Before you start searching for a canine, they usually have a good idea about the type of canine they want. Every type of dog needs the same care, there are distinctions between each of the different sizes that will affect you, your home and your family.

Photo: smalldogrescue.com

Sometimes, large K-9s get a bad rap. Even though most of the time we think of large K-9s as destructive and full of energy, this is not always the case. In fact, a lot of the large breeds, especially the giant ones, are some of the well behaved dogs. Very large breeds like the Newfoundlands, mastiffs, and Saint Bernards can be a handful while they’re puppies-like any canine, but once they hit adulthood, they tend to settle down. As for their level of energy, some of these giant dogs are more appropriate for apartment living than small and spunky terriers. They are usually satisfied with a walk once a day and maybe a couple of games of fetch. Most of them love to cuddle and are content to hang out by your chair while you are watching TV. In fact, they are want-to-be lap dogs because they love to lay their head on your lap all day.

Still, giant breeds are not always the easiest. Think about Saint Bernards-they always slobber, and they have many needs because they are big. This gets expensive fast because large K-9s eat a lot of treats. Also, as they grow, you will need bigger accessories, crates, toys, grooming and kenneling, so the price will increase too. These big dogs are also more likely to have health problems. Among common problems are hip dysplasia and joint and arthritic disorders. If a large breed is not bred carefully, it can be a liability because they carry a great deal of weight.

Medium to large dogs have characteristics of their own, as well as some of the disadvantages and advantages of large dogs. Golden retrievers, German shepherds, Border collies, and Labrador retrievers all share similar qualities. They are mostly active, they like running and jumping, fetching, and lots of other canine activities. These are the perfect K-9s for someone who enjoys canine sports and a vigorous recreational life. While these K-9s vary in energy level and individual temperament, they make good hiking and sporting companions. When they are a little older, they tend to mellow out and become great house K-9s.

Small breeds are believed to be the best companions. They can fit into any car and boat, and they can even ride with their owners on most planes, if the crate is small enough to fit under the seat. That is why many frequent fliers prefer tiny dogs. Generally, small dogs are the most convenient of all K-9s-they can be put into a portable dog carrier. At the same time, their small size makes them more vulnerable to people and other animals. A simple step would have little to no effect on a standard poodle, at all, while it could kill a small 4-pound Chihuahua.

Small dogs are usually believed to be the best for apartment living and ideal companions for the elderly. This is usually true, but in reality, many of the smaller breeds are just big dogs in small bodies. Usually, terriers are small, but they’re intelligent and active, and they’re headstrong, and they have strong predatory drives. If you want an easy to raise dog and a sleeper, this is not the right dog for you.

Many small breeds do well in apartments and with seniors. A walk or two per day is good enough for them. A sedentary lifestyle is perfect for the small companion dogs. That’s the environment that they’ve been bred for centuries for. Since they are smaller, crates and food bowls will take up less space; and it’s easier to clean up after them. Also, it’s less expensive to maintain them-cheaper accessories, and less grooming costs. However, small dogs do have some veterinary problems that the large dogs don’t-for example, dental. Treatment can also be a larger risk, because they are more sensitive to anesthesia.

For more information please visit http://www.animalshelter.org

Sara is the lead writer for the Animal Shelter The Animal Shelter is a national organization dedicated to improving the lives of animals everywhere. We offer a variety of services which include a pet search and a veterinary directory at no charge for both the private citizen and animal shelters