Big Dogs Vs Small Dogs: What Are The Differences?

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Dogs come in many different sizes. On one end of the spectrum, you have dogs like chihuahuas that weigh an average of 6 pounds with a height of about 5 to 8 inches. On the other end of the spectrum, you have the likes of great danes that can weigh 140 pounds and reach heights of 32 inches.

While dog size is often a matter of personal preference among owners, it is important to consider how size can impact other factors like behavior and exercise needs. Certain sized dogs may actually be better for your lifestyle. This post delves more into the differences between big and small dogs.

Behaviour

While a dog’s behaviour can be influenced by training, certain breeds can be more prone to having certain temperaments. This temperament can be affected by their size.

Larger dog breeds tend to be easier to train. This can be because many larger breeds are more intelligent, and therefore are better learners. However, large dog breeds can also be more confident due to their size. As a result, they often don’t feel the need to bark as much and are not as wary of kids or other pets. There are exceptions to this – German shepherds and basset hounds are both known for being very vocal. 

Smaller dogs have higher energy levels. They can also get more anxious because of their size. This generally makes them more skittish. Many are less trusting of strangers and other dogs causing them to act aggressively, although when given time to get to know a stranger or another dog they will often eventually relax. Of course, not all small breeds are the same and some are more docile and friendly. Beagles, pugs, French bulldogs, dachshunds, bichon frises and cavalier King Charles spaniels are all generally family-friendly. 

Health issues

Larger dogs tend to be more prone to health issues than smaller dogs. Hip dysplasia is a common problem in many larger pure breeds that is not as common in smaller breeds. Larger breeds are also more prone to arthritis in their joints. On top of this, issues like bloat can be more common as a result of eating food more quickly and having to bend further down to eat.

Owning a smaller dog could result in lower vet bills. Such dogs are not as susceptible as many health problems, although there are exceptions. Flat-faced small dogs like pugs and French bulldogs unfortunately are very prone to respiratory issues. Dachshunds meanwhile have a high risk of developing spinal problems. 

Life expectancy

Large dogs sadly do not live as long as small dogs. Giant breeds like Danes only live 8 to 10 years on average. For regular large breeds like golden retrievers and rottweilers, the average life expectancy is 10 to 12 years. This may be possible to increase by making sure that your dog leads a healthy lifestyle and by attending regular vet check-ups.

Small dog breeds typically have a life expectancy of 12 to 16 years. Chihuahuas and Jack Russells regularly live longer than this with many reaching 18 years. This does mean that you get to spend more time with your dog.

Of course, there are exceptions in both cases. Labradors regularly live to 13 or older despite being fairly large dogs. Pugs meanwhile have an increased chance of dying earlier due to their high risk of brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome. 

Diet

Large dog breeds need more food than smaller dogs. In fact, many large dogs need as many daily calories as a human (around 2000 per day). This extra food does come at an extra cost. It is worth seeking out specialist dog food that is designed for larger dogs. Avoiding too many fatty foods may reduce the risk of health issues like bloat.

Smaller dogs need much less calories per day. For example, chihuahuas need only about 200 calories per day on average. You can buy specially formulated food for small dogs that has smaller pieces for easier digestion. It’s worth noting that smaller dogs have more sensitive stomachs and can be more at risk of poisoning from foods like chocolate or onions. Therefore, you need to be much more careful of feeding them human foods (ideally, avoid feeding them all human foods). 

Exercise

Larger dogs also need more exercise. Some large breeds need daily walks of up to 2 hours in order to burn off their excess energy. Without these walks, such dogs can gain weight and develop behavioral problems out of boredom. Therefore, if you get a big dog, be prepared to lead a more active lifestyle.

Smaller dogs don’t need as much exercise. In fact, most canine experts recommend no more than half an hour for many small breeds like chihuahuas. This makes smaller dogs better suited to people who physically cannot be as active or do not have the time for long walks. 

It’s worth noting that not all breeds follow this rule. Despite being big dogs, greyhounds only need 30 minutes of exercise a day as they are built for speed and burn calories throughout the day without being very active. Miniature schnauzers are also small dogs, but benefit from 1 hour of exercise per day due to the amount of energy they have to burn off. 

Space needs

Finally, it’s worth considering how much space each dog breed needs. Larger dogs are often better suited to houses of large apartments where they have some room to roam. If they are cooped up in a small space for too long, they may get bored and agitated. Some larger dogs can also be quite clumsy and could cause damage in a tiny space. 

Smaller dogs are meanwhile quite happy in smaller environments. If you are living in an apartment, a smaller dog is typically the way to go. You can also get away with owning a smaller vehicle with a smaller dog. Generally speaking, this makes such dogs better suited for city living where people are more likely to live in smaller homes with smaller cars.