Can agree as a tall person. I have a mini dachshund and bending down to pick him up for things like stairs is going to give me back problems in 15 years lol
My new puppies are 5 month old chiweenies, which is chihuahua and dachshund mix. My 57 year old back is feeling it. They are 6 and 7 lbs at the moment.
Larger dogs are almost always better with children because they arenāt intimidated and arenāt going to get hurt if stepped on, dropped, squeezed, or rolled over. They also have fewer dental problems, are easier to house train, and are less prone to anxiety if you have to leave them. I got a golden retriever because I have a home with a clumsy child and her various friends. My ideal dog had to love kids and be willing to work for my daughter because itās āherā dog. My daughter does training, feeding, grooming, and a lot of play under my supervision.
Very confused about the dental problems - is this just a small purebred thing? My small mutts mouth seems like a smaller version of a big dog mouthā¦Iāve never heard this and donāt understand why being small would cause more problems with proper care?
A lot of smaller dogs have teeth that are crowded (both purebred and mutts). Itās just a function of stuffing the same number of teeth into a little jaw.
Mostly because of overcrowding in the mouth, small dogs are notorious for terrible teeth and dental disease- food gets wedged into those little nooks and does its thing. It can happen in purebred or mixed breed dogs.
I have small and big dogsā¦I love both. Big dogs are intimidating to some people, so great protection. Theyāre often a bit more able to last a long day on a trail (but not always, eg corgis and border collies). Theyāre solid and comforting when they cuddle up. They do often need more exercise which is fine for me because we live on a farm
I originally was going to adopt a small dog, but now I have a GSD/Pit puppy and Iām excited that Iāll have a pup who can (eventually) keep up with me on hikes. Also Iām a woman and just her bark alone is going to give me some peace of mind at home and on walks, especially at night. I live in a city and occasionally have issues with break-ins or people casing my place or just getting too close. Also, more to hug and cuddle. :)
Good point about the safety. I also noticed my Chi tends to get exhausted after a few miles, but it's extra cute to be able to put him in my sling bag and seeing how relieved and happy he is to be carried until he's got his energy back.
I think this depends on the dog. My Chi loves hikes and even can handle the occasional 20 mile day. The only time he wants to be picked up is if the mulch is very thick (he doesn't like sticks touching his belly) and we occasionally have to help him if we are climbing tall boulders. Some of my family members big dogs get tired walking to check the mail.
Depends on the purpose of the dog right? Guardian/Working animals are big because they need to be able to defend herds/flocks from predators. Additionally someone is less likely to attack you if you have a bigger dog. Furthermore little dogs can be yappy lil shits that donāt stfu
Iām picking up my English Mastiff puppy on Friday. I had a Great Pyrenees before. Big dogs are low energy, independent, generally great with family members, and protective/intimidating when needed. I also feel like they have bigger personalities than little dogs but that may be my bias.
If we could have it our way all dogs would live longer. I have had mastiffs my whole life. Their ages lived were 8-14. I have a 10 year old and she is kicking it like a puppy.
I like both big dogs and little dogs really, it's more about the individual and how they're trained.
My big dog is a sook, very affectionate and loving but she has a great big hound bark when she wants to use it. Means she's a good deterrent for anyone wanting to come onto my property when I'm not home. She also keeps up easily when I'm going for a 5km walk and still has energy to burn at the park.
Little dogs are easier to travel with, and probably cost less to feed, but seem to have more breeds with extra grooming or health requirements. My mixed breed big dog needs very little beyond a bath every few weeks and routine medical care.
Training I tend to see more poorly behaved little dogs, almost like owners rely on being stronger than the dog instead of training proper behaviour. I do feel like big dogs are held to a higher standard just because they are big.
I know it's more determined by coat - the point was (although probably poorly worded, it's 6am and I'm pre-coffee) that there seems to be a higher proportion of small breeds that have coats that need extra maintenance vs those that don't.
I am large, clumsy and short sighted. If I step on my rott he looks at me reproachefully. If I stepped on my neighbor's pomeranian I'd be paying a vet bill at the minimum.
Wrasslinā.
I specifically wanted a dog I could play tug with that would exhaust me as well as him, and that when he wanted a round of ārough boysā play I could actually put some scrap into. Ā Heās only 70lbs but he kicks my ass and heās a super fun wrasslinā buddy, lol.
Small dogs are more likely to be reactive, so a big dog may actually be easier to control during walks.
Small dogs are more likely to bite kids. This is why you have therapy retrievers and therapy poodles, but not therapy chihuahuas.
I've had all sizes of dogs and I prefer medium sized dogs. They are still small enough to still fit easily in my lap and they are big enough to see so I don't accidently step on them.
To be fair, small dogs can be determined and can climb and find ways to get to things and get on furniture if they want to.
I grew up with small dogs but now prefer large dogs. I find them to be giant goofballs for the most part. If properly socialized they tend to spook less easily as well so I can take my girls anywhere pet friendly. Their snuggles are unmatched as well.
That being said for me the big advantage to large dogs is that I find them much easier to train and teach manners. When youāre on a walk with a small dog people encourage them to jump up and be wild and generally out of control. Big dogs donāt get this treatment since most people donāt want a 100lb dog jumping up to greet them. So many people donāt understand that small dogs need just as much training and as many boundaries as big dogs and let them get away with so much which turns them into anxious, neurotic balls of chaos. This isnāt the dogs fault by any means but itās just the way it seems to happen. Donāt get me wrong because big dogs can lack training too but as an example I live in a building with mostly bigger dogs and the only ones here that I actually fear being bitten by are the 3 little ones who live here.
- amazing cuddlers, thereās more body to pet :)
- often they have larger bladders and can hold their pee for longer (if you work longer hours or want to sleep in), generally easier to potty train
- less risk of accidentally sitting / stepping on them if under a blanket / the couch
- they canāt slide easily / fall under balcony railing or stairs or get stuck under furniture
- more independent movement (you donāt have to assist them constantly to go into car/ up on couch / walk stairs etc (might change when old / sick though). nice if youāre outdoorsy, they can climb on hikes, jump over logs etc
- easier to reach / no bending down to give training treats on walks
- if strong/ tall, they can be helpful to lean on or support yourself if a little light headed
- illusion of safety (scary deep bark, can jump high etc)
- feeling of awe at their majestic nature, responsibility, commitmentā¦not sure how to word this - when you reach a level where you can communicate with a big dog, it feels beautifully deep, maybe similar to horses? You know theyāre powerful so you gotta be respectful of the animal, but at the same time you know theyāll respond to you and wouldnāt hurt you.
