Big Dog Breeds 4 lists those breeds of dog that are the most numerous group of animals in the world. But, are they right for you? Big Dogs Need…
- More Food
- More Space
- Bigger Bed / Crate / Bowls / Toys / Leashes / Collars / and so forth.
Beside size, do they have anything else in common?
Frankly, no. Big Dogs vary in the same ways that small and medium size dogs do:
- Amount of Exercise they require
- Amount of Grooming necessary
- Amount of time needed for Training
- Amount and type of early socialization
- Their friendliness towards people
- Friendliness towards dogs
- Friendliness towards strange
- Affection Level
- Their protection ability
- Their watchdog ability
Big Dog Breeds 4: Large or Big Breeds Beginning with I through P
Ibizan Hound
Size:
44-51 lb (20-23 kg)
Height:
22-29 in (56-74 cm)
Colors:
Red, White, Chestnut, Tawny, Solid or any combination; One Tawny-red shade is called “lion”
There are two types of coats found in this breed: rough and smooth, both of which are easy to groom. They make great family pets for the right family. They have countless energy, need relentless exercise and a secure fenced environment.
Irish Red and White Setter
Size:
60-68 lb. (27-31 kg)
Height:
25-27 in (63-68 cm)
Colors:
Mahogany Red and White
Cheerful and energetic, this breed needs attention and firm guidance. They are gaining some popularity, but their cousins, the Irish Setter still takes the lead. Even though they were developed to be a gundog, they are more likely than not to be household companions.
Irish Setter
Size:
60-68 lb. (27-31 kg)
Height:
25-27 in (63-68 cm)
Colors:
Mahogany Red
This spirited companion was once a hunting dog. They need firm consistent training from an early age. They have one of those devil-may-care attitudes, but for the right family, their sociable nature makes up for the extra efforts needed to socialize and train these fun loving dogs. They do exceptionally well with children and other dogs.
Irish Water Spaniel
Size:
44-64 lb (20-29 kg)
Height:
20-23 in (51-58 cm)
Colors:
Brown
Sometimes called the Clown of the Spaniel family, these dogs make exceptional companions for those that love the outdoors. They are slow to mature and can be headstrong at times. They are gentle and faithful and won’t mind taking a swim with you regardless of the water temperature.
Italian Spinone (Spinone Italiano)
Size:
65-85 lb (29-39 kg)
Height:
23-28 in (58-70 cm)
Colors:
White, White with Yellow, Light Brown, Liver, Chocolate, Orange Patches; The preferred shad of brown is called “Capuchin Friar’s Frock”
Once prized as a versatile tracker and retrieve, the breed has gained popularity as a loyal, gentle companion. They don’t seem to move as fast as most gundogs, so they make great walking partners. Downside to this breed? Drooling and Doggie Smells.
Japanese Akita
Size:
75-115 lb (34-52 kg)
Height:
23-25 in (58-71 cm)
Colors:
White, brindle, gray, red, pinto; usually there is white hair on chest and stomach area.
This is one dog that needs an experienced owner. These beautiful dogs can be domineering with other dogs and aggressive. Early training and socialization is a must. They are bold,stubborn and independent, but utterly devoted to their families. They need plenty of daily exercise and a job to do if possible
Karelian Bear Dog
Size:
48-60 lb (22-27 kg)
Height:
20-25 in (52-57 cm)
Colors: Black with a light brown luster and white markings.
This fearless breed was developed in Finland to challenge big game such as bear and elk. They have a strong fighting instinct, which is not directed at humans, but other dogs may be in trouble. Not the best choice for a family companion.
Kuvasz or Hungarian Kuvasz
Size:
84-130 lb (38-59 kg)
Height:
26-30 in (66-76 cm)
Colors:
White only
These gentle, loyal guard dogs have been working since antiquity guarding flocks and livestock in their native Hungary. The demand an experienced owner because they can be stubborn and difficult to train.
Their independent nature makes them protective, but restless with a wanderlust tendency. Great with children and other dogs, but they don’t always do as well with other pets. You’ll find them listed here, but also on our largest dog breed pages.
