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Jul
24
2008
My little girl....

11:14pm

Pros & Cons: Big or Little Dogs?

Posted by Rachel E. (Ladybug8) in Breeds

104 comments

Featuring:
Kelsie

Kelsie


A lot of us are dog lovers...but some have a size preference.  What do you think is the pros or cons of having a big or small dog? How about a medium dog?  Which do you prefer (or not) and why (or why not)?  I, in particular, LOVE small, medium, & large, but would rather have the small ones....your thoughts, please. 



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104 comments found.
I have one of each and it is just perfect. I agree that when walking them it is nice to have the larger dog, but I also agree that tiny poops are so much better than their larger counterparts. We make room on the bed for both (my husband thinks we need a bigger bed so I just tell him we would get more animals to fill it!) It is better now that Mia doesn't kick so much during the night. Small dogs are easier to transport as well if you travel a lot because they can fit under the seat on a plane and you don't have to feel guilty about putting them below in the dark strange scary place. One last thing is that my small dog, Tiki, doesn't have a clue that she is small = she thinks she is one bad mamma jamma who can take on anyone or anything large or small.
For me it's all about the dog's personality. I realize that the environment you live in or your life style impacts the type & size of pet & would for me also. But all things being equal I look at personality whether large or small dog.
T
T (Terrin)
2 months ago
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I prefer small dogs. They don't take up as much room on the bed! Also when it comes to picking up the poop, I would rather pick up 'ladyfingers' than 'firewood'. And when need be, they are easier to train to use a litter box, like a cat, when the snow is a$$ deep to a tall horse and/or the rain is coming down like a small Niagara Falls! Small dogs rule!
I love big dogs, my dream is a 200lb Malamute, but my dogs have mostly been medium sized. I think they're just most common in the shelters so that's what we get. I'm just not a lil dog person, some are very cute but I have cats bigger than them.
thewetlizard
thewetlizard
2 months ago
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even though I like medium size dogs because sometimes (if they don't mind) I use them as pillows when I lay on the floor plus when I take them for a walk I feel protected without being over strength by a bigger dog. But there is an exception to every rule. My pom-pom (Heidi-Bug) has more friends than I do. When I take her 2 places people see her first then me!
I prefer the big dogs.....but I have had all sizes in my life...and that never stopped me from loving them! I like the big dogs because I can't see straight down, and I am always tripping over the little guys....I know it sounds funny! ;) But I still trip over my big doggie (150# big doggie!), but he doesn't move and I usually fall right over top of him....That's how he got his nickname, Road-Block!
Anonymous
Anonymous
2 months ago
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I love all sizes. I generally have the smaller ones, though. I just love having a lap dog.
Growing up, we always had Feists, Chi's,..... etc. I think that the smaller dogs are just what I'm used to.
I am more of a cat person I hate to say. I have a dog, a German Shepherd named Re-L. The reason I am more of a cat person is because for most of my life I had a little dog by my side.

When I was 8 and told I had asthma we got a Chihuhahua (sp?) for me, her name was Cricket. She was my heart and soul and best friend for many years. Her and my grandmother's (whom we all moved in with to take care of in her old age) German Shepherd Missy became QUICK friends, inseperable actually. I grew up with these 2 by my side. When Cricket died, Missy wasn't too far behind, old age caught up with them. Soon my Mom brought home a Shih Tzu named Gizmo. Gizmo was my shadow from 1990 - 2004. I never loved a dog more than I loved him. When he passed away, there was a huge hole in my heart... in my life. I swore I could never love another dog the way I loved Gizmo.

I have always loved cats however. But that's another story.

When it comes right down to it, I prefer a smaller dog because I am a small person (petite and only standing 5 foot tall). Big dogs intimidate me. However, my husband wouldn't get a small dog this time around. When I had to make the choice, I knew that I had to pick a smart dog breed that wasn't small. I grew up around German Shepherds (my family breed and raised them all my life) so I knew how smart the breed is... and how loyal. I told my husband it was a GSD or nothing. That's how Re-L came into my life.

