Large fluffy dogs: characteristics, varieties, selection and care
![Large fluffy dogs: characteristics, varieties, selection and care](https://fashion.decorexpro.com/images/article/croppedtop/450-255/2019/04/bolshie-pushistye-sobaki-harakteristika-raznovidnosti-vybor-i-uhod-30.jpg)
Large fluffy dogs - owners of great charm and inexhaustible kindness of soul. For centuries, breeds with shaggy hair have been bred to graze livestock, guard trade caravans, and transport heavy loads in sleighs. Many of them are able to sleep in the snow, swim in icy water and still feel great. But there are also real sissies among the giants who need only home maintenance.
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The variety of furry dog breeds is really great. But even among them there are real giants, looking at whom it is difficult to believe in the peaceful nature of the animal. Who are they - fluffy giants with the most luxuriant coat? Who should be started only in a country house and what rules of maintenance should be taken into account?
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Features, pros and cons
A large dog in the house is a real protector, a solid guard, one of its kind that instills fear in strangers. At the same time, among giant breeds, phlegmatic, balanced and calm animals are often found, capable of becoming loyal friends, good nannies, reliable companions on hikes and walks.
Keeping large animals has its own characteristics.
A large fluffy dog may have an abundant undercoat and require combing regularly or changing the coat several times a year... In addition, she needs in special conditions of detention. The animal needs space, comfortable living conditions. Many breeds have joint problems typical for owners of heavy bones, need a soft bed and special food. All this should be taken into account before the animal appears in the house.
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Among the advantages of keeping a large fluffy dog are:
- obtaining wool for making yarn, many manage to build a business on this;
- the opportunity to receive admiring glances from others every day;
- almost always - good contact with the pet;
- good protective and guarding properties, the possibility of enclosure keeping;
- safety during a walk - even an inveterate bully will not want to contact the giant.
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There are also disadvantages. These usually include significant expenses for maintenance and food. The time spent on caring for the animal and walking it will also increase. In addition, not all visitors will want to contact a new family member. Difficulties may arise with the visit of a plumber or other representative of utilities, mail delivery. And the guests, in the presence of such a guard, would rather offer to meet on neutral territory.
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Popular breeds
It is difficult to mention all the names of black dogs with long hair, white, red and more complex color animals. But it is quite possible to compose a top of popular breeds with a rather lush fur coat and large sizes.
The most shaggy
The hairiest dog is definitely to be found among the herding breeds. Here you can highlight Hungarian Shepherd - with "curls" curling into cords and the domestic South Russian Shepherd Dog. Has a similar appearance and bobtail - Old English Sheepdogs look impressive, and their lush hairstyle has become the breed's calling card.
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The blackest
Among the big fluffy dogs, the title of the blackest can easily be obtained by two breeds at once. One of them - black terrier, has a very complex character and needs strict education. It is classified as a sentry, most often grown and kept in service nurseries.
The exact opposite of black terriers is newfoundland or diver... Charcoal-black dogs with lush coat grow up to 74 cm, have a calm character, balanced psyche, easily get along with people and swim well. The animal is suitable for use as a companion.
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Longest-haired
If the longest haired of the large dogs is chosen, this title will be easily obtained. Afghan hound. This long-haired breed has a magnificent, graceful build. For many years, she was an integral human companion on the hunt.
The length of the wool of modern Afghans, with proper care, can reach half a meter or more, it literally flows when the animal moves.
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The largest
Tibetan mastiff Is a name well known outside of Asia. This breed is one of the largest in the world, the height at the withers reaches 77 cm, dogs are not afraid of snow and cold, they tolerate outdoor maintenance well. Dogs are strongly attached to the owner, but they can hardly stand the company of children. They have a well-developed guard-guard instinct. The abundant coat requires careful grooming.
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The most redhead
The title of the most reddish of the big and fluffy dogs, of course, deserves Golden retriever. This breed is distinguished by thick wavy hair, with a dense undercoat that does not allow water to pass through. Dogs swim well, have a friendly, cheerful disposition. Ideal companions - they are suitable for families with children, people with disabilities.
Their high intelligence and docile nature make Golden Retrievers a good choice for home keeping.
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To argue for the title of the most reddish dog with fluffy hair among large breeds is ready and collie. Scottish Shepherds can have a different shade of coat - black and tan, chestnut, marble. The high requirements for caring for animals remain unchanged.
In terms of intelligence and interaction with a person, collies are not inferior to a retriever.
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The most serious
There will definitely be two leaders here. Big fluffy dogs - Alabai and Caucasian Shepherd Dog - they are distinguished by their independence of character, they shed quite abundantly, they are suitable for carrying out protective, guard duty. They are suitable only for experienced dog breeders, they need a firm hand, iron discipline. It is worth preparing for the fact that you will have to comb the animals at least 2 times a week.
