Overview
A giant dog breed is a breed of dog that is known for its large size and weight that can exceed . Breeds sometimes described as giant breeds include the Great Dane, Newfoundland, St. Bernard, the Irish Wolfhound and the Kuvasz. These breeds have seen a marked increase in their size since the nineteenth century as a result of selective breeding.
History
These breeds have increased in size due to selective breeding. People bred dogs with certain characteristics like height, strength and calm behavior. For example, the Great Dane was bred in Germany to hunt boars, deer and bears. Similarly, the St. Bernard was created for a particular reason – to help rescue travelers in heavy snow in the mountains – and is known for its reliability and loyalty to those it rescues.
Health
Giant dogs often struggle with health problems. One significant issue is their short lifespan. Most of these giant dogs live between six and ten years. One example is the Great Dane, which often only lives up to eight years. Giant dogs also have problems with their bones, joints and hearts.
See also
*Selective breeding *