Care guide
Caring for working dogs
Working breeds were bred to guard, pull and rescue. They're strong, intelligent and often large or giant, so early training, socialisation and room to move matter a great deal.
Size and strength
Many working breeds weigh 40 kg or more as adults. Train polite leash walking and greetings while your puppy is small, and make sure everyone at home can handle them safely.
Large and giant puppies grow fast. Feed a large-breed puppy food, avoid forced running and lots of stairs while they grow, and keep them lean.
Training and socialisation
Guardian breeds can be wary of strangers. Calm, positive meetings with lots of people and places while young help them become confident adults.
Give them a job: obedience, carting, pulling sports, nosework, or simply structured daily routines.
Health to ask about
Ask about the parents' hips, elbows and heart results; many giant breeds also have eye and DNA tests recommended. Giant breeds have shorter lifespans, often 7 to 10 years.
Deep-chested breeds can suffer bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), an emergency. Ask your vet about feeding smaller meals and about preventive surgery, and learn the signs: a swollen belly, retching without bringing anything up, and restlessness.
Coats and climate
Northern breeds such as huskies, malamutes and Samoyeds have thick double coats and shed heavily twice a year. They handle cold well but need shade, water and care in hot weather.
Further reading
General information to help you prepare, not veterinary advice. Every animal is different: ask an experienced vet about yours. Reviewed by PerfectPal on October 13, 2026.