While all dogs are equally adorable regardless of their size, but small dog breeds like Shih Tzu won’t be an ideal pet for someone looking for a jogging partner.
People often get intimidated by these dogs, but they are often more affectionate and lovable. In fact, according to a study, large dog breeds are more obedient and easy to train than smaller breeds.
But not all large breeds are available here in India. And even if they are, they are very rare to find. So I did some research and listed down the top 10 large breeds easily available in India.
1. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are the best guard dogs in the world! Essentially being a sheepdog in Germany in their earlier days, German Shepherds have the natural instinct to protect.
They tend to put their own lives at stake while protecting their family and home. Even though these dogs are very powerful and robust, they aren’t reckless. German Shepherds are easier to train and take commands better than any breed out there, which is why this breed can be seen in police departments and the military very frequently.
German Shepherds can be very calm and caring in nature and can be compatible with your kids. This breed has excellent tolerance to heat and can survive in the mostly warm Indian climate.
Also read: German Shepherd Price in India with Monthly Expenses
2. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are sweethearts that eagerly want to please and impress their humans. Originating from Scotland and England, Golden Retrievers were brought to India in the early 20th century and were used as Show Dogs.
Being in India for such a long time makes them well-adapted to the Indian climate. These dogs have an excellent temperament and are highly trainable. With their soft kind eyes, silky beautiful coat that seems almost like golden blond locks, Golden Retrievers can be very loving and affectionate and thus are very good around children despite being a large breed.
Golden Retrievers are very sporty dogs and perform excellently in sports shows and even adventure sports trips.
Also read: Golden Retriever Price in India (2021 updated)
3. Rottweiler
If you are looking for a loyal dog and a fierce protector, Rottweiler might be the perfect match for you. These strong cattle dogs from Germany were initially used to drive heavy cattle because of their size and strength by the butchers.
However, Rotties may not be a very good choice for first-time dog owners as they can get pretty reckless sometimes. These dogs are aggressively loyal and need a lot of attention sometimes.
Being naturally strong and active, Rottweiler loves playing and needs a lot of space to run, play, and be trained, thus not suitable for living in small apartment spaces. Rottweiler has thin coats and sheds a lot; therefore is relatively tolerant to warm weather despite the bulkiness.
One of the best police and military dogs, Rottweiler needs to be socialized and trained well from an early age to be safely domesticated.
4. Great Dane
Great Danes, the tallest breed of dogs, are also known as the Apollo of dogs. But these dogs are also known for their naturally short life spans of almost 6-8 years that averages at a period of 5 years.
Great Danes are thus known as the ‘heartbreak’ breed. Originating from Germany, the Great Dane was used for hunting boars and protecting country estates earlier. However, the modern Great Danes are pretty opposite of it that some dog owners even complain about their dogs being very lazy and sleepy.
Because of their huge size, Great Danes are not very agile and do not require (or like) much exercising; thus, these dogs are well adapted to living in apartments and have a high demand in the urban areas of India.
Despite their size, Great Danes are very loving and have the calmest temperament. They are gentle and docile and can make room for small children, other pets, and even cats.
5. Labrador Retriever
Originating from Newfoundland, Labradors were initially the ‘fishing dogs’; they helped fishermen majorly. Labrador Retrievers later adapted to hunting and guarding too. These adorable dogs are easy to train as pets because they are naturally enthusiastic towards pleasing others and learn new things quickly.
Labs can be very adaptive to their surroundings and new situations if socialized thoroughly during their puppy phase. Being a hunting dog and having the capabilities of retrieving, they love playing, exercising, and being adventurous in general. Despite being a large breed with a lot of strength, Labs are very gentle in temperament.
They are good companions for children, especially toddlers, and take all kinds of tugging and poking patiently. Being short coat dogs, they don’t need a lot of grooming and can tolerate warm weather, thus becoming one of the ideal breeds to be raised in the Indian climate.
6. Dalmatian
Originating from the beautiful country of Croatia, Dalmatians became one of the ‘star’ dog breeds after their featuring in the Disney movie 101 Dalmatians. The sleek black and white spotted dogs can be charming and adorable because of their behavior and general traits.
Initially used as coach dogs, Dalmatians had many capabilities, including hunting, being firehouse dogs, and even performing the circuses. Dalmatians are the perfect mix of silly and gallant while being overly interested in everything their family does.
Dalmatians have a very thin coat and cannot survive in very cold climates. Best suited for warm climates, Dalmatians live happily in the mostly warm Indian climate.
7. Rajapalayam
Rajapalayam is a beautiful creamy white dog breed with a very adorable pink nose that is native to India and originates from the Southern Indian regions. These albino sighthounds are very tall and agile and make excellent watchdogs.
Being a native breed in India, Rajapalayam is very well-adapted to the surroundings and the climate. These dogs are very graceful with their horse-like gait. They can behave very well if trained properly.
These dogs are also very strong, require less medical assistance and grooming, and eat almost anything from vegetarian and non-vegetarian home-cooked meals to packed dog food.
8. Gaddi Kutta
Gaddi Kutta, also known as the Himalayan Sheepdogs, are mastiff-type mountain dogs. These dogs are very strong and make excellent watchdogs as they literally have the capabilities to even repel snow leopards.
These dogs look adorable with their fluffy coats if kept as a pet. Being a fiercely keen watchdog, Gaddi Kutta is your match if you are looking for a natural protector dog.
These dogs are not very welcoming to strangers but can be friendly if trained early on. Being mountain dogs, these dogs are naturally very adventurous and can adapt well to treks and trips.
9. Combai
Combai are well-known for their toughness and loyalty. Originating from Southern India, these dogs became almost extinct until they were revived again by the dog lovers across Tamil Nadu and bred in other states.
Along with being very loyal, these dogs are also very smart and powerful with their balanced square body frame and fast pace with sharp movements. These dogs have a short coat, thus shed very less and need very minimal maintenance.
Like other native Indian Breeds, Combai eat home-cooked meals with enthusiasm. They rarely get overweight as they have a natural tendency to keep themselves fit. However, these dogs need a lot of space to live as they are pretty active for a large dog.
10. Kanni
Kanni means ‘Pure’ in Tamil, probably referring to the purity and nativity of this breed. Only found in the colors combinations of tan and sand-black, Kanni is also known as the Maiden’s Beastmaster and is an indigenous Southern Indian sighthound breed.
Usually calm and very shy, Kanni can defend their masters and home very fiercely when the situation arises. These dogs are also extremely loyal and easy to train. They have the ability to think independently in rogue situations, which makes them pretty smart.
These dogs are excellent companions and family-friendly. Kanni also have very strong immunity systems and need very little medical assistance.
Final Thoughts
Every dog has their own pros and cons, strengths and weaknesses. But, despite of it all, each and every dog is unique on its terms. No matter what the breed is, how expensive and foreign or cheap and native they are, what matters the most while making these fluffy four-legged companions a part of your home is their connection with you.
The bond that humans share with dogs was and will always be a very special one. So, if you are financially and mentally ready and feel the spark with one of these adorable little (or not so little) creatures, don’t wait to bring them home!
