There are many choices to make when choosing a dog---breed, color, sex, temperament, skills, grooming needs, health concerns and size just to name a few. One issue to take into consideration when choosing a large-breed dog is the special health concerns common to large, purebred canines. Though health problems are not guaranteed, some conditions are relatively common and should be considered before making your final decision.
What Is a "Large" Dog?
Dr. James Roush, professor of clinical sciences at Kansas State's College of Veterinary Medicine, says dogs considered to be a "large breed" generally weigh more than 60 lbs. They are bred to be the biggest and to grow the fastest, which may be a contributing factor to specific health concerns. Large--breed dogs typically have shorter life spans than smaller dogs; they enjoy long walks and tend to be more gentle and calm, according to the website "DogGuide.net."
Types of Large Breeds
Large-breed dogs include the Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, Great Dane, Labrador retriever, German shepherd, Afghan hound, bloodhound, boxer, English foxhound, English setter, Doberman pinscher, curly-coated retriever, Bernese mountain dog, and black and tan coonhound.
Large Breed Health Concerns
Veterinarians at Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine state two main health concerns for large-breed dogs: orthopedic (bone) issues and heart problems.
Bone diseases common to large-breed dogs include hip dysplasia (separation of hip joint), elbow dysplasia (separation of elbow joint), osteochondritis dissecans (defective joint cartilage usually occurring in major joint or in between vertebrae), hypertrophic osterodystrophy (abnormal bone growth causing pain at the ends of bones) and cervical (neck) vertebral instability. Cervical instability, also called wobbler disease, can make the dog appear drunk or unstable and lead to neurological disease and eventual paralysis.
Cardiac issues that can appear in large-breed dogs include dilated cardiomopathy. According to Dr. Barret Bulmer, assistant professor of cardiology at Kansas State's College of Veterinary Medicine, one of the most common cardiac conditions that affects large-breed dogs is this form of heart muscle disease. This disease, which affects the heart's ability to pump blood adequately, causes intolerance to exercise and eventually heart failure.
According to the website "PetEducation.com," a third health concern for large-breed dogs is osteosarcomas, a form of bone cancer. Dogs weighing more than 80 pounds have been shown to be 60 times more likely to develop an osteosarcoma than dogs weighing less than 75 pounds. Treatment for this bone cancer includes chemotherapy and/or amputation of the affected limb. This cancer does not appear to be preventable.
Signs and Symptoms of Health Concerns
Orthopedic issues in large-breed dogs, whether a dysplasia or cancer, will manifest as symptoms that include limping, heat and/or swelling of the affected area, the dog not wanting to walk, play or being hesitant to move. Treatments for orthopedic health issues typically involve surgery or arthritis medication depending on the condition.
Signs and symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy (heart failure) include lethargy, inability to run and play as usual and loss of appetite. More advanced stages show signs of coughing, fainting and fluid accumulation, i.e., swelling and weight gain.
Large-Breed Diet
Since large-breed dogs are vulnerable to certain health issues, veterinarians recommend that owners feed their puppies food that is specifically for large-breed dogs. Dr. James Roush, professor at Kansas State's College of Veterinary Medicine, states that this diet criteria is recommended due to the different growth rates between small and large dogs. Because large-breed dogs are susceptible to certain diseases related to rapid growth rate, feeding puppies dog food formulated with these particular health concerns will help prevent or at least lessen these conditions should they develop later in life.
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