Big dogs!!?

Question

I am thinking of buying a dog, if i were to get one it would be a big one, i drive up to my grandparents in midland every other weekend and there is lots of room there were it could run around, there is also a beach there. I have enough room and time for it but i want to know if any one knows any down sides or up sides to owning a big dog???

Answer 1

They eat a lot more! Which makes their bathroom visits quite a bit bigger...

I have a dog that is about 90 pounds, and he is a sweetheart. The only thing is that some of my friends are quite intimidated by him, even though he thinks he is a lap dog and is really friendly. People have stereotypes about big dogs being aggressive....

One thing though, big dogs tend to not live as long. The life expectancy for my dog is really only about 10-12 years (and that is a fruitful life for that size of dog). They often will have hip and leg problems if they are too large. We keep our dog lean, which the vets say has really helped our dog and will make him live longer. So, try not to overfeed your dog, if you do get one, because it is really healthier.

You should try to adopt, if you can. Lots of dogs need homes, and that way you are helping them and the agencies.

Answer 2

If you are talking truly BIG dogs (English Mastiff, Great Dane, Irish Wolfhound) they take up a lot of room - unless you own a minivan, van, or sizable SUV, they do not make good traveling companions. I have seen people get dogs like this & then tote them around in the back of a econo-sedan - this is cruel to the dog, as he can not get stretched out or comfortable.

Food: some do eat more, but most big dog breeds actually have a slower metabolisim & eat less than a Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd. But, the end result is still VERY large feces to pick up from the yard. More than other breeds, it is best to feed them a high-quality premium food, and this will keep this mess smaller & less frequent, also.

Health: you need to be very careful & buy from a reputable breeder that has certified their breeding dogs against hip dysplasia & elbow dysplasia with the OFA or PennHip. Many big breeds are more prone to bloat, so feed them small meals more often & never after or before exercise to minimize this risk. Most big dogs mature slowly (2-3 years) and have short lives (7-10 years).

But do not let the 'downs' deter you, if that is what you want. The right dog for the right person is what is important. For instance, I am a tried & true Boxer owner - in spite of the fact they are prone to cancer & heart problems, can't deal well with heat or cold, don't live long & act like the Energizer Bunny till they are 3 + years old!

Answer 3

Other than the piles they leave and the hair all over everything big dogs tend to need alot more exercise than small ones do.
I have 2 german shepherds who are house dogs and can tell you from experience that they have to be run everyday to keep my house intact.The rule of thumb for us is that if whatever amount of exercise they've gotten does not produce at least a 2 hr.nap then it was'nt enough.
My dogs get an hour run in before I go to work and get 2 20-30 minute play sessions when I get home and before I go to bed.

Answer 4

I've always had big dogs because (I'm generalizing now) they have more even, mellow temperaments. I could never live with a yappy, hyper small dog. You need to research any breed you're interested in to find out about health problems in the breed, then when you've decided on a breed, find a very reputable breeder and ask lots of questions.

In general, large dogs don't live as long (but breeds vary) from the very short-lived great danes and Irish wolfhounds, to many others who can live to mid-teens. But they don't have a lot of the health problems some of the smaller breeds do (bad teeth, skin problems, patella problems, etc.)

Dogs are a very individual choice - you need to do your own research to find what's right for you.

Answer 5

I've owned a German Shepherd, Doberman, English Mastiff and Great Dane so far and loved them all. They are wonderful dogs.

The biggest downside with owning a large or giant breed dog is one that people don't really face until they already have it. You see every dog, just like a kid, will constantly test their boundaries as they get settled in (or grow up if it's a puppy). They will try to bite you (playfully at first), chew on your stuff, eat from the table (which is especially easy for a large dog), get on your couch/bed. You have to know deep down inside that you are not going to be afraid to put a 100lb dog (or 200lb in case of my Mastiff) in it's place. You also need to know if whoever you're living with (parents, roommates, boyfriend, etc.) is willing to commit to raising the dog right with you and will also not be intimidated by its size.