I love my GSD but I still prefer my kitties. All my animals are SPOILED rotten... I do miss having a small dog and sometimes contemplate getting a pug... it might happen.
Paige
Paige (Paiges)
2 months ago
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I was a courier for Fed Ex for 10 years and I'll tell you what, there is nothing like walking into what looks like a nice quiet yard only to have these HUGE monster like dogs coming after you. I was bit once, on the butt by a standard poodle because I turned my back for a split second (and yes that hurt and was embarrassing) but the majority of the dogs were actually very sweet animals. I kept a bag of milk bones in my truck so I made friends easy with them. I was never a large dog person before I worked for Fed Ex, but I got to see so many different dogs, cats, monkeys, lizards, snakes etc. that I am no longer size or species picky. There was a Great Dane that was the most beautiful dog and was so friendly, but he did have a jumping problem and knocked me down once. The smaller dogs are the ones that would really go after you and try to bite you! So I guess that is why I have one of each...and if I had my way I would get one more. But the kitten took care of that for me!
Anonymous
Anonymous
2 months ago
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I've had some delivery jobs too, so I can relate. The barkers aren't bad, it's the silent sneakers that can scare you to death! And I am usually more leery of the ones whose owners say they won't bite. LOL
I always tell the mail carrier or plumber or delivery guy: "Lola won't bite ..... but you've probably heard that about every dog that's bitten you." They always roll their eyes & nod.
Poodles. What can I say, but that my little rescued poodle was given away because the owner said he bites. Well, I thought she must have done something to the poor little guy that made hime bite her. Then, one night I walked into my bedroom and Blazer was laying on the bed and he rolled over to let me pet his tummy. So, here I was loving him up and I bent down to kiss him and he bit my eye! And, he wouldn't let go! Finally, I ripped my face away from his darling little teeth and I ran into the bathroom to see the damage. Well, it was bad, but I still have my right eye. He came close, though, to ripping it out. I immediately started putting antiseptic on the wound and went back to the bedroom and you could just tell he felt terrible for what he did. I couldn't be angry at him, but I WAS puzzled. Of course, I had to run to the hospital and ended up having 18 stitches. It still has not stopped me from loving him dearly and we still kiss. As a matter of fact, since that incident, he actually puts up his little paw on my face like he's petting me. A good friend thinks he has a problem where his mind went blank, sortof like a seizure (gosh, I can't remember all the details) and he didn't realize what he was doing. I still wouldn't trade him for all the tea in China, but I am a tad more careful now.
Anonymous
Anonymous
2 months ago
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That's scary! That's what bugged me with my cat when he had his rages. That he was not sorry at all. Very spooky when they have that I don't care attitude. At least there is hope when they know they have done something wrong.
Paige
Paige (Paiges)
2 months ago
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OUCH! I have only been bit that one time by a dog but not anything like that! It says a lot you didn't give up on Blazer and worked through it. I'm sure he did sense he did something wrong. Maybe he had a flashback to something tramatic that happened to him before you got him.
OMG!!! His Darling little teeth? Girl you are too much. Really tho, it's great that you guys worked it out. A foster dog bit me once by accident & it HURT. He was anxious and flinging himself around while I was trying to get his leash attached... right under his mouth. After that, anytime he started flining himself around he would stop & look at me and then pretend his mouth was open because he was yawning.

Sounds like your baby is very lucky to have you.
OMG!!! His Darling little teeth? Girl you are too much. Really tho, it's great that you guys worked it out. A foster dog bit me once by accident & it HURT. He was anxious and flinging himself around while I was trying to get his leash attached... right under his mouth. After that, anytime he started flining himself around he would stop & look at me and then pretend his mouth was open because he was yawning.

