Largest Dog Breeds In Australia

Generally, a dog breed is considered large if it weighs more than 25 kilos, although certain breeds are known to weigh almost 90 kilos, with male dogs often heavier than the females in any breed. The size of a large dog bears no relation to its manner. Often large canines are friendly giants that can be loyal and gentle, but also energetic.

While no pet owner wants to think about their animal passing, it should be noted that large dogs can have shorter lifespans. The average lifespan for a large dog is 8 to 12 years compared to 10 to 15 years for a small dog.

Last year, researchers at the University of Adelaide revealed that larger dogs were more likely to die from cancer at a younger age, after investigating the causes of lifespan differences and death in 164 dog breeds, which ranged in size from Chihuahuas to Great Danes.

Their findings contradicted research from the American Animal Hospital Association from 10 years earlier that found large dogs simply age quicker, leading to earlier death. According to this research a 12-year-old large dog, weighing up to 40 kilos would in fact be 77 in dog years. Those weighing over 40 kilos would be 93-years-old. Comparatively, smaller breeds who have lived for equally as long would be between 64 and 69 years of age, depending on size.

The table below shows the 10 most popular large dogs in Australia, according to Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance:

1. Labrador
2. Golden Retriever
3. German Shepherd
4. Labradoodle
5. Rottweiler
6. Dobermann
7. Australian Shepherd
8. Golden Doodle (Groodle)
9. Weimaraner
10. Rhodesian Ridgeback

Large dogs can be particularly susceptible to particular ailments due to their size. As well as cancer, these include:

Arthritis

Heavy dogs can be more prone to arthritis, but also gain weight from having the condition, which can cause them to be less active. Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints due to the wearing away of cartilage. It can cause joints to stiffen which can cause pain. As a result, a dog with arthritis may stop jumping, start limping and reduce movement overall. A vet may treat arthritis with anti-inflammatory medications, glucosamine and steroids. In the worst cases surgery may be needed.

Bloat

Bloat can be a deadly condition that causes the stomach to fill with air and it to twist. This prevents blood from returning from the hind legs and abdomen to the heart. Signs of the condition include the enlargement of the dog’s abdomen, salivation, retching and restlessness. Bloat must be treated with surgery immediately or can be fatal within hours. Great Danes, St. Bernards, Weimaraners, Irish Setters and Gordon Setters, Standard Poodles, and Doberman Pinschers are most prone to the condition.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated Cardiomyopathy causes the heart to stretch and weaken, which in turn prevents it from effectively pumping blood around the body. It particularly tends to occur in large dogs. Symptoms may not be evident at first, but over time your canine may show increased tiredness. They may show weakness, find it difficult to breathe, cough, and even faint. Medication can help ease the symptoms, but most canines with dilated cardiomyopathy die from the condition.

Hip and elbow dysplasia are common in large dogs. The condition develops as a dog grows, causing instability or a loose joint. Dogs with the condition may show lameness, start hopping or sit in unusual positions, among other displays of unusual behaviour. While glucosamine supplements can help to reduce joint pain, severe dysplasia may require surgery to reduce pain further and help with your canine’s ability to move.

Entropion

This is a condition of the eye that causes the lids to turn under, which can cause irritation to the cornea—the clear tissue that covers the iris and pupil. The irritation can lead to ulcers developing, scar tissue and pus on the outside edges of the eye. Dogs with this condition may need antibiotics for the ulcers. Surgery may be needed to stop the eyelids from turning inward.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism in dogs refers to an underactive thyroid, and is most common in middle-aged medium- and large-breed dogs. Lethargy, weight gain, and changes in skin and coat changes can be signs a dog has this condition. Antithyroid medications and a low-iodine diet may be used to treat the condition. Surgery may also be required.

Related: What Does Pet Insurance Cover?

The breed and size of your dog are just two of a number of factors an insurer considers when calculating the cost of a policy. The price can vary depending on whether you choose comprehensive insurance or a more basic level of cover.

A pet insurer will also want to know where you live, as vet costs differ between regions and local prices will be used to determine your policy premiums. Consumer advocacy group, CHOICE, found rural areas to be the cheapest for vet care.

The age of a dog, in addition to its breed and size, can also contribute to higher insurance costs. As with humans, more mature dogs are typically more susceptible to illness, while pedigrees and large breed dogs also cost more to insure, as they are at higher risk of developing certain conditions. An easy way to find out how much insurance will cost for your specific dog would be to run quotes on pet insurer websites. The process usually takes only several minutes.

Related: Is Pet Insurance Worth It?

According to the latest data from pet shop Wag!, before spending out on emergency medical care, large-breed dog owners can expect to pay an average of $632 annually on preventive treatments.

It calculates the average cost for preventative treatment for dogs weighing 25–38 kilos, such as Labradors and Collies, as follows:

• Annual vaccines: $120
• Heartworm prevention (yearly): $204
• Flea and tick prevention: $240
• Wormer: $68

In all, these costs add up to $632 per year.

For what Wag! considers giant breeds — those weighing more than 38 kilos such as the Bullmastiff and Newfoundland—the total average cost rises to $705, or $72 more a year:

• Annual vaccines: $120
• Heartworm prevention (yearly): $216
• Flea and tick prevention: $301
• Wormer: $68

Your vet should be able to provide figures for your pet specifically in advance. However, the cost of emergency treatment for your vet can be more difficult to determine.

Pet insurer PetSure’s claims data found arthritis was a common issue for all dogs in 2022, costing an average of $423 to treat. The highest cost for treatment was $12,255.

Related: Vet Fees In Australia Explained