The dogs are pack animals and they are happiest when they know where they fit in within your family (or pack). Draw the lines early and clearly and never ever allow the dog to break your rules and you'll have a happy and obedient dog. For example, many dogs, especially puppies will play-bite. As they get excited they'll switch from their toy to your hand. It won't hurt much while they are a puppy, but trust me, you don't want that behavior when they are large. So the instant your dogs teeth touch your skin, you grab them by the snout, shut it (just make sure they don't bite down on their tongue) and hold them still. Use both hands if necessary and do not let go. Once the dog stops squirming and accepts it's fate, you can let go and start playing so the dog knows you are not mad at it, and that playing with the toy is the right alternative. If you think that you can do this to a 100lb dog (because even if you train them right from being a pup, you might have to discipline them once in a great while), then you'll be alright.

Make sure that the people you live with have the same attitude. When I had my doberman, I lived with my parents The dog listened to me great, but my mom never disciplined the dog for fear of not being loved. So she spoiled my dog and let him get away with anything, until, when he was almost 1 year old, he kept constantly nipping at her hands as she walked through the house. She would yell at him, but was actually a bit scared of him and the dog knew that. So my parents told me to get rid of the dog or move out, so I had to move out.

For other info on raising/training a dog, please buy this book, it's the best I've read by far in explaining how dogs think and how to gently but firmly train them.

http://www.amazon.com/Good-Owners-Great-Brian-Kilcommons/dp/0446675385

Answer 6

Are you wanting to get a mixed breed, a puppy, a specific breed? As far as big dog in general, I can't think of any downs. Except of course that they are more of a job to bathe if you are going to do that and when they go to the bathroom it's bigger.
If you get a long haired breed they can be pretty miserable in Texas unless you are able to have them shaved in the summer. Not to the skin, just shaved down some. If you don't want to do that, you can get a short haired breed. They are easier to take care of as far as brushing and bathing. Or a breed that has thinner hair like an Irish Setter. Want to adopt a dog in Texas? Check out Kinky Friedman's Utopia Rescue Ranch:
http://www.utopiarescue.com/

Answer 7

It depends what breed you are thinking of. It's harder to take big dogs with you on errands, or on vacation or to rent somewhere to live. If you ever need to fly somewhere they have to travel in the hold which can be expensive and inconvenient. They also have more fur to shed, may be slobbery and are hard to convince to do something they don't want to. The bigger the dog, the more in control you need to be with training, otherwise you'll be dragged down the street and never get to sit on your own sofa or sleep in your own bed. They can also cause more destruction if they are chewers.

Vet costs are also higher as they require higher doses of medication. The same goes for flea and tick and heartworm preventative. Everyday items for them also cost more, like food, beds, chews, collars, crates and doghouses.

Having said that, I have 2 large dogs, one Bloodhound and one Lab/Golden Retriever mix, and I wouldn't trade them for the world. They love everybody, but I know they would protect me if they needed to. I prefer their personalities to those of small dogs, and they are working dogs as well as companions, rather than small balls of fuzz that just eat. You just have to accept that you won't have everything in your house just perfect if you have a large dog, then you can relax and enjoy them.

Answer 8

Other than lots of exercise, and big clean ups! big dogs are great. Labradors love the water, and are large dogs. But go to a shelter to get your dog. There are a lot of big dogs in shelters waiting for a good home.

Answer 9

I had a German Shepherd. She was everything to me. A great companion. Went wherever I went. The size of them keep unwanted people at bay, even if they are going to stand by you silently. They are good with babies. They learn fast. Soon you won't think them to be dogs/pets. They will be one among your family members.
I love big dogs over small ones. It's my personal preference and opinion that they are more expressive with their feelings and emotions. Also, their wants are more as far as keeping them company goes.
Advice:
Neuter them if possible. It prolongs their lifespan.

Answer 10

Big dog, big food bills, big poop.

Shorter lifespan, more of a risk for hip problems (depending on breed) as they age.

As for the pro's, more doggie to love! They're a little more intimidating to strangers if you're looking to protect your home also.

Personally I think large dogs are more attracticve then little ones. (I own an 18lb. mutt, so no offense to anyone!)