Are You A ‘Crazy Pet Parent?’
We’ve all heard of crazed parents, but what about crazy pet parents? A new survey by Statista reveals that 20% of pet owners consider themselves a “crazy pet parent.” Does this mean that the furry friends we love so much are being spoiled beyond reasonable limits? Let’s explore what it means to be a crazy pet parent.
The survey found that 10% of people have a portrait of their pet hanging on their wall, 8% have clothing items with their pet’s picture on it, 65% buy gifts for their pets, and 17% pay for insurance! So while they may not be as extreme as some die-hard sports fans out there, the “crazy pet parents” among us still love spoiling our furry friends.
When it comes to buying gifts for pets, owners tend to go above and beyond. From personalized beds and blankets, to fancy dog houses and cat towers—it seems like every day there’s a new gadget or toy designed specifically for our four-legged friends. And while some might think these purchases are excessive (as opposed to necessary),It’s undeniable that many people consider pet products to be essential needs rather than just pleasant extras when it comes to caring for their furry friends.
Pet insurance is another thing altogether – although some may think of it as an unnecessary expense, providing your fur baby with coverage can help protect you from any unexpected vet bills in the future. For example, speaking from experience, if your pup has an accident or develops an illness that requires treatment beyond the scope of regular care (like vaccinations or checkups) then having pet insurance can significantly reduce the stress associated with paying those hefty vet bills.
It’s clear from this survey that being a “crazy pet parent” isn’t necessarily something to be ashamed of – after all, a lot of people go above and beyond when it comes to taking care of their furry BFFs! Whether you’re buying gifts for your pup or investing in pet insurance coverage, there’s no denying that showing your furry friend how much you care can make all the difference in its life (and yours too!). So don’t feel guilty about going the extra mile – after all, our pets deserve nothing but the best!
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Most Popular Large Dog Breeds
#20. German wirehaired pointer
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– Height of dog: 24-26 inches (male), minimum 22 inches (female)
– Weight of dog: 50-70 pounds
– 2019 popularity rank: #63 (of 193)
– Temperament: affectionate, eager, enthusiastic
– Life expectancy: 14-16 yearsPlenty of outdoor space is a requirement for German wirehaired pointers, who are active and high energy. Bred to be a hunting dog, these athletic and intelligent pups crave human connections and need consistent attention in order to remain on their best behavior.
#19. Bullmastiff
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– Height of dog: 25-27 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female)
– Weight of dog: 110-130 pounds (male), 100-120 pounds (female)
– 2019 popularity rank: #52 (of 193)
– Temperament: affectionate, loyal, brave
– Life expectancy: 7-9 years“The gamekeeper’s night dog,” bullmastiffs were bred to hunt down poachers in 19th-century England. A guard dog by nature, the breed requires training, socialization, and positive reinforcement to ensure they can thrive in the family unit.
#18. Bloodhound
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– Height of dog: 25-27 inches (male), 23-25 inches (female)
– Weight of dog: 90-110 pounds (male), 80-100 pounds (female)
– 2019 popularity rank: #51 (of 193)
– Temperament: friendly, independent, inquisitive
– Life expectancy: 10-12 yearsNicknamed “sleuth hounds,” bloodhounds are unmatched when it comes to following a scent—even modern technology has yet to develop a device that is as accurate as this pooch. Bloodhounds are inquisitive, intelligent pack animals who crave the companionship of other dogs and people. They are also good with kids and easygoing.
#17. St. Bernard
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– Height of dog: 28-30 inches (males), 26-28 inches (female)
– Weight of dog: 140-180 pounds (male), 120-140 pounds (female)
– 2019 popularity rank: #48 (of 193)
– Temperament: playful, charming, inquisitive
– Life expectancy: 8-10 yearsIn 1050 a monk named Bernard established a hospice high in the Swiss mountains to aid pilgrims who were making the journey to Rome. Over the years, the monks developed a strong, powerful breed of dog, later dubbed Saint Bernards, who could locate and help luckless travelers who were stranded or injured while trying to cross the pass. Intelligent, playful, and friendly, the breed remains a favorite with dog lovers worldwide.
