Adding a new dog to your family is a decision that should be well thought out. One of the first things potential new dog owners consider is what type of dog to bring into their family. With so many breeds to choose from, both large and small, it's hard to know where to start. Here are just a few of the pros and cons of large and small dogs:
Large Breed Dogs: Pros
Provide More Protection
If you are looking for a dog that will provide protection for your family a larger dog may be the way to go. Larger dogs mean larger jaws and more physical strength. Although the bark of any dog may be enough to deter people, the presence of a larger dog is visually more effective. Rottweiler and German Shepherd dogs have been used as protection dogs for years because of their size and intelligence.
Great Exercise Companions
If you are an active person and are looking for a more rugged dog that you can take camping, hiking, and jogging you may want to consider a larger dog. Larger dogs are often more exercise tolerant and can handle the elements much better than most small breed dogs. Dogs with high energy levels, like Labrador Retrievers and Border Collies, enjoy being active and are often suitable exercise companions.
Outdoor Dogs
If you are looking for an outdoor dog a larger breed dog may work out better. Larger breed dogs are often hardier, depending on the breed, and many can tolerate a life outdoors considering they are provided with the proper shelter and adequate amounts of fresh food and water.
Cons
Increased Expenses
Bigger dogs do mean bigger expenses. Larger dogs require more food to meet their energy requirements which can be more costly. Also, medications that your larger dog may require may also cost more. Most medications are dosed based on the weight of an animal, meaning if the dog weighs more it will require more medication.
Shorter Life Span
Most large breed dogs do have a shorter lifespan then smaller breed dogs but they can still enjoy a lengthy life. On average larger breed dogs, like Golden Retrievers, can live until 12-13 years of age while some giant breeds, including the Great Dane, may only live 5-7 years.
More Difficult to Transport
Due to their size, large breed dogs require a bit more work and space when transporting them. If you plan on having a dog that travels with you to the cottage on the weekends you will need to have a vehicle that is a suitable size to bring your pooch along too. When injured, it can be more cumbersome to transport a larger dog, that is lame or lethargic, requiring more than one person to help to carry the dog to and from your car into the veterinarian's office. Your own personal strength and capability should be considered before deciding on a dog of this size.
