Before you and your familybegin looking for a dog, they usually have a good idea about the breed of dog they want. Every type of dog needs the same care, there are distinctions between each of the different sizes that will affect you, your home and your family.
Sometimes,Bigdogs get a bad rap. Even though most of the time we think of Largedogs as destructive and full of energy, this isn’t always the case. In fact, a lot of theBigbreeds, especially the giant ones, are some of the mellowest dogs. VeryMassivebreeds such as the Newfoundlands, mastiffs, and Saint Bernards can be a handful while theyre babieslike any dog, but once they hit adulthood, they tend to settle down. As for their level of energy, some of these giant dogs are more appropriate for small homes than small and spunky terriers. They are usually satisfied with a walk once a day and maybe a couple of games of fetch. Most of them love to cuddle and are content to hang out by your sofa while you’re watching TV. In fact, they’re want-to-be lap dogs because they love to lay their head on your lap all day.
Still, giant breeds are not always the easiest. Think about bloodhoundsthey always slobber, and they have many needs because they’re big. This getsCostlyfast becauseMassivedogs eat a lot of dog food. Also, as they grow, you’ll needBigger accessories, crates, treats, grooming and kenneling, so the price will increase too. These huge dogs are also moreprone tohave health problems. Among common problems are hip dysplasia and joint and arthritic disorders. If aBigbreed is not bred carefully, it can be a liability because they carry a great deal of weight.
Medium toHuge dogs have characteristics of their own, as well as some of the disadvantages and advantages ofBigdogs. Golden retrievers, German shepherds, Border collies, and Labrador retrievers all share similar qualities. They are mostly active, they like running and jumping, fetching, and lots of other dog activities. These are the perfect dogs for someone who enjoys dog sports and a vigorous recreational life. While these dogs vary in energy level and individual temperament, they make good hiking and sporting companions. When they’re a Littleolder, they tend to mellow out and become great house dogs.
Small breeds are believed to be the greatest companions. They can fit into any truck and boat, and they can even ride with their owners on most airplanes, if the crate is small enough to fit under the seat. That is why many frequent fliers prefer small dogs. Generally, small dogs are the most convenient of all dogsthey can be picked up and moved any time. At the same time, their small size makes them more vulnerable to people and other animals. A simple step would have Littleto no effect on a Australian cattle dog, at all, while it could kill a small 4-pound Chihuahua.
Small dogs are usually believed to be excellent for apartment living and ideal companions for the elderly. Usually this is true, but in reality, many of the smaller breeds are justMassivedogs in small bodies. Usually, terriers are small, but theyre intelligent and active, and theyre headstrong, and they have strong predatory drives. If you want an simple to raise dog and a sleeper, this is not the right dog for you.
Many small breeds do well in apartments and with seniors. A walk or two per day is good enough for them. A sedentary lifestyle is perfect for the small companion dogs. Thats the environment that theyve been bred for centuries for. Since they are smaller, they will need less room and food bowls will take up less space; and its easier to clean up after them. Also, its lessHigh-priced to maintain themless food, and less kenneling costs. However, small dogs do have some veterinary problems that theBigdogs dontfor example, eye problems. Treatment can also be a greater risk, because they are more sensitive to anesthesia.
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