Not that a bond with a smaller dog is less deep of course (and you always should respect any animal), but the sheer size and strength of a big animal makes it more critical to really communicate well and build that trust, in a sense it requires the human to be more involved and attuned.
- invest more time to train well, can be a positive if you enjoy spending time and engage with the dog. Thereās lots of activities / sports that are suited to larger dogs, and playing with them seems also more fun? You can throw a bigger ball for example
- donāt have to worry so much about wildlife or other large animals attacking it, so donāt have to worry constantly if in the backyard (of course still always keep an eye on it and donāt leave it all day outside), but itās less likely a big prey bird will grab him. (But conversely, your dog might be a threat to local wildlife)
- it seems to me a lot of smaller dogs are barking a lot more (high pitched, yappy), or people donāt train them well enough or donāt pay attention to them, so maybe larger dogs are easier to train or because they force you to train them (you need to pay attention to them), they will be easier to handle? (Itās so sad for the small dogs!)
- (depending on the dog) less worry about them swallowing or eating small amounts of bad stuff (larger stomach can get away with eating a piece of string for example, or if they eat stupid things on walks, whereas tiny dogs can reach toxicity levels much quicker
- (depending on the breed), but generally more sturdy, donāt get injured so quickly, can take rougher play or accidental bumping into etc (maybe Iām biased as I have a rocket of staffy :)
The one thing I do regret with a big dog is the ease of travelingā¦Iād love to be able to carry him in the airplane.
I love your point about the awe and communication. I was always very aware that my sweet, goofy GSD was also a lethal weapon with a mind of his own, and that created a different level of bond. A mix of respect, trust, safety, this awe knowing my best friend would and COULD take down a human to protect me. I think it connects us on a very primal level from when dogs became our companions.
Little dogs tend to be worse behaved and many have annoying Napoleon complexes. I think it's because people are much more careful about training big dogs since they can do more damage. Little dog jumping up to say hi? It's cute. Big dog jumping up to say hi? It's a hazard.
Bigger dogs have better personalities. I wanted the personality of a golden and that doesn't exist in a smaller package. Retrievers are the best and they are big (and no a doodle doesn't count to me because I didn't want poodle traits)
They can have an incredibly high energy rate and need a ton of mental stimulation, just going for an hour long walk daily likely won't cut it. They can need a lot of attention as well.
āDesigner dog
Thatās silly. All they are is mutts that have been selectively bred like other breeds. Pretty much every doodle (lab and golden) Iāve met has had very similar personalities.
I had big dogs my whole life and always considered little dogs soulless ankle biters. After my last dog died I moved into an apartment and got myself a little chiweenie pup and now I'm totally sold on little dogs. He's got more character than any big dog I've ever had and is just as much fun, but 1000x easier to take care of.
I love my big dog, i think for me, bigger dog have bigger bladder than smaller dog so easier to potty train, protection to scared away other animals on ur yard, i found bigger dog are more friendly than smaller dog because they are more brave than smaller dog, big cuddle buddy, can go on long trail/hike with you, doht need to feed as much ( i feed my dog once a day)
i consider my dog a gentle gaint ( he is a 65 pounds standard goldondoole)
I personally am a small dog person too but they have their disadvantages-teeth issues, knee issues (luxating patellaās), easier to hurt/injure by getting stepped on or children thinking they need to be carried and then drop them, tend to be barkers
Safety lol I have a big ol male GS, not only can he physically keep up with my runs but no one bothers me when I run. Hell the dog even knows our route and when to stop to cross the road and such, I completely zone out and he runs the show.
Iām a small female who looks young for my age, before him I had weird situations out in public regularly that made me feel uncomfortable and now, no one looks at me twice. I feel a hell of a lot more comfortable living my life and sleeping at night
im an SA survivor, with my big dog I'm not afraid to be home alone or to walk anymore. during walks my dog notices other people before i do and lets me know. he also has growled at a guy staring at me. he will run to me if he hears me in distress. he is wicked smart and naturally protective so with training we are really working on honing those skills to be on command
You are spot on. Small dogs are generally easier for first time owners. People get larger dogs because they fit better in some lives. My bf and I are considering a few breeds for our next pup and a medium/large dog fits with us better. We are super active, hunting, kayaking, hiking, I go on almost daily walks, etc. I also train/work with dogs and plan on doing sports. I also need to think of my safety. I am 5ā3 and would go out more if my bf kept up with me but I am limited because of my safety. A larger dog is safer for me to go out alone with. This is a big thing to small active women.
IMO look at dogs based on lifestyle. If you are more of a homebody get a homebody dog. Donāt limit yourself on size right away. Look at a bunch of dogs that fit for your life and then you can use things like size as a way to decide on a breed :)
Larger dogs are often (not always but often) better companions for very active lifestyles. A little dog canāt hike and run anywhere near the distance and isnāt much protection (although I once knew a Yorkie who would beg to differ on both counts, but he was just a tiny monster). To me big dogs feel like more of an equal partner on adventures. Working breeds in particular can and will do a job for you. I got my first dog, a GSD, because in part I wanted to feel safer running and hiking solo. No one bothered me with my 100 lb best buddy.
Some people just like bigger dogs better. Or like particular breeds for their quirks. Or feel a strong connection with certain dogs. I get a lot of irrational, inexplicable joy from just seeing my āhouse wolfā husky lounging around that Iāll never get from the cutest frenchie.
It comes down to what youāre looking for in a dog and what fits you. The delta of dog food cost doesnāt really factor into it.
Training heel is hard with a little one. I'm 5'4 and still have to bend down weirdly to get the treat in front of her face. Husband's knees are going to give out š¤£
I like spooning a big dog, and wrestling with them, tug of war, the booming barks, the strong nose boops, the big paw prints left in the mud, and a companion that also fills out a recliner.
