Big Dogs or Little Dogs?

I grew up with big dogs. Newfoundlands. Labs. Standard Poodles. All my friends had big dogs and for a while, I confess I had a tiny disdain for small dogs and people who chose them.

My first dog was a female lab mix who topped out at a mere 48 pounds- not really a small dog, but nowhere near my idea of a big dog. We often referred to her as the “apartment-sized Lab” or the “urban lab.” I appreciated that she wasn’t too big, but I felt a little bit self-conscious – I was a big dog person, with a smaller than big dog.

And then, one by one, some small dogs came into my life and my prejudice started to change. My friends got 2 Jack Russell mixes that wiggled their way into my heart, and I started seeing how easy it was to get small dogs into the car, and how cute they were when sitting on a lap. And then, almost without thinking, I adopted Roxie, a terrier mix rescued from a shelter in Arkansas. Suddenly, I was mom to a 22 pound pup and I couldn’t believe I had ever been a doubter!

In an informal poll around the office, some folks still have strong feelings one way or another. Those who love big dogs feel that big dogs are more “dog-like,” are a better match to an outdoorsy lifestyle, and provide more in the way of security. The little dog lovers think they are more cuddly, fit better on the bed or on the couch, eat less food and are easier to travel with.

We have all known the Rottweiler who thinks he is a lapdog, and the Yorkie who would scare away any intruder. As I realize now, it is not the size of the dog that matters, but the love you feel when you look into its eyes, and the size of what’s in their hearts that makes us as loyal to them as they are to us.

Are you a big dog person or a small dog person? Have you changed your tune over the years based on dogs you have loved?  

 

Comments

[Jess]

While I love all dogs, I'm definitely a small dog person. I like them to fit in my lap and in the bed without fighting over blankets.

A lot of it comes from the dogs we've loved and had in our lives I'm sure, and if I ever have a larger dog I may find that it makes no difference, who knows?

[Teresa Hamill]

Our Puggle, Annabelle is the best. She is large at 34 lbs. but she is all wags and love from those big brown eyes. She sleeps with me on my futon and mostly prefers to sleep under the comforter. Previous to Annabelle we had an 82 lb. Basset Hound, Tillie. She was hard to get into the car, to bathe and somewhat more expensive to feed. We feed our dogs prescription dog food from the vet's office. Tillie lived to be 13 years old and was an excellent dog while our 2 sons were growing up. Her docile personality, many naps and tolerance for the boys "affections" made her the perfect pet for us at that time. Our smaller, albiet more energetic Annabelle fits our current lifestyle perfectly. She has a Planet Dog rubber Orbe Golf ball that is her constant companion. We never taught her how to fetch, but she would fetch 24/7 if we let her. Because she is lost without her ball, we order 3 at a time since she does eventually tear the rubber seam. Occasionally when she has driven us crazy with fetching we'll take a rest and put her ball in the kitchen drawer. Her extraordinary sense of smell allows her to locate it and then she'll sit in front of the cabinet and stare at the drawer. She's a pip!!

[Nnce]

Big dogs were always my thing, mainly Afghan Hounds and Old English Sheepdogs. As I got older somehow a smaller dog seemed to be a bit more practical. I still love the big guys but am now happily retired and owned by 2 hairless and two powder puff Chinese Cresteds. I wouldn't trade them for anything - they are ideal companions.

[Dog Show]

Well i always like to prefer in keeping small dogs than big ones, as at some times it comes really difficult to handle big dogs.

[encino golf green]

what a fun blog, thank you for sharing! keep it up!

[Large dog toys]

We grow up surrounded by dogs of all shapes and sizes. From little Jack Russels, to medium sized Collies and a massive Rottweiler. All had absolutely adorable qualities but when it came to choosing a breed for myself I went for Rhodesian Ridgebacks and have never regretted getting a large dog. At the end of the day there is just so much more to cuddle!

[Quinn]

Big dogs are one of the more unlikely category of animals to be adopted in shelters, it's so sad. Found animals is putting on an adoption event called the Twelve Pets of Christmas. They have a list of twelve categories of pets that are the least likely to be adopted, and are offering $30 off cats, and $40 of dogs. Check it out!