There is something about big dogs that just melts my heart. I am a lover of all dogs, but big dogs just hit a different spot for me. Two of my favourite breeds are Cane Corso and Great Pyrenees, huge dogs that take a lot of space in my heart. I love the majesty of a big dog, the presence. Nevertheless, I don’t own any giant breed dogs. The reason is fairly simple, as my mentor put it: big dogs—big problems. Little dogs—little problems. If you, like me, have a soft spot for big dogs, there are certain considerations to ponder in addition to the many before getting any dog. Yes, big dogs are wonderful companions, guardians, and protectors. But they come with higher costs for care, more responsibility in that care, and usually need more space in order to be fulfilled. So before you take the plunge and go for your favourite giant breed, think about these three things first.
Big dogs are a huge responsibility. While any dog represents a significant investment of time, resources, and energy, big dogs, simply by their sheer size, greatly increase that investment. If one owns a Chihuahua that lunges, it is a problem. However, if the same person owns a Mastiff or a Saint Bernard that exhibits the same behaviour, that is dangerous. Hence why training big dogs is almost essential for everyone’s well-being. One cannot physically restrain a big dog that decides to go into fight or flight mode. Even in play, these dogs can inadvertently hurt someone. I often say that we wouldn’t expect to mount a horse with no training; the same is true for a being that weighs as much as a pony. Not providing big dogs with rules and boundaries is a recipe for disaster since they can overpower pretty much anyone. They can also create havoc in the household simply because they can reach on top of tables, countertops, stoves, etc. Remember that waiting until your giant dog is an adult to start training them does a disservice not only to your dog but to everyone around them. If you have your heart set on a giant breed, invest in training as much as you would invest in food, water, and shelter. That will allow your dog to be the best version of his huge self.
Big dogs do not travel as easily as small dogs. Nowadays, almost all airlines accept small dogs in their cabin, provided the dog is in a carrier or crate. Big dogs, on the other hand, do not get to enjoy such luxuries as easily. Some companies might allow you to buy a ticket for your dog, but those are very rare. Oftentimes, there are breed restrictions about who can even be flown in the cargo area. Many places do not board dogs bigger than a certain amount of pounds, making boarding them more complicated. Rentals or hotels often do not allow for dogs larger than a certain amount of pounds, so taking your big furry companion on the road with you might also prove more challenging. I am not here to debate the merits of such decisions; I am simply stating the reality of having a bigger dog in modern society. Because they take up much more space and can cause more destruction, one should be cognisant of that before deciding how the dog will fit in with their lifestyle.
Bigger dogs usually mean bigger expenses. Be it with food, health issues, equipment, etc. Big dogs cost more to maintain because they are bigger. They need more food, more space, and higher quantities of medications when prescribed. They are more costly than smaller dogs simply because their bodies require more to achieve the same results as a smaller body does. Even health insurance for your bigger dog will be more expensive than for a small dog. It is easy to forget that when we have our hearts set on a specific type of dog. Yet, I see so many people say they can’t afford to buy medication for their dogs or surrender their dog when they get sick that I feel the need to reiterate that. Larger dogs cost more across the board while also having a tendency to have shorter lifespans.
In short, if your heart is set on getting a large dog, then go for it. They are monumental companions that will add joy to any household. But be sure to do your research, to learn as much as you can about the dog you are getting, so you can provide them with the best possible life you and they can have together. If you are a first-time dog owner, I strongly suggest starting small. Practice rules, boundaries, and teach a smaller dog first. Work your way up to a 100 lb dog or make sure to consult a professional while your dog is young. Being proactive in training any dog is better than being reactive, and when it comes to large dogs, that is doubly important. Remember that having an animal that weighs as much or more than you is a huge responsibility that should not be taken lightly.