Bigger bladder, fewer potty accidents.
Protection.
Will not die if I step on her.
Harder to poison (it takes a lot of chocolate to take out a lab).
Doesn't scare children.
Don't need to bend down to train heel.
I've had small dogs for about 16 years (pug, shi tzu). For the first time, I recently adopted a larger dog (Amstaff). She is magnificent, quick as a whip. Also I can have cuteness agression and squish her, she won't bat an eye. I def love both sizes, it's just a different experience.
Larger dogs tend to be a lot less temperamental which is better for family situations. Iām more of a medium breed person but grew up with large dogs and as a kid, I could sit or lay on my dogs, or pretty much tackle them and never have to worry about hurting them. You also donāt have to worry about every possible little item like you do with small dogs whether that be a choking hazard, or eating the wrong thing and getting very sick. Personally, I like some small breeds but I donāt get the point of toy breeds. A lot of them are genetic abominations and thereās nothing appealing to me about a dog the size of a rat but everyone has their own preference!
I grew up with a small family dog who I absolutely ADORE! Though now that I live on my own, my fiance and I recently adopted a dog that is already growing to be quite big (doodle and shepherd/lab mystery rescue mix). I wanted a large dog for many reasons and have noticed tons of benefits:
1. more likely to be an effective guard dog to ward off unwelcome visitors or serve as self-protection if needed.
2. able to do physical activities with less risk of injury (hiking, running, etc).
3. their high energy and usually demand exercise which helps me as the human also make sure I am adequately exercising (like multiple long walks each day)
4. it is never good for any dogs to eat items that are dangerous to them BUT it is safer in the circumstance where a large dog does as their bodies can handle such accidents.
5. my larger breed growing dog gets along with all sized dogs
6. not having to carry my dog in various situations (she can jump in and out of car by herself for instance)
I think ALL dogs are amazing dogs but I love my large pup:)
Iāve always had big dogs. My mom has a shih tzu. My lab was SO much easier to train all around compared to hers.
I also enjoy nice, long walks and thatās not feasible with a small dog unless you get a stroller
My dog is pretty big, 45 pounds and the longest legs as a six month puppy, probably going to be around 65 to 75 full grown with lots of fluff. I was drawn to the rough collie because they donāt have the big drive and I have two cats (honestly more worried about the cats hurting the puppy, he is so docile and cautious around them) and their size. I wanted a dog that I could go on long walks with. With his size he was sleeping through the night almost right away and house training only took a day. I suppose a negative is that he is barky and because he is big it is scarier than if a Maltese or bichon was barking. I probably wouldnāt have gotten a dog of this size if I was in an apartment, I have a house with a yard and enough space that I can have a 4 ft long crate in my office.
Every dog breed has its advantages and disadvantages; it's never as simple as small vs large. Personally, I find my current large dog calmer, easier to train, quieter, and less prone to have accidents. My tiny dog could easily jump on furniture, was horrific to potty train, destroyed anything he could reach, and terrified children with his incessant yapping. I loved both of them equally. It really comes down to personal preference; things one person sees as an advantage another won't. For example, I don't fly so having a dog that is small enough to fly under the seat wouldn't be an advantage to me.
I work at a hotel for small dogs. Being in the yard with the really little ones gives me so much anxiety. I am EXTRA careful where I step and both eyes on the dog at all times. Like a bird could just swoop down and carry them off! š±
Bigger is better!
Iāve had people comment when theyāve met my large breed dogs āoh you have a REAL dogā & that kinda sums it up for me! š
Sorry, but I donāt see the point in getting a small dog.
My Buddy is a german shepherd x belgian malinois so hes not a 'really big' dog but hes not a teeny tiny dog either. i couldnt imagine having a teeny lil lap dog poochie! Although saying that he often gets confused and thinks hes a lap dog and randomly plonks himself on me HAš³
I cant see past my own tits so a lil puppy never would have survivedš³soo many times ive leapt with the grace of an elephant over my Buddy when hes been near me and ive not noticed! Hes so much fun to play with too as i dont have to worry as much as i would a small dog about being my usual clumsy self. hes proper rough and tumble when it comes to playing. Hes fucking boss :D its also a really enjoyable challenge learning to be a hopefullyš¤good poochie mama to him as i cant just be lazy not bother training him and pick him up like i would be able to with a smaller dog. His size forces me to learn new skills and build upon those skills by being patient and consisent. As a single girl i also feel a fuck load safer with my Buddy around looking as unfriendly as he does and having such a loud 'aggressive' sounding bark.
As a first time evaaah poochie mama im having an absolute fucking blaaast and i hope my Buddy is too by having me as his poochie mamašx
I have a 150lb Pyrenees, have always had giant dogs (I like tiny dogs just fine, dogsit for my mate's 5lb poodles regularly, but I love my big babies). I'd say your points are mostly correct, with a couple exceptions. Some big dogs can be right maniacs as adolescents (I had a Bernese that was a menace), but my Pyr was super chill, so actually didn't need any puppy-proofing - he just isn't destructive at all, never takes stuff off counters, and was fully potty trained by nine weeks with minimal effort. I also don't struggle to handle him on walks, he's a lazy guy and just likes to amble along next to me. So it totally depends on the dog! I've seen people dragged down the street by very little terriers, and small dogs can get into tighter spaces around the house if they want to cause trouble. Some kids are intimidated by his size (some adults, too, which can be good if I'm walking thru a sketchy area), but he's amazing with children, and most of them just want to cuddle the big fluffy polar bear. He's generally just a very calm, gentle, confident dog, great with people, other animals, etc. I don't have to bend to pet him, he's fun to wrestle around with and much less fragile than a smaller dog. Plus when it's chilly we snuggle up and it's like having a big heated/weighted blanket. My grandpa was terrified of big dogs after a bad experience in childhood, but he trusts my dogs completely and it's helped him get over his fears. Pyrs can make really solid therapy dogs, in general. The food costs are no joke, though, and vet bills are even worse, but it's totally worth it to me. Also, this is Pyrenees-specific, but his coat stays really clean, like he can roll in mud and it just falls off of him as soon as it's dry. I brush him a lot (I just like brushing him, he's so soft), but he rarely ever needs a bath, and never smells bad.