#16. Akita
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– Height of dog: 26-28 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female)
– Weight of dog: 100-130 pounds (male), 70-100 pounds (female)
– 2019 popularity rank: #47 (of 193)
– Temperament: courageous, dignified, profoundly loyal
– Life expectancy: 10-13 yearsAkitas have long occupied a special place in Japanese culture, where they’re venerated as family protectors and symbols of good health, happiness, and long life. But it’s Helen Keller who’s credited as being the first person to bring one to the United States after receiving it as a gift upon a trip to Japan. The breed is wary of strangers and other dogs but is playful, silly, and fiercely loyal when it comes to their family.
#15. Chesapeake Bay retriever
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– Height of dog: 23-26 inches (male), 21-24 inches (female)
– Weight of dog: 65-80 pounds (male), 55-70 pounds (female)
– 2019 popularity rank: #46 (of 193)
– Temperament: affectionate, bright, sensitive
– Life expectancy: 10-13 yearsAn American original, Chesapeake Bay retrievers are hunting dogs. Athletic and protective, they need plenty of regular exercise and socialization lest they become grumpy and ill-mannered. The dogs also make excellent therapy dogs and have been employed by the police force as bomb sniffers and search-and-rescue dogs.
#14. Rhodesian ridgeback
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– Height of dog: 25-27 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female)
– Weight of dog: 85 pounds (male), 70 pounds (female)
– 2019 popularity rank: #42 (of 193)
– Temperament: affectionate, dignified, even-tempered
– Life expectancy: 10 yearsUnique to Southern Africa, Rhodesian ridgebacks were originally bred to track and bay lions. Today, these faithful friends would rather run around and play with their families. What remains the same, however, is their domineering and strong-willed nature, so these dogs need to undergo obedience training from puppyhood.
#13. Belgian Malinois
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– Height of dog: 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)
– Weight of dog: 60-80 pounds (male), 40-60 pounds (female)
– 2019 popularity rank: #41 (of 193)
– Temperament: confident, smart, hardworking
– Life expectancy: 14-16 yearsFirst brought to America in 1911, Belgian Malinois’ popularity really took off in the 1960s. A working dog, these pups require constant activity and plenty of human companionship to satisfy their people-oriented nature.
#12. Newfoundland
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– Height of dog: 28 inches (male), 26 inches (female)
– Weight of dog: 130-150 pounds (male), 100-120 pounds (female)
– 2019 popularity rank: #40 (of 193)
– Temperament: sweet, patient, devoted
– Life expectancy: 9-10 yearsOften called a “nanny dog,” Newfoundlands are very good with children. Hallmarks of the breed include their sweet nature, an affinity for affection, and gentle yet protective temperaments. It doesn’t hurt that these giants also look like plush toys.
#11. Weimaraner
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– Height of dog: 25-27 inches (male), 23-25 inches (female)
– Weight of dog: 70-90 pounds (male), 55-75 pounds (female)
– 2019 popularity rank: #39 (of 193)
– Temperament: friendly, fearless, obedient
– Life expectancy: 10-13 yearsA German pooch, Weimaraners were bred to be big-game hunters. While they aren’t used for hunting in the same way these days, they’re still active and athletic with a can-do attitude. Weimaraners love kids and long to be a bona fide family member—lots of attention will go a long way in warding off bad behavior.
#10. Collie
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– Height of dog: 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)
– Weight of dog: 60-75 pounds (male), 50-65 pounds (female)
– 2019 popularity rank: #38 (of 193)
– Temperament: devoted, graceful, proud
– Life expectancy: 12-14 yearsOne of the most easily recognizable dog breeds, collies have dominated pop culture for decades in stories like “Lassie” and “Sunnybank Collies.” Famously fond of children, these dogs are athletic, smart, and fond of human companionship.
#9. Mastiff
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– Height of dog: 30 inches and up (male), 27.5 inches and up (female)
– Weight of dog: 160-230 pounds (male), 120-170 pounds (female)
– 2019 popularity rank: #32 (of 193)
– Temperament: courageous, dignified, good-natured
– Life expectancy: 6-10 yearsBelonging to one of the oldest canine clans in the world, mastiffs have been around for centuries. The giant breed is patient, loveable, and loyal, but, as with all dogs of this size, adopting one is not a commitment to be taken lightly.
