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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Owning any large or giant breed is irresponsible…

109 replies

Maneandfeathers · 13/05/2024 16:31

As said to me today whilst walking a Newfoundland.

If you see someone with a giant or very large breed do you generally think negatively or is it mainly geared towards certain breeds (bull breeds/GSD etc)

Do people generally think anything when walking past giant breeds? Does it worry you or is it more breed specific?

OP posts:
Ponderingwindow · 15/05/2024 02:04

I think if you are going to take responsibility for an animal, the you need to have the power to control that animal if something goes wrong. Any animal could act out of it feels threatened or is in pain.

For the general public, that is mostly going to be what you can do with your bare hands. If you lack the strength to control the dog, even when it is angry, I don’t think you should own it.

LameBorzoi · 15/05/2024 04:24

Ponderingwindow · 15/05/2024 02:04

I think if you are going to take responsibility for an animal, the you need to have the power to control that animal if something goes wrong. Any animal could act out of it feels threatened or is in pain.

For the general public, that is mostly going to be what you can do with your bare hands. If you lack the strength to control the dog, even when it is angry, I don’t think you should own it.

True, but it's less about strength and more about knowledge.

The smallest dog can take you by surprise and pull the lead from your hands.

I can control a horse in circumstances in which most people couldn't control a dog, and there is no way I can use sheer strength for that.

Original poster
Maneandfeathers · 15/05/2024 06:05

Maybe I need to use the rudeness line 😄 The newf is my sisters dog who I was walking while she had surgery so I don’t think it will be required in the near future!

Funnily enough I’ve had horses all my life. With the right equipment and training ive never had a problem controlling one and they can be upwards of 500kg. I always wonder how people can’t hold a small dog properly.

OP posts:
Setyoufree · 15/05/2024 06:18

I've seen people pulled off their feet by cockapoos - all it would take is for them to pull you when you weren't expecting it, especially on slippy ground.

Could I bench press my dog? No. Luckily I don't need to 😁 I can control her just fine though, it's strange to assume I can't just because she's big?

Snugglemonkey · 15/05/2024 09:17

I used to live in a 2 up 2 down across from a family with 2 huskies. Idid think that was awful, because there was very little room in those houses and they also had 2 children. They were out all day and the dogs howled. I felt so sorry for them

I do think large breeds are only appropriate if you have space, and time to make sure they get lots of exercise.

Also, I am scared of certain dogs and hate seeing them. German shepherds and staffies, because I have been bitten by them. Anything that looks like a bully, cane corso etc.

Mostly though, I think big dogs are friendly breeds and think I would like a cuddle.

BackToLurk · 15/05/2024 10:05

Snugglemonkey · 15/05/2024 09:17

I used to live in a 2 up 2 down across from a family with 2 huskies. Idid think that was awful, because there was very little room in those houses and they also had 2 children. They were out all day and the dogs howled. I felt so sorry for them

I do think large breeds are only appropriate if you have space, and time to make sure they get lots of exercise.

Also, I am scared of certain dogs and hate seeing them. German shepherds and staffies, because I have been bitten by them. Anything that looks like a bully, cane corso etc.

Mostly though, I think big dogs are friendly breeds and think I would like a cuddle.

I did a mushing thing with a woman who races huskies and she was adamant that no-one should have them as a pet.

Soubriquet · 15/05/2024 10:06

I love newfies!!! Big fluffy lapdogs who don’t seem to realise they are big dogs.

Noodge · 15/05/2024 10:49

Huskies aren't a large breed though. Although I sort of agree-my DP has two of them and they're an utter nightmare, albeit beautiful!

My dog is twice the weight of them and she's huge but there are dogs much larger still.

longtompot · 15/05/2024 11:16

More breed specific for me. I love seeing Bernese Mountain dogs and Great Danes, but my highlight has been meeting a puppy Irish Wolfhound! He was gorgeous and sat down was still elbow height😍

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