Big Dogs! Exercising Giant Breeds
As stated in past blogs, not all exercises are right for all dogs. That is why it is important to learn what is the safest and most efficient exercises to get your individual dog in better shape. For those pet lovers who like really big dogs, listen up. The giant breeds have special exercise needs due to bone growth in adolescents and the size (weight) of adults. Because of their size, giant breeds are at a greater risk to injuries including torn anterior cruciate ligaments when attempting certain exercises. Let's take a look at the Mastiff for example.
Although the original function of a Mastiff included hunting and going into battle with their owners, their primary function from the early 1800's on was as a guard dog. Their job was to stay close to home / family and protect them from intruders. They were not used for hunting or retrieving game in the field therefore they are not built to run long distances or climb steep hills. As with the majority of purebred dogs their form follows function, meaning their bone structure was developed through selective breeding to serve a particular purpose.
As a member of the Greenwich Kennel Club I was recently working at their 78th annual dog show and caught up with a longtime breeder of Mastiffs, Pat Flanagan Borracci. I asked Pat if she would help me educate people about the restrictions of exercising such a large dog as the Mastiff. A true ambassador of her breed, she quickly agreed. Our interview about exercising and feeding Mastiffs is below and my favorite quote is " A fat Mastiff is not going to live as long as a healthy Mastiff." Pat was an excellent representative for her breed.
Keep in mind that this information regarding exercise and diet can also be applicable to other giant or large breeds including the Borzoi, Bullmastiff, Great Dane, Dogue De Bordeaux, Great Pyrenees, Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Irish Wolfhound, Newfoundland, Neapolitan, St. Bernard, Scottish Deerhound and Tibetan Mastiff.
For more information about Mastiffs visit: Mastiff Club of America or Empire State Mastiff Fanciers.
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