As of: February 22, 2024, 2:03 p.m
By: Sandra Barbara Furtner
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Whether you should choose a large or a small dog depends on various factors.
Both sizes have their advantages and disadvantages.
Deciding to add a dog to the family is exciting, but there are some aspects to consider, including the size of the future four-legged family member.
Should you choose a large dog (from around 22 kilos) or rather a smaller dog (under around 6 kilos)?
Both representatives offer their advantages and disadvantages, which should be taken into account depending on your lifestyle, living situation and personal preferences.
In this article, we weigh both to help you make your decision.
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Advantages of having a large dog:
Imposing protectors:
Large dogs such as the German Shepherd or Saint Bernard often have an imposing appearance that commands respect and can deter potential intruders.
Their size alone can be a factor that helps protect your home and family.
Versatility:
Many large dog breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers or Golden Retrievers, are versatile and are well suited to various sporting activities.
Cuddly factor:
Large dogs are particularly inviting to cuddle due to their amount of fluffy fur and their body mass.
They are often known as “gentle giants” and can be loving and loyal companions.
Whether a large or small dog – both have their advantages.
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Disadvantages of a large dog:
Space Requirements:
Large dogs require more space to live and move around.
No matter whether in the house, in the apartment, in the car or on the S-Bahn.
Food and care costs:
Larger dogs consume more food and often require larger amounts of care products such as shampoo or parasite preparations.
The associated costs can be significant over time.
Health Problems:
Some large dog breeds are more prone to certain health problems such as hip dysplasia or gastric torsion.
These can lead to high veterinary costs.
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Advantages of having a small dog:
Space:
Smaller dogs such as Chihuahuas or Dachshunds have the advantage that they generally require less space (although there are exceptions) and usually feel comfortable in a smaller apartment.
Travel:
Due to their smaller size, small dogs are often easier to transport and can usually be taken on trips without any problems.
This is particularly noticeable on the bus or tram.
Flying is often less of a problem because they can be carried in the passenger compartment - between five and ten kilograms, depending on the airline.
Costs:
Even if it may sound a bit obvious: Smaller dogs eat less, which has a significant impact on the food costs.
Disadvantages of a small dog:
Fragility:
Small dogs often appear more fragile due to their size and are often more prone to injuries in the home.
Less versatile:
Due to their size, some dog breeds have certain limitations in certain activities such as hiking or jogging and cannot always keep up.
Training Problems:
Small dogs are sometimes prone to developing a type of “bully syndrome” as they are often not properly trained due to their size.
It's important to set clear rules and boundaries right from the start.
Reasons why small dogs are often so cheeky.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Which size suits my lifestyle best?
Consider your living situation, your activities and your financial resources to determine who is a better fit for you.
2. Are large dogs more aggressive than small dogs?
The size of a dog says nothing about its behavior.
Personality and upbringing play a much larger role.
3. Which size is better for families with children?
Both sizes can be good companions for families with children.
However, it is important to ensure that the four-legged friend is well socialized and gets along well with children.
In the end, the choice is a personal decision that requires careful consideration.
No matter what size you choose, the love and bond you build with your four-legged friend is what matters most.
The editor wrote this article and then used an AI language model for optimization at her own discretion. All information has been carefully checked. Find out more about our AI principles here.