Top 10 Big Dog Breeds Every Young Couple Should Know About

In this blog post, I’m excited to share with you the top 10 big dog breeds every young couple should know about.

As a dog lover and an enthusiast of big dog breeds, I’ve always had a soft spot for these gentle giants. They bring so much love, loyalty, and joy to our lives.

Whether you’re a young couple just starting your life together or a single person looking for a new furry companion, big dog breeds can be an excellent choice. They may be sizable, but their hearts are even bigger.

I’ll not only introduce you to each of these magnificent breeds but also, since I’m a super fan of making pros and cons lists, I’ll tell you the good and the not-so-good of owning them. Let’s jump right into it!

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Top 10 Big Dog Breeds

1. Anatolian Shepherd

My dog is a mix of Anatolian Shepherd, that’s why it’s my top #1 on this list! I don’t usually make lists sorted by popularity when I’m talking about breeds or just in general. But, I personally think this one is the best of the top 10 big dog breeds every young couple should know about. Let me tell you why.

When my partner and I started living together, we adopted Chevy, he was almost 6 years old, and even though he had a rough life, he was and still is a big sweet boy. It’s true when they say dogs do not feel resentment and just want to feel loved.

Chevy taught us that everybody deserves a second chance. You can learn more about Chevy’s story in My Heartwarming Journey: Adopting a Dog post. Let’s see the Pros and Cons of owning an Anatolian Shepherd dog:

Pros:

• Loyal and protective, making them excellent guard dogs.
• Low grooming needs with a short coat. If I’m being honest, they may have short coats, but there is shedding, too, more than you would like. This grooming tool will help a lot!
• Known for their independence and intelligence.

Cons:

• Require early socialization and consistent training.
• Can be reserved around strangers, which may require extra attention.
• They may need a lot of exercise and space to roam. Personally, I think this applies to almost every dog. You can trust me when I say your dog will be much happier with a yard to run and play.

Anatolian Shepherds are strong, independent dogs with a natural instinct to protect their family and territory. They can be a wonderful addition to your home if you are experienced or new dog owners who can provide them with the necessary training and socialization.

2. Newfoundland

Pros:

• Gentle giants with a calm and loving disposition.
• Excellent swimmers and water rescuers.
• Great with kids and other pets.

Cons:

• Heavy shedding and grooming needs.
• Prone to certain health issues like hip dysplasia.
• Need a lot of space and exercise.

Newfoundlands are known for their sweet temperament and exceptional water skills. They are often referred to as “gentle giants” due to their massive size and kind-hearted nature. If you have a spacious home and love the idea of a big, fluffy cuddle buddy, the Newfoundland might be the perfect fit.

3. Great Dane

Pros:

• Friendly and affectionate with a sweet disposition.
• Low exercise needs despite their size.
• Ideal for apartment living due to their calm nature.

Cons:

• Prone to certain health issues and a shorter lifespan.
• Their size can be intimidating to some people.
• Early training and socialization are crucial.

Great Danes are one of the most iconic big dog breeds. They are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them a great choice for young couples who want a big, friendly companion. Despite their size, they don’t require as much exercise as you might think, which is perfect for those living in smaller spaces.

🛏️ Heads up—owning a gentle giant means upgrading your everything, starting with the bed. No, not your bed (though they’ll totally claim it 😏). A cozy, orthopedic dog bed like this one is a lifesaver for their joints and your couch.

4. Saint Bernard

Pros:

• Extremely friendly and good with kids.
• Easygoing and gentle temperament.
• Great for cold weather due to their thick coat.

Cons:

• Heavy shedding and grooming needs.
• Prone to certain health issues, especially related to their size.
• Drooling can be an issue.

Saint Bernards are lovable and gentle dogs, perfect for families and young couples. Their iconic appearance and affectionate personality make them a beloved choice. Just be prepared for some slobbery kisses and invest in a good vacuum for their shedding.

5. Irish Wolfhound

Pros:

• Gentle and friendly giants.
• Great with children and other pets.
• Moderate exercise needs despite their size.

Cons:

• Short lifespan, even for a large breed.
• Prone to bloat and heart issues.
• Limited availability and potential difficulties in finding a breeder.

Irish Wolfhounds are the gentle giants of the dog world. They have a calm and friendly disposition and can make wonderful family pets. However, their shorter lifespan is something to consider when bringing an Irish Wolfhound into your home.

6. Leonberger

Pros:

• Friendly and affectionate, great for families.
• Excellent with children and other pets.
• Adaptable to different living situations.

