The largest dogs: breeds

The largest dogs attract attention not only with their striking appearance but also with their good nature. Almost all giant breeds, when properly trained, have a very calm disposition. They are also very easy to train, making them suitable not only as loyal and kind companions but also as reliable protectors of the home or territory.

The largest dogs – breed ranking

The largest dogs weigh over 60-70 kg, and their height at the withers is 70 cm or more. These include representatives of a wide variety of breeds. But, as a rule, they all share one common trait: a very strong attachment to their owner and a balanced psyche.

Deerhound

Also known as the deerhound, the Deerhound was bred specifically for deer hunting. The Deerhound is one of the oldest large dog breeds, dating back to the 16th century. However, it was only officially recognized in 1892.

Appearance:

1. Weight about 45 kg.
2. Height at withers 70-75 cm.
3. Well developed muscles.
4. The body is elongated.
5. Long slender legs.
6. Small head.
7. The coat is long and hard.

Depending on the variety, deerhounds can be grey, sandy or brown in colour.

Behavioral characteristics:

1. Excellent instinct and almost lightning-fast reaction.
2. Endurance and ability to work for long periods of time.
3. Balanced character without showing aggression.
4. Trusting attitude towards strangers.
5. Ability to remember commands.

Purchasing a Deerhound puppy in Russia is quite difficult. There's no dedicated club for this breed, so almost all dogs in Russia are imported from Europe. The price of a Deerhound puppy ranges from 30,000 to 40,000 rubles.

Russian greyhound

Another canine giant, the Russian Greyhound, is often seen in photographs of large dog breeds. Until the 17th century, Russian greyhounds were known as Circassian greyhounds. In Russia in the 1820s, they could be found on virtually any estate. Wealthy landowners sometimes kept several hundred of these dogs. As a result, individual regions began to develop their own distinct types of greyhounds.

Appearance

1. Narrow build.
2. Thin constitution.
3. Height at withers from 70 to 85 cm.
4. Long narrow head.
5. Small, tightly pressed ears.
6. Narrow chest.
7. Long saber-shaped tail.
8. Wavy and long hair.

The coloring of Russian greyhounds is quite varied: from white with a transition to fawn to various shades of black.

Behavioral characteristics:

1. Aggression towards other animals.
2. Calm temperament.
3. Sharp mind.
4. Kindness towards all family members.
5. High level of obedience with proper training.

Purchasing a Russian Borzoi puppy in Russia is not difficult. There are many kennels specializing in breeding this breed. Prices for puppies there range from 20,000 to 50,000 rubles.

Tibetan Mastiff

One of the most ancient working breeds. Mastiffs Originally, they served as guard dogs in Tibetan monasteries and accompanied nomadic caravans in the Himalayas. When keeping this breed, it's crucial to pay due attention to its adaptation to human society. Otherwise, the dog becomes overly withdrawn and aggressive.

Appearance:

1. Height from 60 to 70 cm.
2. Weight from 60 to 80 kg.
3. Very thick, smooth coat.
4. Powerful build.
5. Large head with a well-defined occipital protuberance.
6. Eyes are medium sized.
7. The ears are triangular in shape.
8. Powerful muscular neck.

Tibetan mastiffs range in color from brown to reddish-brown. The name and photo of this large dog breed are often found on specialized breeder forums.

Behavioral characteristics:

1. Calm and reserved character.
2. Adequate manifestation of aggression.
3. Independence in relation to the owner.
4. Sharp mind.
5. Stubbornness, which without proper training develops into aggression.

Tibetan Mastiffs are not recommended for those inexperienced with large dogs. A Tibetan Mastiff can be purchased from specialized breeders. Prices range from 50,000 to 150,000 rubles, depending on the titles of the parents.

Alabai

The Central Asian Shepherd Dog (or Alabai) is one of the largest and most good-natured breeds. It is not the result of artificial breeding. Historically, it was widespread in Central Asia, where it was used by shepherds to guard and herd livestock.

Appearance:

1. Massive head with a flat forehead.
2. Round eyes set far apart.
3. Small, hanging ears of a triangular shape.
4. Powerful body with a short neck.
5. Coarse and harsh wool.

The color can vary from white to black.

Behavioral characteristics:

1. Innate aggression towards other dogs.
2. Independent and willful character.
3. Distrust of strangers.
4. Unlimited devotion to the owner.

There are many breeders of this breed in Russia from whom you can buy a puppy. Prices start at 10,000 rubles.

Leonberger

Leonbergers These large dogs originated in Germany. They were created by crossing St. Bernards and Landseers. The breed's purpose is versatile. They can be excellent guard dogs or family dogs.

Appearance:

1. Convex large skull.
2. Very strong jaws with a scissor bite.
3. The hanging ears are medium in size and lie close to the head.
4. The neck blends smoothly into the withers.
5. Broad chest.
6. Long, close-lying coat.
7. Height from 65 to 75 cm.

