Top 10 Large Dog Breeds

1. Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever belongs to the breed group Retrievers, Spaniels and Water Dogs and was bred as a hunting dog to retrieve game. This much-seen breed is characterised by a short, strong build with a broad chest, broad hindquarters and broad head. They have a distinctive otter tail, meaning medium length with a thick base and covered with short and thick fur all around, giving the tail a round appearance. The coat is short and thick with a dense undercoat. Friendly, smart and affectionate, these dogs are eager to work for their owners. They are often difficult to keep out of the water.

2. Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog falls under the Pinschers, Schnauzers, Molossers and Mountain Dogs. They are large and strong dogs with a long coat in the typical Swiss Mountain Dogs colours: black with reddish brown and white markings on the head and chest, legs and tail tip. Bernese Mountain Dogs are confident, watchful, good-natured and fearless. Affectionate towards the family, but also friendly towards strangers. The temperament is more docile than the smaller mountain dogs.

3. Golden Retriever

Like the Labrador Retriever, the Golden Retriever falls under the Retrievers, Spaniels and Water Dogs. They are lively and strong dogs with happy smiles on their face. The coat is medium length and is dense and water-resistant. As the name implies, the coat’s colour is between gold and cream. They are reliable, friendly and affectionate dogs, smart and confident. They do need plenty of exercises outside.

4. Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a member of the hound breed group. A strong, muscular hunting dog, bred in Africa to hunt game in groups, even lions. They have great stamina and can reach speeds of up to 45 km per hour. They have a typical short red coat. They are very intelligent dogs, but they are not suitable for novice dog owners. They have a strong will of their own and therefore need a consistent upbringing from a confident owner.

5. Husky

The Husky is a member of the Spitz dog breed. It is a typical sled dog: physically strong and determined. They are dogs that are difficult to train and therefore certainly not suitable for the novice dog owner. They are dogs that need a lot of activity. They have a double coat, which makes them resistant to cold, and they come in all possible colours. They are dogs that enjoy company and are good with other dogs.

6. German Shepherd

The German Shepherd Dog falls within the Sheepdogs and Cattle Breeds group and is a working dog. They come in short-haired and long-haired variants, usually in the well-known black and brown colour mix. All black is also allowed. They are dogs that are easy to train and can perform many tasks, from guard dogs and police dogs to tracking dogs. They tend to respond well to voice commands. Stay consistent, because despite their loyalty to the owner, they can sometimes show dominant behaviour.

7. Weimaraner

The Weimaraner falls within the Sporting Group. A versatile hunting dog, which is easy to train. They can be short-haired, but there they also come in long-haired. Their coat colour is silver, taupe or mouse grey. The ears and head are usually a bit lighter in colour. They are calm and self-aware by nature.

8. Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is a dog from the group of Pinschers, Schnauzers, Molossers and Mountain Dogs. It is one of the oldest dog breeds we know. Originally used as herding dogs, they are now also used as service dogs and sports dogs. They are large, sturdy dogs. Powerful with great stamina. They have a short coat in a black and reddish-brown colour. They are originally friendly, peace-loving and child-friendly dogs. They like to work and are affectionate and obedient, but also confident and fearless and therefore not a dog for everyone. They need a good upbringing and strong leadership.

9. White Swiss Shepherd Dog

The White Swiss Shepherd Dog, as the name suggests, comes from the Shepherds and Cattle breed group. A strong and active dog with a typical white coat. They are intelligent and have a soft character and can therefore be a bit hesitant. They need a gentle, constructive and rewarding upbringing with consistent rules. They like to work for their owner and are therefore suitable for various dog sports and activities. They are real family dogs that get along with children.

10. Labradoodle

The Labradoodle is a popular dog that was bred as a cross between a Labrador and a Poodle. It is not (yet) a recognised breed. They are social, smart, sweet dogs that are easy to train. They have a lot of energy and love to be challenged. These dogs were originally bred as ‘hypoallergenic’ dogs because they would shed less or not shed at all. This only applies to the Australian Labradoodle. These are less common and a lot more expensive than the ‘standard’ labradoodle. So be well informed if you are considering a labradoodle because of an allergy to dogs. They are very suitable as a family dog, but also as an assistance dog for people with behavioural disorders or other special needs.