Hercules was recently awarded the honorable distinction of Worlds Biggest Dog by Guinness World Records. Hercules is an English Mastiff and has a 38 inch neck and weighs 282 pounds.
With "paws the size of softballs" (reports the Boston Herald), the three-year-old monster is far larger and heavier than his breed's standard 200lb. limit. Hercules owner Mr. Flynn says that Hercules weight is natural and not induced by a bizarre diet: "I fed him normal food and he just grew".... and grew. and grew.
Color: White with red or red with white, brindle patches with white markings
Temperment: Saints are friendly, tolerant, and attention needing dogs.
About the Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard, also known as the Alpine Mastiff, is a native of Switzerland. In hopes of keeping the rescue reputation of this breed, the Bernadine Monks have raised Saint Bernards for rescue and draft work since the 1600s.
Today the Saint Bernard is used mainly as a companion dog.
The Saint Bernard is a very loving and kind dog who is excellent with families. They love children and their leisurely manner and patience makes them a perfect match. They are dedicated to their family and will do whatever is needed to please them. They are very intelligent and moderately easy to train though the training must be started young. They are not territorial but will protect their family when needed. Early socialization is key, though they do get along with other animals.
Saint Bernards have a huge head with wrinkles above the eyes that are more visible when the dog is alert. Their muzzle is short and wide showing the flews on the lower jaw. They have a black nose with wide nostrils and black lips. Their ears are round and triangular shaped which show off their medium sized, dark brown eyes. Their tail is very strong, lengthy and heavy and has a slight curve at the end. They have very powerful legs that are straight with wide paws and high set toes. These dogs come in two varieties, short coat and long coat. Short coat Saints have short, smooth hair while long coats have rougher, lengthier coats that may be wavy in appearance. The traditional colors are white with red, red with white, or brindle with white patches. White markings are also on the chest, feet, tail, nose, collar and forehead.
The Saint Bernard is prone to elbow and hip dysplasia as well as heart problems, skin problems, bloat and eye problems.
These lovable dogs can live successfully in an apartment though daily exercise is required. Like other big dogs with flews, they can drool and be messy eaters.
Color: Solid black, brown, gray, white base coat with black or solid black with white markings
Temperment: Newfs are kind, friendly, protective, and loyal dogs whose hallmark trait is sweetness.
Origins: From Newfoundland, Canada, this water dog was used on ships and for rescuing.
About the Newfoundland and Landseer
The Newfoundland dog, also known and affectionately called the newf or newfie, originated in Canada as a working water dog to help the fisherman in all types of weather. They were used to pull both boats and nets of fish to shore as well as occasionally saving the life of an overboard sea man.
Today the Newfoundland is still used for many traditional duties in combination with being a companion dog. Some of their duties include water rescue, draft work, and therapy work.
The Newfoundland Temperment and Intelligence
A Newfoundland is known for its sweet disposition and natural lifesaving abilities. They are friendly, loving and generally good natured dogs who love to be around their family members. They are more alert when they sense danger and will protect those they love when they need to. Usually, the dog will not bark or growl to protect their owner but rather put themselves in front of their owner for protection. When in the presence of water, these dogs are on guard and always looking out for someone who can't swim. The instinct they have is so strong that they can often be found circling a pool just in case anything should happen. If a child is near water and they are unsure of their abilities, they will always place themselves between the water and the child. Extremely intelligent and dignified, this breed learns quickly how to please his owner and will go above and beyond what is expected of him. These dogs form such a bond with their family that they usually can't ever bond to others like they have to their first family.
Newf Details and Characteristics
The Newfoundland has a large head with dark brown, deep set eyes, small and heavy ears with rounded tips and face free of wrinkles. Their tail follows the natural line of their back and full of flowing fur. It may hang down straight when relaxed or curl up when excited. Their legs are sturdy and strong and sit atop the large, circular paws with webbed toes. Their backs of the legs also contain well flowing fur which separates them from most dogs. The Newfoundland has a water resistant double coat that protects it in the cold ocean water. The outer coat is somewhat coarse and may either be straight or wavy. The undercoat is soft and is less prominent in the warmer months of the year. Fur on the face and muzzle is soft and smooth. The coat of comes in several colors both solid and Landseer. Solid colors include black, brown, gray though white may be seen on their chin, chest, toes, or tip of the tail. Landseer Newfoundland's have a white base coat with black markings.
Newfoundland and Landseer Health Concerns
The Newfoundland is prone to elbow and hip dysplasia as well as heart conditions.
