Is A Big Dog Right For You?

Great Danes, Rottweilers, German Shepherds and Dobermans.

Besides being famous dog breeds, these dogs are also known for their large size. Not surprisingly, any families often choose big dogs for pets. Bigger dog breeds commonly started out as working dogs, which dogs were used in hunts, farms, labor, and military or protection tasks. Their size and strength where meant to be used as an edge to make people and their prey become fearful of them, hence why many of bigger dog breeds still scare many. You might be asking if a big dog breed is the right one for you. Below is a check list of things to consider.

Does your living space fit the dogs size?

When it comes to big dog breeds, a wide space is preferable. Think of somewhere they can run around and stretch their legs. If you live in the suburbs in a house with a big lawn or back yard, then a big dog will have no problem living here. However, apartments and condos in the middle of the city might be a little small for them.

Can you give them exercise time?

Not unless you have a dog walker that you can pay to walk your dog and give them regular exercise, you have to be sure that you can find time to walk them and play with them daily. Bigger dog breeds need at least an hour of exercise every other day to keep their muscles toned and their bones strong. Living in the city means that you will have to take them out to the park or an area where they can run around and play.

Can you afford it?

Big dogs have big appetites, so expect to stock up on cans or bags of dog food. A good way to save on dog food is to buy in wholesale or in bulk. Many dog food brands offer their products in sacks, which will definitely last for a long time. Canned dog food also helps you with the proportion and managing the dogs weight, as you dont want to overfeed your dog.

Do you know about their health?

There are illnesses, such as degenerative myelopathy, hip problems, bone cancer and more that are more common in large dogs. Furthermore, illnesses like degenerative myelopathy cannot be seen when the dogs are still puppies, so this means that you have to know how to take care of them when they get ill.