Before you and your family startlooking 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’ll affect you, your home and your family.
Sometimes,Massivedogs get a bad rap. Even though most of the time we think ofMassivedogs as destructive and full of energy, this is not always the case. In fact, a lot of theMassivebreeds, especially the giant ones, are some of the mellowest dogs. VeryBigbreeds 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 couch while you are watching TV. In fact, they are 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 getsHigh-priced fast becauseMassivedogs eat a lot of dog food. Also, as they grow, you will needBigger accessories, crates, treats, grooming and kenneling, so the price will increase too. These massive dogs are also more likely tohave health problems. Among common problems are hip dysplasia and joint and arthritic disorders. If aMassivebreed 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 of Largedogs. 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 aTiny older, 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 easy 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 best companions for the elderly. Usually this is true, but in reality, many of the smaller breeds are justBigdogs 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 isn’t 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’re 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 theHuge dogs dontfor example, eye problems. Treatment can also be a greater risk, because they are more sensitive to anesthesia.
For more information please visit www.animalshelter.org