Articles » Big Dog Breeds
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Keeping Your Large Breed Puppy In Shape
Once your puppy has finished his set of shots, he is now ready to be taken out for his exercise. However, keep in mind that you should not take him out for long, strenuous walks until he is about six months old. Once he has reached six months of age, then he will be truly ready to get his regular exercise.
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History and origin: The German Wire haired Pointer was developed in the late 19th century in Germany. This breed retained the versatility of the German Short haired Pointer, but added the all-weather protection of a coarse, wiry coat, allowing him to deal with rougher hunting conditions and colder weather.
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Finding A Suitable Place For Your Large Breed
Most large breeds adapt well to car travel and it is a good idea to invest in a dog guard, which partitions off the rear of the vehicle and prevents the dog from clambering into the driver's seat. Never leave a dog in a car without making sure that there is a window open allowing sufficient ventilation. This advice refers to all breeds, particularly flat-nosed ones.
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Large dogs make wonderful companions. Their physical make-up enables them to accompany their owners on long trips and their sheer presence is reassuring. It would be a mistake, however, to think that a large dog will fit happily into any environment and lifestyle. Many large dogs have been bred for a specific purpose such as hunting, herding or guarding and may prove to be totally unsuitable for the type of life and the facilities you are able to offer him.
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History and origin: The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is of the British origin and was perfected in 19th century Maryland. This breed filled the need for a dog that could retrieve ducks all day in the cold, turbulent waters of the Chesapeake Bay. His greater size and strength gave him an edge over the Labrador Retriever.
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History and origin: Originated in Switzerland, the Bernese Mountain Dog was bred for herding, guarding, drafting, and droving. His large, sturdy frame and long coat allowed him to perform in cold mountainous environments.
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History and origin: This breed is said to have been derived from a pack of Foxhounds taken from Britain to the United States in 1650. This scent hound was used in packs or individually for fox hunts. He is now mostly used as a competitive field trial dog and a showdog.
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History and origin: The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon first appeared in late 19th century Holland and France. He was created by mixing Otterhound and German Shorthaired Pointer bloodlines, which filled the need for a versatile hunter that could point and retrieve on land or in the water. The rough coat served as protection against wet, cold weather and harsh thickets.
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Origins: The Poodle was originated in Germany and was first used as a water retriever. The breed's name comes from the German word “pudelnass” or puddle. He is now kept as a companion dog and a showdog.
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History and origin: The Saluki is one of the most ancient breed of dogs and may very well be the oldest domesticated breed. The Egyptians, Mesopotamians, and Persians all have records of Saluki-type dogs used by the nobility as coursing hounds in hunting rabbits and small gazelles. He was bred for speed and agility and has exceptional vision.
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History and origin: The Pointer was first developed in northern Europe and Spain in the 16th century. This breed came into his own with the application of firearms for bird hunting, somewhere around the 18th century. He is famed for his classic pose of “pointing” with his nose and tail in the direction of the game that has been shot. Even young pointer pups will point when they sense a prey, a skill that is instinctive rather than learned.
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History and origin: The Kuvasz was first seen in ancient Tibet and Turkey and was perfected in medieval Hungary. His name comes from a Turkish word meaning “guardian of the peace.” He was used to guard herds, to hunt, and to protect his home. The original Kuvasz was considerably larger than today's dog.
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History and origin: Ancestors of the Collie were introduced into Scotland and England from Iceland 400 years ago, but it was as guardians of the flock that they acquired their name in Scotland. He was first used as a cattle and sheep drover and then as a herder.
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History and origin: This breed was developed in the early 19th century England and France. It is believed that the Basset Hound and some early spaniel types were mixed to produce this powerful, slower- moving breed known for his endurance and his excellent sense of smell. The Clumber's strength enables him to move well through dense brush in pursuit of game.
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History and origin: The Labrador Retriever came to Britain with fisherman from Newfoundland in the 1930's. His job was to land the nets of fisherman. His is also a popular gundog in his early years. Nowadays, he is most enjoyed as a family pet in many parts of the world.
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History and origin: The Japanese Akita was named after the Akita province in Japan on the island of Honshu. This breed was initially developed as a versatile hunting dog with power, size, a good sense of smell, insulation against the cold, and a dominant, aggressive nature that enabled him to deal with bears, deer, and wild boars. Over the centuries the Atika came to be revered as a noble breed and a spiritual symbol of loyalty and beauty.
