Best Large Dog Breeds
Who loves a big dog? We all do! And gentle giants tend to be less impulsive and more sedate once they are past the puppy stage so actually make great family dogs, provided they get enough daily activity to keep them busy.
Having a good amount of living space and enclosed yard are required for a large breed of dog, and you probably need to think about how much daily exercise they might need and your dog food bill!
Considerations for having a large breed
- Do you have enough space? Not only do large breeds take up more room as their bodies are bigger overall, they also need more room to move about, to play and spread out to sleep. Dogs don’t understand that furniture shouldn’t be pushed aside if they want to get through.
- Exercise and energy needs – Larger breeds typically require more exercise, depending on what they are bred to do with some large breeds like Dalmatians and Dobermans needing several hours of physical exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
- Training – you should be prepared to put in a lot of time for training a large breed puppy, both in manners training to prevent jumping up as well as leash walking, because nobody wants to be dragged around or pulled over!
- Increased costs – bigger dogs mean a bigger dog food bill, increased insurance and veterinary costs, as well as professional grooming. Have you ever tried lifting a Leonberger in a bath? No us neither, as they weight more than an average person!
Best Large Dog Breeds
Who loves a big dog? We all do! And gentle giants tend to be less impulsive and more sedate once they are past the puppy stage so actually make great family dogs, provided they get enough daily activity to keep them busy.
Having a good amount of living space and enclosed yard are required for a large breed of dog, and you probably need to think about how much daily exercise they might need and your dog food bill!
Considerations for having a large breed
- Do you have enough space? Not only do large breeds take up more room as their bodies are bigger overall, they also need more room to move about, to play and spread out to sleep. Dogs don’t understand that furniture shouldn’t be pushed aside if they want to get through.
- Exercise and energy needs – Larger breeds typically require more exercise, depending on what they are bred to do with some large breeds like Dalmatians and Dobermans needing several hours of physical exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
- Training – you should be prepared to put in a lot of time for training a large breed puppy, both in manners training to prevent jumping up as well as leash walking, because nobody wants to be dragged around or pulled over!
- Increased costs – bigger dogs mean a bigger dog food bill, increased insurance and veterinary costs, as well as professional grooming. Have you ever tried lifting a Leonberger in a bath? No us neither, as they weight more than an average person!
Training Essentials for Raising Larger Dog Breeds
Owning a large breed of dog comes with a lot of responsibility, when a dog is the same weight or not much smaller than you it is imperative that you’re able to ask them to follow instructions start proper training from a young age.
Zigzag can help you with lead training, recall training and teaching your large breed puppy not to jump on people. Large breeds will also have a strong need to chew, and can be quite mouthy and bitey as puppies, we’ll take you through how to cope with it and help in our step by step lessons.
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Large dogs perfect for your family
Cane Corso
A powerful and sometimes territorial large breed, they’ll need plenty of training but will be soppy in the right home.
Great Dane
These gentle giants are calm and loving and well suited for families if you have the room!
A sociable large breed they are playful, eager to please, and will be gentle with children.
Poodle
Graceful, intelligent and active, as well as no fur to shed so your house will stay mostly fur free.
Confident, courageous, and devoted, with the right amount of training they can be a brilliant large breed for families.
Large Dog Breed FAQs
How much do large dogs eat?
As a rough guide dogs eat anything from 2-5% of their ideal body weight per day.
What is considered a large dog?
Large breeds of dogs are typically more than 24 inches tall and weighing over 50lb. Giant breeds are usually over 100lb!
Can large dogs be good with children?
Yes, many large breeds are great with children. Like any dog, they should be supervised with children, safety first!
How do I keep a big dog healthy?
Regular exercise, an appropriate diet that is formulated for a large breed and mental stimulation that fulfills your dog mentally will keep them happy and healthy.
Best protective dog breeds for families
Most dogs will be protective of their families, but German Shepherds and Dobermans will want to guard. Miniature Schnauzers can be just as protective, and they will definitely bark at someone trying to get in!
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Training Essentials for Raising Larger Dog Breeds
Owning a large breed of dog comes with a lot of responsibility, when a dog is the same weight or not much smaller than you it is imperative that you’re able to ask them to follow instructions start proper training from a young age.
Zigzag can help you with lead training, recall training and teaching your large breed puppy not to jump on people. Large breeds will also have a strong need to chew, and can be quite mouthy and bitey as puppies, we’ll take you through how to cope with it and help in our step by step lessons.
Large Dog Breed FAQs
Regular exercise, an appropriate diet that is formulated for a large breed and mental stimulation that fulfills your dog mentally will keep them happy and healthy.
Yes, many large breeds are great with children. Like any dog, they should be supervised with children, safety first!
Large breeds of dogs are typically more than 24 inches tall and weighing over 50lb. Giant breeds are usually over 100lb!
As a rough guide dogs eat anything from 2-5% of their ideal body weight per day.
German Shepherds and Dobermans are your classic protection dogs who are also big.
