5 Large Dog Breeds as Family Dogs
The large family dogs often referred to as "gentle giants" are usually loving and relaxed around children. Of course, you should not forget that a child-friendly dog is still a dog and not a sibling. Besides character, weight plays an important role in interactions with children. These 5 large dog breeds have what it takes to become a →good family dog.
Great Dane
The →Great Dane is one of the →largest dog breeds in the world with a height of up to 86 cm and a weight of up to 90 kg. However, this four-legged friend is much more of a lap dog in the body of a giant. The people-oriented and cuddly dog wants to be a firm part of a family, play, and also climb onto laps. Its clumsy yet warm character makes it a suitable companion for anyone with plenty of space.
The Great Dane is the epitome of a gentle giant. It is very affectionate and people-oriented.
Leonberger
Large, fluffy, loving - the →Leonberger can certainly be described as a "cuddle bear" with a height of about 80 cm and a weight of up to 75 kg. They are rather laid-back, want to be part of the family, but don’t need too much action. They prefer to watch from the sidelines and enjoy extensive petting. This →breed is very gentle and relaxed when interacting with other animals and dogs.
The Leonberger is a fluffy, gentle dog that also enjoys guarding the house and yard.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The friendly look and fluffy coat of the →Bernese Mountain Dog are not deceiving: there is a lot of family dog potential here. You can expect a height of up to 70 cm and a weight of up to 50 kg with this breed. The Bernese is a true nature boy who absolutely needs a garden and activities through woods and meadows. Calm with children yet playful - a perfect companion for all families who enjoy an active large dog breed.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is known for its open and friendly nature. However, it can also be quite stubborn.
Newfoundland
"Looking for a house with a garden and a family to love" - this is how the ad of a →Newfoundland would probably look. The fluffy furballs not only look like teddy bears, they are also true cuddle bears. With this breed, you can expect a height of up to 74 cm and a weight of up to 70 kg. The →relaxed dogs are not easily disturbed, even when children are playing and shouting in the garden.
Dog or cuddly bear? Newfoundlands are definitely truly laid-back dogs who like to take things slow.
In contrast to the →large breeds that shed little, the fluffy coat of the "Newfie" also requires some →coat care. Regular brushing is at the top of the agenda. You can find suitable care products for your furry friend with us.
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Golden Retriever
Compared to the other breeds, one might think that the →Golden Retriever with a height of up to 61 cm and a weight of up to 34 kg is more of a medium-sized dog. Nevertheless, the "Goldie" is considered one of the →large dog breeds that are wonderfully suitable for families. The sweet four-legged friend wants to be part of the family and learn. With its balanced nature and calm demeanor, it quickly enchants those around it.
The Goldie is often seen as a "model family dog". And although the breed is friendly and even-tempered, they are still retrievers with hunting ambitions.
Despite Family Suitability: What to Consider with Large Dog Breeds
Large Dog Breeds Cost More Money
Generally, you will spend more money on a large four-legged friend than you would for a →average puppy. The reason is that a Doberman, for example, eats more than a Chihuahua. Additionally, items like dog beds, harnesses, and transport boxes are often more expensive, the larger the chosen size. You can read in →our article how much a puppy costs on average.
Big dog, big appetite! Our large four-legged friends also need a bit more food. Packed full of good ingredients, for example, is our high-quality dry food. Lots of muscle meat, valuable fruits and vegetables, as well as important oils. Just open the bag and let them chow down!
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Can You Handle Your Dog's Weight?
Large dog breeds carry significantly more weight than their smaller counterparts. A Bernese Mountain Dog weighs less than a Doberman, but still carries a proud 50 kilos. It is especially important for dog training and in emergency situations that you correctly assess your four-legged friend’s weight and, above all, do not underestimate it!
Leash walking needs to be learned, even for large dog breeds! That makes it all the more important that you can hold your dog securely!
Common Health Issues in Large Dog Breeds
Many large dog breeds share a common enemy: their weight in relation to their joints. Therefore, it is particularly important to pay attention to a →good breeding to ensure that the joints and skeleton are not stunted at the expense of size.
Especially arthritis, hip and elbow dysplasia are common diseases in large dog breeds. These can be inherited, exacerbated by →poor nutrition, or the body did not have enough time to properly develop the bones and joints.
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What you should consider with very large dog breeds
