Sarah-Jane White The Differences Between Raising A Large Dog And A Small Dog
When it comes to dogs, does size really matter? Is bigger always better? Or are the best pups the ones that can fit into a teacup? The truth is that both big and small dogs are equally wonderful. So, when it comes to size, it’s really all about your personal preferences as well as your lifestyle. To help you decide on whether a big or a small dog would better fit your lifestyle, you’ll want to consider the following factors.
Are You Active or a Couch Potato?
Big Dogs
Many large dogs were originally bred to work, hunt or herd, making them excellent partners for an owner who enjoys outdoor activities such as running and hiking. Plus, big canines have longer strides, so it’s easier for them to keep up with a runner.
On the negative side, a big canine can be more difficult for a smaller or weaker person to control while on a hike or run. A healthy dog can typically pull three times its body weight. A big canine that hasn’t been properly trained could pose a danger to itself and others. For example, if a large dog lunges at another canine while on a narrow trail, it could cause someone to fall.
Small Dogs
Don’t discount small dogs if you’re looking for a furry companion to run or hike with. Many small breeds, such as Wire Fox Terriers and Beagles, can have a lot of energy and stamina. Plus, if a small dog gets tired during a hike, you could always pick it up and carry it back to your car or home.
Your Living Arrangements
Big Dogs
Owning a big dog may not be the best idea if you live in a small abode, such as a condominium or an apartment. Some big breeds require a lot of room to run around and burn off energy, especially when they’re young. In addition, some rentals have weight and size restrictions for canines and will only accept tenants with smaller dogs.
It’s also important to consider how your living arrangements will work for your canine as they age. It’s not uncommon for older dogs to have difficulty negotiating steps. For smaller dogs, this is not as much of an issue. If necessary, you could always carry a little canine up and down stairs. But for owners of large dogs, such as a Newfoundland or a Saint Bernard, this could be a big problem, especially if a home has steps leading up to the front door.
Small Dogs
Some smaller breeds have a reputation for being very yappy, which could make them a bad choice for those living in an apartment or condominium with thin walls.
Will You Be Traveling With Your Dog?
If you love to travel, you need to be aware of the following differences between owning a small dog and a big canine.
Big Dogs
- Accommodations: Many vacation rentals and hotels will only accept smaller dogs, typically 35 pounds or under.
- Road trip: There may not be room for a big dog in a car that is crammed full of passengers, luggage and travel necessities.
- Air travel: Unless your big dog qualifies as a service animal, it will have to fly in the plane’s cargo hold area.
Small Dogs
- Accommodations: It’s usually easier to find rental properties or hotels that will accept small dogs.
- Road trip: Even in a cramped automobile, a small dog could always ride on a passenger’s lap.
- Air travel: Although the requirements vary from airline to airline, many will accept a small dog in the cabin as long as its carrier can fit under a seat.
Read More: How to Drive and Safely Travel with your Dog
Do You Have Children?
Big Dogs
Large breeds have a reputation for being more tolerant of children. One of the reasons why Doodles have become so popular, for instance, is because they are good-natured dogs that tend to be easy-going around kids.
One major drawback of having big canines around kids? Some large dogs have no idea of their own size and will accidently knock over a small child.
Small Dogs
Little dogs, especially toy breeds, can be nervous around children. Their small size means that they can be more easily injured than a big dog. A careless child might, for example, accidentally step on a wee pup’s paw and break it.
Read More: How to Introduce a Puppy to a Child – Expert Tips for a smooth introduction
The Health Issues of Big and Small Dogs
The following are some common health issues associated with big and small dogs:
Big dogs
- Have a higher risk of orthopedic issues, such as arthritis, due to their larger body mass
- Can be prone to bloating, which is a condition that is often fatal
- Tend to have a shorter lifespan than small dogs
Small Dogs
- Can be more easily injured, especially by other dogs
- Have a higher risk of developing patella luxation
- Can be prone to pancreatitis
- Will usually live longer than big canines
Differences in the Cost of Care
If you have a large dog, you will generally have to pay more for the following:
- Food
- Boarding costs (rates are typically dependent on the size of your dog)
- Grooming costs (again, rates often go up with the size of your canine)
- Pet insurance
Read More: The Average Monthly Cost of Owning a Dog in the UK
Some Other Pros and Cons
The following are some traits associated with small dogs and big canines. It’s important to note that these are generalizations and will not be true of every dog.
Small Dogs
- Have a reputation for being yappy and pugnacious
- Tend to be less obedient than big ones, according to some studies
- Are the perfect size for sitting on a lap
In addition, some wee canines suffer from what is known as Small Dog Syndrome. This is a general term that covers such behaviors as jumping on people, aggressively barking at visitors or refusing to listen to owners. The problem is that many owners allow small dogs to get away with behaviors that would not be tolerated in bigger canines. For example, a person might laugh at a Chihuahua who lunges and barks at people. But the same person might be terrified if a German Shepherd did the same thing. Fortunately, a good training program can often reverse Small Dog Syndrome.
Big Dogs
- Usually make great watchdogs
- Can be intimidating to others
- Make excellent cuddle buddies
- Are typically more laid back than small dogs
Decisions, Decisions
Big or small, a dog is a lifelong commitment, so careful consideration should always go into selecting a new furry family member. Size is just one factor, but you’ll also want to make sure that the canine you choose will fit into your lifestyle — whether that involves long hikes on the weekends or lazy Saturday afternoon cuddles on the sofa.
This is a guest post. Author bio: Alec Hutchins is Chief Marketing Officer of Recherche Kennels – Doodles, a professional breeding and training facility. Recherche Kennels has over 10 years of experience breeding with top parent bloodlines and training puppies to be the perfect family pet.
