First and foremost ALL giant breeds are fantastic dogs! Most of them are gentle and wonderful with children (minus knocking them over occasionally) however there are some general items to consider before getting one:
1.) size....do you really have the room inside and out for one of the big guys/gals
2.) vet expenses generally double
3.) grooming on your own should be once a week at the least getting all the way to the skin using a "rake" and a pin brush and with a professional at least once every 3 months and most of these giants start at 75.00 on average Be sure to clean their ears every week with a cotton ball and an ear solution or alcohol. These floppy eared dogs tend to get into ear trouble. Their nails are very very important. There is a lot of weight standing on those feet and if their nails are too long it will cause them a lot of pain.
4.) training...you definitely have to be the alpha dog....a dog of this magnitude getting out of control is a recipe for disaster.
5.) exercise...time to make sure they are getting the proper exercise
6.) food....they typically eat twice that of an average dog
7.) water....they typically drink one to two gallons per day
As you read about each breed keep in mind these are generalities about each breed and not in stone about each dog pictured or that you might purchase. Dogs are as individual as each and every one of us.
BOUVIER des FLANDRES (Toby)
These guys originated in France/Belgium. They usually run between 70-100lbs. What makes them a giant breed is their height which can be 2ft-21/2 feet. Their life expectancy is 11-12years. Grooming needs to be a weekly process due to their coat. They have a topcoat that is thick and dry to the touch. The undercoat is soft and keeps them warm. Because of their topcoat the undercoat sheds but does not fall therefore causing terrible matting if not kept up on. Like all breeds with a beard they need to have it comb through completely to remove outdoor debris as well as food and mats. This breed makes an excellent guard dog (very protective of the family)and is a wonderful farm worker. The breed was originally used as a cattle dog so you often find it herding objects or other animals. Things to keep in mind when thinking of taking on this breed are: time and grooming. They are smart dogs who need to have their brain exercised. They are not the dog that will be contented laying by your feet all day. They want to work for you. Training and exercise are required with this breed. Constant grooming is another need unless you opt to keep them short. Any breed that does not "drop" their coat will become matted without proper care. This breed is a wonderful dog but should be owned by an assertive and experienced dog owner.
NEWFOUNDLAND (Abby)
These giants run between 100-150lbs generally and stand between 2ft and 2 1/2ft. They originated in Canada in the 1700s. They were once and still are in some areas helpers to fisherman and used in rescues at sea. Again like most giants their life expectancy is between 9-11 years. They have webbed toes making them great for swimming and this is a water loving breed. This is probably the friendliest of all the giant breeds. They make wonderful family pets though be careful around pools for whether you need rescue or not they are going to "save" you from the water! Grooming: They need a good brushing at least once a week for they will mat behind the ears and the withers. Their coats do have an oily sheen to them again due to their water heritage. As with most giants they do need obedience training. This breed is a great first time dog and can easily fit into a first time dog owners life. They do tend to have issues with their hips.
SAINT BERNARD (Baylee) 189lbs
St. Bernards are gentle giants. They originated in Switzerland. Their average size is 110-200lbs and two feet tall. Grooming needs: They need to be brushed one a week using a rake to remove the dead hair. One would want to make sure to go to the skin when brushing being careful not to burn the skin with the brush or rake. St. Bernards shed tremendously and drool a lot so if you have aversions to slobber and hair this would not be the breed for you. This breed also requires lots of room due to their sheer size therefore they do not do well in urban environments. Like most giant breeds their life expectancy is only 11 years. We encourage you to investigate a breed really well and make sure it is a true match for you lifestyle and personality. Many of these giant breeds end up in shelters or bounced from home to home due to their sheer size and cost of maintaining. Most of the recommended shots cost twice as much as an average dog. Monthly flea treatments are generally doubled for a dog of this girth and the food bill too is large. These big dogs require between a gallon and two gallons of water per day. They are true companions and make wonderful pets as long as you are prepared for them. Baylee is a joy to groom here at Care's Clippers and she is a very mellow girl.
Bernese Mountain Dog (Chloe)
This breed runs between 80-100lbs and stands about 2ft-2 1/2 feet. Chloe pictured below is still just a puppy ! She still has some growing to do. They originated in Switzerland around 1900 (some say earlier) and were used in drafting and cattle driving. Today they are still used on cattle ranches but are primarily companions. They are successful in obedience and must be kept up on. They do not do well in hot climates or city environments. They need lots of room to roam and prefer to lay in the snow. They too need to be brushed regularly though of all the giants listed here their coats are the easiest to maintain missing 1 not 2 just one week of brushing should not get you into too much trouble. Of all the giants listed here this is the most unpredictable breed. Due to their breeding history (being bred for size and guarding ability) it has left a trait of temperamental unreliability in certain lines. This can lead to unprovoked aggression. They also are prone to shoulder lameness. They are very affectionate and should not be shunned for these issues but should be owned by an assertive and experienced owner. This would not be the best dog for a first time dog owner.
This breed runs between 80-100lbs and stands about 2ft-2 1/2 feet. Chloe pictured below is still just a puppy ! She still has some growing to do. They originated in Switzerland around 1900 (some say earlier) and were used in drafting and cattle driving. Today they are still used on cattle ranches but are primarily companions. They are successful in obedience and must be kept up on. They do not do well in hot climates or city environments. They need lots of room to roam and prefer to lay in the snow. They too need to be brushed regularly though of all the giants listed here their coats are the easiest to maintain missing 1 not 2 just one week of brushing should not get you into too much trouble. Of all the giants listed here this is the most unpredictable breed. Due to their breeding history (being bred for size and guarding ability) it has left a trait of temperamental unreliability in certain lines. This can lead to unprovoked aggression. They also are prone to shoulder lameness. They are very affectionate and should not be shunned for these issues but should be owned by an assertive and experienced owner. This would not be the best dog for a first time dog owner.
Great Pyrenees (Weaver )202lbs
This breed originated in France and was a sheep guarder. Today they are still used to guard and also make wonderful companions. Their life expectancy is 9-11years. Great Pyrenees weigh between 100-140lbs. The Pyrenean Mastiff looking much like the Great Pyrenees weighs in at 130lbs-170lbs. They too require brushing and more so than most of the breeds listed about. These big dogs will mat fast therefore when you brush your pet be sure to reach the skin paying special attention to the withers and the neck. These dogs are known for their courage, nobility and patience. They will defend their territory if they feel provoked. Like most of the giant breeds they do not do well in hot climates and prefer a snowbank. Perfect companions for our Maine winters!
This breed originated in France and was a sheep guarder. Today they are still used to guard and also make wonderful companions. Their life expectancy is 9-11years. Great Pyrenees weigh between 100-140lbs. The Pyrenean Mastiff looking much like the Great Pyrenees weighs in at 130lbs-170lbs. They too require brushing and more so than most of the breeds listed about. These big dogs will mat fast therefore when you brush your pet be sure to reach the skin paying special attention to the withers and the neck. These dogs are known for their courage, nobility and patience. They will defend their territory if they feel provoked. Like most of the giant breeds they do not do well in hot climates and prefer a snowbank. Perfect companions for our Maine winters!
