Working dogs

The Working group covers guarding, rescue and draught breeds — mostly large to giant dogs bred for a physically demanding job. Many need well over two hours of exercise a day, and their size brings a recurring set of joint, heart and bloat-related themes worth discussing with a vet.

Example breeds in this group: Boxer, Rottweiler, Great Dane, Bernese Mountain Dog, Siberian Husky.

• Puppy and junior

  Working-breed puppies are mostly large or giant and grow fast — controlled exercise and an early conversation about hip and elbow screening matter more here than in smaller groups.

• Adult

  Exercise needs are high for most of this group, and a deep chest brings a genuine emergency risk (bloat) alongside the joint and heart themes common to large breeds.

• Senior

  Many Working-group breeds are considered senior from around six to eight — earlier than smaller dogs — and vets typically recommend twice-yearly checks once a dog reaches that stage.