Our last three dogs were over 150 lbs. How can I talk my family into getting a small dog?

Question

Over the last 27 years, we have had a King Dobby, 2 Akitas, and an Irish Wolfhound. Hubby argument: great protectors and loyal. Kids argument: they look cool on a leash and you can wrestle with them. My argument (which goes unnoticed): expensive dog food (40 lbs every 3 weeks), bigger vet, and grooming bills, vacuming daily due to large amounts of hair bunnies, smashed toes from being stepped on, bruses from swinging tails, massive amounts of distruction during puppy years, cant landscape back yard (gazzebo, I wish), and why should I transport them in my van when my hubby has a perfectly good truck? Any suggestions appreciated.

Answer 1

Wow, that is going to be tough to change the outlook on your family to get a smaller dog.
We love bigger dogs too, but yes, the EXPENSE that comes along with them.
Maybe don't go with a toy size or miniature dog. How about a mid size. Can't think off the top of my head what type.
Go to the local animal shelter with your children first, and let them see how cute mid size dogs are or go to your local adoption agency to see many different types that are out there. Then let them tell daddy what they saw and how cute they were.
Your kids might just be able to change your husband's mind.
ALWAYS ADOPT if you have no intentions of breeding.

Answer 2

I worked with two German Shephards and they both had completely opposite personalities. The male was very lazy, clingy, and had a low drive which is very uncommon for a German Shephard. The other fit the perfect profile for a German Shephard. She had a high drive, high energy, natural herding instinct, semi-social, loyal, and was a quick learner. I also rescued a Golden Retriever and he was probably the most laid back dog ever but he loved to play and was very social but demanded a lot of attention. I also worked with Saint Bernard Rescue and helped completely rehabilitate a 1 year old saint named Caleb. Caleb came fro a puppy mill and was severely neglected and it took months before he would even partially recover. He turnned out to be a poster saint. Very laid back and mellow, lazy, casually social, not very playful but nurturing. It depends on the tempo of your family. You are talking about three totally opposite breeds. Saint Bernards tend to be low drive, Golden retrievers medium drive, and German Shephards high drive. I would recommend that you go with a breed that is below your families tempo. For example if your family is very active any of these dogs will do but if they are some what active go for a Golden or Saint. You should always be able to satisfy the dogs needs and drives without stress.

Answer 3

Try going to the shelter and finding a dog they will love.
Check out www.petfinder.org to search.
I love big dogs, too. But a 70 pound mutt like I found at the shelter is just as good as your 150+ pound dogs for protection, loyalty, and looks. Most people see my dog and cross the street rather than walk past her. I also get comments on how beautiful she is.
she is a husky-mix.

Answer 4

Do you have a friend with a small dog who has a great personality? Perhaps dog sit for it so he can see how awesome little dogs are.
My husband was a big dog guy when I came into our relationship with two small dogs, one a toy poodle the other a toy poodle chihuahua mix and he said he loves all dogs but little dogs are just a toy. Well let me tell you he now adores that poodle chi girl to pieces and considers her his dog. We have since gotten a long haired chihuahua girl (she is now 7 months old) She is the second full chihuahua I have owned. He sees that the poodle chi we have really has a chi attitude, which is to say a big dog personality in a little dog body. He gets the biggest kick out of all of our little dogs and their dynamic personalities.. and has recently said no more big dogs for him, that our little ones showed him that they are all dog too.
My other thought it to compromise with him by adding a small dog to the big dogs you already have.. that way he can see for himself what they are like.

Answer 5

get a mid sized dog. Not sure how big those dogs you listed are but German shepherds are only about 75to 85 lbs and they are great guard dogs, very loyal and are highly trainable than most dogs. They are a little stubborn though and need a lot of exercises.
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/germanshepherd.htm

Or get a bull dog they are fierce fighters and make excellent guard dogs but need to be handled correctly because of their aggressiveness.
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/americanpitbull.htm

Answer 6

You're the mom. Aren't you the family boss? Or suggest a slightly smaller dog, maybe a vizsla or a German short hair pointer. They have no tails to get in the way.

Answer 7

Compromise... go for a medium to large size dog. Maybe a Border Collie or a Dalmatian.

http://www.pgaa.com/canine/general/size.html#upto80

Answer 8

Well my argument would have been the food, but u cant tell them they have to vacuum every day due to the fur, (even though small dogs shead too, just not as much fur on them)

Answer 9

ok! i have a story that can relate to this! a few days ago my hampster died! i wanted to get a new one but my dad didnt want me too!! so i wrote a 5 page letter telling him all the reasons we should get a hampster!!
one of ur reasons can b....''we can adopt one from the pound! that way itll be cheaper!'' Plus, they dont shed very much! take it from someone who has 2 small dogs! they are cute and cuddly!.....(please star) :)

Answer 10

A King Charles Spaniel would be a great dog for you.