Big Puppys: A Comprehensive Guide to Large Breeds

Big breeds require regular exercise to maintain their weight and prevent joint problems. Some large breeds can weigh up to 200 pounds.

To prevent joint issues, it's essential to start training your big pup early on. According to the article, large breeds need to be trained from an early age to avoid developing behavioral problems.

Big breeds have a shorter lifespan compared to smaller breeds, typically living between 8-12 years. Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify potential health issues early on.

Their large size requires more space to move around, making them less suitable for small living spaces.

Large breed puppies require special care and attention as they grow. They can take up to 24 months to reach their full adult size, with giant breed puppies growing until they are 12 to 18 months old.

Their bones are still developing, and too much calcium in their diet can be detrimental to their growth. Foods specifically designed for large breed puppies should be chosen to meet their nutritional needs.

It's essential to monitor their weight and ensure they don't become overweight, as this can lead to future orthopedic issues.

Large breed puppies like the Bernese Mountain Dog and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are perfect companions for active families. They're built for hard work and love to stay active.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are one of the largest dog breeds, weighing between 70-115 pounds. They're truly gentle giants with a sweet, calm, and affectionate nature.

These big dogs are eager to please, making them easy to train. They're also happy as long as they get to spend time with their human family and enjoy their active lives.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, also known as the "Swissie", is a friendly and sturdy breed. They're originally bred in the Swiss Alps and make excellent watchdogs.

Swissies are perfect companions for hiking and camping trips, thanks to their athletic build and sturdy physique. They stand between 23.7 to 28.5 inches tall and weigh between 85 to 140 pounds.

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Labrador Retrievers are a popular choice for active families, with their all-around athletic ability and eager playfulness making them a great fit for high-spirited homes.

They're not just playful, but also loyal and lovey-dovey, which is why they're the second most popular dog breed in the U.S.

Labrador Retrievers come in three colors: black, chocolate, and tan.

Their size is quite impressive, as they're considered a Large/Giant dog breed.

You can expect your Labrador Retriever to weigh between 55 to 80 pounds and stand between 21.5 to 24.5 inches tall.

They have a life expectancy of 11 to 13 years, making them a long-term companion for many families.

Their easy temperament and quick adjustment to new environments make them a great choice for first-time dog owners or those with busy lifestyles.

The Great Dane is a giant dog breed that's often recognizable due to its friendly and patient demeanor.

This breed can be content in an apartment if there is enough space to stretch out and if regular, short walks are part of his daily routine.

They may fall into the largest breed of dog category, but they don't necessarily need a living space to match their size.

The Germans originally developed the Great Dane.

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The Mastiff is a laid-back breed that requires minimal exercise and grooming, needing no more than a leisurely daily stroll.

They're also relatively low-maintenance when it comes to their weight, weighing between 50-75 pounds.

Despite their massive size, Mastiffs are not high-energy dogs and can be content with a relaxed routine.

If you're looking for a gentle giant, the Mastiff might be the perfect fit for you.

The Airedale Terrier is a large breed puppy that can weigh between 50-70 pounds.

They're super-smart and brave dogs that are very protective of their families.

Airedale Terriers need weekly brushing to stay groomed.

With a height of 23 inches, they're a bit on the larger side, but still a great companion for many families.

Their life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, making them a long-term friend.

Like most terriers, they can be stubborn, but they're also patient with kids.

The Irish Wolfhound is a gentle giant, known for being calm and loving. They make wonderful friends to have around.

Their size is a big consideration, as they can grow to be quite large. They stand between 30 to 32 inches tall.

With a weight range of 105 to 120 pounds, they require plenty of space to move around. A big backyard is a must for this breed.

Their life expectancy is relatively short, ranging from 6 to 8 years. This means they'll be a part of your family for a shorter time than some other breeds.

Puppies continue to grow in height and size while their bones are still developing, which takes anywhere from 6 to 24 months.

Their skeletal growth determines how tall they will become as adults. The long bones in a puppy's legs grow from two distinct places called growth plates.

Growth plates are somewhat flexible and soft during puppyhood when new tissue is being formed. As your pup grows, the new tissue developed hardens into bone.

