Large dog breeds: Bernese Mountain Dog, Great Dane, Komondor

Bernese Mountain Dog puppy. Popular large dog breeds include Bernese Mountain Dogs, Anatolian Shepherds, Bullmastiffs, Great Danes, Komondors, Leonbergers, Newfoundlands, and St. Bernards. — Popular large dog breeds include Bernese Mountain Dogs, Anatolian Shepherds, Bullmastiffs, Great Danes, Komondors, Leonbergers, Newfoundlands, and St. Bernards.

When it comes to large dog breeds, there are many great options to consider. But which one is right for you?

Many people think small dogs are easier to care for, but that’s not always true.

Large dog breeds can be just as easy to care for and offer so much love. They’re typically loyal and protective, making them perfect family pets.

So, if you’re considering getting a big dog, consider one on our list of popular large dog breeds.

Anatolian Shepherd

Contents

Group: Working (AKC)

Height: 27 to 29 inches

Weight: 80 to 150 pounds

Coat: Shorthair

Life expectancy: 11 to 13 years

The Anatolian Shepherd is a natural guardian bred with herding instincts to protect livestock from predators. The dog will also defend you and your home from any threats, big or small. Even the family cat and hamster are safe under his watchful eye.

Not only will the dog protect you from harm, but he’s also attuned to your emotional state. If you’re feeling anxious or down, he’ll stick by your side and offer silent comfort until you feel better again.

This large dog breed is generally hardy and healthy. However, they can be prone to hip dysplasia, so owners should know about these conditions. Anatolians may also be sensitive to anesthesia, so talk with your veterinarian before any procedures are performed.

Health conditions

Good breeders will screen for entropion, a condition in which the eyelids invert, which can be surgically corrected. Be sure to regularly check your Anatolian’s ears for signs of infection and brush their teeth frequently.

The Anatolian’s thick undercoat protects him from the elements. Most Anatolians have a short outer coat, but during shedding season, the dogs will need a thorough brushing-out every few days to remove the dead hair.

As with all breeds, the Anatolian’s nails should be trimmed regularly.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Group: Working (AKC)

Height: 23 to 28 inches

Weight: 70 to 115 pounds

Coat: Double

Life expectancy: 7 to 10 years

The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of four varieties of greater Swiss mountain dogs. These pups share the distinctive tri-coloring of their Swiss kin, but they’re the only ones to have a long, silky coat. Unsurprisingly, this also means they shed quite a bit.

Because they were bred to work in the mountains, Bernese Mountain Dogs love to carry and pull things. They’re also decent herding dogs. They’re large dogs weighing in at 80 to 115 pounds.

Despite their size, Bernese Mountain Dogs are even-tempered and friendly. They’re not known for being mean or aggressive — they rarely bark. The breed is especially good with children.

Thick double coat

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a thick, double coat that sheds year-round, especially during seasonal shedding.

To keep your Berner looking and feeling his best, brush him weekly (daily during shedding season) with a slicker brush or metal comb. You can also remove loose hair and tangles with a simple weekly brushing. Also, trim your dog’s nails regularly to avoid pain and other problems associated with overgrown nails.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally healthy, but like all large breeds, they are susceptible to specific health conditions.

Responsible breeders will screen their breeding stock for conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, blood disorders, some cancers, and progressive retinal atrophy.

Bloat is a sudden and life-threatening stomach condition that all large breeds are susceptible to. Berner owners should learn the signs to look out for and what to do if they occur.

In addition, Bernese Mountain Dog owners should regularly check their dog’s ears for infection and brush their teeth often with toothpaste designed for dogs.

Bullmastiff

Group: Working (AKC)

Height: 24 to 28 inches

Weight: 100 to 130 pounds

Coat: Shorthair

Life expectancy: 7 to 9 years

Bullmastiffs may look intimidating and muscular, but they are easygoing and soft-hearted.

This breed is well-mannered and courageous. Bullmastiffs can easily live with any other pets because they lack aggression.

One reason to love this dog breed is that you don’t need to have a big home. Just remember to give that big tail a little extra space.

