DOG SIZE CLASSIFICATION PART 2

Welcome back to the final part of the breed classification series. Last issue, we looked at small and medium breeds, as well as the specifics of classifying your dog into a size category. This time, we’ll focus on the larger breeds to find out what sets them apart.

LARGE AND GIANT BREEDS

Many larger breeds came to the brink of extinction during the Industrial Revolution, and were forced to adapt to a new world. Breeds like the German Shephard etc began to fill unfamiliar roles that included guarding, protection, and scent work.

Today there aren't many jobs for working dogs, but many larger breeds have adapted well to domestic living. Breeds known for weathering the elements and their sheer brute strength are now found cuddled up on couches, being loved by families across the globe.

Large breed dogs are split into two categories by weight:

• Large Breeds: 26kg to 45kg

• Giant Breeds: 45kg or more

WORKING DOGS— A BRIEF HISTORY

Large and giant breed dogs were mostly bred to assist and work with human beings in our everyday lives. Before the Industrial Revolution, life was quite different. Large breed dogs worked extremely closely with farmers, tradesmen, hunters, herders and sledders. They made everyday tasks easier and safer, and were also used to ward off rustlers, herd livestock, pull carts and protect tradesmen traveling from town to town. These working dogs needed to be hardy and robust, but also intelligent and responsive to commands. These dogs don't just enjoy working, they live for it.

For centuries, travellers have been taking dogs across the world to perform tasks such as herding and protection of property and family members. These ancient dogs were often bred with local dogs of the region. This commonly resulted in a dog better suited to the local climate and terrain. Many of these ancient canine breeds have died out through the ages, leaving only remnants of their genetic makeup for us to enjoy in the modern dog breeds we see today.

LARGE BREED DOGS

If you are adopting a large breed dog, you may be interested to know that although they are easy to train, they are rather active, and need tonnes of mental and physical stimulation. Large breed dogs are accustomed to working for their supper and don't do well in an idle environment. Large breeds make great companions for those who enjoy the outdoors, and some are ideal for families. These dogs are bred to be tough, athletic, and have lots of stamina. As robust as they are, large breeds have huge hearts with tonnes of love to give. As the saying goes "the bigger the dog, the bigger the cuddles!"

You must also remember that everything is larger when it comes to large breeds. They eat bigger portions of food and require larger accessories, beds, and kennels. These dogs tend to live between 12 and 15 years. NOTE: Doing research is a vital when choosing a large breed dog to find the breed that best fits your lifestyle.

IF YOU ARE UNSURE IF A LARGE BREED DOG IS FOR YOU, HERE ARE SOME PROS AND CONS:

PROS OF OWNING A LARGE BREED DOG

• If you live an active lifestyle and enjoy walks or runs, then a large breed is perfect for you.

• They are robust and won’t get injured easily.

• Working dogs are ideal participants in canine sports.

• They are perfect if you have a large garden.

• They make intimidating watch dogs and will keep unwanted intruders on the other side of the fence.

• They are extremely trainable, and you will be rewarded with the effort you put in.

CONS OF OWNING A LARGE BREED DOG

• Cost of living is greater than for their smaller counterparts.

• They’re more difficult to handle.

• They can be extremely destructive without adequate stimulation.

• Experienced dog sitters are needed when going on holiday.

• Larger breeds tend to have shorter life spans.

• Outings need to be carefully planned.

COMMON LARGE BREED DOGS

• German Shepherd

• Boxer

• Standard Poodle

• Rottweiler

• Doberman Pinscher

• Siberian Husky

• Mastiff

• Weimaraner

• Vizsla

• Bloodhound

• Rhodesian Ridgeback

• Akita Dog

GIANT BREED DOGS

Giant breed dogs are impressive specimens - they leave jaws hanging on the floor wherever they go. Their sheer size is truly something to marvel at, and although intimidating at first, most of them are huge teddy bears at heart. Despite their size, most giant breeds are relaxed and extremely affectionate with their human family.

Most giant dogs were bred for working as guard and protection dogs, or to perform a service. Take the St. Bernard, for example, who was bred to rescue lost mountaineers in the snow. Since giant breeds often have a strong working instinct, they must participate in extensive training to leverage these traits and, in some cases, curb their natural guarding instincts.

As with large breeds everything is bigger, but even bigger— massive! Once again, you are looking at extra costs when it comes to feeding, vaccinations and apparel. An extra cost also comes from the fact that giant breeds often need specialised food to help them grow at the correct rate for their size.

Most giant breeds live to around 6-8 years. They’re in their prime for a relatively short time before they’re considered seniors. They also mature very late - around 18-24 months - and spend most of their lives in the puppy stage.

NOTE: Giant breeds are not for the faint of heart. They are a considerable responsibility, and many are not suited to first time dog owners. Do your research and make extra sure this class of dog is the right one for you.

IF YOU’RE DEBATING WHETHER A GIANT BREED IS RIGHT FOR YOU, CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING PROS AND CONS:

PROS OF OWNING A GIANT BREED DOG:

• Giant dog equals giant cuddles, and who doesn’t like giant cuddles?

• These dogs are super scary if you don’t know them and will keep intruders at arm’s length.

• They need a large garden to play in but some giant breeds like the Great Dane can be kept on a smaller property so long as you give them regular exercise.

• Most giant breeds are working dogs and are great for canine competitions, but it’s important to play to the strengths of a particular breed.

• These dogs will make jaws drop and hearts melt wherever they go.

CONS OF OWNING A GIANT BREED DOG:

• Some giant breeds are quite active and do require a large garden.

• Specialised food, transport and veterinarian treatments all incur increased costs.

• Giant dog equals giant poops, tons of shedding and plenty of drool.

• If not properly socialised and trained when young, they can become your worst nightmare. There’s a lot of work to be done to ensure successful cohabitation.

• Due to their size and strength, they can be difficult to handle and may pull you all over the place. Do you like surfing on your face? If not, you need to put in the effort to train them.

COMMON GIANT BREED DOGS

• Scottish Deerhound

• Irish Wolfhound

• Anatolian Shepherd

• Saint Bernard

• Newfoundland

• English Mastiff

• Great Dane

• Great Pyrenees

• Bernese Mountain Dog

• Akita Inu

FINAL THOUGHTS

Regardless of breed and size, all dogs need adequate training and socialisation to integrate well in a human environment. This is even more the case for large and giant breeds as their sheer size makes them potentially destructive, and owners should take care to take the appropriate steps when bringing a large or giant breed into the family.

For many, a large or giant breed is like having another person in your home. They’re wonderful to have around, but remember, they don’t know how big they are. If you let them, they’ll crawl into your lap, and you’ll have an oversized lapdog that’s the envy of your friends and family. If you have a large or giant breed, you’ll know exactly what we mean, and know the ‘can’t feel my legs’ feeling particularly well. If you don’t yet have a big dog, and are planning on getting one, best believe you’re about to find out.