Large smooth-haired dogs: description of breeds and care features
When it comes to choosing a dog, future owners may find themselves confused by the sheer number of breeds and colors that exist. In this article, the frames will be quite narrow, because we will be talking about large smooth-haired varieties. Despite the fact that some of the breeds are automatically eliminated according to the parameters set, you still have a huge number of possible options and you will have to think carefully, study the characters, behavior and care, before you decide.
Remember, you are responsible for your pet, so choose wisely, taking into account all the nuances that we will try to dwell on in more detail.
Characteristic
Of course, large breeds are most often chosen not only for the call of the heart, but also for protection. With such a pet, it is not scary to stay at home alone, he can be entrusted with the protection of the site, some are very positive about looking after pets for children. A large dog in a family is definitely a good helper, but it will require proper housing conditions. Such dogs live quite a long time, on average about 12 years (rarely more than 18 years), so you need to be prepared for long-term relationships and care.
A large dog needs the following:
- separate space for rest and sleep in sufficient quantity;
- a place for physical activity if you have a private home or have enough time with the owner to take daily walks;
- full and balanced nutrition.
Important! Since only short-haired breeds are considered, frequent combing can be ruled out, but grooming, timely doctor visits, vaccinations and bathing cannot be discounted.
Varieties
It is worth considering in more detail, what breeds belong to large smooth-haired dogs.
- Dogo Argentino. Like any Great Dane, this dog looks like a real aristocrat. Mostly it is found with a white color, but sometimes individuals with black specks come across. It is both elegant and quite powerful dog, with massive limbs and an impressive chest. The character is calm, restrained, but at the same time the dog will be very active and make you run, whether you like it or not. The growth of the Great Dane on average reaches 70 centimeters, and the normal weight of an adult dog is 65 kg.
- Dalmatian. Charming and unique in its color breed originally from Croatia. Initially, the dog was bred for hunting, so it is active, hardy, quick and graceful. At the same time, the owners often note the wayward nature of these beauties and an insistent thirst for attention. Training must be supervised by a professional. The average height of males is about 60 cm, and their weight is about 32 kilograms.
For interesting facts about the breed, see below.
- Doberman. This dog is not simple, most often it is used as a service dog. She has a memorable black-brown color, powerful muscles. Doberman Pinscher lends itself well to training, so it can often be found on the protection of objects, including those with increased danger, for example, prisons. The average height reaches 72 cm, and the normal weight fluctuates around the 45 kg mark.
- Rottweiler. In color, it is similar to the Doberman: the prevailing black shade interspersed with red or brown. Initially, the dog was bred for the supervision of sheep, a breed originally from Germany. Despite the origin, the Rottweiler has a very complex character, and in the absence of professional training, it quickly loses control. Outwardly, such dogs can be called stocky, their height rarely reaches more than 68 cm, and their weight should be within 56 kg. Another point to be aware of in advance - unfortunately, this breed is more prone to skin and cancer diseases than other dogs. In this regard, their average life expectancy reaches 10 years.
- French mastiff. This breed is also called the Dogue de Bordeaux. This is a very good family dog of brown color with a wonderful good-natured, completely non-conflicting disposition. The breed is quite massive and, moreover, prone to rapid weight gain, so you need to carefully monitor the diet of the mastiff. Since the pet often becomes a favorite member of the family, where everyone is trying to feed the adorable, you need to adhere to strict rules in the diet and try to give preference to a strict schedule and professional food. Normal weight will be considered to be in the region of 54 kg with an increase in the region of 68 cm.
- Neapolitan mastiff - This is another good-natured breed of short-haired dogs. The most popular color is gray. Hanging ears, wrinkled forehead and drooping cheeks are considered to be characteristic external features. The breed has a low level of aggression, despite the fact that in the past it was often used in gladiatorial dog fights. Nowadays, many people choose such a pet for family and home protection. Training is recommended as the dog can feel bossy and stubborn. It reaches a height of approximately 75 cm, and its normal weight is practically equal to its height.
- Ca de bou. These are interesting, very social four-legged, very intelligent, well-trained, but independent pets. Growth on average reaches 56 cm, and the normal weight does not go beyond 35 kg. The color can be different: in the classic version it is fawn, but it can be brindle or black. If you need more than just a friend, but an assistant and security guard, the ca de bou is a great choice.
- South African Boerboel. From the list presented, this breed is perhaps the most massive. Their weight can reach 90 kg, and their height will be no more than 60 cm.Broad forehead, powerful limbs, thick tail, muscular dense neck. Boerboel is a very strong-willed and rather tough four-legged friend. A soft-bodied owner is not at all suitable for such a dog. The owner must match, the dog must be brought up in severity, but, of course, not without love.
What species can be kept in the apartment?
Despite the fact that smooth-haired dogs are generally inclined to become part of the family and settle in the house, not all large breeds are designed to be kept in the house. A large dog needs plenty of room to live. If the apartment becomes the main location, the pet will need a place to walk, relax, play and eat. In fact, such a dog will need a separate room and free access to other sections of the apartment.
The most successful breeds for urban dwellings are German Dobermans. - discreet, friendly and family dogs.
Another option is the smooth-haired labrador retriever. Chances are, you are familiar with the playful and good-natured nature of this breed. Often, due to their nature, these dogs are used as guide dogs.
To understand how a pet will behave, it is important not only to read all possible information about it, but also to observe its parents, if you have the opportunity.
Evaluate your strength, remember that a new friend will have to walk, wash, feed, train and have a timely medical examination. We hope that you will become good owners, and soon another wonderful dog will have his own home.