Most large dogs don't startle as quickly as small ones, which is why so many large breeds are recommended for children. I think their size makes them more secure. One major disadvantage is that the bigger the puppy, the bigger the OOPS! Any puppy chews, but a giant breed pup can demolish a piece of furniture rather quickly. One of our six month olds thought the best toy in the world was our eight-foot couch. She dragged it around the family room! Do you know what a couch frame looks like??? We do!! The bigger the puppy, the bigger the chew. And my definition of housebreaking a giant breed pup is "Sump pump, gas mask and shovel." As I said, the bigger the puppy, the bigger the "OOPS"!!

Lynne Rutenberg
Newfoundland owner/breeder

I'll have a go at this one, since I have all sizes, from a 12 lb Peke to a 75 lb Redbone.

Small dogs cost less, are easier to travel with, and need less space and exercise. Some small dogs are very delicate and can be easily hurt, even in play. One thing about small dogs, especially puppies, is they can become hypoglycemic very easily. They have to eat very frequent, small meals. Large dogs are expensive in terms of vet bills. For procedures such as spaying and neutering, my vet charges by the pound. Big dogs cost more to feed. About the space and exercise requirements, they vary with the breed. My Irish Setter and Coonhound need a lot of exercise. I think most of the giant breeds, and Greyhounds, can get by with very little exercise.

Lana White
Owner of Pekingese, Irish Setter, and Redbone Coonhound

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I'm new to the group, but having a small dog (3 lb Yorkie) I hope it's ok for a newbie to jump in.

My wife and daughter both have allergies, so before we got our dog, we did a lot of research, found a lot of conflicting material, and came to the conclusion that some small breeds are better on allergies not only because of coat, but because of size as well. Less dander, less shedding, and easier to bathe, so it doesn't become a hated chore

Pete Shambo
Yorkshire Terrier owner

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I have a borzoi and two of the things I especially like about her size are: 1) Although she has a timid personality, her size is a deterrent to potential wrongdoers. I believe I have protection without liability. 2) I don't have to bend at all to pet her or put on her leash -- she's very convenient that way!

On the down side is: 1) Expense: everything costs more at the vet; she eats more food; XL items like raincoats cost more; uses more shampoo, etc. 2) More cleanup: more bedding, bigger poops. 3) Takes up most of the back seat in the car and it is really hard to share a sleeping bag when we go camping! Bigger dogs tend to have shorter lifespans than smaller dogs but whether or not that is an advantage or disadvantage depends on the individual dog.

Shirley Davis
Borzoi owner

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Size really does not matter--training does!

Rita Thatcher
Belgian Tervuren owner/breeder

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