The Disadvantages of Owning Large Sized Dogs

A dog can be a great addition to any household, with literally hundreds of breeds to choose from. You may be inclined to select a large dog, like a Mastiff or Saint Bernard, which are both relatively popular within the pet trade. Take note, however, that while large dogs make great pets for anyone willing to care for them, there are some disadvantages unique to their size.

  1. Expense

    • A larger dog requires larger equipment, like beds, collars, strong leashes, and a big crate (if you decide to crate train), which all get more expensive as the size you need increases. They also eat more food than smaller dogs, all of which adds up to quite an expensive pet in comparison.

    Life Expectancies

    • The average life span of a common dog runs anywhere from 12 to 17 years, with some dying around 11 and others living all the way up to 19 or 20. Some larger dogs, however, like Mastiffs, only live about six to seven years on average. Large dogs have various medical problems that go along with their size, most of which revolve around the bones. They must grow very slowly, requiring a special diet, or their joints can strain. Deep-chested dogs can have their stomachs twisted when rolling around too much. Add those in with the amount of energy it takes to move a 100- to 150-pound dog (sometimes almost 200 pounds) and the heart can quickly tire out, leading to an early death.

    Space

    • The most obvious disadvantage to having a large dog is simply a matter of space. A big dog requires a lot of room, particularly since they must exercise regularly to avoid obesity and potentially fatal health problems that seem to plague them. Small town homes with no yards and apartments are simply not adequate enough to accommodate a large dog.

    Defecation

    • Obviously, a larger dog will produce larger feces. This could lead to difficulties cleaning it up from the sidewalks or parks and could be disastrous if your dog is not properly house trained.