Cover Photo by

JackieLou DL

Dogs come in all sizes and shapes. We can put them in groups depending on their breed, original purpose, country of origin, size, etc. When it comes to size, you will often hear of toy dogs, or miniature dogs, large, extra large… But, essentially, it all comes down to two sizes: big and small. There are those who fit in between, and we can call them medium-sized, but even they lean more to the one side. For example, some people put both the American Malamute and Basenji in the medium-sized group, but there’s an obvious difference between the two. And not just because the Malamute has a lot of fur. It’s the overall robustness, height, and weight difference. Also, there is a big difference between feeding a Volpino Italiano and a Vizsla, and yet they are both in the medium-sized group. So I’m dividing them today into two groups: big dogs and small dogs.

How to Choose the Right Size?

Even if your mind is set on one dog and one dog only, it is very useful to check the questions I’ve got for you and try to answer them honestly. They can show you parts you need to improve or perhaps change your mind completely. That is not a bad thing. After all, we’re not getting a dog only to justify our own needs (conscious or subconscious), but we need to make the dog comfortable, safe, and happy as well.

1. What kind of lifestyle do I have?

This is a big one. Are you an active person, or do you prefer to stay at home? Do you enjoy going on hikes, camping trips, and walks? Or you don’t have a lot of time for long walks and hikes? You see, even the smallest of dogs and the laziest breeds need two walks a day, the so-called “potty walks”. That means you will have to go outside in the heat, cold, rain, and snow. Unless you live in Santa Barbara, CA, then you have nothing to worry about.

Why does your lifestyle matter? Because bigger dogs often need more physical activity every day to keep them healthy and avoid misbehavior. It’s not just about running around, but exploring and being useful – having “something to do”. 

There are big dogs that are lazy and don’t need a lot of physical stimulation every day (low-energy breeds), but most big dogs fit the active lifestyle. These are usually Sporting dogs, Hounds, and Herding dogs. 

On the other hand, small dogs and especially toy dogs need less activity. They still need daily mental stimulation (games, spending time with family, etc.) and potty walks, but these are brisk walks up to 30 minutes two times a day. 

To sum it up: 

• Bigger dogs often need more daily activity
• Smaller dogs require brisk walks twice a day
• Both big and small dogs need mental stimulation every day 

2. Where Do I Live?

This is more about the restrictions some neighborhoods have than about an actual home you’re living in. Of course, small dogs will adapt to a smaller space without problems, but it’s not actually about how big or small your home is. It’s about the neighbors, apartment or a house, whether you have a yard or you don’t.

Big dogs can live in small apartments too, if (and it’s really important!) you give them enough outdoor activity every day! If not, you will have misbehavior issues such as destruction, anxiety, and even aggression toward strangers. It won’t be a healthy place for either of you.

As for the neighborhood, some places don’t allow big dogs in apartment buildings. Others don’t like barking dogs, and small dogs are often more barky than big ones (although it’s not always the case). 

To sum it up:

• Both big and small dogs can adapt to a small apartment or a house if they have plenty of daily activity and mental stimulation
• Check your neighborhood dos and don’ts (some ban dogs, some ban big dogs)
• When you’re potty training a dog, it’s much easier to carry a small Yorkie than a Great Dane from your 15th floor apartment

3. What Is My Budget?

Having a dog is not just cuddles, walks, and good times. What if they get sick or injured? Bigger dogs have bigger vet bills than smaller dogs. Also, bigger dogs eat more than smaller ones, they need more durable toys (which are often more expensive), they need bigger beds, dog crates, and other supplies.

Transportation is also more expensive and can be more complicated than when owning a smaller dog. You have to think about the car equipment if you’re serious about having a dog. That means dog safety belts, crates, or enough space at the back of the car during the trip. And a small dog? They fit into small carrier bags that you can safely attach to the car seat.

There’s also the issue called grooming. Smaller dogs often need more grooming, especially at the professional groomer, unless you teach yourself how to do it properly. Big dogs rarely need special grooming techniques but require frequent brushing.

To sum it up:

• Small dogs require more grooming, which can cost more yearly, but the vet, food, and equipment bills are smaller
• Big dogs don’t need lots of special grooming, but have higher vet, food, and equipment bills

4. Do I Travel a Lot?

If you like to travel, you have to think about your dog. Are you going to take the dog with you, or are you leaving the dog at the pet sitter or at a friend’s house? Either way, smaller dogs are easier to take care of. 

Big dogs often need special arrangements, and you can’t take them with you on a plane, but they have to go to the cargo hold designed for pets. We are talking about pets, not service dogs. They can go with you. 

Cargo traveling stresses dogs, so you shouldn’t do it frequently. If you travel often, it is better to leave a dog at a boarding place or at a friend’s home than to take the dog with you on a plane all the time. 

To sum it up:

• Big dogs are more difficult to take with you on a trip, especially if you travel by a plane
• Smaller dogs are easier to carry; they can often fit with you on a plane, and it’s easier to leave a smaller dog with a friend for a few days than a big dog

5. Does The Dog Fit My Family?

It’s not just you who has a dog, but your whole family. If you have children, you have to understand that small dogs have less patience for very young children. This can cause nipping or scaring the children. But that doesn’t mean that all big dogs are “nanny dogs”. 

Research your dog breed thoroughly. And remember, big dogs rarely know how big they are, so they can accidentally knock down a child or hurt a child while jumping, playing, and running. That’s why we never leave kids with dogs, no matter how well-behaved (both) are.

To sum it up:

• Small dogs are not suitable for very young children because they are not very patient and are quite fragile, so children can accidentally hurt them
• Big dogs can accidentally knock down children during playtime

6. Am I Ready To Fully Commit For The Next (at least) 10 Years?

Big dogs have ‌shorter lifespans. Most times, it’s around 10 years. But small dogs have a much longer lifespan, often around 15 years. Are you ready for such a commitment? Your life will possibly change as you grow older. You will meet new people, maybe have a new job, a new place to live, but a dog will always only have you.

To sum it up:

• Small dogs live longer
• Big dogs often have very short lifespans (up to 10 years)
• Both require an absolute commitment for at least a decade

What All Dogs Need

It doesn’t matter if you are getting a small or a big dog, they all need: 

• Proper socialization from an early age
• Proper habituation from an early age
• Basic obedience training
• Food and water
• Medical care
• A place to sleep and have ‌quiet time just for themselves
• Regular everyday walks
• Brushing or grooming, bathing when needed
• Spending time with you (playing, chilling, snuggling, running, whatever suits you and your dog) 

The most effective method for determining a good choice is to consider the dog’s particular needs in relation to your own lifestyle and the things you have available. A large dog might be a good fit for you if you are active, have enough room in your home, and are looking for a dog to protect you. A small dog could be the better choice if you happen to live in a smaller space, travel frequently, or would simply prefer to have a companion that enjoys sitting on your lap.

Cover Photo by JackieLou DL