Sounds like your baby is very lucky to have you.
I love the big furkids, then medium size ones. Here is why. With the large/medium size dogs, I don't have to worry about stepping on, kicking across the room when they run in front of you when you are walking, or did I mention stepping on. I like knowing where the dogs are when I am moving about.

I also like the fact that when you have a large dog, most folks take notice and I feel more protected especially when I have my pit bull mixes with me. They are smaller than my labs, but the looks is enough even if they are sweet.

I also like something large to cuddle with when husband is not home. I like knowing that I will not be able to roll over and smash a small dog. There is no moving the big kids when they are in the bed with mom.

The cons to having a large dog is if it gets injured. There would be no way of picking up Hrothgar or Aegir and getting them into a car. It would take two of us. Also large dogs eat more, have more waste and can counter surf easier.

However, I would still have my large dogs over a small dog. The small ones are cute, but not for me.
When I was a kid we had medium sized dogs, then after I got married, we adopted a Golden Retriever, a larger dog. Now our pack consists of all sizes. As others have written, it all depends on the individual dog's personality.

However, I do have a recommendation. As we get older, it's more difficult to take care of a strong or aging pet. If you're a senior, you might want to consider adopting a smaller dog that you can comfortably carry. As stairs become more difficult for you, they will also become more difficult for your pet and may require your carrying them up and down.

In addition, my own mother was injured when her medium sized dog spotted a cat and pulled her down the steps. My mother now has a permanent dent in her leg because the muscle was cut when she landed against the concrete edge of her garden's wall. It all happened in a split second.

These are just things to think about.
The size of the dog isn't important to me so much. The PERSONALITY of the dog/breed is what draws me in. I had a Jack Russel/Corgie mix before my labs and right below 20lbs she was more of handful than my two labs are together. I think each breed has the perfect mate depending on our (the owners) lifestyles. Big yards, small apartments, lazy walks, busy jobs, or the best biceps from throwing tennis balls all day long. I'm happy with my two at 84 and 72lbs! (and the 3 wild cats under 15 ea)
dweherley
dweherley
2 months ago
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I prefer big dogs all four of mine are big. I think that small dogs are ok if you are in an apartment and don't have the room for a big dog. I like to mess with my dogs and just like alot of people said I too am afraid I would hurt a little dog. I have alot of room and land for my dogs to run. So it is big dogs for me.
I prefer large and medium dogs to little dogs. Not only have I grown up with large dogs. I like to rough house with dogs from time to time, and I would be afraid of hurting a smaller dog while doing this. And no offense to small dog lovers (I know you guys love your dogs!), but I find many of the small dog breed ugly. Well, there are some I think are cute (Yorkies, when they are well-kept, and Pomeranian for example) but for the most part, I don't like how the others look.

I have three cats, and even though they aren't as affectionate as dogs, they are already underfoot enough. I couldn't imagine trying to do something with a little dogs jumping around, trying to get my attention, and all that jazz.
ronatha
ronatha
2 months ago
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How on earth could anyone find a Parson or Jack Russell Terrier ugly?!? They are sooo darn cute that people who shouldn't own such an active, smart and fiesty breed get them anyway! I am a lover of large breeds (had a big Irish Wolfhound mix, Doberman and now a Belgian Malinois) but love these fiesty terriers so much that we have her for over 13 years now and she is still a handful of cuteness!!
They have great personalities, but I just don't care for the way they look.To each their own, right? :)
ronatha
ronatha
2 months ago
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It's true that it's better to not get one if they don't fit your needs--whether or not they are cute because they are a handful--truly fearless little guys (they'll take on a Rottweiller--guess who would win..) that are way too much for many people if they can't give them enough mental and physical stimuli. My gal is a rough coat and we have yet to meet anyone who doesn't go ga ga over her cuteness. If they say they must have one I give the old "think first" speech to hopefully avoid the wrong pet aquisition.

