Living with a large, active breed of dog can be an exceptionally satisfying experience. However, although a large dog breed can become ideal for countless people; Potential owners must be well-known about many different considerations, including health problems and decreased life expectancy of countless large dog breeds. We take a look at eight of the most famous large dog breeds and what to keep in mind if you’re considering buying one …

Newfoundland
Characteristics: The Newfoundland dog breed is a large, strong dog that makes a great family pet. Initially used as a working dog to pull out wood or fishing nets for lumberjacks, it is a brilliant swimmer.

Health problems: Rupture of the cruciate ligament of the artery can sometimes be found in the breed. Depending on the level of severity, these types of injuries can result in surgery, so having the right dog insurance is crucial. The Newfoundland dog breed can sometimes suffer more dangerously from gastric torsion. This turns out to be a life-threatening condition in which the stomach stretches due to increased gas and can cause the stomach to twist. It is mainly found in large dogs that have deep chests.

Great dane
Characteristics: The Great Dane dog breed is a regal dog with royal beauty that has an aura of nobility due to its tall stature of up to 86cm. He is kind of a gentle giant and enjoys spending time with his people.

Health problems: While its size was an asset to its original purpose as a hunting dog, it can be detrimental to its health. Like Newfoundland, in addition to suffering from gastric torsion, the Great Dane dog breed also has a higher risk of bone cancer than a smaller dog. Signs and symptoms include lameness which, if you notice in your Great Dane, means you should take him to your vet immediately.

Irish wolfhound
Characteristics: This huge 86cm tall dog made him ideal for his conventional roles of pulling and hunting men from his horses in wars. This shaggy-haired dog has the ability to be a perfect family pet for many thanks to its ability to create deep bonds with its owner and its desire to participate in all aspects of family life.

Health problems: Due to the size of the Irish Wolfhound breed, it can also be vulnerable to bone cancer, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. Other conditions that can affect this breed include heart disease caused by thinning of the heart muscle and the inability to contract properly.

Bernese Mountain Dog
Characteristics: The Bernese Mountain Dog is from Switzerland, standing up to 68cm tall, making it ideal for its conventional roles of helping to pull carts and herding livestock. With a sweet character and long hair, it is a warm and welcoming family pet.

Health problems: The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large and healthy breed of dog compared to others, but the owner must take into account the possible conditions that may result from its size. Those conditions include elbow dysplasia, which is a degenerative disease sometimes found in large dog breeds.

Rottweiler
Characteristics: The Rottweiler dog breed is in a medium to large size. The breed originated in Germany, where it was used to pull carts and herd cattle for butchers and farmers. He is mentally and physically strong, but needs careful training to respect his owner as “leader of the pack.”

Health problems: The Rottweiler is one of the dog breeds most affected by hip dysplasia. This condition can range from mild to severe. Severe cases are very painful and usually require surgery to correct them. The dog is also among the breeds that suffer from a congenital heart condition which is also called aortic stenosis.

Leonberger
Characteristics: A cross between a Saint Bernard, a Newfoundland and the Great Pyrenees, it is no wonder that the Leonberger dog breed can measure up to 80cm in height. He likes to be around people and requires about an hour to exercise every day, like many other giant dog breeds.

Health problems: Leonberger’s size increases the risk of panosteitis (inflammation of the bones) and hip dysplasia. It occurs when the large leg bones of young dogs become inflamed, making it extremely painful for the dog to move or walk. With the Leonberger dog breed as with any other dog, it is crucial to possess the proper dog insurance to ensure that your dog is covered and can enjoy spending his time with any breed of large dog.

Golden retriever
Characteristics: The Gundog was created to eliminate, locate or recover the prey shot by hunters. He is often highly trainable, eager to have fun, and has a pleasant, balanced temperament.

Health problems: Some of his minor health problems include subaortic stenosis (SAS), hypothyroidism, elbow dysplasia, eye disorders, seizures, and mast cell tumors. You can also occasionally find osteosarcoma in the Golden Retriever dog breed. The other big health problems for the dog include canine hip dysplasia (CHD), lymphoma, skin problems, and hemangiosarcoma. To recognize these conditions early, a vet may recommend heart, thyroid, hip, eye, or elbow tests during routine checkups.

German shorthair pointer
Characteristics: This German Shorthaired Pointer is a really big hunting dog, measuring up to 66 cm. It has a lot of stamina and energy. Ideally, you will need to exercise for more than two hours a day with a large amount of free running.

Health problems: This breed of dog is vulnerable to minor health problems such as hypothyroidism, gastric torsion, canine hip dysplasia (CHD), von Willebrand disease (vWD), osteochondrosis dissecting (OCD), pannus and entropion, and major concerns such as lymphedema. Other problems that can occasionally be found in the dog breed include ectropion, cardiomyopathy, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). To recognize some of these problems, a veterinarian may recommend regular heart, hip, thyroid, and vision examinations and tests to check for VWD.