Bullmastiffs originally came from England and were bred as watchdogs and fighting dogs. Thankfully, that’s no longer true.

This large dog breed requires regular brushing to manage moderate shedding. They also need socialization to stay healthy and happy.

Training and socialization

Early training and socialization are critical for Bullmastiff puppies. The breed can be strong-willed, so dogs and owners will benefit from training regimens instilled in puppyhood.

Bullmastiffs can excel in agility, obedience, rally, scent work, and tracking, so start training immediately and forge a lifelong bond between dog and owner.

Although Bullmastiff puppies can be playful, dogs become lazier when growing up. You can keep them engaged with regular exercise.

Great Dane

Group: Working (AKC)

Height: 28 to 32 inches

Weight: 110 to 175 pounds

Coat: Shorthair

Life expectancy: 6 to 8 years

When it comes to large dog breeds, the Great Dane is one of the first that comes to mind. This majestic dog is known for its intelligence, loyalty, and warm temperament. The breed is sometimes known as gentle giants because they offer loving companionship and joyful spirits.

Great Danes originated in Germany and were bred as boar hunters. But over time, they became more than that. Now, this breed makes an excellent watchdog and companion.

After appearing in the United States in the late 1880s, the dogs officially gained recognition from the American Kennel Club in 1887. This breed earned a top spot in the Guinness World Record for the tallest dog.

Grooming needs

You must offer proper care if you plan to get a Great Dane. Since they have thick, short coats, they require little brushing. But during spring and fall, they shed heavily. Their floppy ears require regular checks and cleaning.

Common health problems for Great Danes include hip dysplasia, elbow hygroma, gastric dilatation, and dilated cardiomyopathy.

It’s also essential to know Great Danes do not grow too fast and need a lot of food. Puppies need three meals per day. And adults eat up to 10 cups of food per day.

With a sweet disposition, Great Danes get along well with other pets and are incredibly loving. But they have a shorter lifespan and are expensive to maintain.

Komondor

Group: Working (AKC)

Height: 25 to 28 inches

Weight: 80 to 100 pounds

Coat: Longhair, corded

Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years

The Komondor is a one-of-a-kind dog breed that looks like no other. With its luxurious white cord-like hair, this dog is truly majestic.

While they require extra care and grooming, Komondors are quick learners and make excellent guard dogs. So if you’re looking for something unique, the Komondor may be the perfect fit.

Komondors are large, sheep-herding dogs originally from Hungary. They are also called Hungarian Komondors or mop dogs.

Komondors are excellent guardians and make great watchdogs. They are loyal and devoted to their owners and families but can be cold and stubborn with strangers. This large dog breed tends to be a homebody who doesn’t wander far.

Grooming needs

Komondors’ thick coats protect them from extreme weather conditions. But those dense coats require professional grooming to look their best.

Give it extra attention if you want your dog’s coat to be beautiful and tangle-free. The dogs need regular brushing and frequent bathing.

When the hair starts forming clumps during maturity, split the clumps to form chords at the ends of the coat. Regular cleaning and maintaining the coat can help keep it clean and odor-free.

Komondors are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they may be prone to specific health conditions. Some of these conditions include hip dysplasia, bloat, and entropion.

Leonberger

Group: Working (AKC)

Height: 26 to 32 inches

Weight: 90 to 170 pounds

Coat: Double coat

Life expectancy: 7 to 10 years

Leonbergers are gentle, hard-working dogs that have a long history. They were almost extinct after World War I, but fortunately, they were saved and have continued to thrive.

This large dog breed makes excellent companions because they are naturally calm and gentle. A Leonberger may be the perfect fit if you’re looking for a loyal, hard-working dog breed with a long lineage.

The Leonberger has a double lion-yellow, reddish-brown, or golden fur coat. They are heavy shedders and will require regular brushing to avoid matting. Brush the dogs daily, paying particular attention to areas behind their ears and on the backs of their legs. Without regular grooming, their coats can become matted and difficult to manage.

In addition to regular brushing, Leos also require occasional baths. This is because they love getting wet and dirty. They’re so good at it that they’re often used for water rescue missions—plan to bathe your Leo and groom their nails every four to six weeks.