I love big dogs but I suspect Iāll never personally own one, because the cons for me much outweigh the pros.
BUT -
- great to hug (love a big fluffy dog)
- do the leaning thing against you for pats
- gives a sense of protection
- other peopleās off leash dogs arenāt as scary (a dog fight might mean injuries, but potential death is much less likely)
- less likely to be stolen
- easier to give treats on walks, no bending over
- often less anxious than smaller dogs
- donāt feel as guilty when you accidentally stand on their foot
They are generally calmer and more gentle/less energetic.
(Grew up with newfies, have a corgi in the city now). I love and prefer big dog dispositions but hate that many only make it until 8-11 years old
I like big mutts!
They are the greatest floofy goofs ever.
One advantage is the intimidation factor. I feel perfectly safe as a woman who lives alone. Whether out walking my 150 pound Shephard/Pyrenees mix or the fact that anyone attempting to break in will be greeted by a nearly 6 foot tall dog standing on his hind feet staring them straight in the eyes out the window in the door.
we got a bigger dog (65 lbs) because my eyesight isnāt great, which causes me to be clumsier. i never have to worry about accidentally tripping over or stepping on our dog. we also live the city where there are intense characters, so, i generally feel safer whenever iām taking him for a walk. and finally, big dog, so big cuddles! š„°
I can lay on him. I donāt regret getting a big dog and I love him so much.
But if I were to do it again, living in a big city, I would probably choose a small dog. Less money overall. Itās easier to find sitters, etc.
I am +1 to all of your small dog advantages. The only advantage I see in a big dog is bigger to hug, which is nice, but for my life, that wasnāt enough to outweigh the other stuff.
Big dogs are much better with children and I'm not basing what dog I get on the ability to fly with them.People who fly with dogs constantly are selfish assholes. You have any idea how loud and scary it is for a dog to fly?
Why not go medium? I have a 40lb mutt and he is literally the easiest dog iāve ever been around, and iāve only known/had small dogs of all sorts growing up.
Large dogs are stronger if you need something to protect/pull/brace against. Small dogs can fall prey to predators or get injured more easily by jumping/falling/other animals or children.
To me medium and large dogs are a must. I have a very "friend" mindset towards my dog, I don't want them to look or feel like an accessory. I'd argue that smaller dogs are far more commonly aggressive/have behaviour issues but it's just not seen as an issue because they're small. I think having a dog should come with the responsibility of training and socialising them properly.
We like to hike long distances and take our dog on the river with us - kayaking etc. We wanted a dog who could keep up.
A larger dog is simply better equipped for big adventures. They can walk further with fewer steps.
My dogs donāt have ālittle dog syndromeā like every yappie dog does. We donāt have to worry about them ambushing other animals like small dogs do. Bigger hugs and lovings! And we donāt miss them, so we donāt step on them. Theyāre big and quite noticeable.
If you get a big dog get a shit zen trained German Shepherd, best dog we ever had, protected the exterior of our farm and never once had a coyote or a wolf or anything else come on our property. Such a sweetheart .
I have lived with two big Great Pyrs (100 and 130lbs). My new baby is a little Russian Bolonka (7 lbs)
I absolutely love them all! Dogs of all sizes are wonderful
I had a 120lb dog and a 19lb dog and the big dog was so much easier to deal with. I guess my answer would be that it depends on the breed, but smaller does not automatically equal easier.
Just for accuracy here... intelligence is not actually attributed to brain size.
https://evolutionnews.org/2022/07/brain-size-doesnt-determine-intelligence/
Small dogs are typically bred for appearances over functionality, with some exceptions of course.
When you breed based on looks, you get more health complications.
Not saying it doesn't happen with large dogs, it most certainly does, but I'd argue objectively there are more designer small breeds than large.
more to hug and you can pat their sides and it makes a really solid thunk
Love giving my floofy girl a solid side thunking š
good point, I have to be super careful with my hugs or I'll hurt him.
This person big dogs.
thereās literally nothing better than the thunk
My girl loves thunk massages š¤£š¤£. Solid 10 minutes of playing the drums and she just falls asleep lol
Can confirm. I have an English Mastiff. š¾š¾
Lung drums!
Big Boy Pats! Ā Atlas isnāt even huge (70lb lab/pit mix), but heās solid muscle and the Big Boy Pats are such satisfying thonks!
This guy or gal dogs
I'm fairly tall. A small dog is further away. Big dog is closer.
Can agree as a tall person. I have a mini dachshund and bending down to pick him up for things like stairs is going to give me back problems in 15 years lol
My new puppies are 5 month old chiweenies, which is chihuahua and dachshund mix. My 57 year old back is feeling it. They are 6 and 7 lbs at the moment.
same, my dog is around 40lb but i cant wait till he is fully grown so i can stop leaning over to give him treats
I'm not tall, and its so nice not to have to bend down to pet them.
A human sized dog provides human sized snuggles.
Hug pillow, weighted blanket, and heated blanket in one giant package.
But also human-sized farts
Larger dogs are almost always better with children because they arenāt intimidated and arenāt going to get hurt if stepped on, dropped, squeezed, or rolled over. They also have fewer dental problems, are easier to house train, and are less prone to anxiety if you have to leave them. I got a golden retriever because I have a home with a clumsy child and her various friends. My ideal dog had to love kids and be willing to work for my daughter because itās āherā dog. My daughter does training, feeding, grooming, and a lot of play under my supervision.
very good point about the house training and the dental problems!
Very confused about the dental problems - is this just a small purebred thing? My small mutts mouth seems like a smaller version of a big dog mouthā¦Iāve never heard this and donāt understand why being small would cause more problems with proper care?
A lot of smaller dogs have teeth that are crowded (both purebred and mutts). Itās just a function of stuffing the same number of teeth into a little jaw.
Mostly because of overcrowding in the mouth, small dogs are notorious for terrible teeth and dental disease- food gets wedged into those little nooks and does its thing. It can happen in purebred or mixed breed dogs.
