Big Dog little Dog,pros and cons

[militaryspouse]

For the longest I would only ever think about getting a little dog. At the time they just seemed to have the ''oh look it's so cute'' factor. The smaller the dog, the more I wanted it. In my experience I have found smaller dogs to be more tempremental and more likely to nip. I am a big dog owner now, and seem to be drawn to the larger breeds.Having a big dog(s) for almost the last decade, if I ever had to search again, I don't think I'd look into the smaller breeds ever again,mainly based on my experiences between the two.

I figured it be fun to list off the pros'&cons of both.

*Large dog pros* would be

Not having to worry about stepping on him/her accidentally

Feeling more protected, especially if you decide to walk them at night

Less likely to yap and nip

*Large dog cons*

Food bill is higher, can't get by with buying a 10pound bag of dog food and expect it to last a week

It hurts more when they step on you

More likely to knock small children over(not on purpose) b/c of their size

*Small dog pros*

Less expensive, think about the medications that go by weight

They are easier to get in and out of places, such as the car or vet

You can pick them up and put them on your lap

I'll stop there..

[philosophie_en_rose]

1. It's not the size that counts.

Most of them are bored silly. I have three dogs, all of which are under two feet tall. They need just as much activity and training as bigger dogs. But many people (not saying you, because I don't know) only have them as accessories and not as real companions. Nipping is a learned behavior and nervous little dogs can be taught. However, I don't believe very little dogs should be handled by small children - ever. Anymore than you'd give an infant (that could bite) to a toddler.

The problem with little dogs is that people don't treat them like dogs that want to run in the park or have lessons or have quiet time. I agree that little dogs can be anxious, but you would be too if you lived among giants. Besides, bigger dogs don't have nipping problems. They have tear a chunk of your leg off problems.

I agree about portability, though. Little dogs are easy to carry. And you do have to watch for little dogs before you take a step.

[Bzzzz]

2. We have 2 Min Pins and a Rottie...

love them all the same. They serve their purposes and are wonderful companions. The little ones yap and yap, but have never nipped and the big one is very intimidating to look at, but he's the biggest baby of the 3. I feel very safe and secure with my trio.

[Wcross]

3. Smaller dogs live longer.

In general a small dog will live longer than a large one. I heard that Great Danes only live to 6 or 7 years old.

[China_cat]

8. That is rapidly changing.

Danes average lifespan is now up to 10-12 years and more and more instances of 14-16 year olds are being seen. My own breed, Bouviers, when I started with them 30 years ago lived an average of 8 years. That was WITH good and careful breeding. Last year we lost a badly bred Bouv at 14, and she's not an isolated case.

Better food...well, most of the time...better breeding, better medical care. All making for having our large furbabies with us for longer time.

But to add to this, we always have a small dog with the big ones. Our little'un right now is a pug mix who weighs about 20 lbs. And the 100 + pounders don't mess with her. They don't step over her, they don't go around her, they back off if she growls at them. We get a good laugh out of it.

[cwydro]

4. I have two big dogs

both rescued.

And they are just cute as can be. Small does not equal cute. But a big dog needs love and petting just as much as a small one.

My girls:

[Zoigal]

5. Space

can be a factor, as well. Our big hounds physically occupy more room than the whippets

both in and out of the house. Also many renters will accept smaller breeds as opposed to

big dogs. As well as assisted care facilities, etc. In many boarding facilities the fees are

determined by size/weight. I love all dogs, regardless.

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

6. I thought this post would be about Bill and HIllary

My bad.

Edited to say I am not calling Hillary a dog

[Arkansas Granny]

7. My personal preference is a medium sized dog, say 25-40

pounds or so. They are big enough to be taken seriously, but easier to physically handle and control than the larger dogs. To me, temperament and personality are a more important consideration than size or looks.

[LeftyMom]

9. Small dogs don't mix well with children.

They tend to be noisier too.

I prefer larger dogs.

[femmocrat]

10. How about a big dog in a small package?

There are lots of terriers and smaller herding breeds that fit that category. They are great watch-dogs, love to play, and easy to train. If you go with a good breeder, health problems will likely be minimized. (Be aware of the genetic health problems inherent to certain breeds, and ASK if the parents are clear.)

I have had big (Golden Retriever) to toy (Yorkie), but we have medium-sized dogs now. I would avoid most toy breeds due to temperment problems. Some have been way over-bred as demand for them has grown.

But, with any breed, do your homework, don't fall for an adorable puppy (all puppies are adorable), and buy ONLY from a reputable breeder. If you decide on a rescue dog, DO insist on a health guarantee. Some rescues are there because of expensive health problems or temperment issues. Trust me, I speak from experience.

[DS1]

11. Less likely to yap

winner

[flvegan]

12. As a great dane person, the bigger, the better, I say

I love all my dogs and my rescues, but for personal preference, I like 'em 100 lbs plus.

Here's my big boy (pre-cancer photo):