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Top 10 List
how we choose
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Akita
These big dogs are fiercely loyal to their
family members, but need a firm hand or they
may become aggressive with other pets in the
home. Akita's grow to between 26 and 28
inches tall and weight 75 to 120 pounds when
full grown. The AKC recognizes the American
Akita, but they are actually descended from
the
Japanese Akita. The Akita is
double-coated with stiff, short fur. |
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Great Dane
Known as the "gentle giant", this dog breed
measures in at 28 to 32 inches tall and
between 100 and 200 pounds. The males tend
to big bigger and weigh a little more than
females. This breed has roots from the Irish
Wolfhound and the Mastiff, accounting for
its massive size. Be very careful when
purchasing a puppy. The AKC even offers a
guide to purchasing a Great Dane puppy. |
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Irish Wolfhound
LoveToKnow Dogs takes a look at this massive
breed. Because this breed was originally
used in battle, they have been bred for
size, strength, loyalty and fierce fighting
ability. Irish Wolfhounds weigh between 105
and 120 pounds and measure 30 to 32 inches
tall. If allowed to get overweight, these
dogs have a tendency to
canine hip dysplasia, so try to keep
this breed slender. |
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Karabash
The word Karabash is a Turkish word, which
means blackhead. Karabash are also called
Anatolian Shepherd Dogs. They can be traced
all the way back to the Persian Empire.
These dogs are muscular and stocky looking.
Average height is about 27 to 36 inches and
weight is between 90 to 150 pounds. Karabash
and closely related breeds are often used as
livestock guardian dogs. |
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Kuvasz
Kuvasz puppies are fluffy white bundles of joy,
so cute that you want to pick them up and hug
them. It isn't long before they outgrow being a
lap dog, though, unless you enjoy having a 70 to
115 pound dog in your lap. These dogs grow to
between 26 to 30 inches tall. The Kuvasz also
has a double coat that is white and coarse. You
can get a complete description of the
breed standard or link to
recognized breeders. |
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Mastiff
With their sweet wrinkly faces and laid back
personalities, Mastiff's are big and
lovable. Although Mastiff actually can cover
several different breeds, in America it
tends to refer to the English Mastiff. They
are between 27 1/2 to 36 inches tall and can
weight anywhere from 120 all the way up to
230 pounds on average. Be sure to read
club news about upcoming dog shows and
information about the breed. |
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Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are large, but very gentle dogs.
They are often used for rescue work, especially
in the water. Average height is between 26 and
28 inches and average weight is between 100 to
120 pounds. Other
breed standards include a broad skull, dark
brown eyes, a tail with no kinks, muscular legs,
a flat double coat that is water resistant and a
sweet temperament. |
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Perro de Presa Canario
This muscular dog is from the Canary Islands and has
a slight resemblance to a pit bull. Their original
purpose was to work as a livestock dog. This dogs
are between 22 to 26 inches in height and weight
between 85 to over 100 pounds. A unique feature of
this dog is its cat-like paws and movements. These
dogs have a short, coarse fur. Socialization is
important to keep the dog from growing temperamental
with other canines. It is a
Molosser dog breed. |
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Pyrenean
Mountain Dog
Also known as a Great Pyrenees, these dogs were also
originally livestock guarding dogs. They are known for
being big white dogs, with occasionally a bit of
coloring on the ears. Amazingly, the puppies are born
with spots and markings which fade as the dog grows to
adulthood. You can view
pictures of Great Pyrenees from around the world on
this site. Pyrenean Mountain Dogs grow to between 25 to
32 inches tall and the dogs weigh between 85 to over 100
pounds. |
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Saint Bernard
Saint Bernard's are massive dogs. They can have either
short or long fur and they drool quite a bit. They are
an American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized breed and thus
there are a few
standards for the breed that you'll want to watch
for if buying a puppy. Average height is 27 to 36 inches
tall and average weight runs between 140 and 260 pounds.
Saint Bernards are loyal companions. |
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