Large Breed Dog Guide

Whether you are thinking about adopting a large dog into your home or you want to know more about the large dog you already own, it is worth realizing that large breeds do have some common similarities and are generally classified as sight hounds, molossers or retrievers.

  1. Qualifications

    • There are many different standards for dog size. For instance, according to the American Kennel Club, more than 150 breeds qualify as large breeds; examples include the shiba inu, which stands at 14 inches high and the shar-pei, which weighs only 45 pounds. The American Human Society, on the other hand, counts any dog that is over 50 pounds as being a large dog.

    Personality

    • Large breeds tend to be calmer and more sedate than the smaller breeds. They are typically highly protective animals, and if trained correctly from a young age, they can be intensely loyal. Some large breeds are perfectly suited to families with children, while other large breeds should only be acquired after the children are past a certain age and will treat the dogs respectfully.

    Health Issues

    • Large dogs are prone to many health ailments. One common health issue is hip dysplasia, where the joint is unstable and easy to damage. Because large dogs tend to carry a lot of weight on their frame, this issue can increase in severity, causing stiffness, pain and issues with walking. Large breeds are also prone to heart disease and osteoarthritis. If you adopt a large breed, get your dog thoroughly checked out with a veterinarian so you know what to expect.

    Training

    • All dogs need to be trained and socialized, but because they are frequently quite powerful, training is essential for large dog breeds. There is a perception of these dogs as being more dangerous, and as a large dog owner, it is imperative that you train your dog to be well-behaved around other people and other dogs. Many large dog breeds were created to work for and with their masters and, as such, are very apt when it comes to learning commands and obedience.

    Feeding

    • Large dogs eat more food than small dogs. It sounds simple, but it is worth figuring out how much food the breed you choose will eat before you adopt your animal. Many brands of dog food, including Purina Pro and Bakers, have special formulations for large breeds that will lower the fat the dog consumes while providing with the protein he needs to build his muscles.