Among dog lovers, preferences are usually divided between large and small breeds. Some pet owners believe that the dog must certainly be impressive in size and start dogs of large breeds. Well, to each his own, but the grandeur and serious appearance of the huge four-legged can not be taken away. Which breeds of dogs are considered the largest? Our material will provide an answer to this question.
Tallest dog in the world
There are various gradations of parameters. Someone builds a rating, starting with the dogs, the largest in weight, someone - in height. The latter will be more correct, since the weight of these animals varies greatly, both between breeds and within the same breed group. The growth of the animal is more indicative.
The tallest dog in the world (a record recorded in the Guinness Book) passed away in 2010. The dimensions of this beauty are simply amazing. This dog was worn by the Great Dane dog (photo above), who lived in the family of Americans in Arizona for almost 8 years. The animal was called Giant George, it had a height of 110 cm, the body length of the giant was 2 meters 20 centimeters, and its weight was 111 kg. Impressive sizes, isn't it?
Nowadays, another representative of the same breed - the Great Dane, having the formidable nickname Zeus, picked up the palm.
Great Dane: breed history
The origins, where the Great Dane breed originated, send us back centuries to the gray mountains of Tibet. Ancient people living in those days were forced to tame wild Tibetan dogs to help them graze cattle. From them the pedigree group of doges began their history, which became the progenitors of modern dogs of this species.
Somewhat later, the ancient dogs began to be used as fighting dogs. This was facilitated by the enormous size and evil temper. They fought in the army "shoulder to shoulder" with the soldiers. This contributed to the spread of the breed around the world, some dogs settled in the conquered territories.
As a result of a number of those historical events, most of the Great Danes concentrated in Germany, allowing the Great Dane breed to finally form (photos confirm the huge size of these dogs).
The Germans perfected the breed, from the mid-19th century crossing dogs with other dogs for bullying. By this time, two pedigree branches had formed there: the southern Ulm dogs and the northern Danish ones.
They came to the norms of a uniform standard of German Great Dane in 1890, then this breed was officially recognized and described. In Russia, until the mid-sixties of the last century, this tallest dog in the world was not widespread. Today, dogs in our country are loved, bred, exported to international exhibitions.
Great Dane breed standards
Currently, the standard treats dogs as companion dogs, and also treats them as guards and watchmen. The dog should be characterized by a noble appearance combined with large growth and harmoniously folded body.
Dog handlers consider the dog to be a perfect looking dog worthy of being immortalized in a statue. The following colors are fixed by the standard: white with black spots (harlequin), red, tiger, black and blue. The height of the dog at the withers of females is 72 cm, and that of males is 80.
The nature and temperament of the dogs
The character of the dog is to match his stately appearance. These dogs are unperturbed and always behave with dignity. In extreme situations, they show restraint, while being loyal defenders of their master and members of his family.
Dogs have significant intelligence, and many consider them more than a dog. In many homes, a great dane is a true family member and a great friend. Of course, this dog can spoil the character and make it vicious, but only by improper upbringing and ill-treatment, which the dogs cannot tolerate. Do not provoke once again someone who has powerful jaws and huge strong teeth. The tallest dog in the world can confidently stand up for itself and for those whom it loves.
Irish Wolfhounds
If you wonder what breed of dog is considered the largest in the world, you can not help but remember the Irish Wolfhound. Representatives of this breed occupy an honorable second place in this list. The growth of individual males can reach up to 87 centimeters at the withers, which is not inferior to dogs. These dogs are touched by their "beard" and the devoted, complacent look of everyone who sees them.
The Irish wolfhound is comfortable in home maintenance, does not make too much noise and fuss, but during walks it can show its instinct for a hunter and move around swiftly.
These dogs tend to be friendly and sensitive. They meet strangers calmly, but always remain alert. Probably devoted fans of the breed just like the combination of large sizes with sociability and devotion.
English mastiff
The English mastiff is the breed of dog that closes the first three giants. Great Dane predominates in height, and mastiff in weight. A massive large body, a huge wide head - these are bright pedigree signs of this dog.
Today, the largest representative of this breed can be called a dog named Hercules. He receives natural nutrition without additives for growth (some owners do not disdain and unnatural ways to gain weight from their pets), and its weight is 128 kg.
In growth, males reach 75 centimeters maximum, females - 70. Despite their heavy and powerful appearance, mastiffs are harmoniously folded.
These dogs have well-developed muzzle muscles, which makes it possible to look very expressive. By dog traits, you can literally read the mood of the pet and, it seems, even guess the course of his thoughts. A dog can have a sad, pensive, perky look with a sly eye - it looks very funny.
With the long-term formation of this breed, as well as the breeds of other large dogs, the breeders tried to smooth out such qualities as aggression and excitability, so that the dog became suitable for keeping in the family in a city apartment.
At the moment, they are very good-natured and obedient dogs who love children and in every way guard them. These dogs are in great need of the owner’s attention and are bored in his absence. If necessary, they easily become formidable and fearless defenders.
There are quite a few other dogs of large breeds, we examined only three. The main thing to remember when making such a friend is that it is not for one day or even for a month. The dog will live in your family for years, and you need to weigh your financial capabilities. Can you provide such a large pet with nutritious nutrition? It is also necessary to evaluate how much your living space allows you to adopt a large dog without any harm to all residents, so that your joint existence brings only joy.