Larger dogs take a bit more time than smaller ones to reach full adult size because those bigger bones need more time to grow. Giant breed puppies grow until they are 12 to 18 months old.

If you've recently acquired a purebred AKC-registered puppy, the breeder can let you know how large your pup will get and the approximate growth rate based on their experience with other members of the pup's family tree.

Purebred dogs are known for their predictability of size, coat, temperament, etc. Foods that meet the nutritional guidelines set up by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and are specifically designed for all life stages will provide your developing pup all the nutrients they need.

These foods also don't require a transition onto an adult-specific food when pups are fully grown. Mixed-breed dogs can be a bit tricky to determine their growth rate, but a helpful hint is that if you run your hands down a dog's rib cage and you can still feel the 'knobs' of the ribs, that dog will probably continue to grow in height.

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Feeding your big puppy requires some special consideration. Foods that meet the nutritional guidelines set up by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and are specifically designed for all life stages will provide your developing pup all the nutrition they need.

These foods are a great option because they don't require a transition onto an adult-specific food when pups are fully grown. This is because they meet the needs of both growing and adult animals.

It's essential to follow the guidelines on the food when feeding your puppy so the pooch doesn't become overweight. Obesity in puppies can lead to a predisposition of future orthopedic issues later in life, such as hip dysplasia.

For large and giant breed puppies, it's crucial to watch out for too much calcium in their diet. They're more sensitive than smaller ones to an excess or shortage of calcium while their bones are growing.

When shopping for puppy food, look for pet food labels that read "[Pet Food Name] is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growth or all life stages including growth of large-size dogs (70 lbs or more as an adult)." This ensures you're giving your big puppy the right nutrition for their unique needs.

You'll want to consider the space you have available, as large puppies like the Great Dane and Mastiff can grow up to 30 inches tall and weigh a significant amount.

Their energy levels also vary, with the Great Dane having medium energy and the Mastiff being low energy.

A large puppy's coat requires regular grooming, such as the Bernese's long coat, which needs frequent brushing to prevent matting.

Before searching for a Standard Poodle, consider their size, as they can weigh between 84lbs – 130lbs and 100lbs – 170lbs.

Standard Poodles are known for their active personalities and love of children, making them a great fit for families.

Their non-shedding coat is ideal for people with allergies, as it reduces the amount of dog hair and dander in the home.

Standard Poodles are highly intelligent and easy to train, with a medium energy level that requires regular exercise and mental stimulation.

Their shoulder height can reach up to at least 15”, making them a significant addition to any family.

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Before searching for a Great Dane, consider their size, as they can grow up to 28” – 30” in shoulder height.

To ensure you have enough space, think about the living situation you can provide for your new furry friend. Regular, short walks are a must for a Great Dane, and they can even thrive in an apartment if there's enough room to stretch out.

Their giant size means they need plenty of space to move around, but their friendly and patient demeanor makes them an ideal family companion.

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You should consider the physical space you have available, as a Mastiff can grow up to 27.5” – 30” in shoulder height.

Mastiffs are known for being low energy dogs, which is great for families with smaller living spaces or those who don't have time for extensive exercise routines.

Their powerful build requires regular exercise, but it's essential to find a balance that suits your lifestyle.

A Mastiff's good-natured and docile personality makes them a loyal companion, but it's crucial to research their temperament thoroughly before making a decision.

Before searching for a Bernese, you should know that they come in a range of sizes, with a shoulder height of 23” – 27.5” and a weight of 80-120 pounds.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are a large breed, but they're known for being gentle giants with a sweet, calm, and affectionate nature.

Their long coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. This is a big responsibility, so make sure you're ready to commit to regular grooming sessions.

These dogs are generally calm and confident, with a low-to-medium energy level, making them a great fit for families with smaller living spaces or those who don't want to spend hours exercising their dog every day.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train, but be prepared to invest time and effort into their training and socialization.

Their calm nature also makes them a great fit for families with children, as they're patient and gentle with kids.

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Some big breeds that often get overlooked in favor of the more popular ones are the Irish Wolfhound and the Saint Bernard. They can grow up to 35 inches tall and weigh as much as 180 pounds.