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History and origin: The red-and-white Irish Setter first appeared in Ireland in the late 18th century and was perfected as the dog we know today in the 19th century. This breed has evolved from the crossing of Springer Spaniels, Irish Water Spaniels, and the English and Gordon Setters. Though originally used as a gun dog, this breed now does little hunting in the United States and is most kept as a companion dog.
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History and origin: Hungary's national dog, the Hungarian Vizsla is a hunting dog who first appeared in Central Europe in the 13th and 14th centuries. He was used to locate and flush birds for falconers, whose trained birds of prey would then bring the hunted birds down. The Vizsla's short coat allowed him to be used in the warmer climates of southern Hungary.
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History and origin: The German Shepherd is a new breed that first appeared in Germany about one hundred years ago. This very smart breed was initially developed for herding but has adapted well to police and military work, search-and-rescue work, tracking, bomb detection, protection work, and guide dogs for the blind.
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History and origin: The Flat-Coated Retriever originated in early 19th century England and was the preferred retriever before the introduction of the Labrador. The breed was believed to be the result of mixing Newfoundland, Collie, and spaniel bloodlines, filling the need for a versatile hunter-retriever in water or on land.
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History and origin: Formerly known as the Chinese fighting dog, the Chinese Shar-Pei is an ancient breed who was revered by the nobility during the Han dynasty, around 200 B.C. The Shar-Pei and the Chow Chow are the only two breeds with a blue-black tongue; this may point to common ancestry. The Shar-Pei has been used as a fighting dog, with loose skin that enables him to swing around and bite even while being bitten by another dog. He was also used to hunt wild boar and herd flocks.
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History and origin: The Ibizan Hound was owned by the ancient pharaohs of Egypt and was drawn on rock. stone, and papyrus as early as 3000 B.C. He was a favorite among the Egyptians, Phoenicians, and Romans for his ability to locate rabbits and other small game animals by sight and then run them down.
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History and origin: The Harrier is an ancient British breed to which the first pack was recorded in 1260. The word “Harrier” is Norman French for “hunting dogs,” and at one time all hunting dogs in Britain were known as Harriers. This breed was bred to hunt foxes and rabbits and has traditionally been used in packs.
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History and origin: First established in 18th and 19th century Germany, the German Short haired Pointer is of Spanish origin and was developed by crossing the Pointer with German foxhound types. He has a greater scenting ability than the Pointer, is less averse to water, has greater stamina, and is thus a more versatile hunting dog.
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History and origin: The English Springer Spaniel was developed in 19th century England and is the oldest of the British Spaniels except for the Clumber. He is named after his early task of “springing” game for the hunter's nets. This breed has become a popular house pet in addition to still being an important gundog.
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History and origin: The English Foxhound, which dates back to 16th and 17th century England, is still used in packs for hunting fox. This breed is descended from the heavier St. Hubert Hounds, brought to England by the Norman invaders and from the now extinct Talbot Hounds. His genealogy has remained relatively pure for hundreds of years.
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History and origin: The Doberman Pinscher is a relatively new breed that was created in the late 19th century in Germany. Developed from Rottweiler, Black and Tan Terrier, and perhaps German Shepherd and Pointer bloodlines, he was bred to be a guardian, tracker, and companion and has served both the military and the police.
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History and origin: The Curly-Coated Retriever is considered to be the oldest of the retrievers, tracing his origins back to 16th century England, perhaps a result of the mixing of Irish Water Spaniel, Poodle, and setter bloodlines. The outcome was a breed that would eagerly retrieve waterfowl from lakes or bays without being affected by the cold, thanks to his water-resistant coat.
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Why Pick A Large Breed For Your Family Dog?
Why do you want a dog that stands 25 or more inches tall, and may eventually weigh more than 100 pounds? Is the dog's prospective role in your family that of a worker, a friend and companion, or is he to be relegated to status symbol? Does your neighbor have a noisy little terrier that you hate and want to dominate in every way? These questions sound strange but many a giant-puppy shopper unconsciously discovers such motives lurking behind the desire to own a big dog. Do you think that owning a large dog will create a safe zone around you and your property?
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Which Large Dog Should You Pick?
