When choosing a dog, one factor many people consider is the size the dog will be as an adult. It is certainly sensible to think about this in advance.
Dogs are powerful animals. I once read that the average dog can pull double its weight. I don’t know if this is scientifically exact, but it’s a good guide. Some dogs are stronger than average.
The relative weight of the dog to its human is definitely something to take into account, especially if you are small and slim or if you have issues such as arthritis in your hands, a permanent shoulder injury, fragile bones, or mobility or balance challenges. Large, powerful dogs that lunge or chase impulsively can put their human at the end of the leash at risk of serious injury. The dog itself is also at risk if it takes off after a deer and gets lost, or if it bolts toward a cat or squirrel across the road and runs into traffic.
👉 As a rough guide: if you have issues that make physically controlling a powerful dog difficult, look for a dog whose adult weight will be less than half your own weight.
Dogs Need Exercise
Another factor to consider is exercise requirements — and this is where things get more complicated. Many people assume that the larger the dog, the more exercise it needs. This is not always the case.
There are large-breed dogs that are known to be couch potatoes. Great Danes, for example, are one of them! Greyhounds and Whippets are bred for racing, but they are sprinters, not marathon runners, and often need much less exercise than people assume.
On the other hand, many small dogs — such as Terriers — actually require more exercise than some large dogs because of the purpose they were bred for.
👉 If you want a dog that requires minimal walks and exercise, research what the dog was originally designed to do.
Temperament Is Related to Function, Not Size
This brings us to temperament. If you are looking for a small dog because you assume it will be easier to handle and have fewer exercise requirements, it’s important to understand what your chosen breed was originally bred to do.
Some small dogs were designed to be lapdogs and companions — exactly what many people are looking for. But others, like Terriers, are a completely different story.
Terriers may be small and adorable, but they are feisty, independent, high-energy hunting dogs. They were bred to work on their own, and as a result:
- They often have strong, stubborn personalities
- They don’t always look to humans for guidance
- They can be very predatory
- They are difficult to train without consistency
- They usually need a lot of exercise
👉 If you want an easy-going, trainable temperament, look for breeds that were bred to be companions rather than hunters.
So, Are Small Dogs Easier than Large Dogs?
The honest answer is: it depends.
- Physically: yes, smaller dogs are easier to manage if you have limited strength or mobility.
- Exercise, training, and personality: not necessarily.
I’ve had clients with physical limitations who found their perfect small dog match. But I’ve also worked with people whose small dogs turned out to be far too much for them, leading to difficult compromises.
If a small, easygoing dog is realistically the best choice for you, that’s perfectly fine — there is a dog out there for you.
But remember: small does not always mean easy.
Looking for Dog Training in Ladysmith, British Columbia, or Nearby?
We Can Help! At Canine Companions, we offer Group Dog Training Classes that provide a fun and supportive environment for your dog to learn essential skills while socializing with other dogs and people. These classes are ideal for building your dog’s confidence and improving obedience in a real-world setting. Learn more about our classes here!
If you’re dealing with specific challenges, our Private Dog Training Sessions are a fantastic option. These one-on-one lessons allow us to create a customized training plan tailored to your goals and your dog’s unique needs. Whether it’s addressing problem behaviors or mastering advanced skills, private sessions offer focused attention and faster progress.
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