On Wed, 7 Feb 2001 15:46:16 -0500 Irene <[log in to unmask]> writes: > Is it a good thing to achieve the maximum height possible? I know > that people who have large/giant breed dogs have to be very careful about > feeding their pups because excessive bone growth can lead to severe skeletal > problems in later life. Ardeith writes: I've known both Irish Wolfhound and Great Dane breeders .......they do indeed have to take great care with the feeding of these pups.....they also have to take great care that the pups do not injure the growth areas of their bones...I forget what that area is called, but it remains rather soft and flexible for a long time while the pup is growing and can be injured, causing crippling in the pup. It is also a fact that these giant breeds of dogs do not live all that long.... seven years is considered average for these giants.... while small breeds such as chihuahuas and yorkies can live into their 'teens........ Saw and "Investigative Reports" on the dish last summer about giant people.....those who reach seven feet in height or more.....those folks often have problems with bone deformities and seldom live beyond 40 years of age......I knew the Giant who travelled with the Royal American carnival in the 50's and 60's......when he was young.... when I knew him, he was in his fifties....and could no longer stand erect.......I don't think he made it to sixty years. And didn't Andre the Giant die at a relatively young age? Being a giant is not all it's cracked up to be. Neither is being a Little Person.....there are problems associated with the extremes on both ends of the scale..... The medical profession now tries to intervene when children display the traits of either extreme.....I don't know how successfully. [log in to unmask] Walk The Path With Practical Feet! ________________________________________________________________ GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO! Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less! Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.