Point for small dogs: they’re great travel buddies
Whether it’s on an airplane or the back of a camper van, small dogs are much easier to transport. And that’s a huge advantage if you’re looking to see more of the world with your canine companion at your side. Small dogs can make great road trip buddies, and they tend to be accepted at more hotels and restaurants than bigger doggos.
Big Dogs Vs Small Dogs: Adventure
If you’re an avid runner, hiker, or all-around adventurist, a big dog is your ideal companion. Thanks to their longer legs and larger lung capacity, big dogs are able to keep up more easily. Plus, many large dogs have a working background, such as hunting, farming, or cart-pulling, so don’t be surprised if they’ve still got energy reserves when you’re ready to call it a day.
That said, don’t rule out little dogs completely. Some small dogs, especially terriers and small hounds, were once bred to outrun bigger dogs. With some athletic training, the right small dog can surely keep up with your outdoor adventures.
Remember that all dogs, regardless of size, need some daily exercise. Both small dogs and big ones will love a visit from their trusted Dog Walker.
Clubs Offering:
I was sitting in front of a coffee shop drinking an overpriced cappuccino with two friends. At the table next to us sat two women, one who had a Chihuahua with a red leather, rhinestone-studded collar. The dog hovered near her feet and paced back and forth to the extent that his leash would allow, acting in an excited and vigilant manner.
The pavement next to the coffee shop had the usual collection of pedestrians, but when a young man wandered by with a large, mature Labrador Retriever, the Chihuahua became frantic—barking and lunging toward the bigger dog. The Lab slowed a bit to look at the tiny, noisy dog and then resumed his leisurely strolling pace as though nothing particularly interesting had happened. One of my friends leaned over to me and said in a low voice, “Another example of a yappy, frenzied small dog and a calm and reserved bigger one. It seems like it’s always the case.”
My friend was expressing a commonly believed stereotype that suggests there are behavioral differences between larger and smaller dogs, with the small dogs being viewed as more excitable and anxious. Some research suggests there may be a bit of truth in the stereotype, with the most recent report coming from a research team headed by Christine Arhant from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna.
In this study, 1,276 surveys were gathered from dog owners. For the purposes of statistical analysis, the dogs were divided by size, arbitrarily classifying as big dogs those who were larger than 44 pounds and as small dogs those who were less than this weight. The data show three major behavioral differences between the small and large dogs whose owners were surveyed:
These results seem to confirm the stereotypes about small dogs, namely that they are less obedient, and more excitable, scrappy, and skittish. However, the Austrian team of researchers next asked the question “Are these differences due to genetic factors or the way that small dogs are treated in comparison with large dogs?”
Big Dogs vs Small Dogs: Which is Better?
Most people considering dog ownership for the first time already have a handful of specific breeds in mind. Before choosing a breed though, your own lifestyle should be considered above all else. The size of dog you choose should be largely based on your activity level, living space, and any physical or financial limitations you may have. Only after looking at the big picture can you finally settle on the appropriate breed.