Large dogs always attract the attention of others with their impressive size. Someone admires the view of the giant walking calmly next to the owner, while someone is frankly afraid of him and tries to quickly cross the other side of the street. In today's article, we will consider the main characteristics of huge dog breeds with photos and names and tell you which of them should beware.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Representatives of this breed can be divided into several varieties. Depending on the region of residence, there is an Azerbaijani, Armenian and Georgian type of Caucasian Shepherd. Despite some differences, they are all united by many common features.
These dogs have a proportionate, well-built body with a massive skeleton and a wide chest. A powerful neck smoothly flows into a well-defined withers, flat back, strong waist and short croup, ending with the base of a high-set tail. On a beautiful head with wide cheekbones are oval, slightly slanting brown eyes and triangular hanging ears. Under the harmonious body of a huge dog of the Caucasian Shepherd breed, there are two pairs of straight long limbs with well-defined joints and large oval paws.
The whole body of the dog is covered with thick double fur with warm soft undercoat. As for the color, the standard allows various shades, including red, tiger, brown and gray. The height of the adult varies from 64-75 centimeters with a weight of about 45-70 kilograms.
Contrary to popular opinion, representatives of this breed are not inclined to causeless aggression. They are distinguished by a strong, confident character with pronounced watchdog qualities. With the proper upbringing, quite manageable dogs are obtained from them, infinitely devoted to their owners.
Kuvas
These beautiful animals came from large nomadic dogs accompanying the tribes of the Sarmatians, Visigoths and Huns during the Great Migration. Despite the fact that they were considered shepherd dogs, they were used not only for grazing, but also for the protection of flocks.
Kuvashes are large stately animals with a harmonious, proportional body. Their growth ranges from 70-75 centimeters, and their weight is about 48-62 kilograms. On their massive heads with a wide forehead, divided by a medial groove, and a pronounced occipital tubercle, there are almond-shaped, slightly slanted eyes and small hanging ears. A muscular short neck smoothly flows into a well-marked withers, a straight back and a wide croup, ending with the base of a long, slightly twisted tail. The whole body of the dogs is covered with long, fairly stiff white coat.
These beautiful powerful animals are characterized by an energetic and balanced disposition. Huge white dogs of the Kuvas breed are completely devoid of inadequate aggression and a tendency to ostentatious domination. They are vigilant against outsiders and are always ready to defend the site entrusted to them. These large animals easily find contact with the owner's children and do not tolerate prolonged separation from the owner. They respond well to training and need early socialization.
Leonberger
Germany is considered the birthplace of these large dogs with a frightening appearance and good-natured disposition. Work on the breeding of huge shaggy dogs of the breed Leonberger began in the 30s of the XVIII century. They were led by the German breeder Heinrich Essig, who decided to create a dog, very similar to a lion. Among the ancestors of these animals are Landseers, St. Bernards and Pyrenees mountain dogs.
The result of these works was a large strong dog with a strong, almost square body and well-developed muscles. This huge breed of dogs, the photo of which can be seen in today's article, grows to 72-80 centimeters at the withers. On a slightly elongated head with a blunt muzzle there are brown oval eyes and hanging V-shaped ears. Under the proportional body with a deep chest are two pairs of even muscular limbs with arched paws. The entire body of the Leonberger is covered with a thick, moderately soft coat of sand, red or yellow. Regardless of the main shade, a black mask must be on the dog’s face.
Representatives of this one of the largest dog breeds can easily cope with the role of companions. They have a friendly disposition and deservedly enjoy the reputation of ideal family dogs. They are distinguished by a lively temperament, excellent memory and immunity to external stimuli. With the proper upbringing, they make excellent guards and just pets.
Boerboel
These huge dogs, the name of the breed of which is still not included in the official FCI lists, are very popular among residents of South African countries. Initially, they were taken out to protect farms, but later they turned into irreplaceable human assistants.
These strong, muscular animals grow to 61-66 centimeters at the withers with a mass varying between 70-90 kilograms. On an expressive head with a wide rectangular muzzle and prominent cheekbones, there are rounded, slightly slanting eyes and hanging V-like ears. The not too long muscular neck of a boerboel flows smoothly into a clearly visible scruff, a wide convex back and flattened croup. Under the rectangular case of representatives of this huge breed of dogs, the photo of which can be seen in today's publication, there are two pairs of strong bony limbs with round compact paws. The whole body of these animals is covered with smooth short hair of tiger, fawn, red or yellow-red color.
Despite its impressive size and awesome appearance, boerboels are quite obedient and easy to learn. They are wary of strangers and are always ready to defend their masters. These animals have a calm temperamental disposition and rarely show independence. They get along well with other pets and will never refuse to run after the ball.
Newfoundland
Representatives of this huge breed of dogs, photos of which can be found below, are of a very mysterious origin. Their homeland is considered the Canadian sea province of the same name with severe climatic conditions. For their breeding were used native dogs with a thick water-repellent coat. They were crossed with black Scottish shepherd dogs, mastiffs and Molossians. As a result of such mating, massive bold animals were obtained that look similar to modern Newfoundlands.
The growth of these impressive dogs is 66-71 cm, and the mass varies between 54-68 kilograms. Most often, on the streets of cities you can see huge black dogs of the Newfoundland breed . But the standard permits brown coat color.
Despite the impressive parameters, these animals are completely devoid of aggression. They have a sociable, friendly disposition and high intelligence. Newfs are not prone to whims and are always ready to serve man. They quickly become attached to their owners and subtly feel the change in the owner's mood. These beautiful fluffy dogs love to swim and try to avoid conflicts. They are happy to participate in short games and fun running around with children.