Newfies Have Drool Rags for Good Reason
Newfoundland's are not dogs for those who are neat and tidy or for those who like alone time. They are very messy water drinkers and drool a lot. They love to be in the presence of company and are enjoy the spotlight. They are quick to train but move slowly so that must be taken into consideration when training. They will do fine in an apartment because they are generally lazy dogs, but they require regular exercise to keep them in shape. Misc: Common names also include Newf and Newfy or Newfie.
Color: Solid coat of gray (blue), black, mahogany, tawny, some brindling allowed
Temperment: Neos are steady, loyal, always watchful, and calm yet weary.
About the Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff, also referred to as the Neo, has existed since ancient times but was discovered in the 1940s in Central Italy. These giant dogs were originally used as livestock guarding and fighting dogs.
Today, the Neo is primarily used as a companion and guard dog.
The Neapolitan Mastiff Temperment and Intelligence
Neapolitan Mastiffs may appear frightening at first glance but they are actually very loving to their family members. They are very affectionate and kind to their owners, yet they are extremely protective and possessive of them. The Neo needs early socialization and training because the males can be dominant. Though usually docile in the home, they will become aggressive when needed and don�t respond well to teasing by children. The need to have proper obedience training as well to calm the natural instinct to guard all of the time.
Neapolitan Mastiff Characteristics
The Neapolitan Mastiff is characterized by its massive size and loose skin all over its body. Its face is made of several large wrinkles and folds that almost hide the deep set brown eyes of this dog. Their ears may or may not be cropped depending on the owner of the dog. Due to health reasons however, the ears usually are cropped. Their nose is large with open nostrils and is identical in color with the coat of the dog, as is the muzzle which is wide and full of wrinkles. Their lips are long, heavy, and wrinkled as well though the flews of the dog are allowed to be seen. The Neo�s tail is tapered and is docked about 1/3 of the way down. The legs of the dog are stocky and powerful with loose skin on the front leg elbows. They have both front and rear dew claws although the back one must be removed. Their very large paws are round and very strong with arched toes. Though they many come in many colors, the most common colors are solid short coats of gray, black, mahogany, and tawny, though occasionally brindles may be found. A typical male is 26-31 inches tall and 150-180 pounds while females are 24-29 inches tall and 110-140 ponds.
Neapolitan Mastiff Health Concerns
Neapolitans are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia and cherry eye.
Choosing an Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff needs a very dominant owner who can properly train him at a young age. They are highly intelligent and learn quickly but do tend to test their boundaries often. They don�t need a lot of exercise so they are suitable for apartment living. They are also not a dog for those who are extremely neat and tidy because they are very messy eaters and water drinkers.
Temperment: Mastiffs are courageous, docile, dignified, and good natured dogs.
Origins: An English dog known as a fighter and guard dog.
About the Mastiff & English Mastiff
Originating in Great Britain, the Mastiff, also known as the English Mastiff, was originally used as a military and fighting dog.
Today the Mastiff is known for being a loving companion and a trusted guard dog.
The English Mastiff Temperment and Intelligence
Mastiffs are very easygoing and gentle dogs who are very protective and possessive of their family. They are very careful and observant when strangers are present. They are great with children and love to please and hang out with their family. If they sense trouble however, they will bark and not let the predator near their family until they are reassured it is ok. They may be difficult to train so early obedience is suggested as well as early socialization because they can be aggressive with other animals.
English Mastiff Characteristics
The Mastiff has dark eyes that are set wider apart from each other. They have small, thick ears which are also set wide apart. The dark muzzle is short and broad, as is the nose which displays flat nostrils. The tail tapers down and is slightly curled at the end. They have large round feet, with black toe nails. The coarse top coat is short and should be straight at all times. Though colors vary, this breed is usually fawn, apricot or brindle. If the dog is brindle, then it should have fawn or apricot as a background and should have dark stripes throughout the body. Males average about 31-34 inches tall and 180-200 pounds while the females are about 27-29 inches tall and 140-160 pounds.
English Mastiff Health Concerns
The Mastiff is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia as well as bloat, heart problems, and other intestinal problems.
Choosing an English Mastiff
Generally lazy dogs, the Mastiff will do fine in an apartment but needs exercise daily. They can be difficult to control so it is not recommended as a dog for a novice owner.
Temperment: Great Danes are spirited, courageous, friendly and dependable.
Origins: German dog known for being a abttle dog, cart dog, watch dog, and bodyguard.
About the Great Dane
The Great Dane, also known as the German Mastiff and Deutsche Dogge, is a German dog who was used in the Middle Ages as a war dog and large mammal hunter. They were called the “Apollo” of dogs because of their ability to overtake such strong animals.
