Giant dog breed

A giant dog breed is a breed of dog that is known for its impressive size and weight which could exceed 45 kg (100 pounds).^[1] Breeds sometimes described as giant breeds include the Great Dane, Newfoundland, St. Bernard, Irish Wolfhound, and the Kuvasz.^[2] These breeds have seen a marked increase in their size since the 19th century as a result of selective breeding.^[2]

A Great Dane and an Irish Wolfhound, two giant dog breeds

History

Over the years, these breeds have increased in their size due to selective breeding. People bred dogs with certain characteristics like height, strength, and calm behavior. For example, the Great Dane originated from Germany in order to hunt boars.^[3] Similarly, the St. Bernard also has a history of being created for a particular reason. This dog was created to help rescue travelers in the snowy mountains and it's known for being loyal and reliable to their companion.^[4]

Health

Even though these giant breeds seem strong, they struggle with health problems. One huge issue is their short life span. Most of these giant dogs live between 6 and 10 years. One example is the Great Dane which usually lives up to 8 years.^[5] Giant dogs also have a problem with their bones, joints, and hearts.^[5] Some common health problems are hip and elbow dysplasia, heart problems, and bloating.^[5] For example, the Kuvasz is a large dog who is known to develop joint and thyroid problems.^[6]

See also

• Selective breeding
• List of individual dogs § Dogs of unusual size