They say there are
two types of people: those that love big dogs and those that love little dogs.
Okay, that’s probably an over-simplification. Most of us love all dogs, but
most of us have a preference when it comes to size. For those of us that have a
penchant for the bigger breeds, you’ve heard and seen it all before. Here are
11 things you can definitely relate to.
1. They start small, but they grow fast.
Fast is an
understatement. All dogs begin as puppies, but big dogs don’t stay little
forever. They may be soft, squishy little pups in the beginning, but they grow
to be massive. One night you’ll have a little guy tucked between your legs, the
next morning you’ll wake up with a dog taking up half the bed. How did that
happen? Big dogs like loads of food (we’ll get to that later…) and they grow
quickly.
2. Clear the table.
Just by nature of
their size, big dog breeds tend to stand taller. So their tales are at the
perfect height to “clear the table” of anything not nailed down. One minute
you’re enjoying a glass of wine. The next – Gus has bound through wagging his
tail and knocking your glass clear off the table. This is why I like dark
carpet. It hides the stains better.
The cartoon strip
was first published in 1954 and the movie debuted in 2010, and it’s what’s most
people think of when they see a big dog. Your dog might not be a Great Dane,
but if it’s a large breed, you’ve probably heard someone calling on the classic
comic or even the Clifford book series. Take it as a compliment. Big dogs = Big
love!
4. They need constant exercise. Or do they?
This isn’t always
true. The larger size doesn’t necessarily equate to longer walks. The dogs that
need the most exercise are the dogs with the most energy – some may call them
hyper. Not all big dogs need hours of play and fetch. In fact, some big breeds,
like Great Danes, were bred to be watchdogs, sitting outside an estate, waiting
for an intruder. They’re comfortable sitting by the window and monitoring
outside activity.
5. Big pups know how to snuggle with the best of them.
That’s one of the
best things about owning a big breed. They make excellent cuddlers. These big
boys and girls aren’t necessarily aware that they may weigh more than you do,
so they take a seat right on your lap. What’s better than having a big body
keeping you warm during the winter months? Nothing!
6. Monthly food bills aren’t on the little side.
No way around this
one. By virtue of size alone, bigger pups eat more than their smaller
counterparts. That means larger portions of kibble and chews. They go through
treats faster and a 25-pound bag of food won’t last nearly as long as it would
for a Yorkie. But it’s worth the extra cash when you get that slobbering grin.
7. Big dogs make big moves in the bathroom.
Facts are facts.
Big dogs have big bowel movements. More food goes in, so more must come out.
Nothing dainty about it. You might even need two bags for the clean up. Maybe a
shovel? It’s just the cost of doing business.
8. Sometimes they’re the ones taking you for a walk.
Yes, a Mastiff can
weigh up to 230 pounds, but that doesn’t mean he’s in charge when you’re
cruising down the sidewalk. Nevertheless, the bigger breeds may tug at the leash
when they see a squirrel scamper down the way. But as you know, a big dog is
just as easily trained as a small one. With patience and repetition, big breeds
can be taught to walk properly on a leash. If not, be ready to hold on and
enjoy the ride.
9. The usual question: is your dog friendly?
Bigger breeds can
be intimidating. But if you’ve got one at home, you know that these bigger pups
are gentle giants. They snuggle with little babies and give sloppy kisses just
as much as a Bichon Frise. It’s part of their charm. You can trust them with
your small children because these dogs can be very accepting of the little
ones’ curiosity. Of course, kids must learn to treat their beloved pups with
respect, but bigger dogs are known to have a great deal patience.
10. The kitchen is no longer a safe space.
You’ve probably
made this mistake once or twice and forgotten that your long-legged friend can
easily reach the kitchen table or countertop. That makes it pretty easy for
your pup to swipe a chicken leg or a piece of cheese pizza. All’s fair in love
and turkey – but remember to keep grapes and chocolate out of their reach.
11. Toys don’t have a long shelf life.
One tennis ball
just won’t fly with the big breeds. You need to stock up on sturdy rope toys
that won’t unravel with a few tugs from your dog’s chompers. You’re constantly
replacing toys because extra large teeth and powerful jaws are quick to destroy
them. No small Kong toy for your precious pup, check out these extreme chew
toys for your big bruiser.
The next time
someone comments on the size of your best friend, remember that big dogs are
boss. They may be large, but that’s more fur and body weight for you to love.
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