Introduction
As a photographer who loves to travel, I have had the opportunity to encounter various breeds of dogs from around the world. In this blog post, I will share insights into 20 abnormally large dogs that actually exist. From the gentle giants like the Great Dane to the powerful protectors like the Cane Corso, each breed has its own unique characteristics and history. Let’s dive into the world of massive muts and explore these fascinating creatures.
Great Dane
The Great Dane is known as the gentle giant of the K9 world. With their humongous size and friendly nature, they require a lot of space both indoors and outdoors. Originally bred to run with horses while hunting wild boar, these dogs are now valued for their extraordinary height and elegance.
Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound stands tall as one of the tallest dog breeds on Earth. Known for hunting wolves, boars, and deer, these gentle giants make wonderful pets and loyal companions. Their shaggy gray coat keeps them warm in colder climates, and their massive size makes them among the world’s biggest dogs.
Boerboel
The Boerboel, with its stocky and powerful build, hails from South Africa where it is used as a protection dog. Banned in several countries due to its aggressive reputation, this breed is loyal and fearless, making it a great guard dog. Proper training and responsible ownership are essential for managing their potential aggression.
Tosa Inu
The Tosa Inu, originating from Japan, was initially bred for dogfighting. Despite their imposing size, they can be loyal family pets if well-trained. However, their protective instincts can make them wary of strangers, requiring careful handling and socialization.
St. Bernard
The St. Bernard, famously known for its role in rescuing stranded travelers in the Swiss Alps, is a lovable giant with a slobbery demeanor. These dogs prefer cooler climates and require ample space due to their size. Their history of saving lives makes them popular as family pets today.
Leonberger
The Leonberger, a mix of several large dog breeds, is a massive and energetic dog that requires plenty of exercise. Known for its magnificent coat and lion-like appearance, this breed excels as a guard dog due to its size and protective nature.
Commandor
The Commandor, originating from Hungary, is an energetic and protective dog that excels at guarding livestock and homes. Their unique appearance and shaggy coat require regular grooming and maintenance to keep them in top condition.
Newfoundland
The Newfoundland, also known as the Newf, is a working dog with a history of rescuing people from water. These loyal and gentle giants are well-suited as family pets and are known for their swimming abilities and rescue instincts.
Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff, characterized by its aloof nature and challenging temperament, is a formidable guard dog. While loyal to its family, this breed can be selective with strangers and requires experienced handling due to its sensitive nature.
Rottweiler
The Rottweiler, descended from Roman Mastiffs, is a strong and powerful dog known for its loyalty and protective instincts. With proper training and socialization, these dogs make excellent family pets and companions.
English Mastiff
The English Mastiff, one of the oldest domestic dog breeds, is a massive guard dog with a gentle disposition. Originally used for hunting and guarding, modern-day Mastiffs are known for their friendly nature and suitability as family pets.
Akita
The Akita, with a long history as a guard dog in Japan, is a loyal and protective companion. Known for their unique vocalizations, Akitas require mental stimulation and tasks to stay engaged and happy.
Black Russian Terrier
The Black Russian Terrier, bred as a working dog in the USSR, is intelligent and loyal, making them excellent military and police dogs. Their need for mental stimulation and exercise suits them for active roles and tasks.
Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees, known as the big dog of the mountains, is a patient and brave guardian with a history of protecting flocks. Their loyalty and protective instincts make them ideal for warding off threats to their family and property.
Scottish Deerhound
The Scottish Deerhound, once reserved for the aristocracy, is known for its hunting prowess and regal history. These dogs were considered a luxury commodity and were used as a form of currency among the wealthy elite.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog, with its long-haired coat and working heritage, is a loyal and friendly companion. Known for their draft abilities, these dogs thrive in open spaces and enjoy being part of an active family.
Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux, with its massive head and powerful build, is a guard dog with a rich history dating back to ancient times. Known for their loyalty and protective instincts, these dogs excel in working roles and make devoted companions.
Cane Corso
The Cane Corso, originating from Italy, is a challenging breed known for its guarding abilities. With a strong will and need for exercise, these dogs require experienced handling and proper training to thrive as loyal and protective companions.
Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff, characterized by its wrinkles and massive size, is a powerful guard dog with a loyal nature. Known for their suspicion of strangers and protective instincts, these dogs make formidable watchdogs with a drooly demeanor.
Conclusion
Each of these abnormally large dogs offers a unique blend of characteristics, from loyalty and protectiveness to strength and agility. Whether as working animals, guard dogs, or family companions, these breeds showcase the diverse roles that dogs play in our lives. Embracing their size and traits, these massive muts bring joy, companionship, and security to those who welcome them into their homes.
Related Questions
1. What special skills do Great Danes possess, historically and in modern times?
Great Danes were originally bred to run with horses while hunting wild boar, showcasing their size, strength, and agility. In modern times, they are valued for their extraordinary height and elegance, making them popular as family pets despite their massive size.
2. What makes the Bernese Mountain Dog an ideal companion for active families?
The Bernese Mountain Dog, with its draft abilities and friendly nature, thrives in open spaces and enjoys being part of an active family. Known for their loyalty and gentle demeanor, these dogs make great companions for those who lead an active lifestyle.
3. How do Cane Corsos differ from other guard dog breeds in terms of temperament and training?
Cane Corsos, known for their guarding abilities and strong will, require experienced handling and proper training to thrive as loyal and protective companions. Their intelligence and need for exercise make them suitable for active roles but challenging for novice dog owners.
4. What historical significance do Neapolitan Mastiffs hold, and how does it influence their behavior as guard dogs?
Neapolitan Mastiffs, with their ancient Roman origins and protective instincts, have a long history as guard dogs. Their suspicion of strangers and loyalty to their owners make them formidable watchdogs with a drooly demeanor, showcasing their role as powerful protectors throughout history.
5. How do Scottish Deerhounds reflect their regal history in their demeanor and characteristics?
Scottish Deerhounds, known as the Royal dog of Scotland, were once reserved for the aristocracy due to their hunting prowess and regal history. Their unique status as luxury commodities among the wealthy elite reflects their regal demeanor and distinctive characteristics as hunting dogs.