Big Dogs and Little Dogs

Rocket and Me:)

Unique problems exist for owners of unusually small or unusually large breeds.  Often when looking to purchase a dog or puppy, these problems may be overlooked or found out later, unexpectedly.

There are also benefits to having an unusually small or unusually large breed.  Often times, people looking to purchase dogs consider these first.

Tiny/Small Dog Pros (in no particular order):

1. Usually live longer than large breed dogs. (Con for large dogs, they generally do not live as long)
2. Eat less; therefore cost less to feed with comparable quality. (Con for large and giant breed dogs, as they eat substantially more)
3. Easy to pick up and move at a moments notice. (Con for large dogs, especially if they get injured, not easy to move on your own)
4. Not apt to injure the owner by pulling or lunging on the leash. (Con for large untrained dogs as they could easily injure a person by lunging on the leash)
5. Can get away with bringing into more stores, hotels, restaurants, and public areas.  (Con for large dog as they are noticeable and more people are afraid of them)
6. Due to size and weight, will be welcomed into more hotels and bed and breakfasts. (Con for large dogs as many hotels and B&Bs restrict due to size or weight)
7. Can ride under your passenger seat on an airplane (assuming proper training and all). (Con for large dogs as they will not fit under the passenger seat, and are generally required to travel in the cargo area)
8. Crates are small and easily transportable (or fit into small soft carry bags) and cheaper.  (Con for large dogs whose crates are more expensive and bulky for travel)
9. Equipment costs less due to less fabric (or material) and expensive hardware. (Con for large dog as equipment should be larger and better made for wear and tear)
10. Flea, tick and heartworm products are much cheaper.  Also due to the decreased dosage of prescription products, those will be cheaper as well. (Con for large dog as larger and more expensive dosages are needed)
11. Even if they shed and give off dander, it will be significantly less than a large dog.   Helpful if you have dog allergies but still want a dog. (Con for large dog as they have substantially more fur and dead skin)
12. Their tails are not likely to sweep items off kitchen tables, coffee tables, or display tables.  (Con for large dogs with tails, as their tails can sweep things off tables)

Giant/Large Dog Benefits (in no particular order):

1. There is almost no possibility that you won't see them and step on them.  (Con for small breeds as if you do not notice than you can step on them and hurt them inadvertently)
2. Not likely to be the targets of coyotes, birds of prey, or many other smaller predators.  (Con for small breeds that can easily become prey)
3. If a human has ill intentions towards you, they will think twice before approaching you with your dog.  (Con for small breed as a smaller breed is not as likely to intimidate someone who seeks to do you harm)
4. A large dog will most likely have no trouble jumping into your vehicle, unless they are injured or have a chronic medical problem.  (Con for some small breeds that may need to be picked up to be put in vehicle, especially if the owner has some movement problems)
5. Don't need to worry about another dog easily killing your dog when out and about.  (Con for small breed as they are more delicate than a larger breed, and can be easily injured)
6. If healthy, they won't be easily injured when jumping off or over something.  (Con for some small breeds, their bones and joints are not able to resist such injuries as well)
7. If a stranger realizes they are in your car or home, your car or home is most likely not the top target for crime.  (Con If someone is aware or can hear that you have a small breed, it will be less of a deterrent)
8. Can be assistance dogs for carrying items in packs, balance support, retrieving large items for the disabled, pulling carts, or balance assist a human.  (Con for small breed as far as being unable to retrieve larger things, pull carts, or balance assist)

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Robin Katherine Rubin Mannerly Mutts http://www.mannerlymutts.com http://mannerlymutts.blogspot.com (main blog address) York Beach, Maine USA 207-809-6300 IACP Professional Member #1942 E-Touch Seminar Attendance Certification Bedrock Training Method Three Day School Attendance Certificate Companion Dog Title completed in June 2008 for Jack CD ILP159648 Doberman Male 4 years old. Owned, handled and trained by Robin Rubin (deceased on 12/23/2009 and forever carried forward in our hearts) Companion Dog Title completed June 2010 for Bri CD American Staffordshire ILP159964 female of 6 years old. Owned by friends of Mannerly Mutts. Trained by Robin Rubin. Handled by Robert and Robin Rubin. Companion Dog Title completed June 2010 for Magoo CD Great Dane WS 28720301 male of one and a half years. Owned by friends and clients of Mannerly Mutts. Trained and handled by Robin Rubin. Leon (aka Ogelthorpe) CGC owned and handled by Robert Rubin in November 2011 (knees prevent from competing in traditional obedience unfortunately) Red Doberman Pincher male WS10508601 of 7 years old. Boris CGC owned and handled by Robin Ruibin in November 2011 (just beginning his obedience career) Black Doberman Pincher male of 2 years old.  (to be registered in UKC as he is a tripod) I do not support the following organizations: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Truly Dog Friendly (TDF), No Shock Collar Coalition (NSCC), Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and IPDTA (International Positive Dog Trainers Association).