Big Dogs: Why Large Breeds Make Wonderful Pets

From gentle giant dogs like Great Danes to enthusiastic and energetic companions like Golden Retrievers, large dog breeds can make the most wonderful pets. 

Below, we uncover common myths, care considerations, and why large and giant dog breeds might just be the perfect choice for your family.

Dog breeds fall into different categories: toy, small, medium, large, and giant. Here are typical weight and height parametres for each – though bear in mind that weight is usually the clearest way to categorise dog sizes, as height can vary by breed and build.

●      Toy: 4kg and under; typically up to 28cm at the shoulder

●      Small: 4-10kg; 28-40cm at the shoulder

●      Medium: 10-25kg; 40-55cm at the shoulder

●      Large: 25-45kg; 55-70cm at the shoulder

●      Giant: 45kg and over; 70cm+ at the shoulder

Some of the most popular dog breeds in the UK fall into the large and giant categories. Find more details about each of them in the tables below.

Remember, a dog’s size can vary based on their sex, build and genetics.

Big dogs can often be judged unfairly or have assumptions made about them because their size can make them seem intimidating. However, many misconceptions about large and giant dog breeds simply aren’t true.

Here are some of the most common big dog myths, and the reality behind them.

Myth 1: All large breeds are the same

A dog’s size doesn’t determine their personality or energy levels. Some large dog breeds are more active and known for their intelligence, while others are typically calmer and gentler.  

Age, breed, personality and previous experiences have more influence over a dog’s behaviour more than their size.

Myth 2: Big dogs need lots of exercise

Do big dogs need a lot of exercise? You may be surprised to know that size alone doesn’t actually determine how much daily movement a dog needs.  Some large working breeds, such as German Shepherds, need lots of mental and physical stimulation, while others – like Greyhounds – are relatively calm and like to sleep a lot. In fact, many giant dog breeds, such as Great Danes and Irish Wolfhounds, have relatively low exercise requirements. However, exercise should always be appropriate for your dog’s breed, age and health – check with your vet if you’re unsure. 

Myth 3: Big dogs can’t live in smaller homes

Many people assume big dogs need larger homes to thrive – but can big dogs live in flats or smaller homes?

The truth is that many big dogs can happily live in smaller homes, including flats, providing their mental and  physical needs are met. 

If you have a smaller home and are considering getting a larger dog, the most important things to consider are that:  

• They have enough space to move around comfortably while inside 
• You provide them with enough outdoor time and physical exercise 
• You offer  additional indoor enrichment to keep them engaged and entertained 

While access to a garden is useful, this should never be used as a replacement for walks or  human playtime and interaction. 

Myth 4: Big dogs are harder to care for

Are large dogs harder to train and care for?

While it’s important to make sure big dogs are properly trained and socialised as puppies, so that they grow into well-behaved adult dogs  that owners can handle, large dog breeds aren’t necessarily harder to care for than any other breed. 

However, owning a large dog typically means you may: 

• Need to buy larger equipment, such as crates or dog beds 
• Have higher food bills, as bigger dogs usually need a  greater daily calorie intake 
• Need to provide additional exercise and mental stimulation 

Overall, owning a dog of any size is a serious commitment, so make sure you can provide everything they need before making a decision. 

From calm, gentle giants who love spending time with their families, to energetic and intelligent dogs who love learning new things, there’s a lot to love about life with a big dog.

If you’re curious what makes life with a big dog so special, here are some of the benefits:

• Gentle giants: Some of the biggest dog breeds are known for their affectionate, kind nature.
• Eager to train: Big dog breeds are typically eager to please, making training sessions  fun and rewarding for both of you.
• Loyal companions: : Giant and large dog breeds often form strong bonds with their families, and love being involved in whatever you’re doing.

If you’re considering becoming a big dog owner, here’s what to consider first. 

Big dogs don’t necessarily need to live in a huge house – but they do need enough space to move around and stretch out comfortably.  

