
Dogs are the most popular pets in the world for many reasons. Besides the fact that they can be incredibly cute, most breeds have so much energy that they become contagious. Yes, it is almost impossible to have an active breed and not be active yourself; you have to because you have to give them all the exercise they need. Some breeds like the ever-popular and lovable Golden Retriever can be trained to guide the visually impaired. In fact, some serve as emotional support for some people.
There is also the very popular reason why many people keep dogs as pets, and that is for safety reasons. Now, not all dog breeds fulfill the role of guard or security dogs. Typically, larger breeds like the Great Dane and Bullmastiff are trained to be guard dogs. Although we are unable to provide a dog breeds from A to Z guide, in this article we will review some of the most popular giant dog breeds. You can, however, do more research later to find out more.
The idea behind using larger breeds as guard dogs is quite simple. Their size is often enough to deter any intruder from approaching. That said, all guard dogs are big dogs, but not all big dogs are guard dogs. This is because not all large breeds are as ferocious as the others and although the size is sometimes enough to scare off strangers, the most effective is usually a combination of the two.
english mastiff
The English Mastiff is descended from ancient war dogs, according to historical facts. His ancestors were fierce and aggressive but today most of those violent traits have been abandoned. This breed is now known to be a loving member of the family, bringing warmth to everyone.
Female English Mastiffs can reach heights between 27 and 32 inches and weigh between 120 pounds. and 170 pounds, while males can stand up to 36 inches tall and weigh an impressive 230 pounds, making them one of the largest breeds alive today. Life expectancy is between 6 and 12 years.
Although English Mastiffs are not generally described as violent breeds today, their size and high level of intelligence make them an excellent choice for safety. If you’re not that familiar with them, you’d probably be terrified if one were to charge at you.
Newfoundland
Most dog breeds are good swimmers, but this breed takes swimming to a whole new level. The Newfoundland has webbed feet, which probably explains why it is an excellent swimmer and loves to bathe. Being incredibly swimmers, this breed makes excellent lifeguards and is fantastic at water sports.
They were originally bred to help Canadian anglers, and their water-repellent outer coat makes it easy to keep the cold at bay. Incredibly loving in nature, they make excellent family dogs; their fluffy coat also makes them even more fun to cuddle. Click on here to learn more about grooming this breed.
Adult females can reach a height of 27 inches and weigh between 100 pounds. and 120 pounds, while adult males can reach 28 inches in height and weigh between 130 pounds. and 150 pounds. in weight. Life expectancy is between 8 and 10 years.
irish greyhound
Like the Newfoundland, the Irish Wolfhound has quite an interesting history. Due to its large size, its ancestors were trained to be wolf hunters in order to control the wolf population in Ireland at the time, hence the wolf’s name. Some records also suggest that they were also used in war to get soldiers off horses and chariots! Unsurprisingly, Wolfhounds are strong and active, but beneath their large, shaggy exterior hides a gentle, loving heart that makes them get along well with children and other pets.
The Newfoundland is an incredibly large dog. In fact, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes it as the largest dog breed. Adult females reach heights between 32 and 34 inches and weigh between 115 pounds. and 140 pounds, while males can reach a height of 36 inches and weigh between 140 pounds. and 180 pounds. Life expectancy is between 6 and 10 years.
Great Dane
The Great Dane was created from a cross between the Irish Wolfhound and the English Mastiff, so, unsurprisingly, it makes our list of the most popular giant dogs. Bred by German nobles for security and big game hunting, Great Danes are a strong and agile breed.
Today, thanks to their size, intelligence and alert nature, they make excellent guardians. But that doesn’t mean Great Danes aren’t great pets. They’re sweet and playful, so your kids would definitely love to have one of these big giants at home to play with.
Adult females can reach heights between 28 and 32 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 110 pounds. and 140 pounds, while adult males can measure up to 30 or 32 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 140 pounds. and 175 pounds. Life expectancy is between 8 and 10 years. Visit https://www.dogbreedinfo.com/greatdane.htm to learn more about the Great Dane.
Final Thoughts
Big dogs are great fun as they are usually lively and active pets. However, for new dog owners, they may not be the best option. This is because large breeds like these often require lots of exercise to stay healthy and their owners need to be prepared to match their energy. It should also be mentioned that while these large breeds can also do agility, their bulkier size could make it difficult to climb some obstacles. So you would want to consider each course carefully before letting your pet loose.