Understanding Large Dog Breeds and Responsible Ownership
Dog breeds come in a wide variety, and they can be categorized by size into large (61-70 cm tall, 31-40 kg weight), medium (41-60 cm tall, 11-30 kg weight), small (25-40 cm tall, 4-10 kg weight), and extra-small (under 25cm tall, under 4kg weight) breeds. Among these, large dog breeds are particularly popular with owners due to their "regal" presence and stable temperament.
However, the costs associated with raising large dogs, such as food, grooming, and daily supplies, are significantly higher than those for medium or small dogs. If owners do not do their homework and prepare themselves mentally and financially before bringing a large dog home, they can easily feel overwhelmed! Moreover, according to a survey by "Our Island," large breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, Huskies, and Golden Retrievers are frequently abandoned at shelters.
Therefore, if you're considering owning a majestic large dog, in addition to researching breeds and personalities, it's crucial to understand the current environment for raising large dogs in Taiwan and the preparations you need to make. This ensures you can provide your dog with a comfortable and stable home, becoming a responsible and loving owner committed to their lifelong happiness.
Common Large Dog Breeds
Golden Retriever: Breed Characteristics and Care
Golden Retrievers are beloved for their lively, social, and friendly nature, as well as their high obedience. However, potential owners should be aware of their specific needs to ensure a happy and healthy life for these wonderful dogs.
Key Characteristics
- Temperament: Lively, social, friendly, and highly obedient.
- Exercise Needs: High. They thrive in environments with outdoor spaces or easy access to exercise.
- Appetite: Large. This breed has a tendency to gain weight, requiring frequent activity to maintain a healthy physique.
Care Considerations
Golden Retrievers require specific attention to manage their health and grooming needs:
- Weight Management: Due to their large appetite, Golden Retrievers are prone to obesity, which can lead to various health issues. Regular and frequent exercise is essential to keep them in shape.
- Grooming: Golden Retrievers have a double coat and are heavy shedders. They typically shed twice a year, but the humid and hot climate of Taiwan can cause more frequent shedding. Owners should be prepared to spend a significant amount of time helping with grooming and cleaning. Regular brushing, ideally 2-3 times a week, is necessary to manage shedding and prevent matting.
The Golden Retriever's active and gentle temperament makes them a favorite among dog lovers. However, their high exercise requirements and heavy shedding mean that owners need to dedicate time and effort to their care. With proper management and attention, Golden Retrievers can be wonderful, loving companions.
Labrador Retriever: An Overview
The Labrador Retriever, often called a Lab, is a popular breed known for its friendly and versatile nature. Here's what you should know about them:
Personality Traits:
- Intelligent: Labs are quick learners.
- Highly Obedient: They are eager to please, making training easier.
- Quick Learner: Labs adapt well to commands and activities.
- Gentle: Known for their patient and kind demeanor, especially with children.
- Loyal: They form strong bonds with their families.
Exercise and Environment:
Labs have high energy levels and require a considerable amount of activity. Ideally, they should be kept in a place with outdoor activity areas or have easy access to outdoor exercise. They need at least an hour of exercise each day.
Dietary Needs:
Labs have a large appetite and are prone to obesity if their diet is not managed properly. Regular exercise and a balanced diet are crucial.
Special Considerations for Taiwan's Climate:
In humid environments like Taiwan, Labradors are prone to skin diseases. Owners should regularly check their dog's skin and consult with a vet for appropriate care.
Important Considerations:
- Activity: Smart Labradors need a lot of exercise.
- Diet: Monitor their food consumption to prevent obesity.
- Climate: Pay attention to potential skin problems in humid climates.
With the right care and attention, a Labrador Retriever can be a wonderful and loving companion.
Siberian Husky: Breed Overview
Personality Traits:
- Energetic
- Outgoing
- Strong
- Smart and Lively
Exercise Needs:
High. Huskies require a significant amount of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. They need structured activities that challenge their minds and bodies. Expect to provide 1 to 2 hours of exercise daily, which can include running, brisk walking, and stimulating activities. Healthy huskies may need the equivalent of three to five miles of exercise four days a week.
Food Consumption:
Average. Huskies tend to require a relatively small amount of food compared to other dogs of a similar size.
Care Considerations:
Huskies are energetic and strong dogs. If owners lack experience in leading and training dogs, or do not have enough space for them to expend their energy, Huskies can easily become destructive. Originating from cold regions, they have thick fur. In climates like Taiwan with humidity and heat, Huskies will shed a lot. These dogs can pull sleds and have tremendous activity levels, so owners need to have experience in raising them. Ensure they get enough exercise to prevent destructive behavior.
Important Considerations:
Huskies were bred to run and need to be kept on a leash or in a fenced yard. They can be diggers, especially in warm weather, to create cool places to lie. Early training is essential to manage their independent and sometimes stubborn nature.
Challenges of Owning Large Dogs in Taiwan
Owning a large dog in Taiwan comes with several unique challenges due to spatial constraints, climate, and transportation limitations. Here's a breakdown:
1. Limited Space and Outdoor Areas
Large dogs, known for their size and high energy levels, require ample living and outdoor space. However, Taiwan's urban areas are densely populated, with limited and often cramped living spaces. This scarcity of space, coupled with fewer outdoor recreational areas, poses a significant challenge for large dog owners.
2. Hot and Humid Climate
Taiwan's hot and humid weather can be particularly uncomfortable for large, heat-sensitive breeds with thick fur, such as Huskies, Chow Chows, and Saint Bernards. The excessive heat can lead to lethargy and health issues. The combination of humidity and heat creates ongoing health concerns for long-haired, large-breed dogs.