#8. Cane corso
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– Height of dog: 25-27.5 inches (male), 23.5-26 inches (female)
– Weight of dog: Proportionate to height
– 2019 popularity rank: #30 (of 193)
– Temperament: affectionate, intelligent, majestic
– Life expectancy: 9-12 yearsCane corsos (which translates from Latin to “bodyguard dog”) date back to ancient Roman times, where they acted as guard dogs and working animals. Dominant and protective, these pooches are all muscle and can look particularly intimidating. However, with the right training, plenty of exercise, and a healthy dose of love, they can be loyal and attentive to their families.
#7. Bernese Mountain dog
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– Height of dog: 25-27.5 inches (male), 23-26 inches (female)
– Weight of dog: 80-115 pounds (male), 70-95 pounds (female)
– 2019 popularity rank: #23 (of 193)
– Temperament: good-natured, calm, strong
– Life expectancy: 7-10 yearsBuilt for a life of hard work, Bernese Mountain dogs are sweet, lovable, and playful. They love being outdoors and are not at all suited for city or apartment life. Once they develop a connection with their owners, it’s often a connection for life, as they are unendingly loyal.
#6. Doberman pinscher
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– Height of dog: 26-28 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female)
– Weight of dog: 75-100 pounds (male), 60-90 pounds (female)
– 2019 popularity rank: #19 (of 193)
– Temperament: loyal, fearless, alert
– Life expectancy: 10-12 yearsIn Germany during the 19th century, a tax collector named Louis Dobermann sought to breed an intimidating protector that could accompany him on his rounds and dispel any hostility. The result was the Doberman pinscher, a striking work dog and one of America’s most popular breeds. Today, these pups still act as guard dogs and develop strong connections with their family members.
#5. Great Dane
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– Height of dog: 30-32 inches (male), 28-30 inches (female)
– Weight of dog: 140-175 pounds (male), 110-140 pounds (female)
– 2019 popularity rank: #17 (of 193)
– Temperament: friendly, patient, dependable
– Life expectancy: 7-10 yearsThe “Apollo of Dogs,” Great Danes literally tower over most other dogs and, when they stand on their hind legs, over most people as well. But don’t let their formidable appearance scare you off; Great Danes are sweet and lovable, gentle with kids, and eager to please their owners.
#4. Boxer
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– Height of dog: 23-25 inches (male), 21.5-23.5 inches (female)
– Weight of dog: 65-80 pounds (male), females are about 15 pounds less than male
– 2019 popularity rank: #14 (of 193)
– Temperament: bright, fun-loving, active
– Life expectancy: 10-12 yearsBoxers have the whole package: They’re loyal, intelligent, protective, affectionate, patient, athletic, and great with children. The breed is high energy and thrives when they have lots of space to run and play, as well as plenty of interaction with other dogs and people outside the family.
#3. German shorthaired pointer
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– Height of dog: 23-25 inches (male), 21-23 inches (female)
– Weight of dog: 55-70 pounds (male), 45-60 pounds (female)
– 2019 popularity rank: #9 (of 193)
– Temperament: friendly, smart, willing to please
– Life expectancy: 10-12 yearsBred as a hunting dog, pointers have the speed and agility to make them great running companions. These powerful and graceful dogs need plenty of room to burn off their energy, but after their daily exercise, they can be calm indoor companions, ready to relax right alongside their owners.
#2. Rottweiler
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– Height of dog: 24-27 inches (male), 22-25 inches (female)
– Weight of dog: 95-135 pounds (male), 80-100 pounds (female)
– 2019 popularity rank: #8 (of 193)
– Temperament: loyal, loving, confident guardian
– Life expectancy: 9-10 yearsIt is essential that Rottweiler owners train their dogs correctly from puppyhood in order to ensure that the pups don’t become overly aggressive and hostile. When trained well, the dogs are calm and confident, good with children, playful, and ready to plop down in a lap at any given moment regardless of their size.
#1. German shepherd
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– Height of dog: 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)
– Weight of dog: 65-90 pounds (male), 50-70 pounds (female)
– 2019 popularity rank: #2 (of 193)
– Temperament: confident, courageous, smart
– Life expectancy: 7-10 yearsAlthough they suffered from an anti-German sentiment after World War II, German shepherds have regained their place as one of the most popular breeds in America. The preferred dog breed for police and military units, these pups are confident, loyal, courageous, and smart.
