The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was known and used for its gigantic size. Apart from carrying out hauling tasks on the farm, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was also used for carrying carts to the market. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was wildly used for this until automobiles were first introduced. With the dawn of the 20^th Century the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was thought to have been extinct. This was until 1908 when a dog owner showed his Greater Swiss Mountain Dog in the Swiss Kennel Club. From there the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was bred, and once again became a wildly popular breed. “Swissy” is a nickname that the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has received over the years.

Known for their large and muscular stature, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog breed weigh anywhere from between 110 to 180 pounds and can be anywhere from 23 to 32 inches in height. The basic frame of the Swiss Mountain Dog is very muscular. The general appearance of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a tricolor of black, rust, and white. Typically the face blaze of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog will be white. The tops of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs ears, back, tail, and majority of the breed’s legs are black in color. The color of rust usually highlights the Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs cheeks and sometimes above the eyes. A double coat of fur covers the Greater Swiss Mountain dogs body and is generally shed twice a year.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog breed are also know for their “pack” mentality. When living with a Chicago family the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is very loving and protective and even grows agitated or worrisome when a family member is not present. It is these loving and gentle qualities that have drawn many people to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.  Beyond being able to carry out physical needs once properly trained, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog breed also works well alongside other farm animals, as has been their nature since their origin. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is the perfect farm-working breed, a great dog for the Chicago suburbs and a fantastic dog for Chicago dog lovers. The Swissy has a low to moderate need for exercise and so is a perfect city dog. In addition, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is tolerant of other pets and adores children.

Although Great Dane’s are most commonly known for their great large size, the breed is also known for its positive temperament.  The tallest dog in the world is a Harelquin Great Dane  called Herucles. The Great Dane is a dignified, yet kind and affectionate dog-perfect for Chicago city living.  Great Danes are sweet, playful, and patient-they are the clowns of the giant dog breeds.  They are very friendly dogs, and are only aggressive if provoked-due their historical use as a personal guard dog. Great Danes were originally created to be personal guard dogs for German nobility. Danes lived in the house with the nobility and also paced the horse as the knights made their rounds to patrol territory.

The Great Dane is responsible, dependent, and loyal.  The Great Dane is a breed that is commonly referred to as a, “Gentle giant.”  The appearance of the Great Dane is something that dog lovers are drawn to.  When you wald down the street with a Great Dane you get the attention that is ordinarily reserved for a rock star. Great Danes stop traffic.  The Great Dane is one of the tallest breeds.  Males can stand between 30 and 40 inches tall, while females are generally between 28 and 38 inches tall.  The weight of this breed is also very impressive.  Males can weigh between 120 and 250 pounds, and females weigh between 100 and 180 pounds.  The Great Dane has an elegant appearance that portrays dignity, strength, and regality.  The body of the Great Dane is smooth and muscular.  The ears are either folded or cropped to stand erect.  The coat of the Great Dane is short, thick, and very smooth.  There are many coat colors that are common for the Great Dane breed.  Fawn, blue, black, brindle, Harlequin, and mantle are the main coat colors of the Great Dane.  Harlequin describes a coloration that is mainly white with black patches.  The mantle color is mainly black, with a white chest and sometimes white feet.  The temperament and appearance of the Great Dane make this breed very popular to Chicago dog lovers and others around the world.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes the Great Dane as a breed in the working group.  Although the Great Dane was brought to the United States in the early 19th century, it wasn’t recognized by the AKC as an official breed until 1887.  It was actually in Chicago where the breed had gained the most popularity.  In 1889, the German Mastiff or Great Dane Club of America was founded in Chicago.     The Great Dane is large but friendly, and therefore is a popular companion in households in Chicago and around the country.  Although the Great Dane needs plenty of exercise, it may do okay in  Chicago apartment style living.  Many people in the city of Chicago have Great Danes as pets.  If they do not have a yard for the dog to run around in, they make sure to take their Great Dane on long daily walks.  The Great Dane is gentle and therefore is good with children, granted the children are kind to the dog.  As long as you are willing to put the effort into exercising and loving a Great Dane, any Chicago family would be lucky to have this breed as a pet and companion.

According to personal accounts by Canadian fisherman in the 1800’s, the Newfoundland was commonly used to pull fishnets, carry boat lines to shore, haul heavy equipment, and retrieve anything that went overboard from a boat. Newfoundlands have been most famously known for their natural ability to rescue people from the water. There have been numerous stories of a single Newfoundland rescuing more than fifty drowning victims during a shipwreck. Their innate ability to work and rescue people makes this a truly remarkable breed perfect as a nanny for Chicago children and the perfect babe-magnet for the Chicago single.

Aside from being able to work hard, the Newfoundland is known for its sweet temperament and bold appearance. Although Newfs are quite large, they are very sweet, friendly, and gentle which makes them the perfect Chicago dog. Chicago dog owners often call them gentle giants. The Newfoundland is loyal and devoted, so this breed is commonly used as a guardian or watchdog in Chicago neighborhoods that are becoming gentrified. The Newf’s personality is one of dignity, strength, power, and benevolence and serves as a protective barrier if you are walking alone down dark Chicago city streets. This is what makes the Newfoundland an all around great breed for Chicago adults and families with children.

In terms of appearance, the Newfoundland is a very large, heavily boned, and muscular dog. Webbed feet, and a water-resistant coat aid the Newf’s ability to swim. The coat of the Newfoundland is heavy, moderately long, and very full. The most common color for the breed is black. Newfs can also come in gray, brown, and, “Landseer.” Landseer is the name given to a Newfoundland with a black head, and a white and black body. Newfoundlands will grow to be between 22 and 27 inches tall at the shoulder. Males usually weigh between 130-150 pounds, and females weigh between 120-140 pounds. Overall, this breed has a great temperament and a beautiful appearance and is a perfect city dog for places like Chicago which have a hard winter.