Comparing and Contrasting: Large Dogs Vs. Small Breeds

Whether you choose to get a large dog or a small breed makes a huge difference. What type of dog best fits your lifestyle? I would love to own a big dog, but it just wouldn't fit into my apartment life right now. There are pros and cons to owning either size; for example, some people are allergic to dogs, but they are able to be around certain small breeds that have less allergens in their hair. Let's compare and contrast some more differences in owning different size dogs.

Large dogs eat more food than smaller dogs. The bigger dog you have, the more food he will need to eat in order to maintain energy. Some small dogs only need to eat a half to one cup of food each day, while some large dogs may need to eat several cups of food each day. Another factor to consider is the type of food you choose for your dog; some types will keep them more full than others. This means dogs who eat certain brands of food may get hungry sooner and need to eat more often.

Large dogs need higher doses of medication. And the more medication your dog needs, the more money you spend. Not only do you have to think about your dog's annual vaccinations, but what if he gets sick or acquires an intestinal parasite? These things can happen when you least expect. And don't forget your dog's flea and tick drops, as well as his preventative heart worm medication. You will have to buy it according to your dog's size, and the price will probably increase with size.

Large dogs need a bigger crate than smaller dogs. The bigger the dog, the more space he will require. Not only do larger dog crates cost more than those for small dogs, but so might dog beds and other items you might need. And don't forget--he will also take up more room on the couch, in the car, and probably even while you're trying to cook.

Large dogs cost more for boarding, grooming, etc. To get a small, two-pound dog groomed, it can cost a minimum of $40. And the price just goes up with size. Just consider that when you think about getting a large breed dog. On the other hand, some smaller dog breeds (like my Morkie) require more grooming than their large breed relatives. And then there is boarding--since large dogs take up more space, they require a larger kennel. This means you will probably end up paying more for the bigger space.

Many rental complexes allow only small dogs. It can be very difficult to find a rental home that allows large dogs. My apartment only allows dogs under 25 pounds, which was fine since my puppy will weigh eight pounds (at most) when she is full grown. But if you already own a large dog, and you need to move into a rental home, you might have a hard time finding a place to live. When you do, you will likely end up either paying higher rent or a larger pet deposit.

Also, small dogs generally mature more quickly, yet they "age" slower and live longer than large breeds. They can also be more energetic, depending on the breed, and some small dogs may even require more exercise than big dogs. Certain large breeds are more prone to hip dysplasia, while some small breeds may be at risk for luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps). There are pros and cons to owning both large and small dogs; it is up to you to determine which is best for your lifestyle.

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Small Dogs Versus Big Dogs

Big Dogs Vs. Small Dogs