With that said, I have always preferred big dogs as they are often easier to housebreak and you can enjoy a bigger lap warmer as well as an athletic buddie and protector. It is a personal choice and lifestyle must be a consideration!
There is a myth; a lot of people prefer small dogs but I can say that no matter the size the dog, it could be lovely depending of the attention and training we gave to them... When I say training it is not a professional training only depend what we prefer to do with ours dogs.
Interesting.....
I am a dog nut and love them all; just ask my husband because whenever we go out and there's a dog I'll always ask if I can approach him/her. : ) I do prefer sharing my home with medium dogs. I like a dog big enough that he/she won't accidentally get stepped on, but one that isn't so big he/she will drag me down the street. Also having had to care for a senior dog that needed help getting up and down and some times had to be carried, 40 lbs or less is better for me.
I can totally relate to your 'dog nut' comment...I love ALL dogs! I've had small, medium, & large dogs, but actually, Kelsie is only 1 of 3 small dogs that I've had...the others have been medium, and I only had 1 large dog....will never have another large dog. Don't get me wrong...I loved my Yellow Lab DEARLY, but he was a handful for me. Once he was gone...I decided it would either be medium or small dogs after that. Much easier to handle.....
Brea
Brea (Brea1)
2 months ago
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I like all sized dogs. I grew up with medium dogs on the large size of medium. I really want a great big ole huge dog that weighs a lot more than I do. I don't have a large enough yard for that I prefer for a great big ole dog so I don't have any dogs. My senior citizen cat hates dogs so I won't get one while she's around either.

Extra Large breeds I'd consider getting would be in no particular order:
Bernese Mountain Dog
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Great Dane (named Scooby of course)
Great Pyrenees
Mastiff (all different types)
Saint Bernard
Newfoundland
German Shepherd
I have a Saint Bernard/Great Pyrenees that is wonderful! He has the best traits of each breed! BUT he can be quite the handful! We work with him CONSTANTLY on his commands (hand signals). With him being so big and still young (2 1/2 yrs), we don't want him to have an opportunity to get out of hand and me not be able to handle him and something happen. He's wonderful! He's loving (he & our cat Max are the BEST of friends, and the other cats like him too), smart, funny, protective (just his size intimidates people & living out in the country, away from a lot of people, that's a handy thing!) etc. He's great with kids and other animals. Our other dogs are med/lrg dogs. I prefer the medium to XLrg dogs. I'd take any size and love them, but I do lean more towards the bigger sizes. Although I would love to have a Jack Russell or a French Bulldog! LOL! I also tend to lean more towards the "working dogs". Two of my dogs are cattle dogs...one a Blue Heeler and the other Aussi-mix. I had a Yellow Lab that I absolutely adored! She was the best! Labs, Heelers, Aussies, StB/Grt Pry, big, small, I love them all!!!!!!
Whew...you do like the 'big boys'! LOL I do think the Mastiffs are precious and the Saint Bernard....BUT I wouldn't be able to manage them.
Debby
Debby (zennla)
2 months ago
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I do like all dogs but my favorites and one's we have always had in our immediate family are medium to large dogs. My favorite breeds have always been boxers and rotties.. I like the big smushy faces.. The boxer girl I have now is at a light 75 lbs but you can't tell her that she thinks she is a 10lbs lap dog.
Oh, I know what you mean....LOVE THE BOXERS!!!!! I used to have a Boxer mix....she was the joy of my life, unfortuantely she passed away a few years ago, but the memories I have of her are PRICELESS. I had her for 10 years....her name was Bootsie. Gotta love those mushy faces....don't they just melt your heart?!
It seems, Rachel, that many people who have had larger dogs in their (the people's) younger years, seem to gravitate toward smaller dogs are the people get older and less active.

Others may have a lifelong preference for a particular size or breed of dog, just as some prefer long- or short-haired dogs.

My personal preference was always the big northern breeds: Siberian huskies and Alaskan Malamutes. They are gorgeous dogs and enjoy activities like taking walks, going for runs, pulling things (whether sleds, someone on skiis, etc.). They also tend to like to "go for a run" -- with you or without you, which means you're constantly alert for them to dart through an open door.

