22/05/2026
Let’s talk hips & elbows in large breeds. 🐾
One thing people need to understand is that hips and elbows are not ONLY genetic. Genetics absolutely matter, but environment plays a huge role too.
Joint health is often a combination of:
• Genetics
• Growth rate
• Nutrition
• Weight management
• Exercise
• Environment during development
Large breed puppies are not meant to grow too fast. Their bones, joints, ligaments and growth plates are still developing, and too much stress during this stage can place unnecessary strain on hips and elbows.
Things that matter more than people realise:
• Overfeeding — more food does not mean healthier growth. Excess calories can push puppies to grow too quickly and carry extra weight on immature joints.
• Keeping them lean — lean puppies place far less pressure on developing hips and elbows. Heavy puppies may look “big and strong,” but extra weight during growth can be hard on joints.
• Excessive protein/calories — overdoing rich foods, supplements and high-calorie diets can contribute to rapid growth.
• Too much jumping — repeated jumping off couches, stairs, beds, vehicles and excessive ball throwing can place strain on growing joints and growth plates.
• Forced exercise — long-distance running, over-training young dogs or too much repetitive high-impact activity is not ideal for developing large breeds.
• Slippery floors and poor muscle conditioning can also affect joint stability during growth.
Slow, controlled growth is healthier growth.
People often focus only on bloodlines, but how a large breed puppy is raised during those important growth months matters enormously too. 🖤