The coat color can range from lion-yellow to sandy. Small white spots are unacceptable and are grounds for culling.

Behavioral characteristics:

1. Almost complete absence of aggression.
2. Kindness towards children.
3. Willingness to obey the owner.
4. Good learning ability and memorization ability.
5. Lack of response to loud sounds.

You can purchase a Leonberger puppy at a specialized show or from a breeder. The price is at least 30,000 rubles.

St. Bernard

The St. Bernard is another of the largest dogs in the world, and videos of them are often found online. This breed comes in short-haired and long-haired varieties. These dogs were named after the St. Bernard monastery in the Alps. It was there that the monks used these dogs to rescue people trapped in avalanches.

Appearance:

1. Height from 65 to 75 cm.
2. Large and broad head with a convex forehead.
3. Drooping upper lips.
4. Brown eyes, set close to the bridge of the nose.
5. The hanging ears are of medium size.
6. Shiny coat with dense undercoat.

The basic color of St. Bernards is red with white markings, but white with red spots is also acceptable.

Behavioral characteristics:

1. Very high level of obedience and devotion.
2. Very strong dislike for small breed dogs.
3. A highly developed love for children.

To purchase a healthy St. Bernard puppy, contact specialized kennels and breeders. Prices start at 25,000 rubles.

Diver

Newfoundland – a large working dog breed native to Canada. In Russia, it is sometimes called a "divoroz" (water dog).

Appearance:

1. Powerful muscular body.
2. Massive head with a wide skull.
3. Small ears are triangular in shape.
4. Strong neck, well set into the shoulders.
5. Broad back.
6. The tail is strong and wide at the base and acts as a rudder when swimming.
7. The coat has water-repellent properties and a soft, dense undercoat.
8. Height from 60 to 70 cm.
9. Weight from 55 to 70 kg.

The color of Newfoundlands is rich black or brown without the slightest presence of white hairs or spots.

Behavioral characteristics:

1. Complete lack of hunting instincts.
2. Reacts quickly in difficult situations.
3. Complete absence of aggression towards people.
4. Almost complete absence of fear of public transport and traveling by car.
5. Outgoing social character.
6. Curiosity towards everything new and interesting.

To purchase Newfoundland puppies, it's best to contact specialized breeders. The price for these little water dogs depends largely on the quality of the parents and starts at 25,000 rubles.

Great Dane

The Great Dane is a giant dog breed. They can be used as companions, guardians, or bodyguards. They are a friendly breed, but they often don't realize their size and can knock people to the ground when interacting with them. Read also about others. German dog breeds here.

Appearance:

1. Long, narrow head with well-developed superciliary arches.
2. Well developed nose with large nostrils.
3. Wide jaws.
4. The ears are set high and medium in size.
5. Long neck.
6. Short and dense coat.

Behavioral characteristics:

1. Friendly and kind character.
2. Loyalty to the owner.
3. Constant distrust of strangers.
4. Self-confidence.

Great Dane puppies start at 25,000 rubles. The final price depends on the breed's characteristics. It's best to purchase puppies from reputable breeders.

English Mastiff

This ancient breed originates from England. When kept in a city apartment, it requires consistent exercise. Its drawbacks include constant drooling and loud snoring.

Appearance:

1. Voluminous angular head.
2. Wide long body.
3. Height from 70 to 80 cm.
4. Weight from 60 to 100 kg.
5. Broad head with a flat forehead.
6. Thin, high-pitched ears.
7. The neck is arched and of moderate length.
8. Life expectancy is no more than 10 years.

The colour of English Mastiffs varies from apricot to fawn, with a mandatory black mask in the muzzle area.

Behavioral characteristics:

1. Good nature.
2. Calm and obedient nature.
3. Ability to get along well with children.
4. In the absence of socialization, there is a tendency towards isolation and suspicion.

There are quite a few kennels in Russia where you can buy a mastiff puppy. The minimum price is 40,000 rubles.

Kuvasz

The Kuvasz is a herding dog breed from Hungary. It once guarded flocks of sheep and other livestock. Today, it can be used not only as a guard dog but also as a family companion.

Appearance:

1. Head with a well-defined occipital crest.
2. Well developed jaws and teeth.
3. Dark brown almond-shaped eyes.
4. Short muscular neck.
5. Wavy white fur.

Behavioral characteristics:

1. Absolute courage and fearlessness in the face of anything.
2. Pride and self-confidence.
3. Loyalty to the owner.

Kuvasz puppies are quite expensive, with prices starting at 40,000 rubles. This breed is rarely bred in Russia, so you'll have to travel to Hungary to buy a puppy.

Read also:

• St. Bernard
• Russian Borzoi
• Chinese dog breeds