Certified Pet Lover
Petsafe, Dog Training and Care
Giant Dog breeds refers to those breeds whose height and weight classified them into largest ends of all dog breeds. Although there are no universal height or weight breed as giant, some measures will consider them as giants such as weighing from 45 kg to 80 kg when adult and reaching 80 cm at the shoulders. Giant Dogs are popular dogs for their impressive size that arouse admiration aside from being so mellow, gentle and relaxed. Peaceful, affectionate and docile, Giant dogs show absolute devotion to their owners. They make precious companions for the whole family, they can be good with children. They have remarkable courage, their ruggedness enables them to perform outstanding exploits such as legendary rescues and as excellent helpers for human in many situations.
In August 2004, a Harlequin Great Dane dog named "Gibson" from California was recognized by Guinness Book of Records as the world's tallest dog, measuring 42.2 inches (107 cm) at the withers, he is more than 7 feet tall standing on his hind legs, he's 170 lbs. The 17 common giant dog breeds are divided into 3 main groups:
- Mastiff Type: Bull Mastiff, Tibetan Mastiff, Dogue de Bordeaux, Mastiff, Neopolitan Mastiff, Rottweiler and Great Dane.
- Mountain Dogs: Bernese Mountain Dog, Leonberger, Pyrenean Mountain Dog, Estrela, St. Bernard, Newfoundland.
- Other Types: Anatolian Shepherd Dog, Irish Wolfhound, Komondor, Hungarian Kuvasz, Bloodhound.
The giant dog breeds grow more rapidly comparing to smaller dog breeds, they take longer to mature up to their full adult size, about 18 months to 24 months. Their lifespan is generally shorter than smaller breeds, often living around only 6 years to 10 years of age. Giant expenses more on overall, they eat more and require less exercise than smaller dogs. On health issues, giant dog has common joint problems such as hip dysplasia and arthritis, others where hypothyroidism or low thyroid function and bloat or gastric dilatation. Proper caring and support can be able to double the life spans of some gentle giant dogs like Great Danes up to 14-18 years. By catering physical and emotional needs of dogs such as like freedom going in and out of the house, just like human, proper feeding, balanced diets, scheduled exercise, caring procedures and out of harm and heat of sun. Enough shelter space is needed for them like giant dog containment fences and large heated dog beds are required to ensure quality rest and comfort.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Giant Dog Breeds
- Training Collar For Your Dog
- Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy Bone Disease on Dogs
- Osteochondritis Dissecans: Dog Bones Disorder
- Melanomas In Dogs - Learn And Prevent
- Patellar Luxation - Kneecap Disease on Dogs
- Get the Vast Collection of Dog Grooming Products
- How to Purchase the Best Electric Dog Fence
Canine Hypoadrenocorticism Disease
By: Wishbone | 26/10/2009 | PetsDog Addison's disease or Canine Hypoadrenocorticism is caused by a lower than normal production of hormones by the adrenal glands that results from the reduction in corticosteroid. Addison's disease symptom includes fatigue, diarrhea, sweating, and muscle pain.
Dog Legg-Calve-Perthes Syndrome
By: Wishbone | 12/10/2009 | PetsLegg-Calve-Perthes results when the blood supply to the femoral head is interrupted, resulting in the death of bone cells of the affected dog. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is common in miniature, toy breeds and many other small breed dogs and affects the hip joints of dogs in the ages of 4 to 12 months old.
Dog Blastomycosis Fungal Disease
By: Wishbone | 28/09/2009 | PetsBlastomycosis of Blasto is a systemic fungal disease that primarily affects dogs and humans. A flu-like illness with fever, chills, myalgia, headache, and a nonproductive cough which resolves within days.
Dog Retinal Dysplasia Disorder
By: Wishbone | 14/09/2009 | PetsRetinal dysplasia refers to a disorder in which the cells and layer of retinal tissue did not develop properly. It is usually a nonprogressive disease and can be caused by viral infections, drugs, vitamin A deficiency, or genetic defects. The disorder can be inherited, or it can be acquired as a result of a viral infection or some other event before the pups were born.
Dog HypoThyroidism Disease
By: Wishbone | 01/09/2009 | PetsHypothyroidism or Sluggish Thyroid Gland is a disorder of dog's thyroid gland, the most common hormone or endocrine gland deficiency in dogs. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland is under active, and unable to secrete enough thyroid hormone.
Dog Spondylosis Deformans Disease
By: Wishbone | 13/08/2009 | PetsSpondylosis deformans is a condition in which bridges are formed along the ventral (bottom) parts of the vertebrae of dogs. Spondylosis deformas, can restrict the movement of the spinal column causing pain and stiffness. Spondylosis is more common in larger dogs and older dogs.
The Dancing Doberman Disease Syndrome
By: Wishbone | 29/07/2009 | PetsDancing Doberman disease (DDD) or Dancing Doberman Syndrome (Distal Polyneuropathy) a disease primarily affects their gastrocnemius muscle of the Doberman dogs. No known cause of the disease and the presumption that genetics must play a role in this syndrome. There is no treatment for the diseases and most dogs with DDD live to be as old as any other Doberman and the condition appears to be completely painless for the dog.
Pyometra Disease in Dogs
By: Wishbone | 14/07/2009 | PetsPyometra is an infection in the uterus. The disease mainly affecting middle-aged female dogs that have not been spayed. Pyometra is a hormonal abnormality, and a secondary bacterial infection may or may not be present. Pyometra follows a heat cycle in which fertilization did not occur. The disease can be prevented easily by letting our female pet spayed on right time.