It is easy to feel secure in the company of big dog breeds. Their compelling canine presence and charm are simply irresistible. If you want to add one to your household, start choosing one from this list of large dog breeds.
You may wonder how we decided which large breeds are the best. The following are our main considerations:
- Friendliness
- Shedding
- Suitability for apartment living
- Suitability for families
Let’s take a look at the large dog breeds that made it to our list.
Bernese Mountain Dog
This is one large dog breed suitable for families. Intelligent, easy-going, sturdy, athletic, and easy to train, the Bernese Mountain Dog are good with children. It can also live harmoniously with other dogs and pets and make good watchdogs.
Since it is an active breed, this dog needs a fair amount of exercise. As such, this canine does best with homes with large gardens. Its double coat also needs daily brushing and may shed as the seasons change. So why was this breed included in this list? Its remarkable temperament–docile, calm, and confident–makes it a great family addition. If you are seeking a large dog for your family, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a wonderful choice.
Greyhound
Despite being a speedy breed (top speed is at 45 mph), the Greyhound is a rather laid back and sweet canine. Its athleticism may lead you to think it needs much exercise, but this breed actually loves to lounge on the couch. Short daily walks are enough to fulfil its need for exercise.
Known to be a rare barker, the Greyhound can thrive in apartments. It’s one of the widely recommended large dog breeds for apartment living. Its short-haired coat hardly requires maintenance. Families will love this sleek hound for its lovable and charming ways.
Standard Poodle
One of the friendliest canine breeds, the Spoo is an elegant, intelligent, and very social dog. It also happens to be one of the large dog breeds that don’t shed and has a hypoallergenic coat. However, its coat requires grooming, but a short cut can minimise that requirement.
The Standard Poodle is also suitable for apartment living because it does not bark excessively. A natural entertainer, the Standard Poodle’s sunny personality and energy make it a fantastic family pet. As an energetic breed, this dog needs considerable exercise. However, it can be left to its own devices at home without worry (but not for long periods).
Basset Hound
Although not appearing as large as other breeds, it can tip the scales at about 50-60 lbs. This puts it within the large dog breed range of 50-90 lbs. A friendly dog, the Basset Hound gets along with children, other dogs, and even cats. Being easy-going and low-speed, this hound does not need much exercise, although it can be playful. It can also live in small homes or apartments.
The Basset Hound’s short coat may be low maintenance, but it needs to be bathed every now and then. It also sheds moderately and seasonally. It has a tendency to drool and “speak its mind.”
Labrador Retriever
This is the most popular dog in the UK. It’s not hard to see why considering its friendliness, intelligence, playfulness, versatility, and temper. As such, Labs are perfect for families.
The Labrador Retriever is not high maintenance, although its water-resistant coat needs weekly brushings. It sheds seasonally and quite heavily. An energetic breed, this dog needs much exercise to keep its exuberance in check. Although a highly adaptive breed, the Lab may find small apartments limiting for their canine enthusiasm. However, it can thrive in apartment settings.
Bull Terrier
This breed has a distinct look with its triangular eyes and unique head shape. Energetic, eager to please, and inquisitive, the Bull Terrier likes to amuse. Whilst not recommended for first-time dog owners, this breed is suitable for families with older children.
As an active and muscular breed, this dog needs much daily exercise. Its short coat is low maintenance as it is a minimal shedder. Although it can thrive in an apartment setting, some types of dwellings are not suitable for the Bull Terrier.
Mastiff
The quintessential gentle giant, the Mastiff may be massive but it can thrive in apartments and small homes. Calm, affectionate, sensitive, and noble, this breed is protective and is gentle with children. It may be a large dog breed but it can be quite the lapdog.
Although it has a tendency to be stubborn, it does not need much exercise. A laid-back walk around the park is sufficient for his daily exercise needs. Its short coat also does not need much grooming, but it can shed moderately to heavily.
Great Dane
Like the Mastiff, the impressive-looking Great Dane is a gentle giant. Its mellow ways and conservative barking (if not developed as a habit) make it a suitable apartment dweller, which is unexpected for its size. However, watch out for the wayward tail wag that can clear tables with a single swipe.
Although stubborn, it is easy to train and is gentle with kids. This breed can also live harmoniously with other dogs and animals. The Great Dane is known to be a drooler and has a hearty appetite. Its short-haired coat is easy to maintain and sheds seasonally moderately.
Have you made your pick among these large dog breeds? Find one among these dogs for sale or up for adoption!