Labrador Retriever
Size:
55-80 lb (25-36 kg)
Height:
21-24 in (54-62 cm)
Colors:
Black, Chocolate, Yellow
The most popular dog breed for 20 years and counting. They are still used as gundogs, but also do tracking, serve as guide dogs, and a popular therapy breed. Most importantly, they make a superb family pet, easy to train and anxious to please.
Large Munsterlander
Size:
64-68 lb (29-31 kg)
Height:
23-26 in (58-65 cm)
Colors: Black Head & Mantle, White coat with black flecking on legs and shoulders
These dogs may be slow to mature, but they make calm, highly trainable and versatile gundogs. They are good with children and need close, human contact to remain happy.
Malinois (Belgium Shepherd Dog)
Size:
50-70 lb (22.5-32 kg)
Height:
23-24 in 58-62 cm)
Colors:
Red to Fawn with a Black Mask
The Malinois is one of the Belgium Shepherd dogs that has short hair. Like the other Belgium Shepherds, they are a natural guard dog and can become a loyal companion if trained correctly. Other members of this family include the Belgium Tervueren, Belgian Sheepdog, and the Laekenois.
New Zealand Huntaway
Size:
40-65 lb (18-30 kg)
Height:
20-24 in (50-61 cm)
Colors: Black and Tan, Tricolor, Dark Brindle
This working dog was developed in New Zealand with the help of German Shepherd Dogs, Rottweiler and Border Collies. Not recognized at this time by any kennel clubs, they make excellent sheepdogs and household pets.
Olde English Bulldogge
Size:
50-80 lb (23-36 kg)
Height:
16-20 in (41-51 cm)
Colors:
Variety of Colors
This strong friendly breed was developed in the 1970s to be a recreation of the 19th century bulldog. The purpose was to try and eliminate some of the health problems now seen in the modern Bulldog. They need early training and socialization, but make intelligent excellent family companions.
Old English Sheepdog
Size:
75-90 lb (34-41 kg)
Height:
22 in and up (56 cm)
Colors:
Any shades of Gray, grizzle, blue with white marking
Once a faithful guard dog, defending flocks and herds from wolves, they are still used as a working dog, but more commonly as a household companion. They are a happy, gentle, breed devoted to their family and protective, but still friendly with strangers. Downside? Grooming!
Otterhound
Size:
65-115 lb 29-52 kg)
On the larger size of the Big Dog Breeds Listed on this page
Height:
23-27 in 58-68 cm)
Colors:
All colors: Black and Tan, Grizzle, red, Liver and Tan, Tricolor, Wheaten
As you might suspect by their name, these dogs were once used to hunt otters. Some records suggest the breed dates back to the 12th century.
Now, they make a good-natured pet but one that needs sufficient exercise and ongoing training. Their boisterous nature precludes them as being suitable for homes with small children or elderly folks.
Pharaoh Hound
Size:
40-60 lb (18-27 kg)
Height:
21-26 in (53-66 cm)
Colors:
Tan, rich tan or chestnut with some white markings; a white tail tip preferred
The modern day Pharaoh Hound was developed in Malta but resembles dogs illustrated in the art of ancient Egypt. They have a calm disposition and do well in the house. Outdoors, they will chase anything that moves.
Picardy Spaniel
Size:
44-55 lb (20-25 kg)
Height:
22-24 in (55-60 cm)
Colors: Gray mottled with brown patches
More common in France where it is used to flush birds in woodland and wetland areas. They need plenty of exercise but will make a reliable, affectionate family pet.
Plott Hound
Size:
40-75 cm (18-34 kg)
Height:
20-27 In (51-69 cm)
Colors:
Any shade of brindle, including yellow, buckskin, tan, brown, chocolate, liver, orange, red, light or dark gray, blue or Maltese (slate gray), dilute black, black
Created in America in the 1750s by the Plott family, it was used to hunt raccoon, big cats, bear, coyote and wild boar.
Reference and Further Reading
You will find the books below interesting and they are very informative. Click on the images to find out more!
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