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Large Dogs

Here's everything you want (and need) to know about large dog breeds!

Large dogs such as Great Danes, St. Bernards, Bernese Mountain Dogs and Newfoundlands aren’t just XL when it comes to their height of over 24 in (60 cm). Their hearts are XL with love for their two-legged friends. Scroll down to the end of this article for a complete list of large dogs (with pictures).

Large Dogs Facts

  • Size: at least 24 inches (60 cm)
  • Weight: 55-110 pounds (25-50 kg)
  • Lifespan: 9-12 years

Great Dane Great Dane - Photo: Eric Gevaert/Shutterstock

Pros for Large Dogs

 Calm and gentle

Large dogs have very calm, gentle characters. Of course, all puppies will tear around like crazy. But big dogs tend to be much calmer. They have a good level of confidence and don’t have the need to prove anything to anyone.


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Training is easy

Big dogs can be much more attentive and patient compared to small dogs. They are easier to train and raise as they don’t have any great need to be stubborn and rebel against their masters.

 Less exercise needs

Big dogs are not suited to action-packed sports like jogging and agility. Endurance sports, such as long walks or day-long hikes, aren’t really their thing. Why? First of all, their energy levels tend to be low. Secondly, their joints just aren’t designed for high levels of high-energy exercise. They need less exercise and walking than you might think.

Protectors

Most people have respect for large dogs. This is great if you like to feel protected. A big dog by your side makes you feel strong and keeps strangers at bay.

Cons for Large Dogs

Big need of space

Of course, large dogs need space for a large dog bed. Apart from that, large but calm, even-tempered dogs can be happy in a smaller home. You can find out more in the article “Dogs that are Suitable for Your Home”.

Outdoors not easy

Simply pick up your pooch or put it in the car in a dog crate. No problem with small dogs. But you’ll need to be better prepared with larger dogs.


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High weight

St. Bernards, Great Danes and Newfoundlands can weigh 154-198 lb (70-90 kg). So, these dogs are definitely too heavy to carry. If they get sick and can’t walk, you’ll need at least four hands. And if a big dog like that pulls at the leash, you have no chance of holding on. That’s why proper training is especially important for larger dogs.

 Not always suitable for families with small kids

Despite, or maybe because of their big hearts, large dogs can be boisterous. And they can move a little clumsily in small spaces. This isn’t ideal in homes with small children, who could get hurt.

 Expensive

A big dog eats more than a small dog. Logically, this means that food is more expensive. Other equipment will also need more investment.

 They age faster

Larger dogs grow very fast and, sadly, age faster. Their life expectancy is considerably shorter than that of smaller dogs. In addition to typical illnesses such as hip and elbow problems, they can also suffer from disc prolapse and heart defects.

Large Dogs:


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