Saint Bernard

Origin : Switzerland, Middle Ages
Weight: 110-180 lbs
Height: 24-29 inches

Saint bernards are amazingly big and easygoing dogs, but due to their impressive size they can look a bit awkward. They are quiet and peaceful, love children and are not built for active and rapid games. Saint bernards will need all of your attention, so if you spend days in the office, this dog is not for you. They are tremendously strong and, of course, they require a good bit of space.

Most likely, the ancestor of the Saint Bernard was the Alpine Mastiff, which was a pretty aggressive breed. They were used as working dogs and scouts. Nowadays they are considered excellent home companions.

Great Dane

Origin: Germany, Middle Ages – XIX century
Weight: 90-120 lbs
Height: 27-32 inches

Great danes are beautiful and majestic animals, with a gentle and loving nature. They love to play with children and participate in all family events and activities, especially in the outdoors. They are happy to go for a walk and don’t mind the company of other dogs, and despite their gigantic size Great Danes can even feel quite at home in a city.

In the middle ages, these dogs were used for dog fighting and for hunting big mammals.

Chow Chow

Origin: China, antiquity
Weight: 40-65 lbs
Height: 18-22 inches

The chow chow is an independent dog often focused only on its own needs. Chow chows need constant physical activity and communication, even if they don’t seem to like being disturbed much.

Chow chows were bred for hunting and helping shepherds.

Doberman Pinscher

Origin: Germany, XIX century
Weight: 65-90 lbs
Height: 26-28 inches

Doberman pinschers (often just called dobermans) are dogs that were originally bred to protect and defend. It is important to avoid any type of aggressive play and struggle with these dogs, instead letting the games be guided to develop the doberman’s intelligence. Even though they aren’t small dogs, dobermans can adapt to life in a city and become a perfect companion for the experienced, physically active owner.

This breed was bred in Germany by Louis Doberman who decided to combine the qualities of guard dogs and and the terrier. Luis was a policeman and needed a dog that would devotedly defend its owner.

Alaskan Malamute

Origin: North America, ancient times
Weight: 80-110 lbs
Height: 23-28 inches

The malamute is a friendly dog, but it has rather an independent temper. It’s better to keep this dog in a village, far from the city. Sometimes violent and energetic, they constantly need to move or play. It’s a working breed where the dogs are used to a cold climate, so if you don’t live in the deep north, make your malamute a nice playground as they are always in need of physical activity.

The name was given to the breed by a local tribe which used the malamute to transport goods on a sleigh.

Husky

Origin: Siberia, ancient times
Weight: 35-55 lbs
Height: 20-24 inches

The training of a husky is a complicated thing, and this dog is not recommended for beginning dog owners. Initially these dogs were used to transport goods on a sleigh. Not afraid of cold weather, they’re very active and loving dogs. The love to get together with other members of their breed and howl at the moon.

German Shepherd

Origin: Germany, XIX century
Weight: 70-85 lbs
Height: 22-26 inches

German shepherds are very beautiful dogs, distinguished from other breeds by their reliable and obedient temper. They are in need of constant and serious physical activity though, and they seem to give preference to long walks and active games.

Originally (as obvious from the name), the dogs were used for grazing sheep. They are great home guards and often participate in programs for the disabled.

Rottweiler

Origin: Germany, 1820-ies
Weight: 85-110 lbs
Height: 23-27 inches

Rottweilers are powerful dogs with strong jaws, primarily meant to protect. The breed was bred especially for that purpose. They often don’t like strangers and other dogs — they are guards at heart, and the dog owner should always remember that.

Pit bull

Origin : US, XIX century
Weight : 30-55 lbs
Height: 18-22 inches

The pit bull was bred especially for dog fighting and, sad as it is, they’re still used for this purpose today.