Extra Large Dog Breeds

• These  gentle giants usually have a mild,often comical temperament.

• Be prepared to adjust your budget to their often large appetites. They need high quality foods, low in carbohydrates and supplements to keep them healthy.

• Life expectancy can range from 8 - 14 years. High quality dog food and nutritional dog supplements can help extend and add quality to the extra large dog breeds life.

• Prepare for some work in the grooming of these giant dog breeds. Your home bath tub can prove a bit small when attempting to wash these dogs.  Consider professional dog grooming or rent a tub at a self serve dog wash.  Many of these are popping up across the country for those with neither the space or inclination to use their home tub..

• Extra large breed dogs can be prone to some health problems less common in the small dog breeds and medium size dog breeds.  For instance, hip dysplasia is common in the large dog breeds.  Be sure to check the genetic problems common to the dog breed you choose.  If you buy from a breeder, insist on history and references.  Better yet, adopt from a local dog shelter or breed specific dog rescue group.  True, some of these dogs come with their own set of problems but they are already here and need a home.  I think they tend to make the best pets and hey, we all have baggage.

MOST POPULAR EXTRA LARGE DOG BREEDS

Great Dane -   One of the tallest dogs.  Friendly, known as "the gentle giant".

Saint Bernard - Extremely gentle.

Rottweiler - Reliable and loving with their family, very protective.

Mastiff - Gentle with family, excellent with children.

Bull Mastiff - Good natured, docile and affectionate.

Newfoundland -  Calm and gentle.

Irish Wolfhound - Gentle, also one of the tallest dogs.

Akita - Docile, affectionate, courageous.

American Bulldog - Loves children, loyal, not hostile.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Not aggressive, loves to please, excellent with children.

Black Russian Terrier - Protective, loves children, needs to be close to owner.

Bloodhound - Mild-mannered, lovable, very gentle.

Many of the large dog breeds do quite well in apartments and smaller spaces as long as they are provided with regular exercise in the form of walks and trips to dog parks.  Many of these big dog breeds also are great with kids and love to play and romp with them, often seeing themselves as one of the kids.

A large dog breed will require equipment tailored to their size; large dog feeding bowls, large dog beds and large dog toys.  A good quality food for large breed dogs is a necessity, one with premium ingredients.  Quality supplements added to the large dog breed diet will help to keep him active and healthy.

When considering dog adoptions and deciding which of the big dog breeds to add to your family, check out some of the dog rescue organizations specific to the breeds you are interested in. They will help you to decide which  are good dog breeds for children, which are best dog breeds for your lifestyle and answer any questions you may have.  These dog rescue shelters are there for the benefit of the dog and they want to make sure  the match-up between the dog and it's new guardian is a successful one for all involved.  You can find the dog rescue groups through your local yellow pages, through local Vets and on-line by searching under the breed name and adding your state and the words "rescue groups".

Save A Life - Adopt A Dog!

Show Your Love - Spay or Neuter Your Dog!