Some dogs can practically take a nap in a teacup, while others may crowd you out of your king-sized bed. And while dogs of every size make wonderful, lovable pets, large and small dogs do have different needs and personalities. Here’s what you need to know:
What’s the range?
You measure a dog’s height from the ground to his shoulder, and dogs can range from 6 to 30 inches tall. They vary in terms of weight, too—anywhere from 5 to 180 pounds as adults. Female dogs tend to be smaller, both in height and weight, than males of the same breed.
If you choose a purebred, you know with some certainty how much your new dog will weigh when he’s an adult. Predicting the size of mixed breeds can be tricky if you don’t know your dog’s parentage.
You can’t rely on paw size, either. Some breeds have small paws despite their large size. Look at collies—delicate paws and imposing size!
Demeanor
Big dogs, such as Golden and Labrador retrievers, often are more gentle and relaxed than smaller breeds. Their easygoing personalities make them great pets for children.
And while smaller breeds also make excellent companions, many—including Yorkshire terriers and Lhasa Apsos—can be high-strung and may bark a lot. They interact well with adults but tend to be nervous around active children.
Exercise needs
Many smaller dogs get enough exercise just running around the house. Often bigger dogs need more interactive play and daily walks, even if they spend much of their time in a large backyard.
But your dog’s breed also factors into his exercise requirements, so you can’t rely on size alone to determine how involved you need to get. Make sure the dog you choose will adapt to your lifestyle.
While large dogs often need more space and prefer country living, some smaller breeds do, too. And many large breeds adapt easily to apartment life-provided they get twice-daily walks and lots of playtime at the park. Your dog’s adaptability depends on whether he’s a sedentary or high-octane model.
Expenses
Bigger dogs mean bigger bills. Their food costs, veterinary bills, and boarding expenses tend to run significantly higher than those of smaller dogs. And there’s a good reason: Big dogs take up more space when boarding and require more food and larger doses of medicine.
On the flip side, many smaller breeds may need extra grooming and dental care, which also costs money.
So remember: Size isn’t everything. Look for a pet who matches your personality and your pocketbook.