Do not assume your big canine pet will become a famous show dog or an obedience trial champion. However, you can use those achievements for comparison to begin the search for your chosen large breed. Purchase a copy of one of the various dog magazines found in a bookstore. These magazines will list dog shows and other canine events in your area, and then plan to attend one or more. Once there, buy a premium list that will tell you in which ring and at what time your breed will be shown. After you have seen the best of your breed exhibited, you can talk to breeders of that specific breed.
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Great Gifts Come In Big Packages!
Is it ok to give your wife a pet puppy as a surprised birthday gift? A good rule to follow regarding presents is simple. Never buy a living gift for anyone without the recipient's total agreement. The only thing worse than an unannounced gift of a puppy is the impulse to buy a large dog, anytime, without proper thought and planning. If a birthday puppy is agreeable, be sure the entire family has fully considered sharing their space with the pup. Purchase his bed, food, bowls, and toys in advance; install puppy-proof gates on doors and stairways, reinforce fences, and buy a pen and sleeping crate.
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In some cases, the owner of an AKC-registered female dog will breed her to a friend's unproven registered dog of the same breed. Are puppies of such matings likely to be satisfactory canine pets for you? The answer depends on the quality of each of the parents, not the cuteness of the puppies.
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Before taking your puppy home you should make sure that he is properly weaned. You can ask the breeder if you may see the puppy eat a little food. Breeders generally encourage a litter to begin taking some solid food from about three weeks of age, but it is unlikely that they will be completely weaned onto it before they are six or seven weeks old. It is not advisable to buy a puppy under eight weeks of age. When buying a puppy you should ask the breeder for a diet sheet and strictly adhere to it for a few days before introducing any gradual changes.
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When choosing a large breed, or any type of breed, experts say that canine IQ tests are valid only when comparing two dogs of the same breed. If one dog receives loads of attention and experiences many different situations, he will appear smarter than if he was treated to years of indifference. Are trick dogs more intelligent than less clever pets? Not necessarily, but they do receive more attention, more training, and more human time than most pets.
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When you buy your large breed puppy the breeder should be able to provide you with a certificate of pedigree and also a form enabling you to transfer his ownership into your name with your national kennel club. It is important that you receive these documents and effect the transfer. If you fail to do this you might run into several problems which includes the following: If you want to enter the puppy in shows; if you want to breed from your female dog; or if you want to offer your dog for stud purposes.
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History and origin: The Saint Bernard is a descendant of the Roman Molossian dogs and is named after the St. Bernard Hospice in the Swiss Alps. He was introduced between 1660 and 1670, where he became famous for rescuing climbers in the Alps. Before his job as a rescue dog in the Alps, the Saint Bernard was used by the Romans and was probably first brought to Switzerland by them.
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History and origin: The Norwegian Elkhound has existed in Norway for centuries and was used as a herd guarder and a hunter of elk and other game. This breed traces his lineage back to the Viking days. He was bred to have strength, an excellent sense of smell, endurance, and stamina in the cold Norwegian winter.
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History and origin: The Mastiff, also known as Old English Mastiff, is one of the original ancient breed types, along with the hounds, herders, and Arctic types. He was distributed around the known world by Egyptian, Persian, Greek, and Roman armies and traders. Peasants in England kept this breed to ward off wolves and other predators. The Mastiff was bred for size, strength, protection, and courage.
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History and origin: The Komondor is an old breed originated from Hungary. He was bred for centuries to guard flocks and property from thieves and predators and has worked with and without other dogs. He is well known for his corded coat which protects him from cold, harsh weather and from the attacks of predators.
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History and origin: The Great Pyrenees is an old breed that is believed to have developed in Central Asia or Siberia and was brought to Europe by migrating Germanic tribes. Herders in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain came to rely on this breed as a master herd guarder that could protect sheep, goats, and cattle from wolves and bears. The all-weather coat and huge size made him perfectly adaptable to the job and the cold climate. The Great Pyrenees is still used today to guard herds in Europe and North America.
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History and origin: The Giant Schnauzer was first used in Germany in the 17th and 18th centuries as a cattle and sheep drover. He was developed by crossing Standard Schnauzer, Great Dane, and Bouvier bloodlines. His all weather coat was developed to help protect him from cold, wet European weather. He has also been used as a guard dog and has worked with the military and the police.
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History and origin: This scent hound is an old breed, dating back to Roman times. He is said to have been brought to England by William the Conqueror in 1066. This dog has the most powerful sense of smell of all the breeds. In the United States, he has been used as a tracker of fugitives and lost individuals.