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The most good-natured
When it comes to choosing fluffy giants, it's impossible to forget about St. Bernard - dogs with an innate nobility, love for people. Their lush coat is designed for long journeys in the snowy Alps. In the city, non-show dogs are often cut short for the summer to avoid overheating.
Good character and love for children make St. Bernards good family pets.
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Traits
Fluffy dogs of large sizes are usually divided into several subgroups, focused on their working qualities and characteristics of temperament. Such a dog should not be cowardly or overly vicious. For families with children, a kind dog is suitable, capable of responding well to training. Lovers of sports and physical activity among the furry giants also have companions. The classification itself in this case will look like this.
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Guards and guard animals
Among the owners of fluffy hair, there are not so many such dogs. it Caucasian and South Russian Shepherd Dogs, Black Terrier, Tibetan Mastiff.
For dogs of this type, distrust of strangers is characteristic, they often choose one master for themselves and obey only him.
The hierarchy of communication resembles the one that is built in a wolf pack - you need to constantly prove to the animal that it is not in a leading position.
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Family breeds
They are light-hearted, easily attached to a person, and never harm children. Among the top breeds in this category are Newfoundlands and St. Bernards, golden retrievers, Leonberger. By nature, they are more often sanguine or phlegmatic, have a balanced psyche, are non-aggressive, but are able to protect a person and a house if necessary.
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Active companions
With such a dog, you will have to prepare for long walks - collies demand them, Afghan Hound, Bobtail, Samoyed. The companions have a temperament ranging from choleric to sanguine, they are calm and cheerful, but they can pretty much tire the owner with a thirst for communication or loud barking.
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Independent Shepherds
Komondors, South Russian, Old English Sheepdogs, Bullets and other typical shepherd dogs and outwardly resemble the long-unshorn inhabitants of the sheepfold. In addition to good disguise, they have a fairly independent character. And although many of these dogs are kept at home without much difficulty, they feel best during the free grazing of the herd.
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How to choose?
If from the very beginning it is planned to choose a breed of dog that combines large sizes and a fluffy coat, you should pay attention to what kind of housing conditions await the pet.
If the dog is planned to be kept outdoors, in an aviary or in a separate house, it is worth choosing breeds with a thick undercoat that do not freeze on the street even with a significant drop in temperatures.
Suitable for such conditions of detention Caucasian, Central Asian Shepherd Dogs.
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Not all long-haired dogs tolerate cold well.
Afghan hounds, bobtails, wolfhounds do not have a well-developed undercoat. With the onset of cold weather, they are not too inclined to stay outside. Scottish Shepherd Dogs, St. Bernards and Newfoundlands require home maintenance.
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When choosing a breed, it is very important to pay attention to the characteristics of the housing.
It is recommended to keep large and giant dogs in country houses, spacious city apartments. Owners of an abundant coat leave it everywhere and grow rather quickly. An adorable two month old puppy can quickly become a big problem if you don't take care of his placement and education in advance.
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Another important point: almost all representatives of large breeds are working dogs and need constant training.
It is good if such a pet will use its instincts as directed. Otherwise, the family of their master will graze and raise the dogs. The correct approach to training is also of great importance here. Raising a pet and a pet from a large animal will definitely not work.
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Basic rules of content
Any long-haired dog breed needs to be kept in the right conditions. Among the mandatory requirements for large fluffy animals, the following can be noted.
- Regular brushing of the coat. Dogs do not need to be trimmed in most cases. But you will have to comb out regularly, those living in the house - after each walk, street ones - during the period of abundant molting. If the dog does not participate in exhibitions, we can admit arbitrary grooming of wool at the request of the owner. With show bobtails or Afghan hounds, you will have to spend much more time on grooming.
- Health monitoring. For fluffy healthy people, the development of inflammation of the joints, osteochondrosis, and infectious ear diseases is characteristic. Dogs with bulging eyes can develop conjunctivitis and other inflammatory conditions. Animals with abundant hair should not spend much time in the sun to avoid overheating and heatstroke.
- Correct diet... Dogs need a balanced diet with good proportions of vitamins and minerals that are high in calories but not fatty. To ensure that heat exchange is not disturbed, animals must have free access to clean and fresh water. The optimal nutritional solution is ready-made feed.
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Fluffy good-natured giants are one of the most pleasant representatives of the canine world in communication. Whichever breed is chosen, with the right upbringing, it will be possible to get a devoted friend for many years.
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Watch a video on the topic.