You get to the dog park, excited to finally bring your dog for some much-needed playtime. But instead of the usual mix of dogs of all breeds and sizes, you notice Great Danes of every color and pattern. They are massive dogs that look like small ponies galavanting around, wrestling with each other and chasing after sticks.
“What’s going on?” you whisper to another bewildered dog owner. “Who unleashed these miniature horses everywhere?”
“Dude, I was thinking the same thing. It looks like the Great Dane Club is having a dog breed-specific meetup – what a sight!”
When you see an enormous dog, you can’t help but be impressed. With their thick skulls, powerful muscles, deep chests, and paws the size of dinner plates, these giant dog breeds weighing 100 lbs. or more will spark curiosity and have people doing double-takes. While their bodies may be of titanic proportions, their hearts are even bigger than their bodies, as most of these dogs have a reputation for being mellow sweethearts.
Are you considering adopting an extra-large dog breed? If you live life to the fullest, giant puppies for sale may fit the bill. Learn about some of the largest dog breeds in the world to see if a magnificent gargantuan canine is the right fit for your lifestyle – literally.
The Common Origin of Mastiffs
The most common types of XL dog breeds are various mastiff breeds with huge heads, muscular bodies, and droopy mouths. The name “Mastiff” is said to be taken from the Anglo-Saxon word "masty” meaning "powerful.” All Mastiffs have a common ancestor in Molossian dog breeds of ancient Greece and Rome. They were used as protection dogs, guard dogs for livestock and soldiers, cart haulers, hunting dogs, and even herders. As empires spread over time, distinct dog breeds were developed stemming from the original Molossian dog breeds.
What to Expect When Selecting an Extra Large Dog Breed
If you’re wondering if all massive dogs are the same, they all have their special characteristics that make them unique. Some are familiar household names, while others are among the rarest dog breeds in the world. Several of these large dog breeds are in the Working group, which makes sense since they were powerhouses in assisting humans with their livelihood.
If you’re wondering, “Is a giant dog breed the best choice for me?” there are a few important points to consider when looking into being a large breed puppy owner. You’ll need to be completely prepared to be a responsible puppy owner and can only do that when you see what owning an extra large dog breed entails.
Financial responsibility
Getting a giant dog breed should not be done without opening up your budget spreadsheets first. When you financially prepare for a puppy, you should crunch numbers to allow ample space in your coffers to afford to care for your giant dog breed for the duration of its life, not just the first round of equipment and vet visits needed. Here are some line items to consider in your budget:
- Pet insurance
- Training classes
- High-quality food - they eat A LOT!
- Emergency vet care for potential health problems
- A home and vehicle with enough space and reliable transportation
- Equipment like a huge crate, special leash or collar, toys, food bowls, etc.
- Regular vet care with weight-appropriate preventative flea, tick, and heartworm medications
Health conditions
Larger dogs can experience more health conditions than smaller dogs, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with possible health concerns you and your large-breed dog could encounter.
Larger dogs tend to have shorter lifespans, with giant dogs living 5-7 years, large dog breeds living 7-10 years, and small dogs living an average of 12-15+ years. Even though you will enjoy their company for a shorter time, it doesn’t make those moments less precious and should not deter you from discovering the love these massive dogs have for their families.
Learning about health problems specific to giant dog breeds will help you stay vigilant. Bloat can occur when the stomach twists on itself and traps gas. Bloat can be deadly if not caught early enough for emergency surgery. Hip and elbow dysplasia is caused when joints do not form correctly, spawning painful inflammation and osteoarthritis. Eyelid abnormalities can result in inverted, folded, or exposed eye tissue. Heart disease called dilated cardiomyopathy is when the heart is not strong enough to pump enough blood throughout the body. Be sure to discuss these possible health concerns with your licensed vet when owning a giant dog breed so you can be proactive.
Because their bones are so large, bigger dogs take longer to fully develop into adult dogs than smaller dogs take to mature. Because they are not fully formed yet, avoid strenuous exercise until they are 18-24 months old to allow their bones to develop properly without injuries.
Logistics of owning a giant dog breed
Giant dog breeds are not appropriate for small living spaces for obvious reasons. You’ll need enough room both inside and outside to accommodate their large size and all the equipment needed to keep them safe. Many big dogs like to roam and can jump up higher than the average fence height, so a large, secured yard is perfect. Their crate may seem the size of a Smart Car, and their bed will be as big as a toddler mattress (in fact, some large breed dog owners go straight for a crib mattress to use as a bed).