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History and origin: The Weimaraner is a fairly new breed that was developed in late 19th century in Weimar, Germany. The Bloodhound and various pointer types were mixed to purposely breed a hunting dog with superior scenting ability, agility, speed, and strength. Weimaraners were originally used to hunt large game such as the wolf and bear as well as bird dogs. Nowadays, this breed is used as a guard, police dog, and a wonderful house pet.
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History and origin: The Newfoundland originated from the northeast of Canada. Possibly the result of a cross between the Great Pyrenees and the Labrador Retriever, this giant breed was used by fishermen in Newfoundland to help haul in nets, to rescue drowning victims, to pull carts, and to perform retrieval tasks in the water. His large body and insulative coat keeps him warm and allows him to swim in icy water.
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History and origin: The national dog of Ireland, the Irish Wolfhound was used as a hunter of wolf and elk and may have existed as far back as the Roman times. Though considered a sight hound, the Irish Wolfhound was bred to have excellent scenting ability as well.
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History and origin: The Great Dane has been in Britain for many centuries and may have resulted from a cross between the ancient Mastiff and the Irish Wolfhound. He was first used as a hunting and guarding dog.
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History and origin: The Briard has been known since the 12th century and comes from the Brie area of France, where the dog is also known as the “Berger de Brie” or “Chien de Brie.” He was first used to guard herds against wolves and poachers. This breed was bred with good size and a protective weather-proof coat.
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History and origin: The Bouvier des Flandres was developed in Belgium in the 19th century. This working breed was used for herding, herd-guarding, and cart pulling. He has also been used for tracking by the police and military.
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History and origin: The Alaskan Malamute is named after a native tribe called the “Mahlemuts.” He is closely related to other Spitz-types such as the Samoyed and has been used as a sled dog. Bred for strength, endurance, and independence, he has the ability to tolerate extremely low temperatures. Today Malamutes are used in sled-pulling competitions, some being able to pull a sled weighing close to a ton.
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History and origin: It is believed that Great Danes, Mastiffs, Bloodhounds, and perhaps Greyhounds were interbred to produce this breed. The Rhodesian Ridgeback was developed in South Africa in the 18th century and was used to hunt big game over vast areas in extreme temperatures. This dog could go for long periods without water. With the help of his excellent vision and sense of smell, this breed could detect the approach of either animal or human.
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History and origin: Also known as the Bobtail, the Old English Sheepdog was developed in England in the 19th century. This breed served as a guard and a cattle dog. Nowadays, he is kept mainly as a beloved pet and companion.
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History and origin: The Golden Retriever was developed in mid 19th century England. It is believed that Water Spaniel, Newfoundland, and Irish Setter bloodlines were used to arrive at the present day breed.
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History and origin: The Chow Chow is a member of the Spitz family that is known for over 2000 years. This Chinese breed was once used for guarding and hunting. His thick coat protected him in harsh weather and, unfortunately, provided clothing for the infamous Mongols, who also reportedly used the dog for food.
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History and origin: Bulldogs were first used in England during the Middle Ages as baiters and fighters of bulls. They were originally bred to have courage and tenacity similar to the Mastiff. These early dogs were incredibly aggressive. It was not until the 19th century that the present personable temperament was achieved.
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History and origin: This breed can be traced to the old holding dogs of Mollossus or Mastiff types. Perfected in Germany during the 19th century, the Boxer was developed by crossing Mastiff, Bulldog, and terrier bloodlines and was once used for fighting and bull baiting. Similar to the Bulldog, his jaw is undershot, a trait common in bull-baiters. Today's Boxers do not have the fierce temperament of the earlier dogs.
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History and origin: Developed by crossing old English black and tan terrier with Otterhound bloodlines, the Airedale was first used in 19th century England for big game hunting, vermin killing, and police and military work. The breed is named after the valley of Aire in Yorkshire.
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History and origin: The Siberian Husky was bred by the nomadic Chukchi tribes of northeast Asia. He was used as a sled dog and as a hunter. This medium-sized breed has great stamina and a lively, independent nature.
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History and origin: The Rottweiler comes from the West German town of Rottweil in Wurttemberg. He was used as a cattle drover and guard dog in Germany. Description: Rottweilers stand 22 to 27 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 70 and 120 pounds, with the males slightly larger than the females. With a docked tail and powerful thick muscles, the Rottweiler has a big-boned body and a coarse mid-length coat that sheds but is relatively easy to maintain, requiring regular brushing to keep it in good condition.
