For many dog lovers, choosing a larger dog means that there’s more to love. In general, big dogs are more popular than small ones, but the definition of big varies depending on who you talk to.
Some dog owners consider average-sized dogs, such as Golden Retrievers, to be big, particularly if they’ve only ever owned tiny pets such as toy dogs or small terriers.
Anyone who’s a devoted dog lover knows that some dogs can reach waist height or above and weigh hundreds of pounds.
These breeds are known as giant dogs, and while they’re not a breed group as classified by the American Kennel Club, they are generally classified by their immense size and strong build.
When you first see a giant dog, you might think that they’re dangerous, but the opposite is usually the case. Most giant dogs are incredibly friendly, and many breeds love spending time with kids.
So, if you’re eager to welcome a big dog into your family, then you should check out these giant dog breeds that are great for families.
Irish Wolfhounds
The tallest breed, Irish Wolfhounds are shaggy, calm dogs who need a lot of love and affection and will return it all with interest! These beautiful dogs are very gentle and can be great with kids and in hectic households, as they’re often very good at staying calm. While they might be tall, Irish Wolfhounds are also very graceful and are built like Greyhounds and other lithe hounds, giving them a unique appearance. They’re as alert as most hounds and love spending time with their families playing physical games like fetch or just relaxing with you. So, if you choose an Irish Wolfhound, you’ll have a dog for every occasion and a loyal companion on all your future adventures!
Great Danes
From afar, Great Danes are beautiful, lithe dogs with a majestic appearance. When you spend time with them, you learn that they’re actually loveable goofs who never know what to do with their legs! Great Danes are often known as ‘gentle giants’, and for good reason. They are very attentive and loving dogs that enjoy spending time with people and other animals. Like most big dogs, the average Great Dane life expectancy is lower than that of most dogs, sitting at around 7-10 years. While they might not be in your life for a long time, Great Danes will have a significant impact on your family, so they’re worth considering if you love big dogs.
Leonbergers
Leonbergers are immense black and tan dogs that look like huge German Shepards with floppy ears. In fact, Leonbergers are incredibly patient and gentle, making them great for families with kids. They’re also highly-intelligent dogs who can be mischievous, so you might find they become a partner in crime for your cheeky children!
Top Tips For Buying A Giant Dog
Once you’ve narrowed down your search and decided on the right giant dog breed for your family, you need to think about how you’re going to find the right dog.
Some of the main considerations to take into account are:
- Rescue VS Puppy: Rescuing a larger dog can mean you give an animal a second chance at life, but it also means you might have to deal with some ingrained bad habits. Meanwhile, puppies seem like they’d be a blank canvas to train, but they still have unique personality quirks you’ll need to contend with. Think about how much work you’re willing to put into training your new pet and whether you’re willing to take on a rescue.
- Female VS Male: Male and female dogs have different personalities and needs, so you need to choose the right gender for your new dog. If you already have dogs, you also need to consider their gender and what kind of dogs they get on well with.
- Cost: A giant dog will cost more money than a smaller one when it comes to vet bills, food and even initial purchase price. So, you need to make sure that you’re happy with the additional costs involved with having a bigger dog. The breed and age of your new dog, as well as where you get it from, will have an impact on how much you pay for it, so consider that when buying a pet.
- Medical Issues: Dogs that have an existing medical issue will be more expensive to insure and will probably need more medical care throughout their lifetimes, so you need to check your potential new pet for ailments before you make your decision.
- Personality: Every dog has a unique personality and quirks that will have an impact on your daily lives together. So, when you’re buying a new dog of any size, you need to spend time with them before you bring them home to ensure that you know their idiosyncracies and feel confident that you can give them the best possible love and affection.
Getting a dog is a major commitment, and a giant breed will be a major part of your life in many ways. Take the time to talk to your family and make the right decision that suits everyone.
So, Are You Ready To Take On A Big Dog?
Owning a big dog is an exciting experience for anyone who loves animals, and giant breeds can be the perfect way to ensure that you get the large pup you expect, especially if you’re taking on a younger dog.
These breeds are all giant dogs that love kids and can make a great addition to any family. The key when introducing a large dog to your home is to give them the time and space they need to feel safe. You should also talk to every member of your family to make sure that they are happy with your choice and able to behave correctly around your new pet. If you have very small children, you might need to supervise them around your new dog, so you should communicate with your partner to ensure that you’re both on the same page. Once you’re happy with your choice, you can enjoy many years of fun with your new furry friend.
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