What is your preference?

[Carrie]

I know there are some of us who have only larger sized dogs and some who have only small, toy or terrier type breeds. A few have both. For example, I have a Doberman Pinscher and two Chihuahuas, quite an extreme in size.

Some of us have had various dogs in the past. What I'm wondering is how many have a strong propensity toward only wanting or having medium to large dogs and how many are only into small dogs and how many like, or would like to have both large and small. Would you like to have large and small breeds together at the same time or wait until a later time in your life to make the switch to one or the other?

Be advised that this is a public poll and other viewers can see the choice/choices you selected.

[TinyAlbinoDancer]

I've always thought I have a propensity towards large dogs-- they're just amazing looking! But after having Missie for 7 years and not having much contact with larger dogs, I find myself annoyed by larger dogs. They're so... messy! Some drool, and if they lick it's disgustingly wet and much (I can't stand the licking anyway. Missie can give me quick licks and that's ok). And their dirty when you pet them (because all the ones I know are outdoors almost all the time), so the hair and dirt get all over your pants, and then you can't wear those pants again... lol I sound like a total priss, but that really is how I look at it.

However, my desire for future dogs is all big dogs. My dream dogs are a black Great Dane (licking... ugh) and a Greyhound. My further thought is my dogs will never be as dirty as everyone else's I know (seeing as they'll be primarily indoors), and the rest I'll adapt to, having my own home where everything will be easily cleanable. Idealistic? Maybe. lol

So, in short, my propensity currently would be based solely on what I have right now. My desired propensity would be (and will be) different. Oh, and I'd have large and small together. Makes life more interesting. lol!

[TribalRats]

For now I have smaller dogs however we would like to add a big dog some day.

[Cassiepeia]

I'll always have a Chihuahua around if I can, but really I prefer large dogs. I grew up with them and I miss them dearly.

Cass.

[tessa_s212]

Medium-Large dogs all the way, baby! So much funner to handle in agility, IMO.

[chocolatecoffee]

I've actually been thinking about this lately.

I find that a lot of the time, there's a split between large dog and small dog owners. I currently own three dogs because I still live at home and that's what my family wants, but I love all dogs, big and small. I absolutely love American Pit Bull Terriers and Doberman Pinschers, but I also love my little guys.

I was on a forum specifically for small dogs before, and there was a post about a possible pit bull ban. I am against all types of BSL, as most people here are, but I found that everyone else who posted was against any sort of "pit bull", and referred to them as "beasts" and that "they didn't care if they were all loaded up and destroyed". I couldn't believe it!

I have also talked to some large dog owners, who make negative comments about small dogs. Apparently they feel that small dogs get away with much more than large dogs, and many people find it funny when a small dog misbehaves, when a large dog would be punished and labelled "vicious."

I'm attached to small dogs and big dogs alike, and if my living situation allowed it, I'd like to own both. There are certain things I love about big dogs, certain things I love about medium dogs, and certain things I love about small dogs. I think there are people that own dogs in each group that make a bad name for that group. Unfortunately, it's much more serious with the larger breeds.

Anyways, after all that, I picked "Already have or would like to have both together at the same time".

[rottnpagan]

I'm a big dog person, smallest we ever had was a springer.

Personally, I'm of the opinion that any dog that weighs less than 30lbs is just a cat that barks.

[calgal]

When I was much younger I had mostly large dogs.....wolf/GSD, black lab, GSD, Husky and even later in years had a Rottie. When I found myself a senior citizen, I also found that I had just a small dog, which was much easier on me and easier to travel with since we finally get to travel a lot more. I'm so used to the little dogs now, that when my sons come to visit with their big guys it takes me a couple of days to actually adjust to them, and by the time they leave I'm thankful I have only tiny ones. Age plays a big part for most of us. It's kind of like having kids........you do excellent raising little ones when your young, but it's much more difficult to take care of little kids or babies when your old.

[golden_k9s]

i've always owned larger breeds--golden retrievers and setters. i definitely consider myself a "big dog person", but i think it would be fun to have a little chihuahua around for a little while. lets just say i had to buy another dog tomorrow... i would have to choose the newfoundland.

[Spike]

I'm definitely a big/medium dog person. Small dogs and me do not agree. To each their own.
My biggest problem isn't actually the dogs themselves, but how they are trained, or not trained. I have seen way too many people let their small dogs get away with anything, just because of their size.

Side story, somewhat related: I saw a lady at the mall the other day, with a small dog in her purse/bag/arms. In any case, she had her dog with her, in the mall, which is against the rules, but hey, it's small right? I'm watching her to see if she's actually watching the dog, she isn't. Dog poops on floor of mall. Woman sees it, picks up dog and leaves. Doesn't pick up the mess or anything. I call to her, but she doesn't turn back. I couldn't believe it. I bet the janitor was thrilled to clean that up...

[Cassiepeia]

Originally Posted by rottnpagan

I'm a big dog person, smallest we ever had was a springer.

Personally, I'm of the opinion that any dog that weighs less than 30lbs is just a cat that barks.

My 5lb Chihuahua would like to bite you on the ankle for that comment. But he has no teeth so has asked me to do it for him. **bites rottnpagan on the ankle**

Please, no rude comments about dogs of different sizes. I know it was meant in jest, but no one likes their furbabies being teased and I do not want to see this thing turn into a debate.

Cass.

[PawNclaws]

I like both- we have large, med, and small(blackie the smallest(8lbs), Aj is med(weighs 32lbs), and our Labs(67lbs to 80lbs). I love both and I chose option 4(have both or would like to have both at the same time(or some thing like that). When I move out and I'm financaly stable , I'm going to have Labradors no doubt then either a chow, Irish setter, or Brittany Spaniel. Then I want to adopt (from the shelter) a smaller dog. I perfer showing large/med. breeds so my Lab and either one of the three will be well-bred show dogs, along with being active in side activities such as hunting/hunt test for the sporting or OB/Agility for non-sporting.

[linnie]

I love all dogs regardless of size but I voted for smaller breed because I love having my animals with me all the time and its easier to take little ones wherever you go
They also take up less space in the bed ( I think)

[Carrie]

I always use to be a big dog person and was one of those people who thought all little dogs were yappy, snappy brats. I always had dogs like GSDs, Labs, larger mixed breeds.

But when I got older, I started seeing why little dogs were often snappy brats and started being curious and interested in them. Then I got my Chihuahuas, first tiny breed I ever had and am totally hooked. There's a cute little Pom in one of Lyric's classes, sooooo well trained, perky and so loyal, just a neat dog. My little dogs are neat dogs, spoiled, but not to the point of having behavior problems. (of any consequence, anyway) They're still dogs, descended from wolves....not cats. (eh-hem) lol.

But I still love lots of big breeds too, probably best, over all. My Doberman is sooooo special to me. I can't see not having a Doberman in my life. That has got to be my most favorite breed of all. However, I can relate to what Calgal said about getting older and the ease of little dogs. You can pick them up without breaking your back, easy to bathe, to take with you, just easy. And these little companions are so loyal and into their owners.

So, I voted that I like having both and that I may switch later in life. (to just small) Who knows? It would be pretty hard to not have a Doberman in my life. LOL.

[elegy]

i didn't expect to, but i miss having a small dog around. i started out with an 8 pound poodle, and then had her and a 45 pound pit bull (luce). now i have two pits, but eventually i'd love to have another small dog as well as medium dogs.