Which dog breeds are very large?
When you refer to a dog as very large, breeds like the Labrador or Ridgeback are excluded. While they can certainly be counted among the →large dog breeds, the true giants only start at a height of 70 cm. Among the world's →largest dog breeds are, among others:
Great Dane
Irish Wolfhound
Newfoundland
Saint Bernard
English Mastiff
Risks from overbreeding
Of course, not all of these breeds are sick just because they are very large. Still, as with any other animal, you should pay attention to a trustworthy breeder and not support breeding dogs that are unnaturally large for the breed.
Just like with →very small dogs, very large dog breeds have also developed quickly due to increased demand. But extreme breeding and the desire for special traits and a certain look for the animals often go hand in hand with health risks.
Common complaints and health problems of very large dog breeds
A large, muscular build, beautiful ears, and a shiny coat—the desire for the perfect big dog brings with it a number of complaints and health problems. Joint problems are the most common. With overbreeding, joints and skeleton can become stunted, which can lead to various complaints in later years.
Arthrosis—the "widespread disease" of very large dog breeds
A stunting of joints and skeleton can lead to chronic joint disease arthrosis. In this case, the joint cartilage is reduced or even completely destroyed, which in turn leads to joint wear and loss. As a result, your four-legged friend experiences unpleasant pain when moving and, for example, may no longer be able to climb stairs. Arthrosis is now so widespread that it is almost considered the "widespread disease" among very large dog breeds.
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Just as common is hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, which can also be inherited. Very large dog breeds grow very quickly. But if the body has not enough time to fully develop bones and joints, this can later cause musculoskeletal disorders. In combination with malnutrition or improper nutrition, such joint problems are even more likely.
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How can I prevent diseases?
The good news: You can prevent many diseases in very large dog breeds quite well. All you need to know is how:
The right food
Since large dog breeds grow quickly, they need a →healthy and balanced diet. Only then will the body get all the necessary nutrients and be able to build a strong skeleton. If you're unsure, get advice from experts such as a veterinarian. There are also specially trained nutritionists for dogs. Our veterinarians are also happy to answer your questions in our →free food consultation about your four-legged friend.
Pay attention to a healthy weight
The bigger the dog, the more weight it carries—makes sense. Still, you should make sure that your four-legged friend does not weigh above average. Especially with large dogs, we're quick to hand out a snack here and slip them something extra there. "He's big, he needs it"—or maybe not. All that extra weight your dog then has to carry around with him every step of the way. This puts additional strain on the joints and can accelerate wear or even lead to a →cruciate ligament tear.
Especially when it comes to snacks you should look for a natural composition without sugar, grains, or preservatives.
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Avoid too much strain too early
Also make sure that your big companion, especially during the growth phase, doesn't run and jump too much. In the first months and years of life, bones and joints are still developing. Early excessive strain can promote later complaints and diseases. For some very large dog breeds, this can already mean climbing stairs; others should not run too much and definitely not jog alongside a bicycle.
The right amount of activity
Even though many of the very large dog breeds naturally have a certain →calmness and tranquility, none of them want to just lie around lazily all day. However, due to their size and weight, you should be careful with things like agility and other dog sports. A Saint Bernard is not a Border Collie—maybe "gentler" activities like a round of swimming or scent games are a more suitable way to keep them busy.
