Giant dog breeds

Two gentle giant Irish wolfhounds.

In spite of their great size, giant dog breeds are usually quite reserved and surprisingly do not require as much exercise as some of the large or medium-sized breeds. But, they tend to be quite expensive to maintain and have the shortest life span of all dog sizes. This guide will outline all you need to know about giant dog breeds to help you make sure they’re the right fit for you.

Is a giant breed for you?

There’s much to love about giant dog breeds and adding one to your family can be very rewarding. They’re great with children and tend to be very gentle, affectionate and loyal to their owners.

But, if you are considering getting a giant dog breed you’re going to need slightly more room to keep them. They’ll need enough space to move and play without bumping into things. It’s also important not to over-exercise giant breed puppies since this could result in joint and bone problems later in life. Over-exercising your dog can cause meniscus tears, joint strain, sprain and tears in the cranial cruciate ligament, which can lead to degenerative joint diseases such as arthritis or osteoarthritis as they age.

What is a giant dog breed?

Dog breeds that weigh over 90 lbs at maturity are considered giant breeds. Their height tends to be 26” and above - with a few exceptions. The Tibetan mastiff, for example, weighs up to 180 lbs at maturity but stands at 24-26” tall. And whereas male Neapolitan mastiffs typically stand between 26-31” tall, females are usually a few inches shorter at around 24-29” on average.

The most popular giant dog breeds include the Anatolian shepherd dog, borzoi, Pyrenean mountain dog, Great Dane, Irish wolfhound, Newfoundland, Scottish deerhound, and Tibetan mastiff.

Are giant dogs good with children?

Don't be fooled by the size of giant dog breeds. As mentioned, they’re incredibly gentle-natured animals and great with children – as long as they've been through all the training and socializing.

Although giant dog breeds are known to be gentle with children, dogs should never be left alone with children, regardless of their size and breed. Despite being gentle giants, their sheer size can mean a small child accidentally getting hurt or knocked down. Children should also be taught how to respect and behave around dogs to prevent any accidents.

Before making the decision to bring one home, it’s best to research dog breeds to make sure they’re the right fit for your family - especially if you’re a first-time dog owner. Each dog breed has unique traits and behaviours you should be aware of before bringing them home/around your children.

Omlet dog care

Regardless of your dog’s size, we’ve got everything you need for them to lead a happy and comfortable life. From fun and interactive dog toys, to stylish dog leads and luxurious dog blankets, Omlet’s innovative products are designed to help you and your gentle giant dog breed bond in style.