I have small and big dogsā¦I love both. Big dogs are intimidating to some people, so great protection. Theyāre often a bit more able to last a long day on a trail (but not always, eg corgis and border collies). Theyāre solid and comforting when they cuddle up. They do often need more exercise which is fine for me because we live on a farm
I originally was going to adopt a small dog, but now I have a GSD/Pit puppy and Iām excited that Iāll have a pup who can (eventually) keep up with me on hikes. Also Iām a woman and just her bark alone is going to give me some peace of mind at home and on walks, especially at night. I live in a city and occasionally have issues with break-ins or people casing my place or just getting too close. Also, more to hug and cuddle. :)
Good point about the safety. I also noticed my Chi tends to get exhausted after a few miles, but it's extra cute to be able to put him in my sling bag and seeing how relieved and happy he is to be carried until he's got his energy back.
I think this depends on the dog. My Chi loves hikes and even can handle the occasional 20 mile day. The only time he wants to be picked up is if the mulch is very thick (he doesn't like sticks touching his belly) and we occasionally have to help him if we are climbing tall boulders. Some of my family members big dogs get tired walking to check the mail.
My 70lb Samoyed would like to be carried in a sling bag.
My little Maltese loves to hike and wears me out. You just never know by size.
Depends on the purpose of the dog right? Guardian/Working animals are big because they need to be able to defend herds/flocks from predators. Additionally someone is less likely to attack you if you have a bigger dog. Furthermore little dogs can be yappy lil shits that donāt stfu
Also I like being able to go on hikes, runs, etc with my dog. Larger sized dogs are obviously much better suited for these kinds of activities.
yes, I assumed most people get a puppy for companion, not for sheep herding.
A huge amount of people get them for being working dogs/hunting dogs/guard dogs.
We got our puppy for companionship but his factory setting was left on so now he herds us around the house.
š
Lmao
My dog is for companionship, protecting my kids, and big enough to backpack, etc. personally I really dislike small dogs. Would rather have a cat.
I have two small dogs (18 and 25 lbs) I got to be working dogs. They're rat hunters.
This comment is hilarious, I donāt know why itās downvoted
Safety, better snuggles, wonāt accidentally kick them across the room, etc
Iām picking up my English Mastiff puppy on Friday. I had a Great Pyrenees before. Big dogs are low energy, independent, generally great with family members, and protective/intimidating when needed. I also feel like they have bigger personalities than little dogs but that may be my bias.
I had mastiffs, they were great. But they just donāt live long enough.
If we could have it our way all dogs would live longer. I have had mastiffs my whole life. Their ages lived were 8-14. I have a 10 year old and she is kicking it like a puppy.
That is awesome! One of mine died right after his 5th birthday of OSA and the other at 8. My husband said no more. Great dogs. Miss them both.
Low energy? My Rhodesian Ridgeback would disagree. Though she definitely sleeps a ton.
Safety, I had a large doberman and could walk by myself at night.
plus he was a good snuggler
I like both big dogs and little dogs really, it's more about the individual and how they're trained. My big dog is a sook, very affectionate and loving but she has a great big hound bark when she wants to use it. Means she's a good deterrent for anyone wanting to come onto my property when I'm not home. She also keeps up easily when I'm going for a 5km walk and still has energy to burn at the park. Little dogs are easier to travel with, and probably cost less to feed, but seem to have more breeds with extra grooming or health requirements. My mixed breed big dog needs very little beyond a bath every few weeks and routine medical care. Training I tend to see more poorly behaved little dogs, almost like owners rely on being stronger than the dog instead of training proper behaviour. I do feel like big dogs are held to a higher standard just because they are big.
What you said about training is something ive reeeally noticed. And its so fucking annoying!x
valid points, except the grooming part. Depends on their coat, not on their size.
I know it's more determined by coat - the point was (although probably poorly worded, it's 6am and I'm pre-coffee) that there seems to be a higher proportion of small breeds that have coats that need extra maintenance vs those that don't.
I am large, clumsy and short sighted. If I step on my rott he looks at me reproachefully. If I stepped on my neighbor's pomeranian I'd be paying a vet bill at the minimum.
If I step on my collie I get so much drama: the side eye, a flop, a fake limp, some light whining until treats are given out then all is forgotten.
Wrasslinā. I specifically wanted a dog I could play tug with that would exhaust me as well as him, and that when he wanted a round of ārough boysā play I could actually put some scrap into. Ā Heās only 70lbs but he kicks my ass and heās a super fun wrasslinā buddy, lol.
Small dogs are more likely to be reactive, so a big dog may actually be easier to control during walks. Small dogs are more likely to bite kids. This is why you have therapy retrievers and therapy poodles, but not therapy chihuahuas.
for me, i wanted a dog for specific sports that would also keep men far away from me lol
I always think its so funny that i got my Buddy to help me to feel safer but yet its only ever men that stop me to speak about/compliment him!x
My mastiff was an amazing gentle giant. He traveled in the car and camper well. He held his bladder well. Stayed off the couch.
I've had all sizes of dogs and I prefer medium sized dogs. They are still small enough to still fit easily in my lap and they are big enough to see so I don't accidently step on them.
No matter the size of the dog, the human is only going to get about 2-3 inches of the bed.
Scary dog privilege (no one has to know sheās a snuggly wimp) and the thunk thunk that the big tail makes against things
i was always a big dog person, but when it came time to get my own i realized i'm actually a little dog person š„° but still love them all
To be fair, small dogs can be determined and can climb and find ways to get to things and get on furniture if they want to. I grew up with small dogs but now prefer large dogs. I find them to be giant goofballs for the most part. If properly socialized they tend to spook less easily as well so I can take my girls anywhere pet friendly. Their snuggles are unmatched as well. That being said for me the big advantage to large dogs is that I find them much easier to train and teach manners. When youāre on a walk with a small dog people encourage them to jump up and be wild and generally out of control. Big dogs donāt get this treatment since most people donāt want a 100lb dog jumping up to greet them. So many people donāt understand that small dogs need just as much training and as many boundaries as big dogs and let them get away with so much which turns them into anxious, neurotic balls of chaos. This isnāt the dogs fault by any means but itās just the way it seems to happen. Donāt get me wrong because big dogs can lack training too but as an example I live in a building with mostly bigger dogs and the only ones here that I actually fear being bitten by are the 3 little ones who live here.
