How much harder is having a big dog vs.small dog?

Question

I really want a lab, and I am much more of a "big dog" person, but people are starting to tell me how hard a big dog is, and its a bad idea, etc. Is getting a smaller dog really that much easier?

Answer 1

A large dog can look after itself and can (generally) withstand more physical stress. But they are a lot stronger, and will be extreeemely energetic as a puppy. They will be a lot harder to train on walking etiquette. Large dogs eat more and also need to be exercised more often.
A small dog tends to get pampered and spoiled more easily. There are small dogs that tend to act a lot more ferociously than a large dog would. If you don't handle even a small dog correctly, it still will frighten guests. You would also need to pay more attention that a small dog does not run out.. well any sized dog, really, but smaller dogs are harder to see and to catch.
A labrador is generally a very good, standard dog. I think they're one of the easier dogs to train and are as I call them "durable". (But I've never owned a lab so I'm just assuming) They're a popular breed though, so you should be able to find more people who are familiar with that kind of dog.

Answer 2

It's not about the size that really matters. Size is all a personal preference. I am a professional dog trainer and I have four dogs of all sizes: Great Dane (135lbs), Lab (65lbs), Border Collie (40lbs) and a Jack Russell (10lbs).

Any dog is a huge responsibility. However, if you are not a dog enthusiast then I personally would go with a big dog. Little dogs, in my experiences, have worse attitudes and are yappy and snappy. I would definitely get a Lab if I had the option to!

However, you need to get that Lab into some very, very good training early on so that you will have the great Lab that the breed is so capable of being! They are great dogs but they definitely need training and the earlier the better!

Answer 3

Please know that the below comparisons are based solely on my own opinion and experience:

Good things about smaller dogs:

1. They require less living space and room to run
so if you live in an apartment, they're a better choice.

2. Smaller dogs are easier to handle when walking, i.e. if a cat or squirrel runs by. So if you have a strength issue, another vote for them.

3. There are very few breeds that don't shed or are non-allergenic, and I believe they all are smaller breeds like poodles and bichon frises. I've also heard that chihuahuas are good dogs for people with asthma.

4. Smaller dogs tend to live longer.

Good things about larger dogs:

1. They are easier to housebreak due to their larger bladders.

2. They are not as "yippy/barky" as smaller dogs can often be.

3. If you are looking for a hunting companion, then definitely go with the retriever over the chihuahua unless you are hunting mice and not moose!!

So, there's the vote with the smaller dogs having a slight advantage over the bigger breeds. But, getting a dog is like choosing a friend, a best friend in fact, so there are no set rules. While the above guidelines are helpful, go with your heart, as long as you are aware of the long-range commitment you are making. Good luck!!

Answer 4

if you are a big dog person then by all means listen to yourself. these other people aren't the ones living and training and paying for this dog. get what you want or you will always wonder and the little dog can sense that. i've found big dogs to be less trouble, but then i am a big dog person, so it could just be me. labs are easy to train if you know what you are doing and find a good trainer to work with. they may require more food than a little dog, and some vet services might be more expensive for a big dog, such as spay or neuter's, antibiotics, but not enough for you to really notice if you plan and can provide for this dog. it's all a matter of preference, i have not found big dogs to require more exercise, more room to run if they are properly exercised, they may take up more room on your couch, but there's also more to snuggle with. listen to your heart, get what dog you want and can afford and have the time to properly take care of and you will be happy. and with those reasons there is no difference between a big and small dog. you will love and take care of them the same. good luck.

Answer 5

Well, what can you handle. Do you like in an apartment or do you have a yard?? Do you work long hours, can you take a lunch break to come home and let the dog out??

I own 2 black labs and I love them to death. Small dogs might eat less, but they bark A LOT more, and no offense to anyone who owns a small dog, but they are ankle biters. they make up for their small size trying to be fierce.

However if you have a small house or apartment with no yard, do not get a big dog. Actually, don't get a dog at all if you aren't going to be home to take care of it. But if you are going to be able to take care of it properly...then I vote big dog all the way

Answer 6

I have six dogs and my big dogs are better then the smaller ones.
Labs can be really hyper until around 3 years old. Get a bull mastif. They are big, gentle, protective, but easy going. Or a Great pyrenese. I have one and she is my best dog. Never leaves the yard, doen't try to bite every one she sees, she gaurds the place at night and sleeps most of the day. She has the night duty. She is very good dog. You could try a malamute. or even a shepherd.

Answer 7

No, smaller dogs are much more harder to train, they are not really obedient. Small dogs are really "yappy". I have a Golden Retriever, a "big dog" and it's really nice, when you've trained it. You have to train big dogs, like labs, the earlier the better. This way, your dog will be easier to handle, because it can grow rather big when it is older. It will be hard to control.

Answer 8

Why not go with a medium sized dog? I once considered a small dog but then decided against it because I wanted to feel like I was going for a walk with a DOG, not a rat. lol. I ended up with a german shepherd cross and couldn't be happier. All dogs take lots of time, energy and money regardless of the size. But they are well worth it. Find a breed that suits your lifestyle and personality :)

Answer 9

Please read the book, "The Right Dog For You". It lists all the major AKC Groups (Working, Hound, etc.). Each Breed is individually described. Next, the book provides charts that detail behaviors for each breed, such as how active indoors/outdoors, vigor, learning rate, sociability with children or strangers and more. Finally, cross reference charts are used so you can see how your lifestyle will fit with the different breeds.

I am an obedience instructor and owner of Newfoundlands (actually, they own me). Which ever breed you eventually chose, I strongly recommend obedience training your dog.

Answer 10

A dog should be trained on how to eat, walk with you, not to bark, potty training and sleep on its place etc. You can teach anything to your puppy, dogs get trained easily with some good instructions. If you want some good training tips visit https://tr.im/05juU

If properly trained, they should also understand whistle and gesture equivalents for all the relevant commands, e.g. short whistle or finger raised sit, long whistle or flat hand lay down, and so on.

It's important that they also get gestures and whistles as voice may not be sufficient over long distances and under certain circumstances.