Giant dog breeds: what owning a very large dog really involves

Giant dog breeds, such as the Great Dane, Newfoundland and Bernese Mountain Dog, often have gentle, steady temperaments and can be wonderful companions. Their size, though, affects almost every part of daily life, from what car you drive to how much you spend at the vet. This guide covers what to think about before you choose one.

Space and everyday life

A giant dog takes up a lot of room. They need a large bed, space to stretch out and turn around, and enough room to move through your home without knocking things over. A tail at coffee-table height can clear a table in seconds.

Think about:

• Your car. You need a vehicle that can carry the dog safely, ideally in a secure crate or behind a dog guard.
• Stairs and lifting. If your dog is injured or elderly, you may need to help them in and out of the car or up steps. Many owners cannot lift a giant dog alone.
• Your garden. Fences need to be high and secure.
• Training. Good manners matter more with a very large dog. Pulling on the lead or jumping up is a nuisance with a small dog but can knock a person over when the dog is giant. Start reward-based training early.

Giant breeds do not always need more exercise than smaller dogs, but they do need regular walks and mental stimulation. Ask the breeder and your vet what suits the breed and the dog's age.

The cost of a giant dog

Expect to pay more for almost everything:

• Food. A giant dog eats much more than a small one.
• Equipment. Beds, crates, collars, harnesses and coats all cost more in larger sizes.
• Medicines. Many treatments, including flea and worm products, are dosed by weight, so they cost more for a heavier dog.
• Insurance. Premiums are often higher for giant breeds.
• Boarding and grooming. Some kennels and groomers charge more for larger dogs.

Work out the monthly running cost before you buy, not just the price of the puppy.

Feeding a large-breed puppy

Giant-breed puppies grow for longer than small breeds and can put on a lot of weight in their first year. Growing too fast can put strain on developing bones and joints.

• Feed a complete food made for large or giant-breed puppies, and follow the feeding guide on the pack as a starting point.
• Weigh your puppy regularly and ask your vet to check their body shape. You should be able to feel their ribs easily.
• Don't add extra calcium or other supplements unless your vet advises it. Too much can do harm.
• Ask your vet when to move on to adult food. Large breeds usually stay on puppy food for longer than small breeds.

Avoid very long or high-impact exercise while your puppy is growing. Short, gentle walks and play on soft ground are better than long runs or lots of jumping.

Health problems to know about

Joint problems

Giant breeds are prone to problems with their hips, elbows and other joints, and to arthritis as they get older. Some of these problems are inherited. In the UK, the British Veterinary Association and the Kennel Club run screening schemes for hip and elbow dysplasia. Ask the breeder whether both parents have been screened and ask to see the results.

Keeping your dog slim throughout life is one of the most useful things you can do for their joints. Joint supplements are widely sold, but they are not a substitute for a healthy weight and vet care. Ask your vet before starting one, and contact them if your dog shows stiffness or lameness.

Bloat

Bloat, also called gastric dilatation and volvulus, happens when the stomach fills with gas and can twist. It is more common in large, deep-chested dogs and can kill within hours.

Contact a vet straight away if your dog:

• has a swollen or tight belly;
• retches or tries to vomit but brings nothing up;
• is restless, drooling or pacing;
• seems to be in pain, has pale gums, or collapses.

Don't wait to see if it gets better. Ask your vet how you can lower the risk, for example by how and when you feed your dog.

Other health issues

Some giant breeds are also prone to heart problems, certain cancers and eye conditions. Problems vary between breeds, so look up the health issues for the breed you are considering and ask the breeder which tests the parents have had.

Lifespan

Giant breeds generally live shorter lives than small and medium breeds. That doesn't make them a poor choice, but it is worth knowing before you fall in love with a puppy. Lifespan varies between breeds and individual dogs, so ask the breeder about the ages reached by the puppy's relatives.

Banned types of dog

Some large dogs are banned. Across the UK, it is illegal to own, sell, breed or give away four types of dog without an exemption: the Pit Bull Terrier, the Japanese Tosa, the Dogo Argentino and the Fila Brasileiro. XL Bully type dogs are also banned in England and Wales, and an exemption certificate is needed to keep one. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own XL Bully rules. Check the current government guidance for where you live before you buy any large dog of uncertain type.

Choosing a giant breed

If a giant dog suits your home, budget and lifestyle, take your time. Visit the breeder, see the puppy with its mother, ask about health testing and temperament, and talk to owners of the breed. Rescue organisations also rehome giant breeds of all ages. You can start looking on Find a pet.