However, almost ten years ago I had a 'polar shift' in my thinking: Wiggles Blue Heeler came into my life. He's half the size of the bigger dogs (though some folks think a 45- to 50-pound dog is "big"), but what he lacks in size, he more than makes up for in Loyalty, with a capital "L." Loyalty and love are the hallmarks of this fellow.

It wasn't his size that attracted me -- in fact, I actually thought of him as a big small, considering my several previous dogs -- but I'm really not drawn toward small breeds (short- or long-haired), though I've never thought about why.
Anonymous
Anonymous
2 months ago
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And as you know from a story of mine Julie, heelers sure come up big in the personal bodyguard department!
Well, although it's never come to that, I do believe Wiggles would do his best to protect me, but he's such a loving, gentle soul that it would have to be that he perceived me to be in actual danger. I guarantee you, though, that I am his protectress!!!
Boy, did you get a WONDERFUL companion in Wiggles!!!! He's so darling! He has the best personality....what a SWEETIE!!!! You can tell he has a good mom and LOVES her dearly.....
Thank you, Rachel! Wiggles is just the sweetest one and I adore him. That it's mutual is just icing on the cake! We just came home from a nice walk plus a nice long drive in the country. Yes, gas is expensive, but communing with miles of cornfields, bean fields and cut wheat fields near sunset is so good for the soul -- and I got some great photos of Wiggles AND the cornfields!
Anonymous
Anonymous
2 months ago
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Sunsets do it for me! Sometimes you just have to splurge on fuel. Hey Julie, can they test to tell if Wiggles can see light or shapes and how much? I wondered how they ever tested animal's visual senses.
Brea
Brea (Brea1)
2 months ago
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We were a temporary foster home for one of my mom's friends Siberian Huskies. Mom's friend was in a pickle and didn't want to give up her dogs, so mom allowed the dogs to stay with us for about a year, while her friend transitioned into a place that allowed dogs.

I loved the Siberian Huskies and I still do. They were such fun dogs. These particular dogs had been sled dogs and they acted like sled dogs. These dogs had been placed in rescue because the leader of the pack had died and the pack wouldn't follow a new lead dog. I would call the leader dogs name and all the dog would begin to howl to let me know where they were. I thought that was really fun when I was really young and I called out for the leader at least once a day. The dogs had been trained to howl when the lead dogs name was called. I still remember the special way they howled.
How neat....what cool memories!!!
Cassie3
Cassie3
2 months ago
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What unique memories.
My favorites have always been the medium to bigger dogs,but I have grown up with,and have been around all sizes.Give me a situation and I can find a dog to make it work!lol
That's a unique 'talent'.....
i am most definitely a medium to big dog person. it has absolutely nothing to do with being protected though cause i am hooked on huskies and they are entirely to friendly for protection. i like the bigger dog, my reason is just cause i am not a big fan of the smaller breeds. love all animals but i will always be a mom to huskies.
Must be your calling....everyone has a particular type of animal or breed that they REALLY connect with and enjoy...like Kelsie's aunt Kelli, she's a horse person. You must be destined to be a husky mom!
Anonymous
Anonymous
2 months ago
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Speaking of LEO dogs...want to hear some irony? Our local sheriff's department has a dog named Marley who is assigned to busting drug houses. I have to wonder if his first name is Bob!
Now that's HILARIOUS!!! That is ironic, though....
LOL Good credentials.
Anonymous
Anonymous
2 months ago
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I like 'em all. It depends on your space and abilities to control them I guess. Many small dogs are quite protective, while some large ones will let a burglar carry off the household with no problem. I had a dobe who could hardly be controlled when he got excited, even with a "tooth" collar. I know some think those are cruel, but he would come to get it put on when he wanted to roll. Even with that, he would just tighten up his neck muscles and go to town, taking his human along with him, but a lot slower than he would have unrestrained. Without that collar, he would have been an impossible handful. He was behaved otherwise. It's just the idea of a walk, or a ride in the car would get him going. He was law enforcement trained, so he was a lot like those trained police dogs you see on TV who just can't keep from standing on their hind legs and going after the "bad guys" speaking about it the whole time. It still reminds me of his spirit when I see an eager LEO canine at work. I do think small ones are easier to keep out in society since even a well-trained larger dog should be supervised closely due to their power.
You know....that's odd that you mention that about some small dogs being great protectors, and some large dogs aren't such great 'guardians'. My Kelsie and her furcousin, Max are PERFECT examples of that statement. Kelsie REFUSES to let anyone even play smack me....she'll nab them in a mintue. But Max, on the other hand, LOVES everyone and his dad's house has been broken in to TWICE and both times he let the assailant in...as long as they fed him cheese! Kelsie would've had 'em.....