Tibetan mastiff
These majestic animals have a long history. The first mention of the huge fluffy dogs of the Tibetan mastiff breed dates back to 1121 BC. These dogs lived in local monasteries and guarded them from wild animals. Their alleged ancestor is the black wolf that lived in the Tibetan mountains.
These are large strong animals with well-developed muscles. The height of an adult is 61-68 centimeters with a mass of at least 60 kilograms. On an elongated head with a well-developed occipital protuberance and a short square muzzle, there are small triangular ears and brown, slightly slanting eyes. The whole body of the animal is covered with thick long hair of black, gray, golden, red, sable or coffee color.
Representatives of this huge breed of dogs (names from photos of similar dogs are presented in this publication) are distinguished by a calm, restrained disposition. They have perfectly developed security instincts, so they make excellent watchmen. Unlike most other dogs, Tibetan mastiffs are nocturnal. In the daytime, they rest, and when night falls they guard. They do not tolerate heat and are not suitable for maintenance in urban apartments. Tibetan training should be aimed at implicit obedience to the will of the owner, because in the absence of education a funny and affectionate puppy will quickly turn into an uncontrolled monster.
German dog
Representatives of this huge breed of dogs are considered the living embodiment of a successful combination of power, grace and elegance. The height of an adult animal reaches 70-90 centimeters with a weight of 70-85 kilograms. Despite such impressive parameters, German Great Dane are very mobile and maneuverable. The beautiful muscular body of dogs is covered with short hair of fawn, tiger, marble, black or blue color.
These elegant dogs have a well-developed intelligence and are highly trained. Even those who are far from everything connected with cynology can easily cope with them. Great Dane will equally enjoy lying at home on the couch or accompany the owner on a morning run. Despite the complaisant, accommodating disposition, representatives of one of the largest breeds of dogs in the world are considered good guards. In dangerous situations, historically pledged aggression awakens in them. However, they will never become confused under their feet and participate in small squabbles with other dogs.
Great Dane easily adapt to living in urban apartments. But in this case they will have to be regularly and for a long time walking. Like most other large dogs, they are prone to dysplasia, arthritis, and bone disease.
Saint bernard
Representatives of this huge breed of dogs (names from photos of other giants can be seen in this review) are considered a model of fidelity. Their historical homeland is the Swiss Alps. And the name of the breed comes from the monastery of St. Bernard, which gave shelter to tired travelers.
Saint Bernards are large animals with well-developed muscles, a large head and a strong neck. Their characteristic features are dark sad eyes and a long, well-pubescent tail. The whole body of these animals is covered with thick, soft coat of white color with yellow-brown or red-brown spots. The height of adults varies between 65-90 centimeters with a mass of about 80 kilograms.
This huge breed of dogs with ears hanging along the cheekbones is characterized by a calm, peaceful disposition. St. Bernards coexist perfectly in the same area with other pets. They are very obedient and never bark without good reason. These giant dogs quickly become attached to their masters and do not tolerate loneliness. They prefer leisurely walks and do not like fussy movements.
Spanish mastiff
These massive dogs were bred to protect livestock and protect farms. They appeared as a result of crossbreeding of shepherd, guard and fighting dogs. Today they are successfully used to protect the local area.
The height of adult huge dogs of the Spanish mastiff breed varies between 69-90 centimeters, with a weight of 65 to 120 kilograms. The muscular body of such a dog is covered with a thick, fairly dense coat of cream color. In addition, the standard is allowed tiger, black and white. On the massive neck of the animal there is free-hanging skin designed to protect vital vessels from possible bites.
Spanish mastiffs are not adapted to life in urban apartments. It is better to keep such dogs in spacious fenced areas with equipped aviaries. These animals need not only regular motor activity, but also training aimed at developing their natural intelligence. Representatives of this breed are quite lazy, therefore, in the process of their training, the owner will have to show firmness and perseverance. It is advisable that the Spaniard's training be led by a professional instructor who is able to control the educational process.
English mastiff
These heavy guard dogs were bred to hunt large animals like bulls or bears. Today they are successfully used as security guards, companions and ordinary pets.
Huge dogs of the English mastiff breed are distinguished by a proportional, athletic physique. On a massive, voluminous-angled head with pronounced folds of skin and perfectly developed cheekbones, there are small hazel or brown eyes and thin drooping ears. The fairly long, slightly curved neck of the English mastiff smoothly flows into the protruding withers, smooth strong back and flat lower back. Under the wide body with a deep rib cage and rounded ribs, there are two pairs of straight muscular limbs with large paws gathered in a lump.
The whole body of the animal is covered with short, tight-fitting wool of deer, tiger, fawn, yellow-brown, apricot or spotted shade. Regardless of the main color, the face of the English mastiff should have a dark mask. The height of an adult is 70-76 centimeters with a mass of 80-86 kilograms.
Despite the fighting past, these giant dogs are quite friendly in nature. They are very smart, alert and self-confident. English mastiffs get along well with children and get along well with other pets. These are very silent dogs, not barking over trifles.
The disadvantages of representatives of this breed include increased salivation, the ability to loud snoring and poor learning. In the process of training them, the owner will have to show persistence and patience. English mastiffs are very reserved and suspicious. Therefore, they need early socialization.
One of the main advantages of representatives of this breed is the lack of need for complex care of the dog. All hygiene procedures are reduced to systematic combing, ear cleaning and nail clipping.
As for the content, representatives of this breed adapt well to life in spacious city apartments. At the same time, they need to ensure regular long walks and moderate physical activity. Completing the last paragraph will be very problematic, because these dogs are very lazy and not interested in various games. They do not tolerate high temperatures and are prone to urolithiasis, dysplasia, bloating, corneal dystrophy, cataracts, cruciate ligament ruptures, cardiomyopathy, inversion and inversion of the eyelids. It should be noted that, with proper care, these giants can live for about twelve years.