If you’re looking for your next dog, you’re weighing the pros and cons of many breeds, their different attributes, and what they offer you. We’ve made a complete list of the advantages of owning a small dog which should help you narrow your choices to a select few.
Easier to Clean Up After
As a responsible dog owner, you’ll be expected to clean up after your dog, no matter its size. Generally speaking, cleaning up after your dog as you walk through the park will be much more pleasant the smaller your dog is. Simply put, the smaller the dog, the smaller the poop. Great Dane enthusiasts may be fascinated entirely by their breed, but one thing is for sure; no one is getting excited as they prepare to pick up the Great Dane’s steaming pile. Owning a small breed dog really gives you a leg up in the cleaning department.
Walking is a Breeze
While we’d all like the world’s most obedient dog with a brilliant heel to match, not everyone does. Owning a small dog may not impact the actual training of your dog, but one thing is for sure. Small dogs are much easier to control and maintain on leash. Even if your dog exhibits some form of pulling during a walk, it will be much easier to bring him back to a proper heel position and continue your walk from there. Children can often walk an unruly dog if it’s small enough, taking the burden off you during busy seasons.
Travel Made Easier
Your adventurous side is going to love this one. Whether you’re thinking of taking a road trip or a plane ride across the country, traveling with a small dog is much more convenient than traveling with a large dog. Fitting all the luggage in your car plus a large dog can pose a real challenge, not to mention most pet-friendly hotels have weight restrictions, so if you have a larger breed of dog, you’ll have more difficulty finding a place to stay after you arrive at your destination. Traveling by plane will also be much easier (and less expensive) if you have a small breed dog. After paying a pet fee, your dog can typically ride with you in the plane’s cabin, tucked safely beneath your seat. Large dogs, however, can normally only travel as cargo.
Quicker Grooming Process
If you opt for a small breed of dog that requires regular haircuts, such as the Maltipoo, you may be pleasantly surprised at how much easier you can maneuver a small dog during grooming. With a smaller surface area of fur, these small breed dogs will be much quicker to groom. The time it takes to groom a large breed dog may not seem much different, but those hours spent each month add up over time!
Longer Life Expectancy
It’s no secret that most large breed dogs tend to live an average of 8-12 years. This is significantly shorter than many small breed dogs that can live 15+ years! The obvious choice would include as much time as possible with your new four-legged family member if you have to choose.
Less Expensive to Feed
Small dogs have smaller stomachs. Over time, the small amounts of kibble your pup needs daily will hugely impact your wallet! Dog food can be expensive. If you have limitations on your monthly budget, a small dog might be the best option since they’re notably less expensive to feed.
Less Space Required
Smaller dogs require less space at home, in the yard, and even in your bed! If you plan to spend lots of time in close proximity to your dog, having a smaller one can be a convenient advantage for dog owners. This is also beneficial for those who live in apartments and must comply with dog weight requirements.
If you’ve dreamt of adopting a dog but are limited in space, have budget restrictions, or if you have dreams of traveling and want to avoid the hassle of cleaning up after a large dog, a small dog could be the answer! Small dogs are a great compromise in owning a dog that allows dog owners to embark on extraordinary adventures with a furry companion by their side.