Everything you need to know about raising a large breed dog
If you love the idea of owning a giant dog such as a Great Dane or an Akita and think it’ll be pretty much the same as having a Lab, then think again. The extra size of large breed dogs changes virtually every aspect of raising them, from the space they need to the food they eat.
First, you need to do your research before considering whether it’s appropriate for you to buy or adopt one.
Use this handy guide to learn everything you need to know about having a large breed dog.
Medium breeds vs. large breed dogs
If you own a medium-sized dog already, you’ll be familiar with how much space they need and what you need to do to keep them healthy.
A large dog needs more room to exercise, but they also need a strong owner who can hold them back when out on a walk – if you struggle a bit with a Lab, imagine adding another 45 pounds.
Large dogs are often gentle souls, but they might not realize their strength when they jump up, so you need to start training at a very young age.
Large dogs are also prone to various health problems, such as arthritis and elbow or hip dysplasia, as well as digestive tract disorders, so expect hefty vet fees later in their life.
Popular large breed dogs
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is characterized by its striking tricolor coat of black, white, and rust.
Weighing between 70 and 115 pounds and standing 23 to 28 inches tall, they are known for their calm and friendly attitude.
They are great family pets and are particularly good with children. This breed enjoys outdoor activities and requires regular grooming due to its thick fur.
Great Dane
Often referred to as the “gentle giant,” the Great Dane is known for its towering stature and friendly demeanor.
Males can stand 30 to 34 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 140 to 175 pounds.
Despite their size, they are affectionate, loyal, and great with children. Great Danes require moderate exercise and thrive in a loving home environment.
Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is one of the tallest dog breeds, often exceeding 30 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing up to 180 pounds.
Despite their size, they have a gentle and friendly demeanor. Known for their loyalty, they bond closely with their families.
They require moderate exercise and are often content to laze around the house after a good walk.
Their unique, wiry coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting.
Leonberger
The Leonberger is a giant breed with a beautiful coat that can come in shades of golden, reddish-brown, or sandy.
They typically weigh between 90 to 170 pounds and stand 25 to 31 inches tall.
Known for their friendly and playful nature, Leonbergers are great family pets and get along well with children and other animals.
Regular grooming is necessary to keep their coat in good condition.
Mastiff
Mastiffs like the Cane Corso, Dogo de Bordeaux, Bullmastiff or Tibetan Mastiff are one of the largest breeds in the world, typically weighing between 120 to 230 pounds and standing 27 to 32 inches tall.
They are known for their protective instincts and calm demeanor.
Despite their intimidating appearance, Mastiffs are affectionate and form strong bonds with their families.
They require moderate exercise and do well in larger living spaces.
Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are known for their remarkable swimming ability and gentle nature.
They typically weigh between 100 to 150 pounds and stand 26 to 28 inches tall.
Their thick, water-resistant coat often comes in black, brown, or Landseer (white with black markings).
Newfoundlands are affectionate and good-natured, making them great companions for families.
They are also known for their gentle instincts, especially around children, and require regular grooming.
Saint Bernard
Famous for their historical role as rescue dogs in the Swiss Alps, the Saint Bernard is a giant breed weighing 120 to 180 pounds and standing 26 to 30 inches tall.
They have a kind disposition and are known for being gentle with children. Their thick, fluffy coat requires regular grooming, and they enjoy moderate exercise.
They are known for their loyalty and are often very family-oriented.
Other large breed dogs to consider include the Great Pyrenees, Scottish Deerhound, and Anatolian Shepherd.
Exercise and food
Whatever you do, don’t feed your large pup adult food or food designed for medium-sized pups.
They grow quickly enough as it is, and it’ll strain their muscles, joints, and skeletal structure if they grow any faster.
Your dog will need food with calories, nutrients, and vitamins suitable for large breed pups, so check with your vet about the type of food it needs and how much to feed it daily.
Plenty of exercise is also essential — a large dog shouldn’t be a fat one — and you should check the original purpose of your animal’s breed to determine how much and what sort of exercise they need.
Choose quality food: Select a specially formulated large breed dog food with meat as the first ingredient.
Monitor portions: Follow feeding guidelines and adjust based on your dog’s weight and activity level.
Provide a balanced diet: Include proteins, healthy fats, and moderate amounts of fruits and vegetables.
Use a consistent feeding schedule: Feed your dog at the same times each day to help regulate their digestion.
Keep your dog hydrated: Always provide fresh, clean water for your dog.
Exercise regularly: Aim for daily walks, playtime, and structured activities to keep them physically active.
Monitor joint health: Focus on low-impact exercises like swimming and easy walks to protect their joints.
Avoid high-impact activities: Steer clear of activities that can strain joints, especially for puppies. Monitor your dog’s body condition and adjust their diet and exercise accordingly.
Schedule regular vet visits to assess your dog’s health and dietary needs. Due to their large size, these dogs typically have a shorter life expectancy.
Home arrangements for large dog breeds
Be honest, do you have space for a large dog?
They’ll bump into things and knock them over, and will reach up and grab just about any food left lying around.
Have you got a big enough bed for them? Is there room in your car?
It might all sound rather daunting, but you must consider what you’re taking on when buying a big dog.
Designate areas: Create specific zones in your home for your dog to roam comfortably.
Arrange furniture: Rearrange furniture to allow open pathways.
Dog bed: Provide a spacious bed with adequate support that accommodates their size.
Outdoor access: Ensure easy access to a backyard or nearby park for exercise.
Minimize clutter: Keep floors clear of obstacles to prevent accidents.
Training space: Set aside room for training and playtime activities.
If you do your research and prepare properly and devote the time you need to it, you’ll find a big pooch is a wonderful creature to have around and be a fun, loving, and cuddly friend.
Train and socialize your big dog
Start early: Socialize your puppy between 3 and 14 weeks to expose them to various environments and people. Early socialization will help your dog become confident.
Be consistent: Use the same commands and training techniques across the household is vital for big dog breeds.
Use positive reinforcement: Reward good behavior with treats, praise, or play to encourage repetition.
Teach basic commands: Focus on essential commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” as a foundation for giant dog breeds.
Keep training sessions brief (5-10 minutes) to maintain engagement.
Create socialization opportunities: Expose your dog to different settings and encourage safe interactions with people and other dogs.
Plan controlled introductions: Introduce your dog to new dogs on a leash and watch for positive body language.
Impose limits: Supervise interactions, as large breeds can be overwhelming for smaller pets or children. Training is vital to make large dogs into excellent family pets.
Expose gradually: Slowly introduce your dog to different situations to build confidence.
Consider training classes: Professional classes can provide structured socialization and training.
Be patient: Each dog learns at their own pace; encourage and practice positive behaviors consistently.
Provide daily exercise: Physical activity helps reduce behavior issues and keeps your dog mentally stimulated.
Final thoughts on large breed dogs
Owning one of the largest dog breeds can be rewarding, but it comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities.
From providing the proper nutrition and ample exercise to ensuring they have enough space and training, the commitment required is significant.
It’s essential to do your homework on specific breeds and their unique traits to understand what you’re getting into fully.
By preparing your home and lifestyle for a larger canine companion, you set the stage for a happy and healthy relationship.
Remember, with the proper care and attention, these gentle giants can become loving and devoted members of your family, bringing joy, companionship, and plenty of unforgettable moments into your life.