It’s time to put an end to the ultimate face-off of big dogs vs small dogs. Which size is objectively better? Which personality traits of big dogs or small dogs give them the furry leg up? And who deserves to wear the crown and put the big dog vs small dogs debate to rest?
Alright, you guessed it: we’re totally kidding. Big dogs and small dogs each have their own amazing quirks and qualities that make them loveable and unique. There can be no objective winner, because they’re both incredible in their own way. And our only hope is that by the end of this article, you’ll agree: both big dogs and small dogs deserve the title of the best companions we humans could have ever asked for.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the reasons we love big and little doggos!
Big Dogs Vs Small Dogs: Adventure
Point for big dogs: they’re great exercise buddies
If you’re an avid runner, hiker, or all-around adventurist, a big dog is your ideal companion. Thanks to their longer legs and larger lung capacity, big dogs are able to keep up more easily. Plus, many large dogs have a working background, such as hunting, farming, or cart-pulling, so don’t be surprised if they’ve still got energy reserves when you’re ready to call it a day.
That said, don’t rule out little dogs completely. Some small dogs, especially terriers and small hounds, were once bred to outrun bigger dogs. With some athletic training, the right small dog can surely keep up with your outdoor adventures.
Remember that all dogs, regardless of size, need some daily exercise. Both small dogs and big ones will love a visit from their trusted Dog Walker.
Point for small dogs: they’re great travel buddies
Whether it’s on an airplane or the back of a camper van, small dogs are much easier to transport. And that’s a huge advantage if you’re looking to see more of the world with your canine companion at your side. Small dogs can make great road trip buddies, and they tend to be accepted at more hotels and restaurants than bigger doggos.
Big dogs vs small dogs: The Cuddle Factor
Point for large furbabies: they’re like huge teddy bears
There’s nothing quite like a cuddle with a big fluffy pupper. Whether you’re sharing the couch with a Golden Retriever or napping alongside an affectionate Boxer, big dogs can be masters of cuddling. Who needs a weighted blanket when you can have a 30kg dog to keep you warm?
Of course, not all big dogs are happy to play the role of living teddy bear. If you want a cuddly pupper, you’ll want to seek out the more affection breeds, like Bernese Mountain Dogs or Newfies.
Point for the little’uns: they’re ideal lap warmers
Maybe you want all of the love of a gentle giant in a convenient lap-sized pupper? That’s the benefit of a little dog. Many small dogs were bred specifically to be sweet little side-kicks to royalty. So, they’ll gladly sit on your lap through your movie marathons or work-from-home meetings.
The key is to opt for a small dog with a background in lap lounging. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Maltese are wonderfully calm little dogs who will be happy to cuddle up.
Big Dogs vs Small Dogs: Puppy-like Cuteness
Point for giant pooches: they tend to be puppies for longer
It takes a large dog breed anywhere from 9 to 18 months to enter their adult phase. After all, those big bones need plenty of time to grow!
That means you’ll enjoy up to a year and a half of the joys and challenges that come with having a puppy. And, it will also mean more opportunities for adorable puppy pictures.
Point for pint-sized puppers: they’re puppy-sized for life
Compared to the big dogs, small dogs speed through puppyhood. By the time that many big dogs enter the adolescent phase, small dogs have already settled into adulthood.
But not to worry, because small dogs never lose that cute puppy look. In fact, many little doggos were bred exactly for the purpose of looking adorable their whole lives. It’s like having a forever puppy, but hopefully without the indoor potty accidents.
Big Dogs vs Small Dogs: Intelligence
Point for big dogs: Bigger brains might mean better executive functioning
For years, neuroscientists have wondered what makes a certain animal intelligent. Is it brain size? Brain-to-body ratio? Or should we be looking at the number of neurons or neural pathways?
Based on a study from the University of Arizona, dog intelligence may come down to brain size, after all. By collecting data from Dog Owners all over the United States, they found that big dogs tended to excel at short-term memory and self control tests. Exactly why this may be true is still a mystery. However, it shows that big dogs probably have the upper paw when it comes to executive functioning.
Point for small dogs: There are many different kinds of intelligence
Hold on a minute, brainy big dogs. The scientific community hasn’t concluded, once and for all, that big dogs are smarter. In fact, that same study found that small dogs performed equally well in tests of social intelligence and inferential reasoning.
Here’s another reason to hold off on handing the big dogs the grey matter crown: the study was based on participant submitted data. Without more controlled scientific studies, we simply can’t say that small dogs aren’t secretly the most intelligent beings in the universe.
Personality Comparison
In all honesty, there’s no way to compare the personality of big dogs vs small dogs. That’s because there’s huge variety in both groups. Some big dogs make excellent watch dogs. Others don’t have a protective bone in their body. Some little dogs are wonderful with children. Others are quite cranky. As you can see, dog breeds and individual dogs can vary in terms of affection, independence, how much they bark, trainability, and much more.
And true, small dogs can suffer from Small Dog Syndrome. But with proper training and socialisation, little puppers can be just as calm and polite as their big canine cousins. On the flip side, big dogs can sometimes adopt not-so-nice qualities when they haven’t been properly trained. And in many cases, a Dog Owner can affect their pup’s personality with training, exercise, the ideal environment, and of course, plenty of love.
The Final Word
There’s no denying it: both big dogs and small dogs are the winner. And so are we! Dog Owners get to spend our lives with tiny terriers, hefty hunting dogs, and pups of all shapes and sizes.
Whether you own a small dog or a big dog, chances are, you feel like your pup is the best in the world. And you’re right! The big dogs vs small dogs debate only goes to show how great all dogs really are.
