Giant Shaggy Dog Breed: A Comprehensive Guide

The Giant Shaggy Dog Breed is a beloved companion for many families. They are known for their friendly and gentle nature, making them an excellent choice for households with children.

Giant Shaggy Dogs are a relatively rare breed, originating from the United Kingdom. They are a cross between a Newfoundland and a Old English Sheepdog.

Their thick, shaggy coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. In fact, they need to be brushed several times a week to keep their coat looking its best.

Giant Shaggy Dogs are a large breed, with males weighing up to 120 pounds and standing as tall as 30 inches at the shoulder.

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The Dogue de Bordeaux is one of the most ancient breeds of France, with a history dating back centuries.

This massive breed stands between 23-27 inches tall and weighs between 99-110 pounds, making it a formidable companion.

The Dogue de Bordeaux has one of the largest heads of any canine in relation to body size, setting it apart from other breeds.

These dogs were originally bred to perform tasks like guarding, pulling heavy loads, or hunting, and they still thrive when given a job or purpose.

They require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to channel their innate herding or protective drive, making them a high-maintenance breed.

With their sturdy build and large head, they're well-suited for tasks like pulling carts and guarding livestock.

However, they also need a lot of space to run around, so a large, secure, fenced yard is a must-have for any Dogue de Bordeaux owner.

Their energy levels are matched only by their appetite, so be prepared for a hefty food bill and regular vet visits.

Despite the extra costs, many pet parents would agree that these giant shaggy dog breeds are more than worth the investment.

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Caring for a giant shaggy dog breed requires serious consideration. These dogs are typically from the working group and were bred to perform tasks, so they thrive with a job or purpose.

They need adequate exercise and mental stimulation to channel their innate herding or protective drive. This can be achieved through regular walks, playtime, and training sessions.

Budgeting for food, preventatives, pet insurance, training, grooming, and veterinary expenses is crucial. Large dogs are more expensive to care for than smaller breeds.

Early socialization and obedience training are vital for giant shaggy dog breeds, especially those bred as guard dogs. This helps prevent unwanted behavior and ensures their safety and the safety of those around them.

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Caring for large breeds requires a significant investment of time, money, and resources. Typically, large dogs are more expensive to care for than smaller breeds.

One of the most important things to consider is the space needed to accommodate a large dog. All aspects of pet care get super-sized with a large dog breed, so they need more space to move around.

Their larger appetites mean they eat more food throughout the year, which can be a significant expense. They have larger appetites and will go through a lot of food throughout the year.

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You'll also pay more for services such as pet insurance and grooming, and for items like collars, leashes, and crates. There's no two ways about it: big dog breeds are expensive to maintain.

In addition to the financial costs, large dogs also require more exercise and mental stimulation to channel their innate herding or protective drive. Although their roles have evolved, they remain happiest with adequate exercise and mental stimulation.

Their weight also affects the cost of vet care, with services priced according to dosage and dosage determined by weight. Prepare to pay more at the vet as well.

Early socialization and obedience training are particularly important for large dogs, especially those that were bred as guard dogs. Untrained large dogs can pose a significant safety concern.

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Giant dog breeds are prone to certain health issues that can be life-threatening if left untreated. Large dog breeds often face a higher risk of medical conditions.

One of the most critical health concerns for giant dog breeds is bloat, also known as gastric dilation volvulus (GDV). This condition happens when a dog's stomach fills with air and twists, causing damage to other organs as a result.

The risk of bloat is higher in giant dog breeds with deep and narrow chests, such as Great Danes and Saint Bernards. This is a fatal condition that progresses rapidly without treatment.

Giant dog breeds are also susceptible to joint problems, particularly hip and elbow dysplasia. Many dog breeds are genetically predisposed to joint issues, and large dog breeds are at a higher risk due to their size and weight.

Wobbler syndrome is another neurological condition that affects the dog's spine in the neck area. Dogs with this disability have a wobbly and weak gait that starts in the back legs and may eventually affect all four legs.

It's essential for owners to find a veterinarian who has the right equipment to fit a giant dog on the surgery table or X-ray machine. Not all veterinary clinics have the space and equipment to care for these large breeds.

Here are some of the health concerns that giant dog breeds typically face:

Giant shaggy dog breeds need a lot of space to roam around. They can grow up to 30 inches in height and weigh between 100-200 pounds.

Their large size means they require more food and exercise, which can be a challenge for some owners. Routine services at the vet, like check-ups and vaccinations, also cost more due to their size.

Giant shaggy dogs are indeed a super-sized addition to any family, and their needs should be taken into consideration before bringing one home.

English Mastiffs are massive dogs, with some weighing up to 343 pounds, making them the heaviest dog breed.

They're slowpokes and love to lounge around, so be prepared for a big dog that likes to take it easy. If you're thinking of bringing one home, you'll need to budget for a lot of food – they eat around 8-10 cups per day.

Saint Bernards are known for their gentle and loving nature, making them great family dogs. They're also great with children and even kittens, which is a bonus if you have a multi-pet household.

As a giant breed, Saint Bernards can suffer from joint and bone problems, so it's essential to keep them on a moderate exercise routine. Slower-paced walks will help keep them feeling their best.

Leonbergers are another giant breed that's perfect for swimming, thanks to their webbed feet. However, they do shed a lot, so be prepared for a lot of dog hair.

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The Old English Sheepdog is a big, shaggy bundle of love, perfect for life as a family dog. They're famously friendly and enthusiastic, making them a great addition to any household.

This breed is not especially old, dating back to about the late 1700s, but they're still a beloved companion for many families. They may have Russian and European bloodlines, but their friendly nature is unmistakable.

You'll need to brush their long, beautiful coat thoroughly a few times a week to keep it knot-free, but the end result is well worth the effort. A well-groomed Old English Sheepdog is a joy to behold.