All large breed dog owners will need to be able to transport their dogs to the groomer, vet, and other places to socialize them in various environments. Your vehicle should also be big enough for not only the dog but also his equipment. This may even require you to purchase a bigger vehicle which is a huge item for your budget!
Training classes
When you own a giant dog breed, you cannot assume you can let training happen naturally. It’s an absolute necessity for you to train your giant dog from day one. Even if their personality is mellow, they can climb up for lap snuggles and pin a child down to the couch with their big rear ends planted, ready and waiting for scratches. Playtime can get rowdy, and an overly excited massive dog is a recipe for injuries and broken items. You must be able to control your massive dog with excellent recall and leash skills because they could easily overpower you and break away while you lose control due to their sheer power. People may be understandably fearful of your dog, so good manners go a long way in putting everyone at ease.
Grooming
Not all giant dog breeds have the same grooming requirements, but you should be prepared nonetheless to spend time on regular maintenance. Some have thick double coats that heavily shed, while others have a smooth, short single coat. With a giant hairy dog comes some serious tumbleweeds in a matter of minutes after you vacuum. Some of these dogs with droopy, loose jowls may have a slobber problem, so you’ll have to keep extra mouth wipes and towels around your home.
These 10 Giant Dog Breeds Make Great Canine Companions
While we don’t have a comprehensive list in order of height or weight, we’ll offer an overview of some of the top giant dog breeds to learn about what makes them so unique.
1. St. Bernard
Saint Bernard puppies for sale originated in the Swiss Alps and have saved 2,000 people over 200 years according to accounts. Many people recognize a St. Bernard as an extra large, imposing figure with a barrel of brandy around its neck. Whether or not St. Bernards carried barrels around their necks to revive lost travelers is up for debate, but we can all agree they are massive, strong dogs.
Saint Bernards stand 26-30 inches tall and weigh 120-180+ pounds when they are adults. Some are so massive that they surpass the height of a grown human when giving them a “hug.” Their furrowed brows on their huge skulls hold deep-set eyes with intelligent expressions. With their giant dinner-plate paws and sweet expressions (and drool…lots of drool), a St. Bernard dog is a family favorite for those looking for a hilarious, mellow giant friend.
2. Newfoundland
Originally bred to help fishermen in the harsh weather conditions of Newfoundland and Labrador, Newfoundland puppies for sale have muscles powerful enough to push through treacherous waters on search and rescue missions and help people to shore. They also have partially webbed feet used to propel them through the water. Newfoundlands held jobs outside the water, such as hauling carts to market and pulling in fishnets.
Fully grown Newfoundlands start at 100 pounds and can weigh over 150+ pounds depending on the sex and stand 36-38 inches tall. Their massive chests contain lungs big enough to sustain their tireless work ethic. Newfoundlands are often called “Nanny dogs” because they are so gentle yet protective over children.
3. Cane Corso Mastiff
Cane Corso Mastiff puppies for sale are descendants of the Molossian dog breeds originating in Italy. "Cane Corso" is from "Cohors," which means "guardian" or "protector” in Latin. These courageous dogs were used as reliable guardians and protectors of Italian households, agrarian tasks, hunting, and war dogs.
Cane Corso Mastiffs are popular dogs thanks to their noble nature, unwavering loyalty, and desire to fearlessly protect their people. Their tree trunk-like wide neck and massive head hold ears that are usually cropped to stand up on their heads like a Great Dane’s. They can grow to be almost 28 inches tall and weigh 90-135+ pounds. Cane Corso Mastiffs are excellent family guard dogs and are smart, versatile companions.
4. Great Dane
Great Dane puppies for sale are impressively massive but are truly gentle giants. These dogs can also claim Molossian hound heritage and were crossbred with Irish Wolfhounds and English Mastiffs to create a modern-day dog standing up to 32 inches tall and weighing up to 175 pounds.
Several Great Danes have held the title of World’s Biggest Dog at some point. Other famous Great Danes that have captivated dog lovers include Astro from The Jetsons, Marmaduke, and Scooby Doo. Great Danes are lovable gentle giants because they are patient and friendly with visitors and children, think they are lap dogs, and love pleasing their owners. Their deep chests and massive heads sport cropped or uncropped ears, making those with cropped ears appear even taller.
