Could a big dog, like the German Shepherd pictured above be your perfect dog?

Pros and Cons

Big dogs are almost always sweet, lovable companions, but there are some problems to every dog. Big dogs need a lot of space. They love running around, and need a lot of space to do so. They also have to be taken for constant walks, and the bigger the dog, the more drool. But, there are also upsides to owning a big dog. All of them will play fetch, and swim in lakes and ponds with you. I can't see a Shih Tzu doing that!

Common Breeds of Big Dogs

German Shepherds

German Shepards were.originally bred as sheep herders, and are the result of many attempts to produe a good sheep hearding dog. They have also been used as police dogs, and as war dogs for many years, because of their large size, and guard dog like nature. German Shepherds are one of the most intelligent breeds, and is very easy to train. It is also one of the most loyal dogs. It's coat needs brushing once or twice weekly at the absolute most.

Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers were created by Lord Tweedmouth in the mid 1800's. The Golden Retriever is extremely friendly, and known for it's obedience. Goldens need daily physical and mental exercise. Ignoring that can lead to behavior problems. Goldens enjoy games that involve fetching (or retrieving) objects, and likes carring things in it's mouth. Goldens are very easy to train, and enjoy swimming. They do not make very good watchdogs, because of their friendly nature. It's coat needs twice weekly brushing.

Labrador Retrievers (Labs)

Labrador Retrievers were bred in Newfoundland, (Not Labrador), in the early 1800's. They were originally called "Lessers" or "St. Jhon's Newfoundlands." When they were brought to Britian, breeders scorned the yellow and chocolate colors, and treated the black Labs like kings. By 1900, the other colors had become more popular, but not as loved as the black Labs.  Labs are the most popular dogs in America, and yellow Labs are sometimes mistaken for Golden Retrievers. Goldens have a more feathery tail, and body. Labs have shorter fur. Labs are very playful and affectionate,and easy to train. Their coat needs weekly brushing to remove dead hair.

Samoyeds

Samoyeds originated in Siberia, which is part of Russia.. The first Samoyed came to America in 1906, as a gift from Russia's Grand Duke, Nicholas. The breed quickly became a popular sled dog. The Samoyed is both gentile and playful. It bonds closely to one family, and gets along well with strangers and other pets. The Samoyed is quite calm indoors, but being clever and mischievious, it needs physical and mental excercise daily. When bored, it will bark, and dig. It is stubborn and independent, but makes a good pet. It's coat  needs brushing and combing two or three times a week or daily when shedding. It needs a colder climate because of it's long fur. NOTE: Because of it's herding origins (although placed in the Working Group by the American Kennel Club (AKC)) it tends to heard children.

Huskies

There are two kinds of Husky, the Siberian Husky, and the Alaskan Husky. Both are big dogs with curly tails. They require cold air like Samoyeds, and are best kept up North. The Alaskan Husky is a rarer breed than the Siberian Husky, so if getting a Husky, you will most likley get a Siberian Husky. The Siberian Husky (like the Samoyed) originated in Sibeiria (hence the name), which is part of Russia. Huskies are sled dogs, mainly used for sled racing. It is one of the most popular of the arcitic breed. It is also known as an Arctic Husky. Huskies are fun-loving, alert, extremely adventurous, independent, stubborn, mischevious, and clever. Some Huskies will howl, dig, and chew, so be prepared for that if you decide to get one. Huskies are very active dogs, because they were bred to run for miles without getting tired. It needs a lot of exercise. It was also bred to stay warm, so one can only get a Husky if you live up North, in a cold climate. It's coat needs to be brushed at least once or twice a week, and daily during the times when it sheds the most.

Dalmations

Dalmations are the most distinctly patterned dogs. They originated in Yugoslavia in Ancient times. Dalmations have been used as firefighting dogs. Dalmations were bred to run for miles, and is extremely enthusiastic.They are extremely affectionate dogs, and must get daily exercise if it is expected to not become extremely bored. It can be aggressive towards dogs that it has never seen before, and is a bit to entergetic for young children. The Dalmation's coat needs very little brushing, but if the coat IS brushed freiquently, it will help remove dead hair.

Collies

Collies are big, VERY thick-furred dogs. They are very famous because of their use in books, such as Lad: A Dog, and Lassie Come Home.

Great Danes

Great Danes are very large dogs. They have been used in the movie, "Marmaduke" and the cartoon character, Scooby Doo is a Great Dane.