Large Dogs Breeds
Large dogs are magnificent, impressive and undoubtedly useful. They also often attract the wrong owners, reminding one of the old adage that there are no bad dogs, only bad owners.
The right reasons for wanting a large dog are that you like and admire them, you want to work a specific type at the task for which it was bred, you need a guard, you aim to enter obedience competitions or you wish to have a large, lovable pet for the family.
Any of these reasons is acceptable, provided that you select a breed carefully, have adequate space and are able to give the dog the liberal feeding and exercise it will probably need.
Don't buy a large, ferocious-looking animal because you are a timid type and think that having a German Shepherd Dog on a chain will have the immediate effect of making you feel, and look, 10ft (3m) tall, or if you've never owned a dog before, do not buy a German Shepherd Dog thinking it is some kind of supercharged burglar alarm.
It is an intelligent animal that likes a job to do. It is loyal and affectionate, and although it has a guarding instinct don't leave it about the house all day getting bored.
The Rottweiler and Dobermann also make excellent guards, but settle for an Airedale bitch if you want your guard dog as a part-time children's nanny or leave the kids with a lovable, reliable St Bernard. Big dogs whelp easier than small ones and generally have large litters.
Most are good-natured, but they benefit from firm, but kindly, discipline in puppyhood and attendance at dog training classes.
Large dogs - with a few noted exceptions - tend to resemble large, aggressive men who become putty in the little woman's hands and revel in companionship and fondling almost as much as in vigorous outdoor activity.
A picture that will always remain in my memory is of a small child, fast asleep on a bench at Crufts, cuddled up to the protective, majestic body of an Irish Wolfhound. That massive dog was living up to its breed's reputation of 'gentle when stroked, fierce when provoked'. The little girl could not have been in safer company.