3. Restrictions on Public Transportation
Unlike small to medium-sized dogs that can be carried in carriers, large dogs face restrictions on public transportation due to their size. Most public transport services in Taiwan do not allow large dogs. Given Taiwan's densely populated environment, public transport is often more convenient than driving. This makes it difficult for large dog owners to take their pets out.
While some cities like Taipei have started piloting pet-friendly buses on weekends, allowing large dogs on board, and Taipei's MRT trialed dedicated carriages for large dog strollers in 2020, these initiatives are not yet fully implemented.
Despite hopes for more accommodating regulations in the future, current rules and environmental conditions in Taiwan make it challenging for large dog owners to use public transportation.
Preparing to Own a Large Dog in Taiwan
Owning a large dog in Taiwan can be a rewarding experience, but it requires careful consideration and preparation. Here are several key aspects to keep in mind:
1. Stable Financial Resources and Economic Foundation
Before bringing any pet home, it's essential to evaluate your financial capabilities. Caring for a large dog typically costs significantly more than caring for a small or medium-sized dog. Therefore, prospective owners should carefully assess whether their income is stable and sufficient to cover the various expenses associated with large dog ownership, including medical bills, food costs, and grooming fees.
For example, the annual cost of food for a large dog can be around NT$10,000-12,000, approximately twice that of a small dog. Additionally, medical and hospitalization fees tend to be higher for larger breeds. According to the fee standards set by the Taipei Veterinary Association, the overnight hospitalization fee for a small dog (under 5 kg) is NT$500, while it's NT$1,000 for a large dog (10-20 kg) and NT$2,500 for an extra-large dog (over 20 kg). This represents a difference of up to five times compared to small dogs.
2. Dedicate Daily Time for Exercise
Popular large dog breeds like Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Huskies are highly energetic and require substantial outdoor activity to stay healthy. To ensure their physical and mental well-being, owners must dedicate sufficient time each day for outdoor exercise. Ideally, they should also have a spacious living environment.
3. Extensive Time for Cleaning
Large dogs produce larger volumes of waste compared to small and medium-sized dogs. Long-haired breeds also shed a significant amount of fur. Owners need to dedicate considerable effort daily to clean their surroundings, as the cleanliness of the dog's living environment directly impacts their health. Besides general cleaning, long-haired large dogs require regular grooming to prevent matting and discomfort.
4. Psychological Preparedness for Public Scrutiny
While many people in Taiwan own large dogs, taking them out in public can still attract unwanted attention. Some people may wrongly assume that any unsanitary messes on the streets are due to large dogs, even if the owners are diligent about cleaning up after their pets. Additionally, large dog owners often report that in pet activity areas, large dogs are immediately suspected if a small dog gets injured, despite many large breeds having gentle temperaments and being unlikely to initiate conflicts. Therefore, prospective large dog owners should be psychologically prepared for public scrutiny and be ready to defend their dogs when necessary, preventing them from being negatively affected by surrounding perceptions.
Misunderstandings about large dogs attacking small dogs or leaving messes in public areas are common topics of discussion among Taiwanese pet owners.
Things to Consider Before Owning a Large Dog
The following points are some of the primary considerations we recommend owners evaluate before getting a large dog. Of course, the details to consider are not limited to the items suggested in this article. Undoubtedly, there are many things to pay attention to when raising a large dog.
However, these big furry friends have many advantages, such as a stable personality, a tendency not to bark, loyalty, high obedience, and the ability to guard the house, which are why many owners hope to raise a large dog. Most importantly, for these loyal big furry friends, their owner is their everything. Before deciding to form a family with them, be sure to consider all aspects, confirm your capabilities, and then raise them, and be responsible for them for the rest of their lives.
Key Considerations for Prospective Large Dog Owners
- Spacious Living Environment: Large dogs, especially giant breeds like St. Bernards and Great Danes, need ample space to move around and relax comfortably.
- Financial Implications: Expect higher costs for food, medication, toys, and veterinary care. Large breeds often require larger dosages of medication and specialized diets.
- Time Commitment for Exercise: Large dogs typically need 60-90 minutes of daily exercise, which can include walks, playtime, and mental stimulation. Be prepared to provide consistent exercise to maintain their physical and mental health.
- Training and Socialization: Training is crucial for large dogs because bad behaviors can have more serious consequences due to their size. Early socialization and consistent training are essential to ensure they are well-behaved and safe around people and other animals.
- Shorter Lifespan and Health Issues: Be aware that larger dogs may have shorter lifespans and are prone to specific health issues like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, arthritis, and bloat. Regular veterinary check-ups and proactive care are vital.
Essential Aspects of Large Dog Care
- Joint Care: Prioritize joint health with low-impact activities like swimming and gentle walks. Consider joint supplements like glucosamine and omega fatty acids, but consult with your vet first.
- Proper Nutrition: Feed large breed puppies specially formulated food to support controlled growth and prevent orthopedic problems. Avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity, which can exacerbate joint issues.
- Mental Stimulation: Provide mental enrichment through food puzzles, interactive toys, and obedience training to prevent boredom.
- Sleep Needs: Giant breeds may require 14-18 hours of sleep per day to recharge and repair their bodies. Provide a comfortable, draft-free sleeping area.
- Grooming: Regular grooming, including brushing and dental care, is essential for maintaining their health and hygiene. Be prepared for potential shedding and drool.
Making the Decision
Owning a large dog can be a rewarding experience filled with love and companionship. However, it requires careful consideration of your lifestyle, resources, and ability to meet their unique needs. Ensure you are prepared to provide the necessary care and commitment for their entire life.
