Largest Dog Breeds Series : Newfoundland

 

 

 

The origin of the Newfoundland breed is traced to Newfoundland - an incorporated island of Canada.

 

The Newfoundland is a working dog, especially in water.  The physical attributes of the Newfoundland allow this breed to "excel at water rescue/lifesaving" - muscular build, thick double coat, webbed feet, natural swimming ability.

 

The Newfoundland is calm in temperament.  The Newfoundland is loyal and excellent with children.

 

The Newfoundland is an ideal therapy companion dog and is otherwise known as a "nanny dog."

 

Point of interest - "Nana" in Peter Pan was a Newfoundland dog.

 

Stats:

- Males weigh 132 to 154 pounds & Females weigh 100 to 121 pounds

- Prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, defective heart valves

- 8 to 10 years is the average life span

 

Source:  Wikipedia

 

 



Largest Dog Breeds Series : Bullmastiff

(Source:  Wikipedia)

 

 

 

 

The origin of the Bullmastiff is in England and records of this breed date to the late 1700s.  The Bullmastiff owes inheritance to the Mastiff and the Bulldog.

 

The Bullmastiff is calm and affectionate.  The Bullmastiff is intelligent, devoted, and loyal.  This dog is good with children.  The Bullmastiff is fearless.

 

Firm, confident, and consistent leadership and training are a must.  Socialization in puppy years is best to be comfortable around people, other dogs, and other household pets.

 

Stats:

- Males weigh 110 to 133 pounds & Females weigh 100 to 120 pounds

- Prone to cancer, hip dysplasia, tumors, eyelid problems, mast cell tumors

- Prone to bloat...DO NOT OVERFEED

- Sensitive to extreme climates

- Under 10 years is the average life span

 

Source:  Dog Breed Info



Largest Dog Breeds Series : Neapolitan Mastiff

(Source:  American Kennel Club)

 

 

 

"All European mastiffs are descended from the Tibetan Mastiff, the most ancient member of the canine species." - Dog Breed Info

 

The Neapolitan Mastiff is also referred to as the Italian Mastiff and Neo.  The Neapolitan Mastiff is often used by the Italian police and army.  The Neo is considered to be a "formidable guard dog."  (Dog Breed Info)

 

The Neapolitan Mastiff is affectionate and calm.  The Neo is intelligent, protective, and courageous. 

 

Socialization is critical to avoid reservation around strangers, other animals, and unfamiliar territory.

 

The Neapolitan Mastiff is good with children IF the children show proper leadership.

 

The Neapolitan Mastiff is not recommended for a new dog owner.  Dominance and experience are ideal in training.  Natural leadership is likewise ideal.  Consistent communication is necessary.  According to Dog Breed Info, if this dog does not listen to a command, the owner should try a different approach while remaining confident.

 

Stats:

- The average weight is up to 165 pounds.

*Male Neapolitans can weigh as much as 200 pounds.

- Prone to cherry eye, hip dysplasia, bloat

- Sensitive to heat

- Long walks twice a day or more

*Neapolitan Mastiffs require a good amount of daily exercise

- Up to 10 years is the average life span

 

Source:  Dog Breed Info

 

Largest Dog Breeds Series : Mastiff

(Source:  Dog Breed Info)

 

 

The Mastiff is commonly referred to as the English Mastiff or Old English Mastiff.

 

The history of the Mastiff can be traced as far as 3000 B.C. with images on Egyptian monuments.  The Mastiff was used in battle with English soldiers in 55 B.C.  In later years, the Mastiff was favored by English peasants.  The Mastiff may have been brought to America on the Mayflower.

 

"Born guard dog" - Dog Breed Info

 

The Mastiff, by nature, defends its territory and family.  This breed generally does not bark and when in defensive mode, will keep an intruder at bay as opposed to attack.  An owner will tell its dog when not to guard.

 

The Mastiff is patient and great with children.  This breed is intelligent, calm, and even-tempered.

 

The Mastiff needs firm but gentle leadership and training.  Consistent communication is required to avoid dominance especially.  Socialization will allow the Mastiff to accept strangers and other dogs.

 

Stats:

- Males weigh on average 160 pounds & Females weigh on average 150 pounds

*Males can exceed 200 pounds

- Daily walks and exercise will avoid laziness

- 10 to 12 years is the average life span

 

Source:  Dog Breed Info

 

Note:  Refer to this source for detailed health issues.

 

 





Largest Dog Breeds Series : Great Dane

(Source:  Wikipedia)

 

 

 

"Apollo of all dogs" - Dog Breed Info

 

Images of a possible Great Dane have been seen on Greek money as far back as 36 B.C.  Drawings of the Great Dane can be found on Egyptian monuments dating to 3000 B.C.  Literature about possible Great Danes come from the Chinese dating to 1121 B.C.

 

The Great Dane may owe inheritance to the Wolfhound, old English Mastiff, and Greyhound.  The Great Dane is listed under the Mastiff classification.

 

"Gentle giant" - Dog Breed Info

 

The Great Dane has an affectionate, loyal, and reliable temperament.  This breed is patient with children, loves everyone, and needs to be with people.

 

Due to the natural size of the Great Dane, training and leadership must begin in puppy years to establish rules and authority.  According to Dog Breed Info, this dog must be taught not to jump or lean on people especially.

 

Stats:

- Males weigh 120 to 200 pounds & Females weigh 100 to 130 pounds

*Dogs of larger size receive further attention

- Prone to hip dysplasia, bloat, heart disease, tail injuries

- Prone to mast cell tumors

- Daily walks are a must BUT jogging exercise should wait until at least one year of age

- Under 10 years is the average life span

 

Source:  Dog Breed Info

 

 

 

 



 



Apology from Puppy Love

Dear Puppy Love Viewers,

As the owner of and sole author on Puppy Love, I deeply apologize for committing a poor error in judgment.

I entered the blogosphere in April 2010 out of pure curiosity.  My first blog found a discovery of intrigue and excitement through a passion for writing as well as revenue generation in the name of Google AdSense.  In May 2010, I took my intrigue and excitement to a specialized level.  In November 2010, I launched Puppy Love.

I find great fascination with Puppy Love as I research dog breeds and histories.  My "brand" if you will is writing about dog breed histories.

However, as a blogger my natural instinct is to likewise generate an income.  I remain with Google AdSense and am currently an Amazon Associate. 

My error, though, was introducing a second ad network without informing my most appreciative readers and passersby.

Infolinks is the ad network I am experimenting with for revenue.  Infolinks provides relevant advertisements within post content in the form of highlighted selected terms.  If a term is hovered over, an advertisement will appear.  Infolinks does make clear to maintain the integrity of a publisher's website and not be disturbed.

In 2010, I was curious about Google AdSense.  In 2015, I am curious about Infolinks.

I do encourage feedback regarding the second edition...And I hope you will accept my apology.

I want all the best for Puppy Love and readers define my blog's success.

Largest Dog Breeds

The Daily Puppy has inspired me to find trends in dog breeds. 

This post will kick off a special series on the largest dog breeds according to the American Kennel Club.

The American Kennel Club lists 14 dogs as the largest breeds -

1.  Great Dane
2.  Mastiff
3.  Neapolitan Mastiff
4.  Bullmastiff
5.  Newfoundland
6.  Dogue De Bordeaux
7.  Cane Corso
8.  Great Pyrenees
9.  Bernese Mountain Dog
10.  Tibetan Mastiff
11.  Black Russian Terrier
12.  Leonberger
13.  Irish Wolfhound
14.  Scottish Deerhound

In the posts to come, I will discuss the history of each breed.