I'm one of those people that feel IF you bring a dog into your life - it should be IN YOUR LIFE... not outside.
I've never had a big dog but I just hate to hear about the ones that are left outdoors 24/7....they must get SO lonely....that's just so not fair to them to be left alone and even worse - during extreme weather....
I had a neighbor that had a Large dog tied to a tree 24/7 and never paid attention to him.....he was just MISERABLE....What a sad way to live.