Having a dog as a pet|Owning a dog] brings a lot of benefits. Dogs are an unequivicable source of companionship, they can help reduce your stress levels, benefit your blood pressure, they love unconditionally, are a source of joy, and provide an excellent incentive to exercise more. If you want to meet more people, nothing beats a dog for a conversation opener when you’re at the park, particularly fellow dog lovers. And if you’ve got kids, dogs can be excellent at teaching them about being responsible and aware of someone other than themselves.
But, should you get a large dog or small?
Of course, if you have a small yard or live in a condo where they regulate the size dog you can keep, you may not have a lot of choice. But even if you are blessed with a large backyard, there are many benefits to getting a small dog that are very relevant to some circumstances.
For example, if you have pets or children, a smaller dog can be less intimidating. Breeds like the Tibetan Spaniel dog breed, maltese, chihuahuas, and miniature poodles, and similar breeds, are not really suited to families with children who aren’t old enough to know how to behave around dogs.
For older people, a small dog is a more realistic choice. This is also a valid point for those who are sick or frail, or just not very strong. Large dogs will be tougher to handle physically, a situation which may occur during those moments when he doesn’t obey commands. To illustrate, walking an excited, large dog on a leash is not going to be easy if your dog becomes intent on chasing a car, or another dog. And of course, there will be times when you will have to lift your canine friend. If you don’t live with someone who can do it for you, this could become a problem, especially when your dog grows old. Will you be able to check your dog’s teeth regularly, and be able to establish yourself as ‘top dog’ when training your dog.
Another factor to think about is that large dogs generally need more exercise, although a few smaller dogs also require a lot. This is very true of working dogs that also come in small sizes, such as the border collie dog breed. Border collies have a lot of energy. They are very active and intelligent dogs. They have been - and still are - used to herd cattle and sheep, and as a result have very high endurance and stamina. As pets, they need mental and physical exercise. Two hours per day as a rough guide, although if you mentally stimulate them during that time, it will wear them out faster. So, for a person who works long hours, unable to devote the time to your dog, a breed like the border collie would be an inappropriate pet.
Small dog breeds that are recommended for families with children include {border terriers, boston terriers, bichon frise, English Cocker Spaniels, Kerry Blue Terriers, Miniature Australian Bulldogs, Miniature Australian Shepherds, and Miniature English Bulldogs}. And small dogs like the French bulldog, whose temperament is easygoing and happy, and who love spending a lot of time with their owners, and do not require much exercise, are recommended for the elderly. French bulldogs are even used in pet therapy in aged care homes.
Related posts:
- Miniature & Toy Dog Breeds - A Complete Guide
- British Bulldog Snoring: Boon or Bane?
- Buying A Small Dog - 3 To Consider
- Small Breed Terriers
- French Bulldogs
- Types of Miniature Dogs and Miniature Dog Tips
- Wondering When Your Pup Will Become Fully Grown?
- Understanding Dog Aggression - Biting
- Housing your new dog
- It’s Important To Choose The Right Dog Breeds For Your Circumstances
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