Cons:

• Heavy shedding and grooming needs.
• Prone to certain health issues like hip dysplasia.
• Require socialization and early training.

Leonbergers are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, making them an ideal choice for young couples and families. They are adaptable to different living situations, but their grooming needs can be quite demanding.

7. English Mastiff

Pros:

• Gentle and affectionate, especially with kids. This is perfect if you have a niece or nephew who visits occasionally.
• Low exercise needs and calm disposition.
• Excellent guard dogs due to their size and appearance.

Cons:

• Prone to obesity and related health issues.
• Short lifespan, even for a large breed.
• Slobbering and drooling can be significant.

English Mastiffs are often referred to as “gentle giants” for a good reason. They are incredibly affectionate and well-suited for families with children. However, they have some health concerns that potential owners should be aware of.

Pro tip: With a strong dog, your leash matters. This heavy-duty one has a padded handle and seriously strong hardware—because walking a 130-lb pup should feel like a stroll, not an arm workout.

8. German Shepherd

Pros:

• Intelligent and highly trainable.
• Loyal and protective, great guard dogs.
• Versatile in various roles, including as a family pet.

Cons:

• High exercise and mental stimulation needs.
• Grooming needs may vary based on coat type.
• Early socialization and training are essential.

German Shepherds are not as massive as some other breeds on this list, but they are incredibly intelligent and protective. They are excellent dogs for families and couples, but require consistent exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

You’ll need a low-feeder bowl like this one to help prevent bloat and keep mealtime from turning into a speed-eating contest.

9. Golden Retriever

Pros:

• Friendly, gentle, and affectionate.
• Ideal family dogs with a sweet temperament.
• Highly trainable and adaptable.

Cons:

• Shed a lot and require regular grooming.
• Prone to certain health issues like hip dysplasia. I suggest you ask your vet for the best dog food to help with this.
• Need to stay active to maintain a healthy weight.

Who doesn’t love Golden Retrievers? They may not be the largest dogs on this list, but they are certainly big-hearted.

I think Golden Retrievers are one, if not the most versatile and affectionate breed. Their friendly and loving nature makes them excellent for single people, couples, and families, especially for young couples starting a family.

10. Boxer

Pros:

• Playful and energetic, making them great for active couples.
• Excellent with children and other pets.
• Low grooming needs with a short coat.

Cons:

• Prone to certain health issues, particularly heart problems.
• Early training and socialization are crucial.
• May be too energetic for some owners.

Boxers are known for their playful and energetic nature. They are ideal for active couples who love to stay on the move. Their short coat also means minimal grooming, which is a plus for those looking for lower maintenance.

Why are these the top 10 big dog breeds?

In choosing these top 10 big dog breeds for young couples, I considered factors like temperament, exercise needs, grooming requirements, and health considerations.

It’s important to note that while these breeds have their unique pros and cons, individual dogs may vary in temperament and health, depending on their genetics and upbringing.

Big Dog Breeds Every Young Couple Should Know About – Summary

In this blog post, I’ve highlighted the top 10 big dog breeds that every young couple should consider when choosing a furry companion.

I’ve provided a list of these breeds and discussed the pros and cons of each, based on factors like:

• temperament,
• exercise needs,
• grooming requirements,
• and health considerations.

These breeds include:

• Anatolian Shepherd,
• Newfoundland,
• Great Dane,
• Saint Bernard,
• Irish Wolfhound,
• Leonberger,
• English Mastiff,
• German Shepherd,
• Golden Retriever,
• and Boxer.

Remember that owning a big dog comes with responsibilities. You should provide proper training, socialization, and medical care to ensure your furry friend lives a happy and healthy life.

Additionally, consider your living situation, lifestyle, and your ability to meet the specific needs of each breed when making your decision.

No matter which big dog breed you choose, the love and loyalty you’ll receive in return are boundless. These furry companions have the power to enrich your life in ways you can’t even imagine.

Do you know any other breeds to add to this top 10 big dog breeds above? Do you already have a big dog?

Big Dog Supplies 🐶

Planning ahead? Here are a few must-have pet supplies to make life with your big dog a breeze (and save your furniture in the process):

DOG FOOD – YEAH, PRobably buy This first (after asking your vet)

Slow Feeder Bowl – Because inhaling dinner is not a talent.

Orthopedic Dog Bed – For joint support + epic naps

Heavy-Duty Leash – Strong dog = strong leash

Pet Hair Vacuum – You’ll thank me later

Grooming tool – Finally a good one!

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