Think about your home and garden, including practicalities such as stairs, transport and dog-proofing.  

How much exercise a dog needs varies between breeds and individual dogs. 

Whichever large or giant breed you’re considering, make sure you can meet their requirements for physical and mental stimulation. 

Giant and large dog breeds eat more than smaller breeds, so you’ll need to consider this as part of your budget. 

A  balanced diet is particularly important for supporting joint health in big dog breeds, especially when they’re young. Giant dog breeds also take longer to mature, with some taking longer than smaller breeds to reach their adult size. 

If you need extra support with your large dog’s diet, speak to your vet for advice. Or, if you already have dog insurance with Petplan, use our Pet Expert Chat feature to speak with an expert about any questions you may have. To get started, log into your My Petplan account.

Many dogs can suffer from breed-specific conditions, and big dogs are no exception.

Certain health conditions can be more common in large and giant breeds, including hip dysplasia, bloat, and heart conditions. Giant breeds also have shorter average lifespans than smaller breeds.

Many big dogs are gentle and eager to please, but their size and strength can make them appear intimidating to other dogs and pet owners.  

Early training and socialisation is essential to make sure they grow into obedient, well-rounded adult dogs. 

A dog of any size is a long-term financial commitment, but caring for a large dog often means bigger bills: 

• Larger dogs need more food and larger accessories, which are typically more expensive 
• Some vet bills can also be higher for big dogs due to medication dosing, anaesthetic requirements, and breed-specific conditions 

Pet insurance can help cover unexpected veterinary costs for large breed dogs, offering long-term peace of mind if your circumstances change. Petplan dog insurance covers large breeds – because every dog deserves the best care, regardless of their size.  

Like all pets, big dogs need plenty of quality time and interaction with their owners. 

Consider how much time they’ll be spending alone, and whether your lifestyle can accommodate the training, exercise and enrichment they need.  

Some big dog breeds can suffer from separation anxiety, and may struggle with being left alone for long periods. 

• Large breeds need homes: Even though they have a lot of love to give, big dog breeds typically take longer to find new homes. Adopting a large breed gives them a second chance for a happy life in their forever home.  

• The right dog for your lifestyle: Rescue centres have plenty of experience matching dogs and potential owners, so whether you’re looking for an active companion for long walks or a gentle friend for relaxed afternoons at home, a rescue centre can help you find a big dog that suits your lifestyle. 

• They can suit smaller homes: Big dogs don’t necessarily need a lot of space at home. Many large dogs are happy living in smaller homes, providing they get enough mental stimulation and physical exercise. 

• Big dogs offer big love: Many large dog breeds are known as gentle giants – and for good reason. Many big dog breeds are incredibly affectionate, loyal and love nothing more than snuggling up with their families. 

Ready to adopt a big dog?  Meet the dogs at Battersea looking for a new home.  

Petplan works with some of the largest rescue centres in the UK, including Battersea. If you rehome a big dog from Battersea, you’ll get  four weeks’ free Petplan insurance. When you continue your Petplan dog insurance after the free cover period, Petplan gives 10% of the premium back to the rescue centre. They also receive a further 10% each time your policy renews, creating an ongoing source of funds to support animals in their care.

If you’re considering adding a large dog to your family, adoption is a great choice. At Battersea, plenty of large dogs are waiting to find a new home. Here are two of their stories.

At 55 kilograms, Lucho was shy around people and dogs when he arrived at Battersea. After a personal training plan, including food puzzles, socialisation with other dogs and playing games, Lucho found a new home where he gets to spend time making new friends, paddling in the river near his home and playing with his toys.

Read Lucho’s full story here 

Mastiff Bounce was discovered as a stray by a dog warden. With no microchip, she was brought to Battersea but found the centre very overwhelming, spending a lot of time barking and struggling to settle into her new environment. But thanks to a tailored training plan – including lots of scent games and physical exercise – Bounce learned to relax and found a home with owners who are committed to continuing her training. 

Read Bounce's full story here.

Published: 2 October 2026