If you are thinking about getting a dog, it’s a big decision, especially if you are adopting a puppy, older dog or a specific breed for your family. A dog is a big commitment and one should understand that there are various factors to consider before making a decision on a dog.
One important factor in deciding the dog you want to join your family is its size.
Other questions may be whether or not to adopt, or should you get a puppy or an adult dog. These are just a few questions you might want to consider in search of your ideal pet. However, size is probably one of the most important for a variety of reasons. Let’s take a look at why.
What Is The Difference Between A Large And A Small Dog?
Aside from the apparent differences, such as appearance and their stature, there are a few more points to consider. These are some of the general ones:
Less food:
This is an obvious distinction since large dogs need more calories due to their sheer size over smaller dogs. Because of this, when you consider the amount of money you spend on a dog’s food, larger dogs are more costly.
More Exercise:
Large dogs need extra exercise than smaller dogs. This is pretty standard, though there are exceptions to that generalization. Of course, all dogs need to be somewhat active so they do not get out of shape and are unhealthy, but many big dog breeds require walks or run regularly due to their high energy. If you’re an active person, a large dog could be the best option.
Lifespan:
Small dogs have a longer lifespan. This isn’t the case across the board, but there have been a number of studies that reveal that large dog breeds have shorter lives than smaller dogs. Sadly, this is generally the case.
More room:
This shouldn’t be surprising, but the larger the dog, the more room they will need. Just another logical distinction between large and small dogs. Small dogs are typically okay with smaller living spaces, but large dogs want more room and, ideally, a yard to run and play in.
Behavior:
Small dogs tend to have more issues with their behavior. If you know anything about dogs, the notion that little dogs sometimes behave badly isn’t something people don’t know. According to some research, this might be inherited in their DNA, but it could also be a consequence of training. So, if you’re thinking about adopting a little dog, focus on the socializing aspect.
If you’re still undecided about whether to choose a large or small dog, we have some other factors we’ve broken down to give some thought.
How They Eat
Large dogs, by definition, will eat larger portions than a smaller dogs. It’s obvious that they should be eating more than a smaller counterpart, due to their size. So, with a larger dog breed, your food expense is going to be much more.
When it comes to choosing to adopt a dog, money is unquestionably an important factor to consider. A dog that joins your family should be taken care of, health-wise and attention-wise, but you don’t want it to be at the expense of your financial standing. With that said, if you cannot afford to feed a larger dog, opt for a smaller dog instead.
Energetic Dogs
It’s not only the dog’s energy level to consider; it’s also yours. If you’re a person who enjoys being active, you’ll want a dog that can keep up with you. The majority of the time, it’s the large ones.
On the other hand, if you’re content with a couple of short walks each day and prefer to remain inside, there are plenty of smaller breed dogs that would happily accompany you.
Behavior
You should begin training your dog as soon as you get it home. Size isn’t the most essential aspect to consider while training a dog, but it’s still crucial to remember that larger breeds provide a greater challenge.
Smaller dogs, on the other hand, maybe extremely rambunctious, so even while they don’t need as much physical power, you’ll need to pay close attention to their socialization and how it affects their behavior.
Legal Liability
Dog ownership comes with responsibility. Even if your dog is trained, a dog can be protective of their home and family, which can lead to expected bites. This can be a legal liability if it happens, which means you need to take all the necessary precautions to prevent this. If someone is bitten, it’s best to lawyer up. Hiring a dog bite lawyer in Toms River, New Jersey or dog bite lawyer in Ewing, New Jersey if you are from these areas can be invaluable. Wherever you are located, having a lawyer who knows all the current laws governing dog bites will help defend you in the case of someone being bitten by your dog and taking legal action against you.