One of the biggest decisions prospective dog owners must make is between large or small dog breeds. While both large and small dogs can make incredible companions, there are benefits and drawbacks to consider for both. Their size and temperament play a role in their training, behavior, and activity level, but there are other factors you need to consider before bringing your new pup home.
Popular Small Dog Breeds
Owners who desire a smaller dog have plenty of choices. Some of the most popular small dog breeds include:
- French Bulldogs
- Miniature and Toy Poodles
- Beagles
- Dachshund
- Pembroke Welsh Corgis
- Yorkshire Terriers
- Shih Tzus
- Pomeranians
- Pugs
- Chihuahuas
- West Highland Terriers
- Jack Russell Terrier
Small Dog Breed Pros:
Besides being the perfect couch potato companion for binge-watching your favorite TV show, there are several great advantages to choosing a small dog breed, including:
Easy Management
Smaller dogs are much easier to handle and manage than larger dogs. Many small dog breeds can be easily picked up, simplifying travel or vet trips. They are flight-friendly and accepted at restaurants and hotels. Smaller breeds also make fantastic city dwellers for apartment and condo living.
Lower Associated Costs
Small dogs have lower costs associated with ownership than large dogs. This is due to several factors: products (like collars or crates) that are intended for smaller dogs are often significantly less expensive than the same products designed for large dogs. Smaller dogs require less pet food and grooming supplies, which reduces the overall cost of ownership.
Less Impact When They Misbehave
Behaviors like jumping for attention are far less impactful when done by a smaller dog breed. This can be an essential consideration for dog owners with children or elderly family members in the home.
Less Exercise Required
While all dogs need sufficient exercise to stay healthy, small dogs require less exercise than large dog breeds. This is primarily due to their shorter stride length, which allows them to exercise more over shorter distances. This is important for owners with limited mobility, physical disabilities, or a busy lifestyle.
Small Dog Breed Cons:
While small breeds have a lower cost of ownership and are easier to manage, there are also some drawbacks to choosing a small dog, such as:
Misbehavior Can Be Overlooked
Smaller breeds tend to have an attitude problem known as small dog syndrome. This occurs when small dogs aren’t treated like typical dogs because of their size. They are easier to pick up and cuddle, so owners do that more frequently, resulting in misbehavior that owners often overlook.
Training May Not be Enforced
Smaller breeds have trouble chillin’ and tend to bark more, especially at night. They are also more territorial indoors than bigger dogs and having a mind of their own makes them more challenging to train. Dog training takes patience and persistence, but owners may not take the time to train a small dog or enforce healthy boundaries due to their stature.
They are More Fragile
Small dogs can be easily injured because they are always underfoot. Small dogs are more likely to be injured around the house, whether by jumping down from elevated locations or by an owner accidentally stepping or sitting on the dog. When interacting with other dogs, a larger dog can severely hurt a smaller dog even through play.
Popular Large Dog Breeds
Just like with small dogs, owners looking for a larger dog breed will have plenty of options. Among the most popular large dog breeds are:
- German Shepherds
- Huskies
- Rottweilers
- German Pointers
- Boxers
- Great Danes
- Doberman Pinschers
- Bernese Mountain Dogs
- English Setters
- Mastiffs
- Collies
- Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Large Dog Breed Pros:
Large dog breeds are known for being easy to train and are typically more laid-back and kid-friendly than small dog breeds. Other advantages of large dog ownership include:
Easier Behavior Management
A large dog’s size can be a benefit for owners. Since they are more visible than small dogs, behavior issues are less likely to go unnoticed. This allows owners to intervene in poor behavior before it becomes a habit. A large dog’s size also prevents owners from causing an accidental injury.
Greater Endurance
Large dog breeds make excellent exercise partners. Many large dogs were bred as working or herding dogs, like the Australian Shepherd and the Belgian Malinois, so they have plenty of energy and must be exercised regularly to prevent boredom and negative behavior.
They Make Excellent Guard Dogs
While most large dog breeds have an easy-going temperament, they often make excellent guard dogs due to their intimidating size and loud bark. Many large dog breeds like Cane Corso, Boxers, and German Shepherds have naturally high protective instincts and are easily trainable.
Large Dog Breed Cons:
Bigger dog breeds can often mean bigger (and more costly) problems. Some disadvantages of owning a large dog breed include:
Prone to Health Issues
Large dog breeds are generally more prone to health issues due to their size. For example, dysplasia and arthritis are more common in larger breeds like Huskies than in small breeds.
Shorter Lifespan
Larger dogs tend to have shorter lifespans than smaller breeds. For example, Chihuahuas have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years. However, the Great Danes’ average longevity is considerably shorter at 6 to 10 years.
Higher Associated Costs
Large dogs are considerably more expensive to owners throughout their lives than smaller dog breeds. One reason large dog breeds tend to be more expensive is their health issues; the costs of medicine and supplements (such as dog probiotics) combined with veterinary treatment can be significantly higher than the healthcare costs of smaller dogs.
Large breeds consume more high-protein dog food to meet their caloric needs. On average, your dog needs approximately 30 calories per pound of body weight. This means a 100-pound dog needs 3,000 calories, while a 20-pound dog only needs 600 calories. The difference in food consumption means it costs significantly more to feed a large dog breed.
Need Space to Exercise
Large dog breeds require more space than small dog breeds. Small homes and apartments can be difficult for large dogs to navigate. Owners with less outdoor yard space may need to get creative so their dogs get the exercise they need.
Behavior Issues Can Be Dangerous
Poorly trained dogs can exhibit aggressive or dangerous behaviors like jumping or biting. Large dog breeds have a significantly higher bite force than small dogs. For example, an American Bulldog has a bite force of up to 305 PSI, whereas a small dog breed like a Shih Tzu has a bite force of just 75 PSI. So, a bite from a large dog can cause more severe injuries.
Find the Ideal Dog for Your Lifestyle
The breed of dog you choose largely depends on your lifestyle. A large dog breed can be an ideal companion for people with an active lifestyle and a spacious home with a yard. However, a small dog breed is ideal for people with smaller homes and busy lives. Whether you choose a small or large dog, each pet has its own personality. Training, routine, and affection can help you create the perfect pet for your home.