These 13 Massive Dog Breeds Come with Massive Problems

Giant dog breeds capture our hearts with their impressive size and gentle souls. While these canine giants make wonderful companions, their large frames come with unique challenges many owners don’t expect.

From health issues to special care requirements, big dogs need big commitments. Understanding these challenges before bringing home a massive furry friend can help you prepare for the responsibilities ahead.

1. Great Dane: The Gentle Giant with a Short Lifespan

Standing up to 32 inches tall, Great Danes tower over most other breeds but tragically have one of the shortest lifespans in the canine world. Most only live 7-10 years, with heart disease being a common culprit.

These apartment-friendly giants suffer from bloat, a potentially fatal stomach condition requiring immediate veterinary attention. Their massive size also leads to joint problems, especially in growing puppies.

Monthly expenses for food alone can exceed $100, not counting the specialized large-breed veterinary care. Despite these challenges, owners consistently report that their Dane’s loving personality makes every moment worthwhile.

2. Saint Bernard: Mountain Rescue Hero with Messy Habits

Famous for their Alpine rescue missions, Saint Bernards carry serious maintenance concerns. Their massive drool production creates slippery hazards throughout your home, while their thick double coat sheds enough fur to create a small puppy every week.

Weighing up to 180 pounds, these gentle giants face significant joint problems, especially hip dysplasia. Their size makes even basic veterinary procedures more expensive than for average dogs.

Heat sensitivity is another major concern – these mountain dogs can quickly overheat in warm weather. Despite these challenges, their patient temperament with children and legendary loyalty continue to win devoted fans worldwide.

3. English Mastiff: Record-Breaking Weight Brings Record-Breaking Bills

As one of the heaviest dog breeds in the world, English Mastiffs can tip the scales at over 200 pounds. Their massive size translates to equally massive expenses – from custom-sized beds costing hundreds of dollars to food bills that can exceed $200 monthly.

Health challenges include joint problems, heart issues, and eye conditions. Their wrinkled faces require regular cleaning to prevent skin infections and unpleasant odors.

Mastiffs also produce impressive amounts of drool and waste. Picking up after these giants requires industrial-strength bags and determination! Transportation becomes another challenge – these dogs need SUVs, not compact cars.

4. Irish Wolfhound: Tallest Breed with the Briefest Lifespan

Irish Wolfhounds stand an impressive 30-35 inches tall but sadly live only 6-8 years on average. Their towering height makes them prone to bone cancer, heart problems, and bloat – a potentially fatal stomach condition requiring emergency surgery.

Living with these historical sighthounds means adapting your home environment. Standard furniture becomes comically small, and countertops are never safe from curious sniffing. Their gentle nature belies their hunting heritage.

Exercise needs are moderate but must be carefully managed during growth years to prevent developmental issues. Despite their brief lives, wolfhound owners insist the years of loyal companionship from these historic giants are worth the inevitable heartbreak.

5. Akita: Beautiful but Stubborn Guardian with Strong Opinions

Originally bred as samurai companions, Akitas combine stunning looks with formidable independence. Their thick double coat creates a housekeeping nightmare, especially during seasonal “blow-outs” when entire tufts come loose at once.

Health concerns include immune disorders, hip problems, and thyroid issues. More challenging than physical problems is their strong-willed temperament – Akitas typically bond deeply with family but can be suspicious or downright hostile toward strangers.

Insurance companies often list Akitas among breeds requiring special policies or higher premiums. Early socialization is absolutely critical, as is consistent training from puppyhood. Their natural guarding instincts make them inappropriate for homes with frequent visitors.

6. Alaskan Malamute: Arctic Worker with Destructive Energy

Built for pulling heavy sleds across frozen landscapes, Malamutes pack incredible strength and endurance into their 85-100 pound frames. Without proper exercise, these working dogs become household demolition experts, destroying furniture, yards, and anything else they can sink their teeth into.

Their thick double coat creates fur tumbleweeds throughout your home twice yearly during massive seasonal sheds. Vocalization is another challenge – Malamutes rarely bark but instead “talk” with distinctive howls and woo-woos that neighbors may not appreciate.

These pack-oriented dogs can show aggression toward other animals, especially same-sex dogs. Their prey drive makes them dangerous around small pets unless raised together from puppyhood.

7. Bernese Mountain Dog: Gorgeous Farm Dog with Heartbreaking Health Issues

With their striking tricolor coats and sweet expressions, “Berners” capture hearts instantly. Sadly, these beautiful farm dogs typically live only 6-8 years due to extremely high cancer rates – nearly 50% die from various forms of cancer.

