Mountain dog breeds naturally are more dangerous, brave, and wild than other dogs. But, as a mountain dog owner, you know that your pup is no average pet.
Your furry friend goes on long hikes with you, runs around in the backyard with your kids, and is always right by your side.
So, if you’re looking for a big dog breed that will be loyal to you in all ways, then owning one of these mountain dog breeds is perfect for you.
What is a Mountain Dog Breeds?
In the late 19th century, a new dog emerged from Europe. These dogs were called Mountain Dogs, and they had a distinct look with a bulky body and a dense, thick coat.
Many different mountain dog breeds, including Newfies, Bullmastiffs, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Pyrenees Mountain Dogs. These dogs are famous for helping humans in their everyday tasks, such as pulling carts or guarding livestock.
The Behavior of Mountain Dogs Breeds
Mountain dogs are robust and reliable breeds known for maneuvering through rough terrain. They are often used as working dogs, pulling carts for hours on end.
But they can also be companion animals like any other dog. Mountain dogs make excellent family pets because of their high intelligence, loyalty towards their family members, and love of playing with kids.
Consider the mountain dog breeds if you’re looking for a big dog that will keep up with your outdoor lifestyle. These large dogs love to be active and do well in environments where they can run free.
They are athletic and playful and make good companions for children and seniors because of their gentle and affectionate dispositions.
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15 Popular mountain dog breeds with Photo
The mountain dog breeds that pick up wildlife are the Alaskan Malamute, Chow Chow, Great Pyrenees, Saint Bernard, and Shiba Inu. These animals enjoy roaming and hunting their prey and picking up anything they encounter.
1. Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff dog is a powerful, sensitive, and loyal breed. In nature, it makes them an excellent choice for those who want a dog to accompany them on their adventures or protect their home.
However, the breed originated from the English mastiff and was bred for its intelligence and physical prowess. The Bullmastiff usually shed their coat twice a year.
Also, they require minimal dog grooming, making them low-maintenance pets.
Generally, they are caring and loyal to their families but can be dangerous or mistrustful with strangers.
2. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is a large and protective dog breed. They are best known for their watchful and territorial nature.
But these dogs make great family pets too. The Tibetan Mastiff comes from the Tibetan Plateau in Tibet. It is where they were bred and used as livestock and guard dogs.
In nature, they’re also best to be loyal companions and big cuddlers! The Tibetan Mastiff is gentle with children and maintains an even temper around strangers.
3. Caucasian Ovcharka
The Caucasian Ovcharka, the Caucasian Mountain Dog, was developed in the Caucasus mountains region. This gentle giant has best to be an excellent guardian for sheep herds.
Usually, the military and police often use them due to their loyalty and brutal nature. The breed is very muscular, sporting thick fur, typically white with black markings on the head and body.
Caucasian Mountain Dog has sometimes been called the Russian Bear Dog because of its similarity to the bears of Russia.
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4. Bernese mountain dog
The Bernese mountain dog is one of the four Swiss Sennenhund breeds, with the others being St. Bernard, Appenzell shepherd dog, and Greater Swiss Mountain dog.
However, the Bernese mountain dog is a famous large dog breed. Many farmers used them in the Swiss Alps for centuries to help with herding, guarding sheep against wolves and bears, and driving cattle to graze.
In nature, this dog breed is larger than most but not as big as a German Shepherd. The Bernese mountain dog is a working dog with a calm temperament, making it a great family pet.
Also, the Bernese mountain dog puppy is one of the top-selling breeds worldwide.
5. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a breed of giant, white dogs that originated in the Pyrenees Mountains in southern France. People used them to guard livestock in mountainous areas.
Usually, they weigh from 100-150 pounds. The Great Pyrenees are famous for their strength, size, and protective behavior. But they are also gentle and calm with children.
6. Norwegian Buhund
The Norwegian Buhund is a small herding dog. The breed was developed in Norway in the 18th century by crossing the Corgi with the Spitz to produce a short-legged, long-bodied herder.
However, the Norwegian Buhund is typically white with black patches on his head and body. People used this dog breed for centuries as a herding dog and still retain many of its traits from the original breed.
Generally, they live 12-14 years and are loyal to their owners. They have thick double coats that offer protection from the cold weather on the Nordic landscape. But they are not suitable for living in hot climates.
7. Saarloos Wolf
Saarloos wolf is a large, white dog that crosses a German shepherd and an Alaskan Malamute. Initially bred in Holland by Pieter Saarloos, they were initially bred to be guide dogs for people with disabilities.