The Great Dane, on the other hand, is known for its massive size, often reaching 32 inches in height and weighing up to 175 pounds. It's a gentle giant that requires regular exercise to stay healthy.

The Newfoundland is another large breed that's often misunderstood, it can weigh up to 150 pounds and reach 28 inches in height, but it's also a loyal and loving companion.

The Alaskan Malamute is an immensely strong, heavy-duty worker. They're a spitz type, which means they have a unique appearance.

By nature, Malamutes are friendly toward humans. They just need a pack leader to set the standard.

You'll want to stick to a training regimen early on for a well-behaved family member. This will help them develop good habits.

Alaskan Malamutes love to get on an owner's good side, but they require training from a young age. This will make them joyful pets.

They typically weigh between 75-85 pounds and stand between 23 to 25 inches tall. That's a big dog!

Their life expectancy is between 10 to 14 years. With proper care, they can live a long and happy life.

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The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a rugged, imposing flock guardian of ancient lineage. They're known for being protective and loyal to their family.

These dogs are built for guarding, with a sturdy build and strong instincts that make them naturally suspicious of strangers. They can grow up to 29.5 inches tall at the shoulder.

Their origins date back thousands of years, with evidence of their existence found in ancient civilizations. They were bred to protect livestock and property from predators.

Their protective nature can sometimes be misinterpreted as aggression, but with proper socialization, they make great family pets.

The Beauceron is a breed that's hard to ignore, with its imposing and powerful presence. They're also remarkably smart, spirited, and versatile.

Their intelligence is one of their standout features, making them a joy to train and interact with.

Their versatility is another key aspect of their character, allowing them to adapt to a wide range of situations and environments.

The Standard Poodle is a popular choice for families due to its active personality and love of children.

This breed is known for its non-shedding coat, making it ideal for people with allergies.

Poodles are highly intelligent and easy to train, which is a bonus for owners who want a well-behaved pet.

They are also great at running, swimming, and retrieving, making them a great match for active families.

In terms of size, Standard Poodles can weigh between 84lbs and 130lbs.

If you're considering bringing a Standard Poodle into your home, be prepared for a medium-energy pet that requires regular exercise.

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With proper care and attention, Standard Poodles can thrive and become loving companions for years to come.

Standard Poodles typically stand up to 15 inches tall at the shoulder, making them a sturdy breed.

They are also quite smart, which is reflected in their weight range, which can be between 40lbs and 70lbs.

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a people-oriented breed that's both intelligent and natural clowns. They make great companions if you're willing to put in the time to train them.

One thing to keep in mind is that they can be a bit strong-headed, so it's essential to make them part of the family from an early age.

The Bull Terrier is a charming and mischievous breed that may appear intimidating at first, but they're actually extremely friendly and playful.

Their short coat requires little grooming, making them a low-maintenance pet.

Bull Terriers are known for being goofy, which can be a fun and entertaining quality to have in a pet.

They're a great choice for families or individuals who want a loyal companion that's easy to care for.

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The Chow Chow is a dignified breed that's adaptable to city life, requiring only moderate exercise despite its powerful appearance.

Martha Stewart is a famous fan of this breed, and it's easy to see why.

The Borzoi is a glamorous, devoted breed that requires consistent training. They're not the best fit for apartment living due to their love of a good chase.

You'll need a fenced-in yard to keep them from taking off after a passing squirrel or cat. This is a must-have to prevent unwanted escapes.

Height-wise, Borzois typically range from 26 to 28 inches. That's quite a tall dog!

Borzois can weigh anywhere from 60 to 105 pounds. That's a significant range, so be prepared for a substantial furry friend.

These dogs have a relatively long lifespan, living up to 9 to 14 years. That's a good chunk of time to spend with your new companion.

The Doberman Pinscher is a fast and brave dog that aims to protect, making them an exceptionally faithful and loving pet.

Their height ranges from 24 to 28 inches, which is quite impressive.

Doberman Pinschers typically weigh between 60 to 100 pounds, so they're not for everyone.

With a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, you'll have a long time to enjoy the companionship of this breed.

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