Weighing 70-115 pounds, they’re prone to joint problems, bloat, and progressive retinal atrophy. Their thick coats require regular grooming and shed heavily twice yearly.

Separation anxiety affects many Bernese Mountain Dogs, making them poor choices for homes where they’ll be left alone frequently. Despite these significant health challenges, their gentle temperament with children and eager-to-please attitude continue making them popular family companions for those willing to accept their brief lifespan.

8. Rottweiler: Powerful Protector with Powerful Liability Concerns

Rottweilers combine intelligence, loyalty and impressive strength in a package weighing up to 135 pounds. Their protective nature creates significant liability concerns – homeowner’s insurance can be difficult or expensive to obtain, and some rental properties ban them entirely.

Health issues include hip and elbow dysplasia, heart problems, and cancer. Proper training is non-negotiable, as an untrained Rottweiler can become dangerous due to its size and protective instincts.

Socialization must begin early and continue throughout life. While well-bred, properly raised Rottweilers make exceptional family guardians, their strength and protective instincts make them inappropriate for novice dog owners or families unwilling to invest in professional training.

9. Cane Corso: Italian Mastiff with Intimidating Presence

Descended from Roman war dogs, Cane Corsos combine athletic ability with imposing muscle. Their intimidating appearance creates practical challenges – strangers often fear them, delivery people may refuse service, and finding accommodations that accept them can be difficult.

Health concerns include hip dysplasia, eye problems, and heart issues. Their protective nature requires extensive socialization from puppyhood to prevent aggression toward strangers or other animals.

Corsos have extremely strong prey drives and territorial instincts. Their powerful jaws and determined attitude mean containment is critical – fences must be tall and secure. Without proper training and boundaries, these intelligent guardians can become household tyrants rather than protectors.

10. Newfoundland: Water Rescue Expert with Wet Mess Guarantee

Newfoundlands excel at water rescue with their webbed feet and water-resistant coats, but these 150-pound gentle giants create spectacular messes. Their jowls hold water like reservoirs, creating puddles throughout your home after each drink.

Their thick double coats require extensive grooming and shed constantly. Many “Newfies” drool profusely, requiring owners to keep towels handy throughout the house.

Health concerns include hip dysplasia, heart problems, and cruciate ligament tears. Their massive size means even minor health issues become expensive quickly. Despite these challenges, Newfoundland owners consistently praise their breed’s exceptional gentleness with children and unwavering loyalty to family members.

11. Dogo Argentino: Athletic Hunter with Controversial Reputation

Developed for hunting wild boar and pumas, Dogo Argentinos combine athletic ability with tenacity in a muscular white package. Their hunting background creates significant challenges – many localities ban them entirely, while others require special permits or muzzles in public.

Dogos suffer from high rates of deafness due to their white coloration. Their short coats offer little protection from sun, making them prone to sunburn and skin cancer.

Their high prey drive makes them dangerous around small animals, including neighborhood cats. Proper containment is essential – these athletic dogs can scale fences or break through weak barriers when motivated. Experienced owners with secure properties are essential for this powerful hunting breed.

12. Doberman Pinscher: Sleek Guardian with Concerning Heart Issues

Dobermans combine sleek elegance with impressive intelligence, but these loyal guardians face serious health concerns. Dilated cardiomyopathy affects nearly 60% of Dobermans, often striking in their prime and causing sudden death.

Von Willebrand’s disease, a blood clotting disorder, makes even minor injuries potentially dangerous. Their short coats provide little insulation, making them sensitive to cold weather.

Public perception creates practical challenges – many people fear their appearance, especially in traditional cropped and docked presentations. Despite being relatively easy to groom and house, their exercise needs are substantial. Without proper mental and physical stimulation, these working dogs can develop destructive behaviors or anxiety.

13. Tibetan Mastiff: Ancient Guardian with Modern Price Tag

Ancient guardians of Himalayan monasteries, Tibetan Mastiffs can cost upwards of $5,000 initially – but that’s just the beginning of their financial impact. Their massive seasonal shed (typically once yearly) often requires professional grooming costing hundreds of dollars.

Independence verging on stubbornness makes training challenging. These territorial guardians naturally distrust strangers and may become aggressive without proper socialization.

Climate sensitivity presents another challenge – their thick coats make them miserable in warm weather. Tibetan Mastiffs are typically nocturnal, often becoming active and vocal at night when they were traditionally on guard duty. This natural pattern can create serious conflicts with modern family schedules and neighborhood noise regulations.