London has witnessed a boom in small dog breeds. Miniature dachshunds dominate the streets of Notting Hill, French bulldogs rule the roost in Chelsea and Italian greyhounds are the preferred, befurred companions of East London’s It-girls.
While smaller-sized pups are better suited to London living, there’s nothing like receiving a giant bear hug from a big breed.
According to Pupford, large breeds are dogs weighing 55 to 85 pounds with an average height of 24 inches and giant breeds are typically between 75 to 125 pounds and stand taller than 24 inches.
There are a total of 72 breeds that are considered large dogs, excluding mix breeds which would send the number sky-high.
Like with all pups, one must have the essentials in place for their furry friend to have the highest quality of life possible. However, extra caution must be taken with larger breeds, which typically require more food, additional grooming and longer walks.
Experts at the Portobello Pet Shop London delineated the essentials for larger dogs, noting: “Food-wise, the best raw solution is raw, grain-free food. Grains have an adverse effect on their skin and coats.”
“For big dogs, the best soft toys are those without stuffing as they can rip them up easily. For dog treats, big dogs are more durable so opt for bones. The benefit of bones is that they keep your large dog occupied for longer. Before getting a big dog, it’s worth having an extra budget for food as they eat more.”
As for what is unnecessary? “Harnesses aren’t as necessary for big dogs as smaller dogs as their necks are stronger.”
It’s worth noting that large breeds are also prone to health issues like hip dysplasia or arthritis and have a shorter life expectancy than smaller breeds. Take this into consideration when selecting your pup.
Discover the best essentials for large dog breeds and ensure your canine companion remains happy and healthy.
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AcornPets B-106 Extra Large Grey Dog Bed
Size: 120x80cm
The vast majority of larger dogs prefer to lay flat on their dog beds. It’s while you’ll often see your pooch rather bizarrely stretched out on the floor next to their bed, rather than in it. If you’re familiar with this frustrating habit, try purchasing this extra-large, fleece-lined mattress bed. The suede bottom is soft, yet slide-resistant and anti-chewing, while the upper side boasts some high-quality Berber fleece.
Buy now £33.99, Amazon
Butternut Box
Butternut Box has worked alongside leading veterinary nutritionists to ensure its meals are carefully crafted to be suitable for dogs of all life stages, which is why you won't see labels such as 'puppy', 'adult' or 'senior' on the food.
The brand is a subscription service. Simply fill in your dog’s details and let the brand work out the correct grub for your pal. As your puppy gets older and their weight changes, let Butterbox know and it will adjust the portion size to make sure your pet is getting the correct amount of calories.
Prices vary per order.
Buy now, Butternut Box
Fida Dog Rope Toys for Large/Medium Aggressive Chewers
No plushie is safe within the powerful jaws of your dog. We hear you. You’ve tried everything. This highly rated and reviewed rope toy from Fida might just be your saviour. Made from 100 per cent natural and washable cotton, it’s safe for daily and constant use. Three feet long and equipped with five extra-large knots, this toy is a fantastic length for larger breeds.
Buy now £11.99, Amazon
EzyDog Double Up Dog Collar Black X Large
Ensure your dog has a secure, well-fitting collar for their comfort and your control. This XL piece features reflective webbing for nighttime strolls and a study, black construction with two rings for attaching a lead.
Buy now £18.00, Pets At Home
Flexi Giant Neon Tape Black Large 8m Retractable Dog Lead
Lead length: 8 metres
It’s all in the name. This giant retractable lead is suitable for dogs of all ages and breeds – though is particularly handy for owners of XXL pups. The neon yellow tape can be spotted from a great distance, and the innovative hand-breaking and recoil system allows you to keep your pet under control no matter the circumstance.
Buy now £25.27, Amazon
Thunderpaws Professional-Grade Dog Nail Clippers (Medium to Large Breeds)
Professional-grade and easy to use, these clippers are made with high-quality stainless steel and are built to last – meaning they’ll stay sharp for years. They’re equipped with a safety guard to prevent over-trimming and also come with a nail file for neatening up. Available in yellow or blue depending on your personal preference, these clippers are suitable for medium to large dogs.
Buy now £6.99, Amazon
Pecute Dog Cooling Mat Extra Large
An Amazon best-seller with over 13,000 pawsitive reviews, this 100 per cent non-toxic and extra-large cooling mat will keep your pup cool as a cucumber all summer long. With no need for freezing, filling with water or plugging into a wall socket, this cool mat works by absorbing and redistributing your pet’s body temperature in order to produce an overall cooling effect.
Fabricated from five layers of advanced, spongy and waterproof fabrics, you’ll have no trouble getting your pal to lie down on this cool mat. Plus, if you’re worried about your doggo’s scratching, digging and chewing habits – the cooling pad is encased in 300D Oxford composite PVC material which is 0.4mm thick, waterproof, scratch-resistant, and wear-resistant.
Pop it on your living room floor, in the backseat of your car or even on your patio for endless hours of chilling.
Buy now £33.99, Amazon
Ferplast Atlas Car Dog Carrier Maxi Medium/Large
A lightweight option complete with a removable divider and plastic-coated steel door, if it’s a crate that you require, you can’t go wrong with this classic option. It is also equipped with a hygienic draining mat for easy cleaning in case of any spills or accidents along the way.
Buy now £126.00, Pets At Home
PETTOM Dog Bathrobe (XL)
We’re yet to find anything more adorable than a smiling Labrador in a doggy bathrobe and this vibrant green number is a top hit, post-bathtime. A great choice for wrapping up warm and removing all traces of wet dog before they infiltrate the house, this cosy bathrobe comes in a large range of sizes to suit all breeds and two contrasting shades. It’s thick, absorbent and lightweight enough to carry around if need be.
Buy now £20.99, Amazon
Artero Dematting Slicker Large
Best for: overall
Artero’s Dematting Slicker brush is suitable for long and curly coats. The expert-approved piece features an ergonomic handle to help smooth out hair in nooks and crannies, plus a semi-articulated metal flat head that gently grazes through your pup’s fur.
Buy now £25.00, Amaozn
PEGGY11 Stainless Steel Dog Bowls
Help your pup enjoy a mess-free dinner with these non-slip bowls. Featuring a large, stainless steel construction, the heavy vessels are secure and stay in one place, even when the most enthusiastic of furry foodies approach. Crafted from high-quality metal, the pieces are easy to clean and easy for your dog to use. Fuss-free and affordable.
Buy now £16.99, Amazon
Kong Classic XL
Kong is the gold standard when it comes to dog toys. A name synonymous with quality, they’re built to last even the most determined rescue dog. Forget the classic dog bowl, the brand will make even the humblest pup’s dinner into a learning experience. Made out of rubber, the Kong ball is ultra-durable and super-bouncy so is perfect for dogs that like to chew. It also fulfils your rescue dog’s need to play.
Outside of meal times, it can be used to hide tasty treats inside to keep them busy and motivated. It comes in a range of sizes - whether your new addition is the size of a Chihuahua or a German Shepherd.
Buy now £16.00, Pets at Home
PlayfulSpirit Durable Natural Rubber Ball on a Rope
This reward toy is actually used by K-9 dog trainers in the police department as a reward and supervised-play toy. It is essentially a bouncy ribbed ball which is hollow on the inside for your dog’s favourite treats.
The toy is similar to the Kong but more rotund and is attached to a tuggable rope. Multi-purpose, brightly coloured and especially easy to throw thanks to the rope attachment, if you’re going to add one new toy to your pup’s arsenal, let it be this three-in-one ball on a rope.
Buy now £12.20, Amazon