You also make a good point about a person's comfort level in managing a dog, big or small....not everyone's geared up for handling a large dog, nor a small dog....and THANK GOODNESS FOR THAT!!!! That way all dogs of all sizes can have a place in this world with a family....
I have had both.I like large dogs better.They protect you from leaves.I never have to worry about wandering in the woods with Kota.Although Flip is a protecter too:).
Oh, Kelsie does a fine job of protecting me from those horrible leaves, too! LOL Also birds & bunnies, too! You're too much!!! You crack me up!!!

Oh, and hey, I didn't KNOW you were a Celt, too!?! That's cool!!!
BIG DOGS!!!!!! That's just because that's what I have in my life now. I have them for protection. It's an intimidation thing. 100 lbs of barking dogs is more intimidating then 30 lbs.lol Nobody can come close to the place without my two letting me know. BUT, I grew up with med/small dogs and loved them too.
That's funny....poor pizza delivery boy probably has a complex! LOL That would be intimidating, though!

Uh oh, jsut realized I commented on the wrong one! OOPS! LOL
AH, so you've had experience with both....but you prefer the large furkids. I do understand your reasoning behind having a larger furbaby. I do know that my little 16 lb. furball with LOTS of personality, probably would make a stranger think twice with her size like your baby would! Although, I do know she would defend me in a heartbeat....
JOMAMA1
JOMAMA1
2 months ago
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LARGE DOG -
JOMAMA1
JOMAMA1
2 months ago
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Oops...here is the rest of it!!
I love all dogs.Big or small they are all unique,and wonderful!All of my dogs have their own personalities and quirks,too.Some will sneak food or toys, some won't.Some keep to the rules like the gospel, and some will test them every so often!Here are just a few of my experiences with them!



BIG DOG PROS- are good,fun exercise,most like to play vigorously,enjoy hiking and can keep up,amazingly kids always finish their dinner with them around,like to cuddle and add extra warmth during cold spells,always on best behavior for a treat or car ride,like to nap with you,give a sense of security out on walks,bark when doorbell rings,can scare off people,bring the newspaper :),dig great holes for plants!

CONS-bed hogs,can scare people away with size,prefers toilet bowl over water bowl,gets toilet seat wet after drinking from it,eat a ton,bigger land mines,hard to relocate because yard size is an issue,can break and knock things over with bionic,wagging tails,can dig up plants and create a crater in 10 minutes or less!

LITTLE DOG PROS- can almost take anywhere,cannot drink from toilet or knock over trash,cuddle nicely,always enough room on bed,chair or sofa,mysteriously hold power and govern over other dogs and cats:),eat less,make smaller poo,make cute nests for themselves in blankets and laundry baskets,accessories are cheaper,can live comfortably in smaller home or yard,easier to handle,bark to let you know someone is outside,the mail has been delivered,crickets are chirping,or that trees are making shade!

CONS- farts are as noxious as the big dogs,can become an irrational,territorial,ego-maniac dictator over house,toys,people or sofa,go on search and destroy missions for lost socks and panties,bury treats in sofa and laundy baskets,and they disrespect the table rule when they think you are not at home to see it,some steal toys and food -in the slyest of ways-from sweet,unsuspecting children!
I can't resist ... I just cannot resist ... think of the Goldilocks and the 3 Bears story ...

