Giant-breed owners see having dogs as living large

Tuesday February 12, 2013 6:00 PM

By JENNIFER PELTZ

The Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — Whatever dog wins this year's Westminster Kennel Club show, owners of giant breeds say they're living large.

Life with a massive dog — such as a St. Bernard or a mastiff — can take some getting used to.

Great Dane owner and breeder Suzzane Kelleher-Duckett says she's had to get rid of her coffee table, buy a minivan and learn to stash things in the microwave or on top of the refrigerator if she doesn't want her dogs to get them. The dogs can easily reach the countertops and stove.

Giant breeds can be susceptible to certain health problems, and they generally don't live as long as small dogs. But their owners say they're drawn to animals that can inspire both awe and awwwww.

©2013 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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