Size Matters! Dog Adoption, Small Dogs

"A French Bull Dog Poses for the Camera"
Photo by Graham Holtshausen on Unsplash

WOOF! Barkingly, an impawtant aspect of adopting a dog is its size and grouping. Despite what you hear or have read, size matters! It matters quite a bit. From small to extra large, it’s impawtant to take size as a serious factor and discuss with everyone who will be caring for the dog before you go any further. After you have considered the time and lifestyle you have to devote to a dog, size, breed, and grouping are important.

Grouping? Woof! Yes, along with size, you should take into consideration the American Kennel Club’s grouping of the breed(s) you are interested in adopting. The reason for this is simple. Dogs were bred for a specific job or reason, such as sporting or hunting or even, yes, toys. If you want a dog to be a companion without all the high energy of another breed, you need to decide that early and be aware of it when you look. A mixed breed, which is what I am, a handsome debonair Plott Hound/Black Labrador Retriever, are excellent dogs because you can get the best qualities of the different breeds.

Small Dogs. Small dog breeds include Boston Terrier, Chihuahua, Dachshund, Jack Russell Terrier, Maltese, Miniature Pinscher, Miniature Schnauzer, Pekingese, Pomeranian, Poodle, Pug, and Rat Terrier, just to name a few.

Barkingly, with small dogs, you definitely have more portability available to you than the larger breeds! Paws, you can take them easily in any car and go almost anywhere with little consideration or concern except that you fasten your dog's seatbelt, or pawssibly in this case, place them in a car seat. And, NEVER, let the dog ride in the front of the car- should an airbag deploy, it could lead to major problems.

These dogs will fit in your purse, slip inside your coat, backpack, or a grocery bag. Woofingly, you’ll be able to take him more places than you expect or you could with a large dog. For me, it’s more like I try to hide my human but then…. woof.

Another cool quality about the small breeds is the nature of the “business” the dog creates. Barks, the size of the dog's business can range from small to almost a medium size. You’ll be able to easily pick it up and get rid of it much quicker than with the larger breeds.

Woofs, a few disadvantages to the small breeds are some of them are constant barkers which are commonly called “yappers” among humans. They bark at every noise, every little thing, and sometimes don’t seem to stop until you are completely crazy!! Also, they are trippers!! They run around your legs which could cause you to stumble and trip. These are challenges you should consider before adopting a smaller breed.

A great factor with the small breeds, barks, paws, if you live in a condominium or townhouse or small home and don’t have a lot of room, and must have a dog, a small dog is great for that type of space. WOOFS! They don’t require much room. For them, a good size family room is a great large humongous space to explore and play while for someone like me, there’s not that much room to move around! Woof!

Barkingly, the expenses related to smaller dogs are usually less too. Smaller amounts of food, less water, and smaller accessories like collars and clothes, if you should want or need them. 

Barksters, a small dog can be as great a friend or companion as a medium or large one, it depends on you and your immediate family, not me or someone outside who may think they know it all.

Of course, to be successful with your new pup, you should thoroughly research the breeds which interest you. Should you go the rescue dog route, adopting from a rescue organization or shelter, which is often the best, knowing about specific small breeds will benefit your selection.