The 10 Largest Dog Breeds

[buksida]

Ours is a beach dog that we rescued years ago. He must be about 12 now, eats pretty much what we do (no fancy tinned food) and still runs around like a loon on occasion. Soi dogs, if looked after, can outlive the breeds above it seems.

[Big Boy]

Yes, we had a few dogs in the UK that achieved a good age. Our Rottweiler has reached a remarkable age, which I didn't realize until a few weeks ago (I actually thought all dogs reached at least 15). Going through the heartache every 8 years seems crazy, when a bog standard Heinz model will easily manage double that.

The other thing that I've noticed is the dog experience is better with multiple dogs - we have 3. The middle dog (a Heinz), daughter of our Rottweiler, and a dog I rescued from a forum advert (terrier/poodle cross). The each have their own characters, sometimes hate each other, but their comradeship is amazing. They hunt as a pack, and protect each other if attacked. OK, we feed them etc., but they really look after themselves. More importantly, they look after us - fantastic guard dogs.

Downside is, the water man, the post man, the electricity man, etc., etc. refuse to come to our house because they are too scared. When the exterminator comes each week, we've literally got to escort him because he's so terrified - even wet himself on one visit. If they smell fear, they really play it for all they can get away with. In the beginning, our odd job man used to come over the back wall to avoid them. He's overcome his fear now, thankfully. I must add, they've never bitten anybody - bark worse than their bite scenario.

[Dannie Boy]

We have to chain our two dogs up when we get unknown visitors - you can never be too careful!!