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Large Dog Breeds
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Many individuals choose large dog breeds for their animal companions because they are looking for pets that can protect them as well as be their friend. There are 167 breeds designated by the American Kennel Club as large dog breeds, each weighing around or over 50 pounds. Although some large breeds are used for security, many large dogs are extremely gentle in personality and are genuinely friendly. Large sized dogs have different health, food, and exercise requirements than smaller animals and differ in behavior and personality as well.
Nutritional Needs Before obtaining a puppy belonging to one of the large dog breeds, you should be sure that a large dog is right for your family and your home. Every year, thousands of large dogs are taken to local dog pounds because the owner underestimated their ability to take care of a large animal. Large dog breeds eat a great deal more food and are more expensive to feed than their smaller counterparts. Food for these larger dogs is specially formulated with the correct nutritional balance for the dog at each stage of their development. Large dogs reach maturity sooner than smaller dogs, so the large breeds should be fed dog food intended for senior animals after the age of 6 years old. Healthcare Needs It is very important for animals that belong to large dog breeds to be examined by a veterinarian annually, as they are predisposed to many health ailments. One hereditary health condition common to many large dogs is hip dysplasia. In this condition, the joint of the hip is unstable, causing the joint to disintegrate and causing the dog stiffness, pain, and difficulty walking. Other conditions found primarily in larger dogs include bone cancer, osteoarthritis, and heart disease. To prevent many disorders from appearing in your pet, veterinarian visits must be frequent and the dog must get regular exercise to maintain their weight and keep them healthy. Training Needs Large dog breeds require obedience training at an early age to make them safe to have in a domestic setting. Proper training will ensure that the dog will not hurt themselves and their owners through ignorance. Large dogs like to jump up on their owners as much as small dogs dog, but their larger size could cause their owners significant injury. Training the animal early also teaches the dog good manners and allows them to be indoor animals and be around the rest of the family. Proper training can also curb the destructive tendencies of a discontent dog. Although large dog breeds require a different type of nutrition, training, and healthcare, they are just as lovable as any of the smaller dog breeds. |