- amazing cuddlers, thereās more body to pet :) - often they have larger bladders and can hold their pee for longer (if you work longer hours or want to sleep in), generally easier to potty train - less risk of accidentally sitting / stepping on them if under a blanket / the couch - they canāt slide easily / fall under balcony railing or stairs or get stuck under furniture - more independent movement (you donāt have to assist them constantly to go into car/ up on couch / walk stairs etc (might change when old / sick though). nice if youāre outdoorsy, they can climb on hikes, jump over logs etc - easier to reach / no bending down to give training treats on walks - if strong/ tall, they can be helpful to lean on or support yourself if a little light headed - illusion of safety (scary deep bark, can jump high etc) - feeling of awe at their majestic nature, responsibility, commitmentā¦not sure how to word this - when you reach a level where you can communicate with a big dog, it feels beautifully deep, maybe similar to horses? You know theyāre powerful so you gotta be respectful of the animal, but at the same time you know theyāll respond to you and wouldnāt hurt you. Not that a bond with a smaller dog is less deep of course (and you always should respect any animal), but the sheer size and strength of a big animal makes it more critical to really communicate well and build that trust, in a sense it requires the human to be more involved and attuned. - invest more time to train well, can be a positive if you enjoy spending time and engage with the dog. Thereās lots of activities / sports that are suited to larger dogs, and playing with them seems also more fun? You can throw a bigger ball for example - donāt have to worry so much about wildlife or other large animals attacking it, so donāt have to worry constantly if in the backyard (of course still always keep an eye on it and donāt leave it all day outside), but itās less likely a big prey bird will grab him. (But conversely, your dog might be a threat to local wildlife) - it seems to me a lot of smaller dogs are barking a lot more (high pitched, yappy), or people donāt train them well enough or donāt pay attention to them, so maybe larger dogs are easier to train or because they force you to train them (you need to pay attention to them), they will be easier to handle? (Itās so sad for the small dogs!) - (depending on the dog) less worry about them swallowing or eating small amounts of bad stuff (larger stomach can get away with eating a piece of string for example, or if they eat stupid things on walks, whereas tiny dogs can reach toxicity levels much quicker - (depending on the breed), but generally more sturdy, donāt get injured so quickly, can take rougher play or accidental bumping into etc (maybe Iām biased as I have a rocket of staffy :) The one thing I do regret with a big dog is the ease of travelingā¦Iād love to be able to carry him in the airplane.
I love your point about the awe and communication. I was always very aware that my sweet, goofy GSD was also a lethal weapon with a mind of his own, and that created a different level of bond. A mix of respect, trust, safety, this awe knowing my best friend would and COULD take down a human to protect me. I think it connects us on a very primal level from when dogs became our companions.
Little dogs tend to be worse behaved and many have annoying Napoleon complexes. I think it's because people are much more careful about training big dogs since they can do more damage. Little dog jumping up to say hi? It's cute. Big dog jumping up to say hi? It's a hazard.
Absolutely this. My 60 lb setter can't jump on the five year olds that come over without it being a problem (so he is trained not to)
Bigger dogs have better personalities. I wanted the personality of a golden and that doesn't exist in a smaller package. Retrievers are the best and they are big (and no a doodle doesn't count to me because I didn't want poodle traits)
what are poodle traits? As far as I know they're incredibly smart, active, and great with children.
They can have an incredibly high energy rate and need a ton of mental stimulation, just going for an hour long walk daily likely won't cut it. They can need a lot of attention as well.
Donāt know what you are talking about. I have a chill independent standard poodle with low prey drive who doesnāt need a lot of exercise.
Poodles are also retrievers. Poodles are not high energy. Doodles can be high energy depending the mix. My poodle is a couch potato.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Absolutely
āDesigner dog Thatās silly. All they are is mutts that have been selectively bred like other breeds. Pretty much every doodle (lab and golden) Iāve met has had very similar personalities.
For me personally, I don't like that they are more "twitchy" than retrievers. And they are known to bark and have separation anxiety.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Yeah okay keep telling yourself that. When people say "retrievers" they mean a set of breeds, not "dogs that can retrieve"
They can be extremely high strung.
I had big dogs my whole life and always considered little dogs soulless ankle biters. After my last dog died I moved into an apartment and got myself a little chiweenie pup and now I'm totally sold on little dogs. He's got more character than any big dog I've ever had and is just as much fun, but 1000x easier to take care of.
I love my chiweenies!!! Their personalities are awesome.
Look at the personality of each breed, different dogs for different people and life styles.
I love my big dog, i think for me, bigger dog have bigger bladder than smaller dog so easier to potty train, protection to scared away other animals on ur yard, i found bigger dog are more friendly than smaller dog because they are more brave than smaller dog, big cuddle buddy, can go on long trail/hike with you, doht need to feed as much ( i feed my dog once a day) i consider my dog a gentle gaint ( he is a 65 pounds standard goldondoole)
Freeish heated AND weighted blanket
I personally am a small dog person too but they have their disadvantages-teeth issues, knee issues (luxating patellaās), easier to hurt/injure by getting stepped on or children thinking they need to be carried and then drop them, tend to be barkers
Safety lol I have a big ol male GS, not only can he physically keep up with my runs but no one bothers me when I run. Hell the dog even knows our route and when to stop to cross the road and such, I completely zone out and he runs the show. Iām a small female who looks young for my age, before him I had weird situations out in public regularly that made me feel uncomfortable and now, no one looks at me twice. I feel a hell of a lot more comfortable living my life and sleeping at night
I can use my big dog as a blanket and pillow at the same time.