Saarloos wolf is similar to the German Shepherd but has a few key differences, such as fewer coat colors and thick fur. This breed of dog is known for its acute senses and intelligence.
Saarloos wolf is a rare dog breed to be extinct in the wild. The last known Saarloos wolf is a female living at the Rotterdam Zoo in the Netherlands.
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Originally from Belgium, there were only 11 Saarloos wolves left on Earth, and they all lived in captivity. On April 25th, 2016, Mertje gave birth to four puppies and quickly became a celebrity at the zoo.
8. Stabyhoun
The Stabyhoun breed is native to the Netherlands but has also become popular in other countries. It is a medium-sized hunting dog that is highly intelligent and obedient.
Generally, they are excellent game hunters and can adapt to any hunting style. In addition, the Stabyhoun breed is a perfect companion dog for an owner who spends time outdoors or with their pet.
However, the breed is the only native Dutch gun dog used to hunt waterfowl and game until around the 1940s. The coat of the Stabyhoun is always black with white markings on its face, throat, chest, stomach, feet, and tail tip.
9. Siberian Husky
The Siberian husky is a medium-sized working dog breed that originated in the Siberian region of Russia but was developed in North America.
Siberian Huskies are very famous for their thick coats, perfect for keeping them warm during the winter months. In addition, they are great for competitions.
Also, they have so much endurance, meaning they can run long distances without tiring or slowing down.
However, these dogs are loved worldwide for their intelligence and ability to thrive in different environments. In addition, they have natural stamina that can take them across the country.
Also, it allows them to become popular sled dogs. This breed is also known for its friendly nature and loyalty to its family.
10. The Kangal Shepherd
The Kangal Shepherd is a Turkish herder dog that originated in the country of Turkey. Generally, people use them to protect livestock and people from predators, and their numbers have been declining in recent years.
However, the government passed a new law to protect these canines and help keep their population stable. But there has been controversy surrounding the Kangal.
11. Swiss mountain dog breeds
The Swiss Mountain Dog breeds is large, well-muscled that faithfully guards property and livestock. The dog resembles a Bernese Mountain Dog but is typically much larger.
In Switzerland, they are used to pulling carts because of their strength and intelligence. The Swiss mountain dog, also known as the Sennenhund, is a breed that originates from the German Alps.
However, it is a loyal dog breed that can grow up to 27 inches in height and 45 pounds in weight and has a 10-14 years life expectancy.
12. Entlebucher mountain dog
The Entlebucher mountain dog is a friendly, playful, and intelligent breed that originated in Switzerland. People commonly use them as herders of cows.
But they also make good pets. The dogs are excellent with children and other animals, though they can be territorial and need to be socialized early on to prevent aggression.
However, it is essential to take these dogs outside with patience and care or become escape artists.
13. Formosan mountain dog
The Formosan Mountain Dog is a rare, ancient breed found in Taiwan. It is thought to be one of the first dog breeds globally and has not changed much since first domesticated.
However, these dogs are strong, agile, and intelligent with low shedding coats. They are loyal companions who enjoy working hard for their beloved families.
In nature, the Formosan Mountain Dog breeds needs an owner who will give them plenty of mental stimulation and time to relax at home.
14. Golden mountain dog
Golden Mountain Dogs are one of the oldest breeds globally, originating in Tibet. These alpine dogs are medium-sized, weighing 50 pounds and standing about 16 inches at the shoulder.
The Golden’s thick double coat is long, straight, and water-resistant. Also, they have a thick coat to insulate them from the cold in nature.
Usually, these dogs do not shed very much and can be a better choice for those with allergies or sensitive skin.
15. Estrela mountain dog
Estrela mountain dog breeds are very rare. They originated in Portugal and were used for hunting, herding, guarding, and pulling carts.
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In nature, Estrela mountain dogs are brilliant, and this trait is said to have been bred into the dog. Estrela Mountain Dogs can reach up to 90 pounds and grow up to 18 inches tall at their shoulders. The breed is also typically very healthy and lives an average of 13 years.
Conclusion
In conclusion, many different mountain dogs may be the best fit for your specific needs. One dog is not necessarily better than another.
But their attributes can meet individual needs, from predicting seizures to being a great family pet.
Sonali had a collection of 12 dogs, each with a unique story. She loved nothing more than writing about their personalities and quirks.