Large Dog Breeds: Pros and Cons
Posted on:
There are many misconceptions when it comes to large dog breeds. Some people don't hesitate to bring home one of the largest breeds available, like a Great Dane or a Mastiff, but they soon find that they're not prepared for a lifelong commitment -- and the price tag doesn't help. You need a little research into what type of dog will suit your lifestyle before hopping on the scale to order.
Pros of Large Dog Breeds:
- Good Health Rating: The health rating of a large dog breed is the most critical factor in deciding which breed will best suit your lifestyle. Generally, healthier dogs have fewer health issues than unhealthy dogs, giant dogs. Many large breeds have been bred to fit specific jobs or lifestyles, such as hunting or herding. As a result, large dog breeds are generally very healthy and have fewer genetic health problems than other breeds. A good health rating is more important than the actual size of your dog since large dogs are prone to developing many of the same health issues as smaller dogs.
- Great Family Pets: Large dog breeds can make wonderful family pets because they love people and are loyal to their family members. For example, if you have a new baby in the house, your old large breed dog likely won't be thrilled with the new addition, but he will adjust to having a small child running around his area. A large dog is a wonderful companion for older children, especially if you have a pool since he will always be nearby to rescue the child from an accidental fall into the deep end.
- Great Companions for Older People: Large dog breeds are usually very active and love being outdoors, so they tend to be great companions for older people who have trouble walking around the house or yard. These large dogs have plenty of energy and spend most of their time running around playing with the family. This allows you to stay out of the heat and watch your neighbors while enjoying outdoor activities.
- Gentle Creatures: Large dog breeds are not typically aggressive toward humans and can be gentle with children because they know that respect goes both ways. Many large breeds were initially selected to fend off predators, but these characteristics make them ideal as family pets because they understand that children are not predators.
Cons of Large Dog Breeds:
- High Maintenance Needs: The only flaw to owning a large dog is that they are usually very high-maintenance animals. You must spend time training your dog, preferably from a young age, so that he will listen to your commands. In addition, you will have to take time every day to groom them to avoid tangles and shedding.
- Expensive: Large breeds tend to be more expensive than small dogs because they require professional grooming since they don't do well with keeping their fur in good shape.
-
Confidence: Large dogs are very confident animals, which can be intimidating for some people. The Bernese Mountain dog is a breed known to be loud, but this is due to their desire to shepherd and protect their families. On the other hand, many breeds of large dogs are humble and good with children and do not make good guard dogs.
Conclusion
Picking out the right large dog breed for your family can be a difficult decision, so you must consider the pros and cons of each breed before you purchase your dog. For example, if you have small children in your home, owning a Newfoundland would not be a good idea because this breed is prone to biting strangers. If you don't want to spend large sums of money every year on professional grooming, then a Pug may not be the right large dog for you because they don't tend to keep their fur in good shape.