large dog breeds
Living with a large, active breed of dog can be an exceptionally satisfying experience. However, while one large dog breed can become ideal for countless people; Potential owners need to be aware of many different considerations, including the health concerns and shorter life expectancies of countless large dog breeds. We take a look at eight of the most famous large dog breeds and what to consider if you’re considering buying one…
Newfoundland
Characteristic: The Newfoundland dog breed is a strong, large dog that makes a great family pet. Initially used as a working dog to pull wood or fishing nets for lumberjacks, it is a brilliant swimmer.
Health problems: Rupture of the Cruciate Artery Ligament can sometimes be found in the breed. Depending on the level of severity, these types of injuries can result in surgery, which makes having the right dog insurance crucial. The Newfoundland dog breed can sometimes suffer more dangerously from gastric torsion. This turns out to be a life-threatening condition where the stomach is stretched due to increased gas and can lead to stomach twisting. It is mainly found in large dogs that have a deep chest.
great dane
Characteristic: The Great Dane is a regal dog of true beauty that has an aura of nobility due to its tall stature of up to 86cm. He is something of a gentle giant and enjoys spending time with his people.
Health problems: While its size was an advantage for its original purpose as a hunting dog, it can be detrimental to its health. Like the Newfoundland, in addition to gastric torsion, the Great Dane dog breed also has a higher risk of bone cancer than a smaller dog. Signs and symptoms include lameness which, if you notice in your Great Dane, means you need to take him to your vet right away.
irish wolfhound
Characteristic: This huge dog at 86cm tall made him ideal for his conventional roles of pulling and hunting men from their horses in wars. This shaggy-coated dog has the ability to be a perfect family pet for many thanks to his ability to bond deeply with his owner and his desire to participate in all aspects of family life.
Health problems: Due to the size of the Irish Wolfhound breed, it can also be vulnerable to bone cancer, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. Other conditions that can affect this breed include heart disease caused by the thinning of the heart muscle and its inability to contract properly.
bernese mountain dog
Characteristic: The Bernese Mountain Dog belongs to Switzerland, whose size is very tall, up to 68 cm, which makes it ideal for its conventional roles of helping to pull carts and herding cattle. With a sweet disposition and long fur, he is a warm and welcoming family pet.
Health problems: The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large and healthy dog breed compared to others, but the owner must be aware of possible conditions that can result from its size. Those conditions include elbow dysplasia, which is a degenerative disease sometimes found in large dog breeds.
rottweiler
Characteristic: The Rottweiler dog breed is found in a medium to large size. The breed originated in Germany, where it was used to pull carts and herd cattle for butchers and farmers. He is mentally and physically strong, but needs careful training to respect his owner as “leader of the pack.”
Health problems: The Rottweiler is one of the dog breeds most affected by hip dysplasia. This condition can range from mild to severe. Severe cases are very painful and usually require surgery to correct. The dog is also among the breeds that suffer from a congenital heart condition that is also called aortic stenosis.
leonberger
Characteristic: A cross between a Saint Bernard, a Newfoundland and a Great Pyrenees, it is no surprise that the Leonberger dog breed can measure up to 80cm. It likes to be around people and requires about an hour of exercise each day, like many other giant dog breeds.
Health problems: Leonberger size increases the risk of panosteitis (inflammation of the bones) and hip dysplasia. It occurs when the large bones in the legs of young dogs become inflamed, making it extremely painful for the dog to move or walk. With the Leonberger dog breed as with any other dog, it’s crucial to have the right dog insurance to make sure your dog is covered and can enjoy their time with any large dog breed.
golden retriever
Characteristic: The Gundog was created to eliminate, locate, or retrieve game shot down by hunters. He is often highly trainable, willing to entertain, and has a pleasant, even temperament.
Health problems: Some of his minor health problems include subaortic stenosis (SAS), hypothyroidism, elbow dysplasia, eye disorders, seizures, and mast cell tumors. You can also find osteosarcoma occasionally in the Golden Retriever dog breed. The other big health problems for the dog include canine hip dysplasia (CHD), lymphoma, skin problems, and hemangiosarcoma. To recognize such conditions early, a veterinarian may recommend heart, thyroid, hip, eye, or elbow tests during routine checkups.
german shorthaired pointer
Characteristic: This German Shorthaired Pointer is a really large hunting dog and is very tall, up to 66 cm. He has an abundance of stamina and energy. Ideally, he will need exercise for more than two hours a day with a lot of free running.
Health problems: This dog breed is vulnerable to minor health problems like hypothyroidism, gastric torsion, canine hip dysplasia (CHD), von Willebrand disease (vWD), osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD), pannus, and entropion, and major concerns like lymphedema. Other problems that can occasionally be found in the canine breed include ectropion, cardiomyopathy, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). To recognize some of these problems, a veterinarian may recommend regular heart, hip, thyroid, and eye exams, and tests to check for vWD.