Looking after and feeding large breed dogs
 Large
dogs tend to grow rapidly but mature slowly. Their quick growth
means they are prone to bone problems, so it's imperative that you
feed the young dog well and try to prevent him from running and
jumping about too much, which is easier said than done!
Many of the larger breeds have relaxed, mellow temperaments,
despite their perceived personalities, which often stem from Hollywood
and the media rather than the dogs themselves. However, they cost
considerably more to feed than the smaller breeds, often require
specialist diets to keep their weight under control and their joints
strong, and will need larger (and therefore more expensive) beds
and collars, and more robust toys to keep them amused. If the worst
happens and your dog needs an operation, bear in mind that vets
charge for anaesthetics and drugs by volume, which is determined
by the dog's weight.
Sadly, the larger the dog, the shorter the lifespan.
Many large dogs only live for six to 10 years - but at least those
years will be spent with a fun and loving companion.
Large breeds include the Afghan Hound, Anatolian Shepherd
Dog, Bernese Mountain Dog, Bloodhound, Borzoi, Cane Corso, Giant
Schnauzer, Great Pyrenees, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Hungarian
Kuvasz, Irish Wolfhound, Komondor, Leonberger, Newfoundland, Scottish
Deerhound, St Bernard, and Molossers, which is a group comprising
of several breeds, many of which are Mastiffs. Molossers include
the Bullmastiff, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Mastiff, Fila Brasileiro,
Spanish Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff and Tibetan Mastiff.
Feeding Large Dogs
If you choose a complete food that is formulated to
give the puppy everything he needs to grow well, then you can't
go wrong. The pup will need to change to a formulation for junior
or young dogs at about six months of age. Unlike smaller breeds,
who could move on to an adult mix from a year old, the larger dogs
will need to stay on a junior feed until then are anything up to
18 months old. Your vet or breeder will be able to advise you.
As for an adult diet, there are several foods available
now which have been developed with the larger breed in mind, particularly
in relation to energy requirements, and with a larger kibble size
which helps prevent a larger dog bolting its food too quickly.
So check out Pet
Supermarket and Pets
at Homewebsites for information and what seem to be good prices
- they have the biggest choices around.
Health
Because they grow so quickly, large breeds are prone
to joint problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia, and arthritis.
They are also at risk of osteosarcoma, which is a malignant type
of bone cancer, often affecting the Irish Wolfhound, German Shepherd,
Greyhound and Rottweiler - and St Bernards, in which the disease
may be hereditary. Hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD) is another
bone disease that affects large dogs, and usually occurs between
two and seven months of age. Basically, because the blood doesn't
flow properly to the bone, it stops the skeleton from developing.
Symptoms include pain, depression, lameness, fever, and deformity
of the joints. Always get limb problems in large breeds seen by
a vet.
Cardiomyopathy, which is inflammation and scarring
of the heart, is the bane of many large breeds, and is most prevalent
among Dobermanns. First symptoms of this fatal condition include
coughing so, again, don't overlook this sign. Proper care, a healthy
diet and a loving environment can significantly lengthen the lifespan
of a large breed.
Temperament
Despite their appearance and often unjust media portrayal, large
dogs tend to be affectionate, relaxed and gentle. They are loyal
dogs who will protect you and yet can make excellent companions
for children. It is no coincidence that larger breeds are used as
helpers and rescue dogs - their courage and ruggedness, combined
with a trainable temperament, make them ideal for the job. Like
all dogs, large breeds can show aggression to strangers. However,
they are the most loyal of animals, and will put up with an amazing
amount of 'abuse' from children - as long as they are part of the
family and, therefore, part of his pack.
Grooming
The amount of time that needs to be devoted to keeping
your large breed clean, comfortable and healthy will depend largely
on his type.
Shorter-haired breeds such as the Anatolian Shepherd Dog, Cane Corso,
Fila Brasileiro and many Mastiffs will need far less combing than
the Afghan Hound, Komondor or Leonberger, which resemble walking
wigs or mops. When you also consider that many of these breeds love
water and all things dirty, you may spend quite some time grooming!
But your happy, gleaming dog will more than make up for the trouble.
Exercise
Large dogs need to have plenty of space to stretch
their considerable legs, but they probably don't need as much exercise
as you imagine. Don't over-exert young dogs, as this can cause joint
problems.
Training
It takes firm yet patient handling to ensure your
pup turns in to a trusted and obedient companion.
Many of these large breeds are natural protectors, who will alert
you to a possible intruder and can even show disdain or dislike
towards strangers. However, as long as your dog is well trained,
he will be trustworthy, and the sheer existence of a large dog will
make you and your home less likely to be attacked.
(source PPM magazine)
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