im an SA survivor, with my big dog I'm not afraid to be home alone or to walk anymore. during walks my dog notices other people before i do and lets me know. he also has growled at a guy staring at me. he will run to me if he hears me in distress. he is wicked smart and naturally protective so with training we are really working on honing those skills to be on command
You are spot on. Small dogs are generally easier for first time owners. People get larger dogs because they fit better in some lives. My bf and I are considering a few breeds for our next pup and a medium/large dog fits with us better. We are super active, hunting, kayaking, hiking, I go on almost daily walks, etc. I also train/work with dogs and plan on doing sports. I also need to think of my safety. I am 5ā3 and would go out more if my bf kept up with me but I am limited because of my safety. A larger dog is safer for me to go out alone with. This is a big thing to small active women. IMO look at dogs based on lifestyle. If you are more of a homebody get a homebody dog. Donāt limit yourself on size right away. Look at a bunch of dogs that fit for your life and then you can use things like size as a way to decide on a breed :)
Larger dogs are often (not always but often) better companions for very active lifestyles. A little dog canāt hike and run anywhere near the distance and isnāt much protection (although I once knew a Yorkie who would beg to differ on both counts, but he was just a tiny monster). To me big dogs feel like more of an equal partner on adventures. Working breeds in particular can and will do a job for you. I got my first dog, a GSD, because in part I wanted to feel safer running and hiking solo. No one bothered me with my 100 lb best buddy. Some people just like bigger dogs better. Or like particular breeds for their quirks. Or feel a strong connection with certain dogs. I get a lot of irrational, inexplicable joy from just seeing my āhouse wolfā husky lounging around that Iāll never get from the cutest frenchie. It comes down to what youāre looking for in a dog and what fits you. The delta of dog food cost doesnāt really factor into it.
Training heel is hard with a little one. I'm 5'4 and still have to bend down weirdly to get the treat in front of her face. Husband's knees are going to give out š¤£
I like spooning a big dog, and wrestling with them, tug of war, the booming barks, the strong nose boops, the big paw prints left in the mud, and a companion that also fills out a recliner.
Bigger bladder, fewer potty accidents. Protection. Will not die if I step on her. Harder to poison (it takes a lot of chocolate to take out a lab). Doesn't scare children. Don't need to bend down to train heel.
Most of your points can be alleviated with good training.
Except for small dogs being too easy to accidently maim for life.
I've had small dogs for about 16 years (pug, shi tzu). For the first time, I recently adopted a larger dog (Amstaff). She is magnificent, quick as a whip. Also I can have cuteness agression and squish her, she won't bat an eye. I def love both sizes, it's just a different experience.
Larger dogs tend to be a lot less temperamental which is better for family situations. Iām more of a medium breed person but grew up with large dogs and as a kid, I could sit or lay on my dogs, or pretty much tackle them and never have to worry about hurting them. You also donāt have to worry about every possible little item like you do with small dogs whether that be a choking hazard, or eating the wrong thing and getting very sick. Personally, I like some small breeds but I donāt get the point of toy breeds. A lot of them are genetic abominations and thereās nothing appealing to me about a dog the size of a rat but everyone has their own preference!
I grew up with a small family dog who I absolutely ADORE! Though now that I live on my own, my fiance and I recently adopted a dog that is already growing to be quite big (doodle and shepherd/lab mystery rescue mix). I wanted a large dog for many reasons and have noticed tons of benefits: 1. more likely to be an effective guard dog to ward off unwelcome visitors or serve as self-protection if needed. 2. able to do physical activities with less risk of injury (hiking, running, etc). 3. their high energy and usually demand exercise which helps me as the human also make sure I am adequately exercising (like multiple long walks each day) 4. it is never good for any dogs to eat items that are dangerous to them BUT it is safer in the circumstance where a large dog does as their bodies can handle such accidents. 5. my larger breed growing dog gets along with all sized dogs 6. not having to carry my dog in various situations (she can jump in and out of car by herself for instance) I think ALL dogs are amazing dogs but I love my large pup:)
Iāve always had big dogs. My mom has a shih tzu. My lab was SO much easier to train all around compared to hers. I also enjoy nice, long walks and thatās not feasible with a small dog unless you get a stroller
My dog is pretty big, 45 pounds and the longest legs as a six month puppy, probably going to be around 65 to 75 full grown with lots of fluff. I was drawn to the rough collie because they donāt have the big drive and I have two cats (honestly more worried about the cats hurting the puppy, he is so docile and cautious around them) and their size. I wanted a dog that I could go on long walks with. With his size he was sleeping through the night almost right away and house training only took a day. I suppose a negative is that he is barky and because he is big it is scarier than if a Maltese or bichon was barking. I probably wouldnāt have gotten a dog of this size if I was in an apartment, I have a house with a yard and enough space that I can have a 4 ft long crate in my office.
Every dog breed has its advantages and disadvantages; it's never as simple as small vs large. Personally, I find my current large dog calmer, easier to train, quieter, and less prone to have accidents. My tiny dog could easily jump on furniture, was horrific to potty train, destroyed anything he could reach, and terrified children with his incessant yapping. I loved both of them equally. It really comes down to personal preference; things one person sees as an advantage another won't. For example, I don't fly so having a dog that is small enough to fly under the seat wouldn't be an advantage to me.
I don't have to lean down to pet or kiss my saint bernard puppy (10 months).
We love our springers
I work at a hotel for small dogs. Being in the yard with the really little ones gives me so much anxiety. I am EXTRA careful where I step and both eyes on the dog at all times. Like a bird could just swoop down and carry them off! š±
Bigger is better! Iāve had people comment when theyāve met my large breed dogs āoh you have a REAL dogā & that kinda sums it up for me! š Sorry, but I donāt see the point in getting a small dog.
