Buying a dog is a very responsible step requiring serious consideration. After all, before you bring a little puppy to your house, you need to not only solve a lot of organizational issues, but also decide on the breed of the future pet. If residents of small-sized apartments often start miniature "decorations", then the happy owners of country houses can afford to opt for larger animals. In today's publication will be presented descriptions, photos and names of dog breeds of large sizes.
English mastiff
The homeland of these huge animals, whose history dates back to more than one millennium, is Great Britain. For a long time they were inaccessible to ordinary British people who were unable to feed such giants. Therefore, these dogs lived exclusively in the homes of a wealthy nobility and were used as reliable protection.
English mastiff is a large breed of dog. The minimum height of an adult is 68-70 cm, and the mass can reach 82-87 kg. On a huge square head with unexpressed eyebrows and well-defined cheekbones, there are thin hanging ears and round dark brown eyes. The proportional, harmoniously developed body of the animal is covered with short beige or fawn hair.
Behind the impressive dimensions of these animals lies a noble, patient and completely non-aggressive disposition. These good-natured giants are loyal to children, and, if necessary, will be able to protect the owners from a real threat.
Saint bernard
Representatives of this large breed of dog have long lived at an alpine monastery and helped in the search for missing pilgrims. According to one version, their ancestors were fighting Molossian dogs brought to Switzerland by Roman legionnaires. According to another theory, they came from Tibetan mastiffs that interbreed with local dogs.
Saint Bernard is a large dog, whose height is 65-90 cm, and the mass varies between 50-90 kg. The large rounded skull with powerful jaws and a wide, flat nose has wide-set hanging ears and dark eyes with drooping eyelids. The massive body with a flat top line and deep chest is covered with thick long or short white coat with red or yellow-brown spots.
Behind the impressive appearance of this heavyweight is a sensitive and kind nature. These animals get along well with children and lend themselves well to training. They are very smart, tolerant and not prone to causeless aggression.
Iberian Mastiff
In the history of this breed of large dogs there are many unexplained moments. According to one of the most plausible versions, their ancestors were brought to Spain by Phoenician merchants. Since ancient times, they were valued for their well-expressed protective qualities and were used as assistants to shepherds.
The Pyrenees mastiff is a large dog, whose height is 72-77 cm, and the weight ranges from 55 to 80 kg. On a large head with a square muzzle and a weakly expressed foot, there are triangular drooping ears and almond-shaped dark brown eyes. The stretched body with a powerful back and slightly sloping croup is covered with thick, stiff, dense wool of white color with dark spots.
These friendly and very affectionate dogs quickly become attached to their owners and get along well with the owner's children. They lend themselves perfectly to training and are suitable for the role of a reliable guard.
German dog
Bulldogs and wild boar dogs are considered to be the progenitors of this smooth-haired breed of large dog. According to one version, they were used by German tribes who lived in the X century, especially for the persecution of bears. In 1978, they were recognized as a separate breed, and a few years later they received the first officially prescribed standard.
Great Dane - a giant dog, whose growth reaches 70-87 cm, and the mass ranges from 44-90 kg. On a long narrow head with well-developed eyebrows, there are round dark eyes and hanging ears that are slightly adjacent to the cheeks. The proportional square body of the animal is covered with short smooth hair of blue, fawn, black, tiger or marble color.
In addition to its impressive appearance, the Great Dane is endowed with a regal, balanced disposition. He always remains calm and rarely loses his temper. This sociable dog requires constant contact with people and lends itself well to training. He needs early socialization and is sometimes prone to stubbornness.
Boerboel
Representatives of this large breed of dog have common roots with Molossians and Mastiffs. According to one version, they came to Africa from European countries, and already began to form there without the active intervention of breeders.
Boerboel is a strong dog, the height of which is 60-66 cm, and the mass varies between 60-90 kg. On a proportional head with a square wide muzzle and thick fleshy lips, there are dark rounded eyes and triangular drooping ears. The strong muscular body of the animal is covered with short red or tiger hair.
Boerboel is a serious dog with pronounced protective qualities. His appearance is the best fit character. He is quite aggressive and prone to domination. Therefore, a puppy of a Boerboel is only necessary for experienced people who have dealt with service dogs.
Leonberger
This is one of the relatively young breeds, the documented history of which dates back to almost two centuries. These dogs got their name from the German town of Leonberg, where the main breeding work was conducted to breed them. It is reliably known that the blood of the Pyrenees, St. Bernards and Landsirs flow in their veins.
Leonberger is one of the largest dog breeds, the size of which does not allow it to be kept in city apartments. Depending on gender, the height of an adult is 70-83 cm with a mass of 37-67 kg. The entire body of a typical Leonberger is covered with luxurious long hair of fawn, cream, yellow or red color with the obligatory black mask on the face.
These huge shaggy beauties are endowed with a calm, balanced and friendly disposition. They are completely devoid of unmotivated aggression and get along well with children. Leonbergers are not inclined to the struggle for leadership and are great for the role of a nanny or companion.
Neapolitan Mastiff
The birthplace of these animals is Italy. They came from Tibetan mastiffs and were used for fighting wild animals. In 1946 they were recognized as a separate breed. And three years later, the first official standard was developed.
Neapolitan mastiff is a breed of large dogs, the photos of which are not able to convey all their power. The height of the adult is 65-75 cm with a mass of 50-70 kg. On a massive head with a folded muzzle there are oval dark eyes and long drooping ears, which are often stopped in puppyhood. The whole body of such a dog is covered with short smooth hair of black, red or gray color.
Neapolitan mastiff has a very calm and seasoned disposition. In the presence of early socialization and appropriate upbringing, he will become an excellent pet and a reliable guard. He is able to adapt to the situation and endowed with natural wisdom.
Irish Wolfhound
In the veins of representatives of this breed of dog of large sizes, the description of which is difficult to fit in a couple of short paragraphs, the blood of the Pyrenees, German Great Danes, deer and Russian greyhounds flow. They were bred specifically for hunting wolves, and for a long time successfully coped with this task.
The Irish Wolfhound is a tall dog that visually resembles a deerhound. Depending on the gender, the minimum height of this animal is 71-78 cm, and weight varies from 41-55 kg. A graceful body with a tucked up stomach, a deep chest and a long back is covered with coarse, stiff hair of black, tiger, gray, yellow or white color.
Irish Wolfhound - a phlegmatic, affectionate and kind dog. He is endowed with a balanced calm disposition and completely devoid of unmotivated aggression. This intelligent, thoughtful and very smart animal quickly becomes attached to its owner and needs constant communication with him.
Kuvas
According to many experts, representatives of this breed of dog of large sizes (photo posted just below) come from Tibet. Initially, they were used as assistants to shepherds and for the protection of household housing.
Kuvas is a large dog whose height is 66-76 cm with a mass of 36-63 kg. On a beautiful head with a barely noticeable stop and an unexpressed nape, there are dark almond-shaped eyes and high-set hanging ears. The square case with a muscular neck and a short back is covered with thick wavy white coat.
Kuvas is a very brave and faithful dog, able to defend his masters. He is incredibly proud and proud. In the absence of proper upbringing, a rough, harsh animal that does not obey commands can turn out of it.