Man’s Best Friend – Top 5 Large Dog Breeds

Everyone knows that dogs are man’s best friend, but which pooch reigns supreme? When it comes to choosing a large dog breed, many factors are worthy of consideration.  The animal’s temperament, shedding levels, and special needs to name a few. We’ve reviewed the five most popular dog breeds in America to help you choose which four-legged friend will make the best companion for you! Read on to learn more about what exactly makes these five breeds unique.

Which Large Dog Breed is Right for You:

1. Labrador Retriever.

   The Labrador Retriever is fun, friendly, and full of life. If you’re looking for a dog that will happily jump right into the lake or pool with you and prance ahead on a nature hike, you’ll fall in love with a Labrador.   Between their webbed feet, otter-like tail, and water resistant coat, the Labrador is one of the strongest swimmers in all of the canine kingdom. Labs also show a uniquely conceptual mind, and require little training to learn to behave properly. However, Labrador are also a particularly loud and active breed. They require a large amount of room to run and play, not suitable for the apartment crowd. If you’re an active pet owner searching for an active companion , a Labrador is the dog for you.

1. German Shepherd.

   Fearless and fiercely loyal, the German Shepherd was originally bred as a companion for officers during the first World War, and it shows. German Shepherds can be trained to complete nearly any task, and their razor-sharp bite can exert up to 200 pounds of crushing force. German Shepherd are masters of adaptability and discipline. They are one of the few large dogs that can be kept in an apartment. They do however need to be taken out for exercise on a daily basis.  German Shepherds top the list in early biting, and their bites can be devastating. This is a dog that is best to pair with bachelors or families with older children.

2. Rottweiler.

   The Rottweiler is a pooch with tendencies to be a protector. Centuries of Rottweiler breeding have installed an impulse to act when the dog believes that its owner is in danger. Not for the faint of heart, the Rottweiler can be a lovable and loyal family dog, but needs to be bred from birth to understand the difference between when it is and is not appropriate to be in protection and attack mode. A rugged and stocky pooch, the Rottweiler can live in any environment and climate. However, occasionally Rottweilers can be difficult to train. These dogs have been responsible for 60% of the dog bite deaths in America. Prepare to invest a significant amount of time and training into curbing the natural aggression of the Rottweiler. 

3. Doberman.

   With its slender and aerodynamic body, alert ears, and a mighty angular jaw, the Doberman is the perfect guard dog. Athletic and loyal, Dobermans can be a perfect family dog, but be ready to  train from a young age with the children with whom they live. Dobermans are also prone to a number of health issues, so you’ll have to get one from a reputable breeder. However, if you’re willing to put in the time to train your doberman, they require very little grooming. The Doberman is feisty and fun, making the perfect pet for active families.

4. Cane Corso.

   The Cane Corso, also known as the Italian mastiff, is a muscular and powerful dog. Despite its brutish appearance,  the Cane Corso is known to be a particularly good family canine thanks to their “gentle giant” temperaments. However, while these pooches are friendly and fun, they may have trouble controlling their own strength and do best around school-aged children who understand the right way to play with a dog. Requiring little grooming and offering a notoriously healthy history, the Cane Corso is the perfect dog for those who like the idea of a protective dog but want that soft and sweet personality as well.

So which is the best breed of large dog? The answer is- it depends on your lifestyle, and commitment to training. If you’re ready to make a dog training commitment, the Rottweiler, Doberman, or German Shepherd can be perfect and intelligent companions. Looking for a more gentle giant? The Cane Corso or Labrador can be the active friends of your dreams.

– The Guy Review –