was conceived as a shepherd, with developed protective qualities and a very strong psyche. Breeding work made it possible to get such a dog: clever, faithful, understanding the owner at a glance.
In terms of intelligence and socialization, the shepherd takes a leading position among other breeds. Large breed puppies have specific needs. It is better to take them from the mother at the age of 2.5-3 months. And as soon as the pet appeared in the house, they begin to deal with it. Of course, education begins with small. A German shepherd puppy is curious, and if you conduct classes in the form of a game, he will grab everything on the fly. It is not necessary to tire the pet, while it is still small, do it several times a day, but for 5 minutes.
The puppy should not be allowed to be forbidden to an adult dog. This rule applies to any dog breed. Puppies of large breeds can put pressure on pity. Make unhappy eyes and beg for pieces from the table. They can brazenly climb onto a sofa or bed and quietly curl up into a ball in the hope that they will not be noticed. It looks cute, but only while the shepherd is small. And this must be stopped. The adult dog lounging on the couch no longer seems sweet. It’s just that it won’t work out, the animal won’t understand why it is forbidden to what was allowed before.
As already noted, a shepherd is a large dog. In the description of the breed, it is often emphasized that it requires intense physical exertion. This is not a sofa pet, but a hard worker, so a 15-minute walk will not work.
The dog is examined daily, eyes, ears and oral cavity are checked. The dirt from the ears is removed with a cotton swab, the eyes are wiped, if necessary, with a wet swab. And in the fight against plaque and stone, an apple and special goodies will help. They can be purchased at pet stores.
Alabai
The list of representatives of large dog breeds includes the Central Asian Shepherd, or Alabai. Representatives of the breed are very serious dogs. These native dogs practically did not undergo breeding work, and the basic natural qualities were preserved.
Alabai were originally considered shepherd dogs, as well as good guards, like many other large breed dogs. Alabai puppies are fighting in nature. Already at the age of five months, they are able to show a stranger teeth. And if the outsider does not understand the hint, then the dog is most likely to attack.
The animal is not suitable for living in an apartment. Because of the attitude towards strangers, it is difficult to move around the city with him. The dog believes that the entire area where she walks is her territory. And a stranger who fell into this zone automatically becomes an enemy. And who likes to walk past a huge dog, very aggressive?
Representatives of the breed are suitable for living in an aviary on the territory of a private house. They are not particularly affectionate, they do not need constant communication with the owner. If you believe the reviews, the largest dog breeds are friendly, as a rule. Alabai is an exception, his character is peculiar.
The animal needs physical activity. The minimum time is two hours at a time. Outdoor games help your dog stay fit.
Saint bernard
You could familiarize yourself with the name of large breeds of dogs above, then find out about one of the friendliest representatives of this category - St. Bernard. These are real giants - 70 kilograms of charm and kindness. They strive to lick everyone and everything, love both their own and those of others. This dog is a great companion for a child. He is patient, affectionate, never offends the baby. He endures children's vagaries calmly, but if the child is too tormented, he will simply get up and leave.
Needs regular combing. These animals have a thick and dense coat that needs to be combed several times a week. When a representative of the breed begins to molt, the procedure is performed daily. This is the feature of this large breed.
Puppies of the breed St. Bernard always cause tenderness among others. Affectionate and good-natured, he will not leave anyone indifferent. Passers-by on the street will ask permission to pet a charming pet. Do not let them do it. The dog is extremely kind and trusting, it is impossible for her to blindly believe all people. There is a master whom you can trust, and the rest, no matter how good they may be, are strangers.
St. Bernards are prone to eye diseases and hip dysplasia. Particular attention should be paid to their hind legs due to the large weight of the dog. And you can’t do without physical activity, given the fact that the St. Bernards are quite lazy and do not like to walk for a long time. Nevertheless, it is necessary to force them to do this and deal with the pet.
German dog
When describing large breeds of dogs, such epithets as good-natured, calm are often used. All this fully describes the Great Dane. Just add to the above innate aristocracy.
He, as befits a representative of blue blood, has poor health. Hip dysplasia, problems with the gastrointestinal tract and lungs, eyes. And all this fell to one dog.
They are kind and funny, loving outdoor games. Dogs do not mind running after a wand. They are not indifferent to children, but, given the size of the dog, all games between it and the baby should be held under the control of the parents.
A powerful dog needs serious care. The breed is susceptible to colds, it can live only in a warm house. Dogs do not survive in aviaries, and walks they need constant and long. An ideal option is to stay a pet in a private house with a large territory.
Outsiders are loyal. Having become interested, the dog is suitable to meet you. And he will be extremely surprised that a man cautiously presses his hands to his chest and quietly backs back. The dog may think that this is a new kind of game and scare a stranger to death. Therefore, the owners of the giant should be alert when their kind man shows signs of attention to strangers.
So, you learned more about the largest dog breeds: names, features (photos were also presented). Let's move on to the features of caring for them.
Care Information
Any dog needs proper maintenance and care. Characteristics of dogs of large breeds indicate that they are no exception.
It all starts with choosing a place for the pet. If the dog lives in an apartment, then it should have a place to take shelter: a home aviary or boxing. Boxing is a spacious cage in which the dog can stand at full height and turn around. Other dog handlers recommend keeping the dog there all the time, but this is wrong. The animal must move at least within the permissible limits, and boxing is a place for privacy.
For pets living on the street, you need an aviary with a covered booth inside. The booth is covered with hay or insulated.
