What are low maintenance large dog breeds?

A few aspects make all big dogs require extra maintenance, regardless of the breed. They are more challenging to travel with and, in some cases, are simply too big for planes altogether. If they shed, it will be exponential purely based on their size. They are more expensive because they eat more. And finally, more often than not, big dogs have more health issues than smaller dogs.

If you are in the research phase, take the dog world quiz to see which dog breeds are best for you. From there you can label it down and compare your pup scores to the following low-maintenance large dog breeds:

Saint Bernard

We are going to start with not only a large dog... but one of the most giant dogs in the World, the ever-famous Saint Bernard. The Saint Bernard is genuinely a friendly giant, a fantastic family dog that is excellent with kids and loyal to the family. They do not need much exercise, and although they prefer to be around their family, they typically do not get anxious when left alone. The Saint Bernard does lose some points for the shedding and drooling, though.

Friendliness 5/5

Shedding / Grooming 3/5

Independence 4/5

Energy 2/5

Newfoundland

The Newfoundland may be just about the most friendly giant dog you can find. They are the ultimate "nanny" dog that adores children. They have an average amount of energy, and although they prefer being with the family they love most, they most likely won't get anxious if you occasionally leave them alone. They shed, however, and have a long coat requiring a good amount of brushing. If you can live with that, the Newfoundland is an excellent low-maintenance large dog.

Friendliness 5/5

Shedding / Grooming 2/5

Independence 3/5

Energy 3/5

English Bulldog

The famous English Bulldog deserves a spot on this list because, despite their size, they are generally low-energy dogs that will be perfectly fine with a couple of short daily walks. They also have a short coat which is very easy to maintain, and they are great with children and generally friendly with everyone they meet. They can become protective and territorial, so there is time that needs to be dedicated to early socialization with people and other dogs when the English Bulldog is a puppy.

Friendliness 3/5

Shedding / Grooming 5/5

Independence 4/5

Energy 2/5

Bloodhound

The Bloodhound is a large and powerful dog but is happy lounging around for most of the day. As long as they have an owner they respect, some daily walks, and occasional mental challenge and stimulation, they will be a low-maintenance large dog you can count on. They are independent, have a short and easy-to-maintain coat, and are generally friendly.

Friendliness 4/5

Shedding / Grooming 4/5

Independence 4/5

Energy 2/5

Honorable mention:

• Leonberger and the Bearded Collie

Two large dog breeds that are incredibly friendly with both people and other dogs. They have a medium amount of energy and can occasionally be left alone. Both get docked some "low maintenance" points because of their long hair and heavy shedding.

• Great Dane, Bluetick Coonhound

Both are large dogs with a very short coat that is easy to maintain. They are friendly, especially with their family, and have medium to low energy. Despite the low energy, they will need to get their daily walk in to avoid being destructive around the home. And although friendly, some work and energy will need to go into early socialization and training to not get overly territorial.