Does size matter?

When looking for a dog many people have a size in mind they want. I hear things like "Our yard is small so we need a small dog." Or, "Big dogs are too destructive." The truth is, size is relatively unimportant in finding a good match for your home and life style, and many people have been disappointed because they assumed smaller meant easier.

A small dog will need excises regularly just as a bigger dog. So if you are getting a Schnauzer to avoid having to walk it you are in for a big surprise! More than size, look for energy level. In every litter you will have the most energetic pup down to the least. Yes, some breeds are more high energy in general, but even among Border Collies you have high and lower energies in the pack.

Figure out what your family is. Do you have the time a commitment to spend 60 minutes before work taking the dog on a good long run? If not, that high energy playful puppy may not be the dog for you. Do you want a dog who can keep pace and hike with you on weekends? If so, than a 10 year old lab who enjoys a leisurely stroll is not the right fit. Before you decide on a size decide on an energy. Be completely honest with yourself. If you have never gotten up at 5am to go jogging before, don't assume that the moment the new dog arrives you'll be ready to do it everyday for 10 years.

Also, don't let your yard or house size fool you. A Grate Dane will often be a better apartment dog than a Jack Russell because of the different energy levels commonly associated with those breeds. And a small toy poodle can be every bit as destructive as a lab or more so!

Don't rush in. Take an "energy evaluation" of yourself and family. Research breeds, and be ready to ask for help when and if you need it. A dog is a lifetime commitment. So often I hear "We had a dog, but it didn't work out." When in reality what happened is someone didn't do their home work, and didn't have the commitment to making it work. Shelters are full of these dogs. Please don't add one more.