This dog's tooooo big!

This dog's tooooo small!

This Medium Dog is Just Right!!!!

LOL! Wiggles Blue Heeler LOVES to be picked up and carried (actually, "carried" is more like "rocked" in my arms, and he loves it when I play music and rock him!), but I've always had a "strong back and weak mind," so his almost fifty pounds is effortless!

All those years of having horses, I've picked up two bales of hay, two full five-gallon buckets, two of things, even though they were twice as heavy, because it's easier to carry things one in each hand and be balanced. I've staggered a bit with two nice, heavy bales of alfalfa hay, but it CAN be done!!!

Have carried a 90-pound Husky a couple of times, but not very far!!!
LOL...Those pros and cons are so true and yet so FUNNY!!!  I do have a small furkid who has her own 'method' of knocking over the trash can, though.  She has also learned how to open the lid on the trash can!  I have a little Puggle that can get into or do just about anything....she's very persistant.  Kelsie (my Puggle) can: Open doors, climb in the window sills, hide shoes, take off with cell phones, climbs up on coffee tables, and steals sips of drinks, and can demolish a freshly cleaned and organized room in minutes.  She's VERY ornery!  It's amazing what they get into...I've also seen some handy work of the big dogs...sheesh! 
Short, sweet & to the point! LARGE DOGS, only, huh?
JOMAMA1
JOMAMA1
2 months ago
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No,I just goofed up and the rest was erased and I had to go back to rewrite!!I like all dogs,but the smaller the dog the cheaper the bills and they are easier to manage,it seems.We have large and medium dogs and one chihuahua.Let me tell you,he is THE boss!
That's TOO FUNNY!!! The Chihuahua runs the 'show'!

Well, in Kelsie's aunt Sandy's crew, the only girl she has bosses everyone...funny sometimes which ones run the pack, huh?
If you had asked me 10 years ago I would have said "Big dog!"... well, actually, I would have said "Cat".... but that's another story. I certainly appreciate the safety factor and all my experiences with big and medium sized dogs have been good. On the other hand my aunt's small dogs were nasty little things, snapping and growling at everyone. But then Lola adopted me, my first dog, and she was tiny and an adorable baby. As it turned out, from volunteering, I learned I can't control big dogs. Neither one of us would be safe if I was walking a big dog. And if it were sick or injured I would never be able to get it up or down steps, in the car, or anyplace else.

So thru necessity and an excellent example of small dogdom, small dogs are my "favorite" now... or at least the size I can live with.
CAT! THAT'S TOO FUNNY!
Thanks. I was remembering as I was writing, at that time I was admiring cat's independent attitude and feeling like dogs were too desperately needy. ( Which really means I hadn't run into any dogs that desperately needed ME.) :-)
Cassie3
Cassie3
2 months ago
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Cheryl, I agree with Rachel. Your few words said it so well. It's nice to be needed...
Oh, Cheryl....that's an amazing comment you just posted....I love it 'You hadn't met a dog that desperately need you'. Oh boy, that one nearly stopped my heart... I love it!!!! ^_^
Cassie3
Cassie3
2 months ago
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Your cat comment is so funny! You got it right. If you're going to buy a big SUV, then you'd better know how to drive one. If you're going to get a big dog, you'd better develop some muscle! Man, my left arm is in terrific shape now that I have to walk two German Shepherds. (I have them on a coupler.) I lifted a tire the other day from the ground into a trunk and my brother-in-law was very surprised. LOL
Between my age and arthritis I have no big dog options anymore.... unless they carry me around!
Anonymous
Anonymous
2 months ago
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Now that's funny and quite the visual!!!! Carry you around like Cleopatra Cheryl !!!
Yes, that's exactly what I had in mind! :-)