Large dog breeds like Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds are certainly popular,but we bet there are a lot of things you don’t know about them (unless, of course, you are a dedicated reader of our breed profiles, in which case you get two big paws up).
Either way, these cool tidbits about the 10 most popularlarge dog breeds as ranked by the American Kennel Club are sure to impress your friends — and may make you appreciate these pups even more.
Test Your Large Dog Breed Knowledge

Anna Pozzi, Animal Photography
Australian Shepherd
Despite his name, the Australian Shepherd does not hail from
the Land Down Under. The breed was developed right here in the United States.
So why the misnomer? His possible ancestors include long-haired,
bobtailed, Collie-type dogs from Australia; German sheepdogs exported to
Australia and known there as German Koolies; and herding dogs brought by Basque
shepherds who came to work in the United States both before and after World War
II.

Eva Maria Kramer, Animal Photography
Great Dane
It may be hard to believe, but the Great Dane can be a good
candidate for apartment living. The breed tends to be quiet, gentle and laid back. Plus, he’s typically not much of a barker.

Julie Poole, Animal Photography
Doberman Pinscher
Tax collector Louis Dobermann needed a guard dog to help him
keep himself and the money he carried safe from thieves, so he developed the
Doberman Pinscher. He crossed short-haired shepherd dogs
with Rottweilers, black and tan Terriers, and German Pinschers to create the breed.

Anna Pozzi, Animal Photography
Siberian Husky
Fans of the movie Balto know that the Siberian Husky's biggest claim to fame occurred in 1925 when people in Nome, Alaska, suffered a
diphtheria epidemic in the middle of winter. To get desperately needed
antitoxin to Nome, a team of about 20 mushers traveled nearly 700 miles from
Anchorage in six days in extremely cold conditions.

Nick Ridley, Animal Photography
German Shorthaired Pointer
Not only is the German Shorthaired Pointer capable of pointing
birds, the versatile Sporting dog can also hunt rabbits and raccoon, trail deer
and retrieve on land or water.

Tetsu Yamazaki, Animal Photography
Rottweiler
With the invention of the motorized vehicle, the need for
the Rottweiler decreased — they were often used in the German town of Rottweil to pull butchers' carts to deliver meat and milk to customers — and the breed almost died out. Thankfully, German dog lovers recognized the
Rottie’s work ethic and generally protective nature and saved the breed.

Anita Peeples, Animal Photography
Boxer
The origin of the Boxer's name is a little hazy. It could be
a corruption of the word “beisser,” which comes from Bullenbeisser, a German descriptive term for the breed’s
Mastiff-like ancestors. Or it could be a reference to the breed’s habit of
using his front paws in a fight.

Barbara O'Brien, Animal Photography
Golden Retriever
There are two types of Golden Retrievers: the fluffy, teddy
bear Goldens of the show ring and the leaner, darker and smaller Goldens that
are popular as hunting companions and dog-sport competitors.

Nick Ridley, Animal Photography
German Shepherd
Rin Tin Tin is perhaps the most famous German Shepherd of
all. The iconic pup was found in a World War I battle zone and became the
world’s first canine movie star.

Barbara O'Brien, Animal Photography
Labrador Retriever
Not only is the popular Labrador Retriever often a wonderful
companion, this versatile breed can also be a great show dog, hunting dog,
canine athlete, guide dog, service dog, sniffer dog, search and rescue dog, and
therapy dog.
More on Vetstreet:
- The Right Way to Greet a Dog
- Trendiest Puppy Names of 2015
- 10 Most Dog-Friendly Dog Breeds
- 5 Common Myths You Shouldn't Believe About Big Dogs
- Little-Known Facts About the 10 Most Popular Small Dog Breeds