If you love dogs, then size should be no problem for you. Whether it’s a little Chihuahua or a huge Great Dane- nothing matches the love and affection they shower upon you. Besides, cuddling with your furry friend induces a lot of feel-good hormones. Imagine if the dog is from a big breed- doesn’t that imply you get love in big packages?
While there is no standard size to gauge what you would consider as moderately sized and giant breeds, you can always look at the following breeds that are popular worldwide for their huge sizes. Take a look, and maybe you can even take a pick from the lot!
Great Dane
Your pet will take your entire sofa to himself, and you have no other choice but to allow it! Don’t let their size fool you. Patient, kind and easy-going, this breed that weighs close to 140 to 175 pounds sprawls out over “ginormous portions.”
The size is not merely for their length, but height too. As one of the biggest among dogs, they are close to 30 inches or more. No wonder they’re referred to as ‘Apollo of Dogs,’ as per AKC. Blessed with big hearts and equally great appetites, Great Danes risk contracting certain heart conditions. So be careful with their diets and stay away from feeding them a few foods.
Newfoundland
As a dog breed from the same province in Canada, Newfoundland stands out for its sweet disposition. They are neither dull nor ill-tempered. They are popular as the ‘nanny dog’ or ‘Newfie.’ One look at it, and you might think of it as a different breed of beer in the backyard but keep that. Voluminous hair aside, you will find hugs galore!
Big-boned canine, dogs weigh close to 130-150 pounds. Much like the former, even their loving hearts match their sizes, and you’ll be left amazed at what a spectacular breed it is after you own. They are so patient and fond of children that they’ve often got the prize for being true babysitters!
Mastiff
Although there are sub-categories, Mastiffs are huge for almost any type. Females are comparatively lighter, but they weigh 160 to 230 pounds and generally stand tall at 30 inches. Fiercely protective of their human friends, the big dogs pour all their affection and loyalty into them.
Any ‘intruder’ spotted in close vicinity to homes and surroundings- their thunderous barks can drive anyone away. Strange as it may sound, American Kennel Club has stated that mastiffs score brownie points for detecting human body language and expression and are overtly communicative through their soulful eyes. Awwww! Ensure you feed your dog with a lot of kibbles.
St. Bernard
It’s not difficult spotting a St. Bernard on snowy lands. Try and picture the popular folklore images of the dog wearing the brandy cask around its neck and rescuing all such stranded travelers on the mountainside. If you’ve seen the Beethoven movies, then this visual delight should help you know how at 30 inches of height and 140-180 pounds of weight.
These dogs are soft and truly unforgettable. Also, the pups grow real quick. Animal Planet reports that almost 100 St. Bernard puppies were filmed during the scenes since they grew up fast within the period! As a quick trivia- if you haven’t seen the movie Beethoven’s 2nd, it’s time you do.
Boerboel
Popular as the ‘farmer’s dog,’ they are indispensable when it comes to rendering optimum protection for the farmlands and the farmer’s families. At 150 to 200 pounds, they’re truly huge and can intimidate anyone. Dating back to the 1600s, Boerboels have a fascinating attachment to families. They love staying within their territories and do all they can to safeguard their families. Also, they have a soft corner for children.
Just ensure you don’t take your pet to dog parks since they don’t have much patience and can challenge any dog. If you are a little skeptical about how your dog is feeling, take a look at his tail. Dogs convey a lot through their eyes and body movements too. You just need to be a tad sensitive and alert, and you can certainly decipher these ‘messages.’ Are you a dog lover? Which of these breeds would you like to have at your home? Let us know in the comments section!
