Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but there are some that just tower over everyone else. Like fur-clad supermodels on the runway, these breeds don't shy away from all the looks they get at the dog park!
These gentle giants make excellent family pets and can be quite loyal. They are also very good with kids and other dogs.
Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a strong, muscular breed with a double coat that comes in a striking shade of white. They have rich, dark brown eyes that express patient kindness.
The males of this breed can reach a height of 27-32 inches at the shoulder, while females tend to be 25-29 inches. They typically weigh 100 pounds or more.
This is a large dog with an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. They’re calm and affectionate with children, though they can be overly protective around strangers and unfamiliar pets.
They’re also prone to bloat, a condition that happens when a dog eats too quickly or swallows too much air. This can be life-threatening.
This breed requires lots of socialization as a puppy, so it’s important to introduce them to people, other dogs, and new places when they’re young. This will help them learn to be calm and well-mannered when they grow up.
Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds are among the tallest breeds in the world, with males ranging between 32 inches and 36 inches at the shoulder. Females are a bit smaller at 30 inches.
As a result of their size, they require large living spaces with plenty of room to stretch out and get comfortable. They do best in a home with a fenced-in yard where they can roam and run freely.
They are very devoted to their owners, so they can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. Nevertheless, this is an excellent family dog and does well with children.
They can be prone to heart disease, specifically dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), which causes the heart to beat harder than normal. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this condition. By observing your dog closely, you can spot it early and give your pup the treatment it needs. Having pet insurance can also help you avoid the financial burden of unexpected health costs.
Scottish Deerhound
The Scottish Deerhound is one of the tallest species of dog. It is also a noble breed that is very fond of people and other animals, and it will bond with its owners for the rest of its life.
These large dogs are active and jogging with a person is an ideal way for them to get their daily exercise, but they will also love spending time lying next to their owner on the couch. They also like to play with toys and chew on them.
A Scottish Deerhound is a highly intelligent breed, and it does best with obedience training. It can be stubborn and needs firm but gentle training.
The Scottish Deerhound is a good family dog, but it can be wary of strangers. It can be sensitive to its owner's emotions, and it can be trained with positive reinforcement. It is a good choice for families with older children who are willing to train the dog.
Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are known for their giant size and amazing strength. They stand 26-28 inches tall at the withers and weigh 100-150 pounds.
They have a long, thick coat that sheds heavily and requires regular grooming. Brush your Newfoundland at least once a week to keep its hair healthy and mat-free.
Although they don’t require a lot of exercise, Newfoundlands enjoy outdoor activities and spending time with their people. They also make excellent search and rescue (SAR) dogs.
Their huge size makes them ideal family pets if you have the room to accommodate their big frame. However, they are prone to separation anxiety and should never be left alone for long periods of time.
As with all large dogs, Newfoundlands must have access to fresh water. They’ll dunk their head in the bucket to get a drink, and they love swimming. They also slobber and drool a lot, so you’ll need towels around their food and water bowls to catch all the saliva.