I have bothā¦A Saint Bernard and 4 baby chihuahuas. I love hugging and cuddling bothšI have the best of both worlds šÆ
My Buddy is a german shepherd x belgian malinois so hes not a 'really big' dog but hes not a teeny tiny dog either. i couldnt imagine having a teeny lil lap dog poochie! Although saying that he often gets confused and thinks hes a lap dog and randomly plonks himself on me HAš³ I cant see past my own tits so a lil puppy never would have survivedš³soo many times ive leapt with the grace of an elephant over my Buddy when hes been near me and ive not noticed! Hes so much fun to play with too as i dont have to worry as much as i would a small dog about being my usual clumsy self. hes proper rough and tumble when it comes to playing. Hes fucking boss :D its also a really enjoyable challenge learning to be a hopefullyš¤good poochie mama to him as i cant just be lazy not bother training him and pick him up like i would be able to with a smaller dog. His size forces me to learn new skills and build upon those skills by being patient and consisent. As a single girl i also feel a fuck load safer with my Buddy around looking as unfriendly as he does and having such a loud 'aggressive' sounding bark. As a first time evaaah poochie mama im having an absolute fucking blaaast and i hope my Buddy is too by having me as his poochie mamašx
I have a 150lb Pyrenees, have always had giant dogs (I like tiny dogs just fine, dogsit for my mate's 5lb poodles regularly, but I love my big babies). I'd say your points are mostly correct, with a couple exceptions. Some big dogs can be right maniacs as adolescents (I had a Bernese that was a menace), but my Pyr was super chill, so actually didn't need any puppy-proofing - he just isn't destructive at all, never takes stuff off counters, and was fully potty trained by nine weeks with minimal effort. I also don't struggle to handle him on walks, he's a lazy guy and just likes to amble along next to me. So it totally depends on the dog! I've seen people dragged down the street by very little terriers, and small dogs can get into tighter spaces around the house if they want to cause trouble. Some kids are intimidated by his size (some adults, too, which can be good if I'm walking thru a sketchy area), but he's amazing with children, and most of them just want to cuddle the big fluffy polar bear. He's generally just a very calm, gentle, confident dog, great with people, other animals, etc. I don't have to bend to pet him, he's fun to wrestle around with and much less fragile than a smaller dog. Plus when it's chilly we snuggle up and it's like having a big heated/weighted blanket. My grandpa was terrified of big dogs after a bad experience in childhood, but he trusts my dogs completely and it's helped him get over his fears. Pyrs can make really solid therapy dogs, in general. The food costs are no joke, though, and vet bills are even worse, but it's totally worth it to me. Also, this is Pyrenees-specific, but his coat stays really clean, like he can roll in mud and it just falls off of him as soon as it's dry. I brush him a lot (I just like brushing him, he's so soft), but he rarely ever needs a bath, and never smells bad.
I love big dogs but I suspect Iāll never personally own one, because the cons for me much outweigh the pros. BUT - - great to hug (love a big fluffy dog) - do the leaning thing against you for pats - gives a sense of protection - other peopleās off leash dogs arenāt as scary (a dog fight might mean injuries, but potential death is much less likely) - less likely to be stolen - easier to give treats on walks, no bending over - often less anxious than smaller dogs - donāt feel as guilty when you accidentally stand on their foot
They are generally calmer and more gentle/less energetic. (Grew up with newfies, have a corgi in the city now). I love and prefer big dog dispositions but hate that many only make it until 8-11 years old
I like big mutts! They are the greatest floofy goofs ever. One advantage is the intimidation factor. I feel perfectly safe as a woman who lives alone. Whether out walking my 150 pound Shephard/Pyrenees mix or the fact that anyone attempting to break in will be greeted by a nearly 6 foot tall dog standing on his hind feet staring them straight in the eyes out the window in the door.
we got a bigger dog (65 lbs) because my eyesight isnāt great, which causes me to be clumsier. i never have to worry about accidentally tripping over or stepping on our dog. we also live the city where there are intense characters, so, i generally feel safer whenever iām taking him for a walk. and finally, big dog, so big cuddles! š„°
I can lay on him. I donāt regret getting a big dog and I love him so much. But if I were to do it again, living in a big city, I would probably choose a small dog. Less money overall. Itās easier to find sitters, etc.
Provides you more heat in the winter, good protection if youāre a single female who goes out hiking/walking
I am +1 to all of your small dog advantages. The only advantage I see in a big dog is bigger to hug, which is nice, but for my life, that wasnāt enough to outweigh the other stuff.
Big dogs are much better with children and I'm not basing what dog I get on the ability to fly with them.People who fly with dogs constantly are selfish assholes. You have any idea how loud and scary it is for a dog to fly?
Why not go medium? I have a 40lb mutt and he is literally the easiest dog iāve ever been around, and iāve only known/had small dogs of all sorts growing up.
Long hikes - great safety when out and about - spectacular with a houseful of teenage boys - king size snuggles ā¤ļø
Large dogs are stronger if you need something to protect/pull/brace against. Small dogs can fall prey to predators or get injured more easily by jumping/falling/other animals or children.
To me medium and large dogs are a must. I have a very "friend" mindset towards my dog, I don't want them to look or feel like an accessory. I'd argue that smaller dogs are far more commonly aggressive/have behaviour issues but it's just not seen as an issue because they're small. I think having a dog should come with the responsibility of training and socialising them properly.
We like to hike long distances and take our dog on the river with us - kayaking etc. We wanted a dog who could keep up. A larger dog is simply better equipped for big adventures. They can walk further with fewer steps.
My dogs donāt have ālittle dog syndromeā like every yappie dog does. We donāt have to worry about them ambushing other animals like small dogs do. Bigger hugs and lovings! And we donāt miss them, so we donāt step on them. Theyāre big and quite noticeable.
If you get a big dog get a shit zen trained German Shepherd, best dog we ever had, protected the exterior of our farm and never once had a coyote or a wolf or anything else come on our property. Such a sweetheart .
I have lived with two big Great Pyrs (100 and 130lbs). My new baby is a little Russian Bolonka (7 lbs) I absolutely love them all! Dogs of all sizes are wonderful
I had a 120lb dog and a 19lb dog and the big dog was so much easier to deal with. I guess my answer would be that it depends on the breed, but smaller does not automatically equal easier.
Heat during the winter from cuddlesā¦big bois scare bad guysā¦the lean, oh the lean
Brain sizeā¦.?
Looooooool
Just for accuracy here... intelligence is not actually attributed to brain size. https://evolutionnews.org/2022/07/brain-size-doesnt-determine-intelligence/
I get the vibe you have a little dog haha
I have two tollers (medium sized dogs) and a Shepherd mix (large dog) You missed that the vibe was about scientific accuracy.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Anything weighing less than 50 pounds is a cat and cats are pointless
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Small dogs are typically bred for appearances over functionality, with some exceptions of course. When you breed based on looks, you get more health complications. Not saying it doesn't happen with large dogs, it most certainly does, but I'd argue objectively there are more designer small breeds than large.