5. Rottweiler
Rottweilers are often misunderstood dogs thanks to movie depictions and cultural stereotypes about Rottweilers being ferocious, aggressive dogs. However, they are relaxed canine companions with mild-mannered, steady temperaments. They make great guard dogs for families since they are loyal to children.
With an imposing physique and powerful presence, Rottweiler puppies for sale can grow to weigh 80-135+ pounds and stand 22-27 inches tall. Once used to haul carts for butchers, this Molossian descendent got its name from the red tiles on Roman villas. Rottweilers sport large heads, a muscular build, thick hindquarters, a natural or docked tail, and sweet little eyebrows that frame bright eyes. Rottweilers are versatile and can be dedicated working dogs, loyal protectors, and excellent family pets.
6. Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhound puppies for sale are renowned for their kind temperament, affectionate nature, striking appearance, and colossal size. Monks bred them over 1,000 years ago to hunt and kill elk, bears, boars, wolves, and deer. Nobility and aristocrats would trade these courageous and dignified dogs as prized gifts.
The Irish Wolfhound earns the title of being the tallest dog breed in the world, standing 30-32 inches tall and weighing 105-120+ pounds. They have a thin, elegant build similar to a Greyhound with a deep chest, muscular legs, and long tail. To finish the regal appearance, their long, slightly curved tails are just about as long as the breed is tall. The longest tail in the world on a dog belonged to an Irish Wolfhound named Keon measuring 30.2 inches long.
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7. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is one of the rarest dog breeds in the world with only about 2,000 in existence. They originated in the Himalayas and were used as protection and guard dogs withstanding harsh mountain conditions. With their lion-like appearance from their long, thick fur and powerful, muscular bodies, a Tibetan Mastiff is a sight to behold. These dogs are mellow, independent, and fierce guard dogs with a deeply ingrained need to protect their families. They stand at least 26 inches tall and can weigh over 150 pounds. Their wild fur coat stands out, puffing up a Tibetan Mastiff to look like a bear. While we may never encounter one in our lifetime, Tibetan Mastiffs are magnificent creatures.
8. Great Pyrenees
With their fluffy, polar bear looks, Great Pyrenees puppies for sale are like little white clouds of furry cuteness. However, they grow quickly into dogs weighing 100+ lbs. and standing up to 32 inches tall. Their broad chests, powerful hind legs, bushy tails, and magnificent, thick white waterproof coats make the Great Pyrenees a gorgeous dog breed.
While many people may fall in love with their massively cute appearance, they are not quite the cuddle bug you might hope for. Great Pyrenees dogs are independent and stoic and like to cover lots of distance thanks to their history of guarding livestock for shepherds in the Pyrenees Mountains. If you own one, give them lots of secured land to roam and make sure to keep up with their grooming needs to handle their impressive double coats.
9. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dog puppies for sale are beautiful big dogs that look like adorable tri-colored bears. Originating in the Bern region of Switzerland, Bernese Mountain Dogs boast a rich history as a versatile working breed, helping Swiss farmers with a variety of tasks made difficult by the rugged, mountainous terrain.
While they grow to stand up to 27.5 in. tall and weigh 70-115+ lbs., they may look imposing with their muscular bodies and impressive coats. However, Bernese Mountain Dogs are calm and mellow, loving toward their owners, and gentle and patient with children. Their expressive eyebrows and kind expression will have you pouring out your heart to their floppy listening ears.
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10. English Mastiff
We saved the biggest for last, but certainly not the least important. The English Mastiff is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, and that’s not the only record they hold. The English Mastiff is officially the world's biggest dog breed standing over 30 inches and weighing up to 230 pounds, more than some adult grown men.
While they may look imposing, English Mastiffs have a heart of gold and are usually very easy-going, gentle guardians. They’re loving toward their owners and patient with rowdy kids. Due to their sheer size and their possible weariness with strangers, begin training your English Mastiff puppy on Day One for a well-rounded canine on their best behavior.
We’re Big on Quality Puppies For Sale
At Pawrade, we partner with reputable breeders who understand how to raise happy extra large dog breeds, catering to their needs to give them the best life possible. If you’re interested in a giant dog breed, browse our puppies for sale to see what the big deal is all about with our scam-free pet adoption service to have your very own 150+ lb. lap dog!
