If you're looking for a large dog, you're not alone. According to the American Kennel Club, the most popular dog breed is the Labrador Retriever. While there is some interpretation, most people classify the Labrador Retriever as a large dog breed. However, some of the shorter ones would technically count as a medium breed (large dogs must be at least 24 inches tall, and the range of male Labradors is 22.5-24.5 inches).
Given that the most popular dog can be one of the large dog breeds, there's quite a bit of interest in the larger canine companions. If you're looking to get one, here are the five best large dog breeds you should consider!
One of the Best Large Dog Breeds: Labrador Retriever
While the Labrador Retriever might not be the tallest dog in the world, it remains one of the most popular dog breeds for a variety of good reasons. The Labrador Retriever is one of the friendliest dogs you will ever meet. They're enthusiastic, loyal, and they are very gentle. Due to these characteristics, they're typically quite family-friendly, even though they have a bigger size and weight.
As noted in the introduction, technically speaking, some dogs from this breed might receive a medium classification instead of a large. However, because Labradors can achieve the full 24 inches in height, most people consider them large dogs.
Golden Retriever
Another Retriever makes this list as one of the best large dog breeds! The Golden Retriever is in the American psyche as the quintessential family dog. Who can forget the Golden Retriever in Full House or the one in the Air Bud movie?
Golden Retrievers are popular dogs for an excellent reason. They are sweet, loving, and brilliant animals. They're known to get quite attached to their owners, and they're relatively easy to train. The fact that these are not huge dogs makes them popular with families with small children.
If you're looking for one of the best large dog breeds, you should consider a Golden Retriever. This dog is one of the best there is!
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are fun pets for a variety of reasons. They're fiercely protective dogs. They also love it when you include them in family activities, and they're gentle with kids, so including them is quite simple to do.
A Bernese Mountain dog is relatively large, as it stands 27 inches at the shoulder (putting it firmly in the large dog breeds category). The dense, silky, and relatively long coat is tricolored: jet black, white, and rust. The distinctive markings on the fur coat and face are the hallmarks of the breed. In short, it's hard to miss a Bernese Mountain dog. Their size and appearance make them quite lovable and unique!
Another one of the Best Dog Breeds: Goldendoodle
The Goldendoodle is one of the cutest looking dogs around. As you may have guessed from its name, it's a mix between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. The result is something that looks fluffy, curly, and sweet.
However, one of the best traits about the Goldendoodle is that it is mostly hypoallergenic. While no dog is entirely devoid of anything that might cause allergies, the Goldendoodle comes pretty close. Therefore, if you or a family member have allergies, this is the dog that you should consider!
Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is one of the large dog breeds as it stands 24-27 inches at the shoulder (for males). It has a shiny, short black coat with rust markings. That, coupled with a muscular frame overall, makes it look like an imposing dog.
Rottweilers, unfortunately, sometimes have a bad reputation. However, that's undeserved - or, perhaps more precisely, Rottweilers are excellent family dogs under the right circumstances. Initially, these dogs were herding cattle and using their muscular bodies to bump these creatures in the right direction.
The dogs of today have retained this same instinct. Unfortunately, sometimes they will use it on children and other small animals that are no match for a Rottweiler's strength. Therefore, if you have small children at home, a Rottweiler isn't an excellent dog to have. But, if you have older children, the Rottweiler could be an ideal dog breed for you.
Large Dog Breeds Have Some Benefits
Large dog breeds often have some significant benefits over smaller breeds (or even giant dogs like the tallest dog in the world, the Great Dane). Large dogs can be quite playful, fiercely loyal, and they're often fantastic to have if there are noises outside or other things to investigate. If you exercise frequently, these dog breeds can usually keep up and encourage you to burn more calories per day.
If you are looking at getting one of these breeds, please look at your local animal shelters first. Giving a dog a new lease on life is one of the kindest things that you can do. If you cannot find your preferred dog at a shelter, then, of course, you can always check out breeders to find the perfect pup for you!
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