So you Say Size Doesn’t Matter!

We have evolved into a picky society and some things are best left unsaid but other things need to be expressed so there is no misunderstandings about the facts of owning a dog. It is my opinion the size of the dog doesn’t matter if you want a companion or friend for life.

 You can decide yourself if you want a cup size, purse size or a giant size dog but what you must take as a reality with each size there come certain obligations and responsibilities. 

Big dogs are okay. Small dogs are okay too. Consider the purpose of the dog and you will find a happy way to make sure that regardless what size they are, they are the ones for you and your life.

Looking as size as the first choice you also need to look at the energy levels, intelligence, temperament and compatibility for you and your lifestyle.

Many big dogs do fine in small living spaces but you need to make sure you offer reasonable opportunities for them to exercise somewhere. They can be taken to the park, a dog run or even the yard in the city but take into consideration the environment so the dog is not put in a harmful or stressful situation. They deserve that much when you decide to get one. 

Small breeds have advantages, too, particularly for apartment or condominium dwellers. The choice is up to you but the accommodations should be addressed realistically and in all practical sense. Trying to figure their space needs give you a good sense what kind of dog you should have or own. This is a primary responsibility if you want the partnership to work.

Socializing your dog has no bearing on the dog being small or large. It is more a matter of determining what habits are best for your dog whether you live out in the country or in the city. Taking into consideration the surroundings, you must decide whether the dog can cope with the inevitable encounter with other people or other animals. 

Another thing to consider is traffic of cars, crowded streets or well-traveled paths or sidewalks. A dog has a much greater danger of being in harm’s way if you don’t socialize them properly and prepare them for where you are taking them and who they are going to meet along the way. The optimal socialization time is between eight and 18 weeks. A dog has a much greater danger of ending up at a shelter due to improper socialization than he does of being a too small of a dog or too big of a dog. 

Socialization will do a lot to make a dog comfortable, but for a natural city dog, look for one that’s adaptable, not fearful, but not over-confident. A puppy that hesitates to approach a stranger or cowers when he hears a noise won’t do well in a city without a lot of work. On the other hand such a dog may be fine out in the country where it can adapt to its surroundings and gain confidence as time goes by. 

Large dogs are not just for the country just as cities aren’t just for small dogs. Any breed with modest energy levels and an outgoing personality can work. Add the right amount of exercise and socialization and you’ll have a happy dog who loves the big lights as much as you do.