The Great Dane Temperment and Intelligence
Today Great Danes are used mainly as companion dogs because of their loving and gentle ways. They are exceptional dogs to have with children and families. They are still used as guard dogs though it is not as prevalent of a use as that of the companion dog. Great Danes are stately, gentle, elegant, and affectionate dogs that exuberate strength and power. They are always friendly and reliable, yet spirited and brave. They love to be around people and are excellent with children. They tend to be wonderful watchdogs and don’t bark unless they need to alert someone. Training may be demanding so it is best to start early with this breed.
Great Dane Characteristics
Great Danes have a chiseled looking head with deep set, dark, medium sized eyes. Their ears are set high and fold forward. They usually have black noses except when they are Blue in which case their nose is blue-black or spotted on the Harlequin. They have thick lips, short dense coat and a long tapering tail. They come in a variety of colors including brindle, fawn, blue, black, harlequin and mantle. Brindle Danes have a yellow gold base color with brindle stripes throughout and usually have a black mask. Fawn Danes also have a yellow gold base with a black mask but the yellow gold color should stand out the most. Blue Danes look steel blue while the Black Danes look shiny black. Harlequin Danes need to have a white base with patches of black throughout the dog’s body. Mantle Danes are black and white with a solid black blanket over the body and a white muzzle. On average, males are about 120 to 200 pounds and 30-34 inches tall. Females are about 100-130 pounds and 28-32 inches tall.
Great Dane Health Concerns
Great Danes do not generally live very long lives as they a plagued with health problems more so than other breeds. They have a huge problem with dysplasia, arthritis, tumors, bloat, heart disease, and tail injuries.
Choosing a Great Dane
Great Danes can flourish in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors but do need plenty of daily exercise.
Reviews:
What are Great Danes Like?
Many people will ask this and other questions so some of our members have contributed to help those interested, understand what it's like to live with this breed. See the below accounts:
Great Dane Personal Account - By Stella
My Great Dane truly reflects the term gentle giant, and it is one of the things I most love about him. He is slow in everything he does, from eating to anger, but if you raise his temper, and mess with those he loves, watch out. He is formidable in anger and yet toddlers can safely play at his feet.
There are many people impressed with the grace, size and regal bearing of the great dane, but owners should beware, they are not the dog for everyone. The one characteristic that is a must for dane owners is a sense of humor.
If a clean, drool free house and clothing is a must, look elsewhere. If the disappearance of the unattended Sunday roast from the counter is earth shattering and the occasional bloody nose or broken toes from large dog exuberance is daunting, look elsewhere. If, however, unconditional love, devotion and charm in an extra large package is your bag, welcome to the Great Dane fold. You will never be sorry.
- Stella
Great Dane Personal Account - By Angela
What to say about the Great Dane? They're big dogs. However, only strangers truly know how enormous they are, as they will seem normal to their family (All the other dogs in existence are just incredibly tiny) and the dogs themselves are completely oblivious to their size.
I was talking with a friend last night about dogs I liked but would never have, and why I love my Dane baby. I'm a lazy person who has sporadic bursts of intense activity. ie: I usually sit at the computer all day and randomly I'll want to go for a run or something. Danes are the perfect dog for this, because they CAN be active, but they don't HAVE to be.
Living with a Dane is interesting to be sure. They think that they're people and need to be treated as such. They're always involved in what you're doing, you'd think you couldn't trip over a dog the size of a dinette table but you do. Over and over again.
Seeing Danes in rescue is heart breaking to me as almost all of them are in there simply for being themselves. People drop them off citing "He got too big" (You got a GREAT DANE! What'd you think would happen?), or "She's too clingy" (Danes are people oriented dogs, any half hearted research would tell you this). Wanna know what life is like with a Dane? Take your most embarrassing moment. Multiply it by ten. You'll go through something like this every week or so. If you are obsessed with decorum, don't get a Dane. If you are driven by owning rare and exotic things (And keeping them intact), don't get a Dane. If your home would be featured on Better Homes and Gardens (And you don't have to clean obsessively for 3 weeks straight prior to the shoot), if any of your furniture, carpets or fixtures are white, don't get a Dane. If your reason behind wanting this animal is solely their grace, nobility and dignity, you'll be very disappointed, so don't get a Dane.
Sanity is my world, and I'm his. As crazy as it sounds, it's the most humbling experience to know that this massive beast's entire life is devoted to you. I guess something I read once really stuck with me and sums up the whole Dane thing. "Other dogs love you but a Dane is IN love with you."