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History and origin: This is an old breed, developed in Ireland from several spaniel breeds toward the end of the 19th century. The Irish Water Spaniel, though capable of flushing birds like other spaniels, was actually bred to excel as a water retriever.
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History and origin: The Gordon Setter is a true Scottish breed, dated back to 17th century Scotland. He is the only native Scottish gun dog and was originally known as the Gordon Castle Setter due to the fact that he was bred at Gordon Castle, Banffshire. Many believe that he is a cross between the Bloodhound and the Collie. He was valued for his pointing, retrieving, and tracking ability.
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History and origin: Believed to have been evolved from spaniels, the English Setter was first seen in 16th century England and was perfected as a hunting dog in the 19th century. In function they are almost identical to the Pointer. The major difference is the longer coat, which allows them to hunt in colder weather and gives them added protection against heavy undergrowth.
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History and origin: The Bullmastiff is believed to have been evolved between 200 or 300 years ago by crossing the Mastiff with the Bulldog. He was used as a guard dog against poachers (who were hunting on large estates) without actually harming them. The Bullmastiff was bred to be courageous, quick, strong, and willing to challenge humans.
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History and origin: Once known as Russian Wolfhounds, this Russian sight hound was developed by crossing the extinct Lapp sled dog with the Collie. The Borzoi was used as coursing hounds to chase rabbits, foxes, and wolves in packs. His speed, agility, and strength allowed him to range far ahead of the mounted hunter, acquire the prey by sight, run it down, and hold it at bay until the hunter arrived. The first Borzoi was brought to the U.S. from England in 1889.
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History and origin: Although known primarily as a Scottish breed, Deerhound-type dogs have been around since ancient times. He was bred primarily to hunt with his owner and bring down large deer. This breed has a rough coat that protects him from the cold. Though he is known as a sight hound, his sense of smell is also acute. Description: The Scottish Deerhound stands 30 to 32 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 75 and 110 pounds. He has a lean, athletic, lanky body that is similar to but thinner and slightly shorter than that of the Irish Wolfhound. The Deerhound's shedding coat is medium-length, rough, wiry, and weather-resistant. It requires periodic brushing and an occasional trim. The color may be blue-gray, fawn, light gray, or brindle.
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History and origin: An ancient Siberian breed, the Samoyed is a beautiful Spitz-type that takes his name from the Siberian tribe of the Samoyedes. He was used by the nomadic peoples of the same name as the breed to guard herds of reindeer and as a sled dog. This hardy breed has remained relatively pure for centuries. Description: The Samoyed stands 19 to 23.5 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 45 and 65 pounds. He has a strong medium-size body that is graceful and athletic and a face that always seems to be smiling. The undercoat is thick, soft, and insulating; the harder, straight outer coat grows through the undercoat. Shedding is year-round, particularly in early summer. Regular brushing and combing is required. If this breed is left outside, his coat may become matted and odorous. The color is white or off-white.
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History and origin: An ancient breed, it is believed that the Phoenicians took these hounds with them when they settled on Malta and Gozo. This medium-sized sight hound was used by Egyptian nobility to hunt rabbits and gazelles.
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History and origin: One of the most ancient breeds, this sight hound was used by the Egyptians to run down rabbits and gazelles on the open plains of northern Africa. The Greyhound is a pure bred, which means he has not evolved from crossings with other types. Unfortunately, this breed is often used as a racing dog and is often destroyed after a short, impersonal career.
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History and origin: First used in Medieval England, the Black and Tan Coonhound was perfected in the southern United States. This breed is one of six types of Coonhound and was used as a tracker of opossum, raccoon, and bear. It is a working hound that is not usually seen in the show ring.
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History and origin: Believed to be one of the oldest herding dog in Scotland, the Bearded Collie was developed in 17th and 18th century England and Scotland. This breed was used for herding and cattle droving. His weather- resistant coat enables him to withstand harsh, wet climates.
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History and origin: Often referred to as the “Dog of Noah's Ark”, the Afghan Hound is one of the oldest, if not the oldest breed in existence. He was used as a herding dog, a guard dog, and a hunting dog. The Afghan's long coat allowed him to stay warm in the harsh climate of Afghanistan, something that his faster, short-haired cousin from Egypt, the Greyhound, would not have been able to do.