The dog should have two bowls: for food and for water. The feeding characteristics of puppies of large breeds are described below. Access to water should be continuous.
A daily examination of the ears, eyes and oral cavity has not been canceled. Ears are cleaned with a cotton swab if necessary. Eyes are wiped with a moist cotton pad, and an apple or special treats are used as a preventative agent for plaque and tartar.
Walking is the basis of the health of large breed puppies. The breeds listed above are in most cases naturally lazy. In order to maintain a dog in good physical shape, you need to walk with it regularly and for a long time, involve it in performing exercises, games.
Dogs such as the Central Asian or German Shepherd, St. Bernard, will have to be combed regularly. You can buy a napper and a brush for the procedure in any pet store.
The dog must obey its owner. If he can not cope with her training on his own, then you should seek help from a dog handler. It’s worth it.
Food
Feeding puppies of large breeds is an important issue that requires a serious approach. Let's start with the choice of diet, it does not matter whether it is dry food or natural food.
If you prefer dry food, it is important to remember that cheap and generally available “crackers” for pets are not food. There is nothing useful in such a feed. It consists of cereals, dyes and flavor enhancers. When choosing a food, give preference to fodder holistic and premium.
Is the owner ready to feed your pet homemade food? Well, just the word "home" does not mean what people eat. Soups, pasta and borsch - not at all what a dog needs, and of any breed. Puppies of large breeds need a full and high-quality nutrition. It is it - the foundation of the pet’s health. What can you give your pet? Here is the main list of products:
- Boiled meat. Beef, turkey, chicken or rabbit. It is permissible for older puppies to be given raw meat scalded several times with boiling water.
- Cereals: rice, buckwheat, oat, barley. You can cook each separately and mix with meat, or you can cook assorted and season porridge with vegetable oil and vegetables. Just don't overdo it. Porridge is not the main food for the puppy, but only an addition.
- Vegetables. Any vegetables that are low in starch. They are boiled, mixed with meat, and a delicious dinner for the pet is obtained.
- Do not forget about vitamins for puppies of large breeds. Specialty products are sold at the pet store. Vitamins "Calcium 8 in 1" are very good for a growing organism. Dogs eat them with pleasure, but adherence to the dosage is certainly necessary.
- Milk products. These include low-fat kefir, low-fat cottage cheese. As a treat, mild cheese cut into small pieces is suitable. But milk is prohibited for dogs and puppies. The only period when a baby can be offered some milk is up to 3 months of age.
- A fish. Carefully boiled and selected from bones. It is given no more than twice a week.
- Hard boiled eggs. Once a week, you can give one chicken or quail egg.
- Fruits, with the exception of grapes, banana, kiwi and citrus fruits. Once a week and quite a bit.
- Goodies: dry biscuits like Maria cookies. There should not be any goodies that are familiar to people in the pet's diet.
What should not be given to a pet?
- Bones (any). The exception is round sugar beef mosles. They can be a dog from 9 months of age, but not more than twice a month.
- Sausages, sausages, smoked products. Want to pamper your pet? Buy kidneys, heart, chicken stomachs, boil, chop finely - and the treat is ready.
- Any baking.
- Sour, salty, fried foods. A dog is not a person, its body is not able to absorb what we eat.
- Chocolate, ice cream, sweets, sweet cookies, marshmallows, marmalade. In general, all kinds of sweets.
Medium breeds of dogs
The list of puppies of large and medium breeds is presented separately. The first was described in detail. This section simply lists the medium sized dog world:
- Akita Inu.
- Basset Hound.
- Chow Chow.
- Royal poodle.
- Australian Shepherd.
- Welsh Corgi.
- Greyhound.
- American Staffordshire Terrier.
- English bulldog.
- Airedale.
- Sharpei.
- Border Collie.
Summarize
The article provides a brief overview of large dog breeds. There are quite a lot of them in the world, but everyone has heard about 10-15. To help the happy owners of puppies, recommendations for grooming and feeding are given.
Let's repeat the main aspects:
- For those who need a furious guard, a Central Asian shepherd is suitable. These dogs live well in the aviary on the site, are aggressive towards strangers and perform their security functions very dignified.
- For a house or apartment, for protection or for the soul, as a companion or a sports dog, choose a German shepherd: this is a universal breed that can become a reliable defender, loyal friend and outstanding athlete.
- Saint Bernard is the best friend of children. Many kilograms of happiness, furry and very affectionate. The perfect dog for families with children.
- German dog. Aristocrat susceptible to all kinds of diseases. The dog is not aggressive by nature, but will give a worthy rebuff if it is necessary to protect the owner. Suitable for people who have a lot of time and material resources. The animal requires significant costs.
- Each large breed needs care and decent maintenance.
- Nutrition must be complete. If this is food, then of high quality, if natural food, then balanced.
- Physical activity, training and long walks are the basis of a pet’s health.
- The disadvantage of some breeds is their low life expectancy. For example, dogs live no more than 10 years.
Conclusion
To keep large dog breeds, the description and characteristics of which are proposed above, is a great responsibility.
To approach the issue is to seriously and soberly assess your capabilities. A pet is brought up for 10-12 years minimum, but will the future owner be able to give him his time, will he be able to mentally, physically and materially take everyday walks and trainings? Will it be able to feed well? After a person honestly answers these questions to himself, it will become clear whether he is capable of supporting a dog.