Big dogs really don’t deserve big, bad rap

October 9, 2003

Callie, an avid dog lover, asked me to discuss the myths associated with big dogs. She feels big dogs get the short end of the stick when it comes to adoption. Callie is right, big dogs are the most difficult to place in new homes. Unfortunately, there is a stigma attached to big dogs that isn’t deserved.

Have you seen a person run from a big dog, but not a little one? People tend to think that little dogs are less aggressive and safer with children. At the risk of alienating all little dog owners, terriers and Chihuahuas often have more attitude than most big breeds I know. I characterize them as “scrappy” little fellas. If there is a dispute between a little and large dog, you can bet that the little dog started it.

Dogs come in all sizes, personalities, and temperament. Just because a dog is large, doesn’t mean he is dangerous or damaging to the household. Great Danes are some of the most lovable lap dogs you’ll ever meet. They are quick to lie on the couch, if permitted, or try to climb into bed with you. There is something wonderful about hugging a large canine in a way that you cannot hug a small one.

People also characterize big dogs as “outside dogs” and small ones as “inside dogs.” Both sizes have the same needs for security, confidence, affection and care. Dogs gain confidence through their “pack,” which includes their human family. When one dog is outside and another inside, it destroys the confidence of the outside dog who only wants to be a part of his larger pack. Other than needing a little more food, water, and larger heartworm pills, the care between a big and small dog is about the same.

It’s unusual to see a Pekinese tied on a chain. Lucky for them, they seem to escape that fate. Some people say that their big dogs are too dirty to live inside when, in fact, they are dirty because they live outside! Dogs that are destructive are usually bored. If they’re bored inside, they will be more bored outside and may become barkers, listless, or aggressive when they are forced to live alone. My heart breaks when I see a dog whose life is spent in the yard. It’s not a happy, quality life for a pack animal who only wants to be with others.

There are some differences between small and large breeds, however. Large dogs tend to have shorter life spans than smaller dogs. For example, a Great Dane’s average life span is eight years whereas a Yorkshire terrier could live well into his teens. Purebred large breeds are prone to hip dysplasia problems if the breeders are not attentive to genetics. Quality breeders will have their dogs certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFC) to guarantee that neither the mother nor father have dysplasia problems. Small dogs can suffer from their own ailments such as a collapsed trachea, which is common in toy breeds.

- Laura Maloney