These dogs are perfect for families with children, as they're patient and gentle, but they do require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

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The Neapolitan Mastiff is a massive breed, with males standing between 26-31 inches tall and weighing a whopping 150 pounds.

This breed is known for being fearless and protective of home and family, making it an ideal guard dog.

You don't want to mess with a Neapolitan Mastiff when it comes to its family, as it will fiercely defend them.

Females are usually a bit smaller, standing a few inches shorter and weighing around 110 pounds.

Mastiffs tend to be quiet and are known for sneaking up on intruders rather than barking to warn them off.

This breed requires careful training and socialization from an early age to ensure they grow into well-behaved adult dogs.

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The Scottish Deerhound is a tall breed, standing as tall as 32 inches and weighing as much as 110 pounds.

They are often compared to Greyhounds due to their similar body type, but Deerhounds are larger and heavier.

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Originally bred to hunt giant wild deer in the Scottish Highlands, Deerhounds were unmatched at this job, taking down large game in a matter of seconds.

Today, Scottish Deerhounds are companion dogs with a strong hunting instinct, needing lots of space and access to open fields where they can run to their heart's content.

They prefer to lounge and hang out with their family when there isn't something to hunt, making them poor watchdogs as they are typically friendly and good-natured towards strangers.

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The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest of all dogs, even the Great Dane, with a minimum height of 32 inches for males and 30 inches for females.

These gentle giants are laid-back and loyal, making them a great addition to families with children. They're also affectionate, but their sighthound instincts can make them a little difficult to call back when they're chasing animals.

Irish Wolfhounds are surprisingly quick and agile, able to swiftly hunt down large animals. They need lots of recall training to keep them from running off after prey.

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After 20 to 40 minutes of activity a day, Irish Wolfhounds are happy to hang around the house and relax with their family. They're not built for guarding and tend to be friendly with most people they meet.

Their shaggy hair may look like it sheds a lot, but it actually requires only occasional combing to prevent matting. Just be prepared to comb it multiple times a week to keep them looking their best.

The Dogue de Bordeaux is an ancient breed of France, one of the most ancient breeds in fact. They stand between 23-27 inches tall and weigh between 99-110 pounds.

Their large heads are a notable feature, reportedly the largest head of any canine in relation to body size. They were originally used for guarding, watching over flocks, and pulling carts, making them a true working dog.

These dogs are active and energetic outdoors, but once inside, they're mellow to say the least. They'll need a large, secure, fenced yard or even a castle to run around in.

The Dogue de Bordeaux has been used for more than just guarding, they've also been used for pulling carts and heavy objects. They'll need a job or purpose to thrive, so be prepared to give them plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

Their large size means they need a lot of food, and with that comes a big price tag - budget for food, preventatives, pet insurance, training, grooming, and veterinary expenses. But most pet parents would agree, they're worth every penny.

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The Newfoundland is a working dog from Newfoundland, bred to help fishermen. They're exceptional water dogs and strong swimmers, credited with many rescues of people out at sea.

Newfoundlands stand an average of 26-28 inches tall and weigh as much as 150 pounds. Their thick double coat keeps them warm even in icy water.

They're known for their gentle nature, but also for their webbed toes and massive lung capacity. This makes them excellent swimmers, capable of carrying up to 50 times their body weight during a water rescue.

Newfoundlands are also sweet, affectionate, and exceptional family pets. They're known for alerting people of fires and standing firmly between their guardians and strangers they're suspicious of.

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The Tibetan Mastiff is a massive dog breed that originated in the Himalayan region of Tibet to guard livestock and villages. They are large and muscular, with a thick, double coat that insulates their body from the cold.

These dogs can weigh between 70 to 150 pounds, making them a significant presence in any home. They thrive in large homes with lots of space to roam freely and remote areas with few neighbors.

Tibetan Mastiffs are deeply loyal to their family but can be reserved and aloof towards strangers due to their innate guarding instincts. This means they require a skilled handler and dedicated training, making them not suitable for beginner dog owners.

They have a serene, but sweet attitude when with family members, but they do shed their coats annually in a major shedding session. They only need to be brushed once a week for the rest of the year.

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The Leonberger is a gentle giant, with a weight range of 80 to 160 pounds. They're serene, trainable, and loyal, making them ideal companions for outdoor enthusiasts.

Leonbergers were originally bred in Germany as a companion dog for royalty, but they've come back to their roots as a working breed. They excel at activities like sledding, cart pulling, and backpacking on farms and pastures, or swimming effortlessly on the waterfront.

One thing to keep in mind is that Leonbergers need lots of socialization with animals to avoid any aggressive tendencies. This is especially important since they're great with people.

Leonbergers have a distinctive lion-like coat that needs lots of care, including a good brushing every day and a more thorough grooming session once a week. This can be a not-inconsiderable job, especially on a dog that can weigh as much as 170 pounds.

Leonbergers are also very sensitive, so be sure to have a big smile to match this big pooch.

The Great Pyrenees is a noble and powerful breed, bred to guard sheep on remote European mountain ranges. They can reach over 32 inches tall and weigh more than 100 pounds.

Their independent nature and stubbornness when training make them a unique companion. Be prepared for weekly brushing sessions to manage their annual spring shedding.

Their courageous and calm demeanor makes them a loyal defender of home and hearth. Their powerful bodies are well-suited for this role.

Their thick coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. This includes weekly brushing sessions to manage their annual spring shedding.

The Briard breed has been rounding up and guarding sheep in northern France for over a thousand years.

They're spirited, mega-bright, and industrious, making them a great fit for herding work.

Grooming them regularly is crucial to keep shedding under control, so plan to brush their coat several times a week with a pin brush and undercoat rake.