Before people start looking for a dog, they usually have a good idea about the type of dog they want. Every type of dog needs the same care, there are distinctions between each of the different sizes that will affect you, your home and your family.

Sometimes, large K-9s get a bad rap. Even though most of the time we think of large K-9s as destructive and high energy, this is not always the case. In fact, a lot of the large breeds, especially the giant ones, are some of the most mild mannered dogs. Very large breeds such as the Newfoundlands, mastiffs, and Saint Bernards can be a handful while they’re puppies—like any dog, but once they hit adulthood, they tend to settle down. As for their level of energy, some of these giant dogs are more appropriate for apartment living than small and spunky terriers. They are usually satisfied with a walk once a day and maybe a couple of games of fetch. Most of them love to cuddle and are content to hang out by your chair while you are watching TV. In fact, they are want-to-be lap dogs because they love to lay their head on your lap all day.

Still, giant breeds are not always the easiest. Think about Great Danes —they always slobber, and they have many needs because they are big. This gets expensive fast because large K-9s eat a lot of meals. Also, as they grow, you will need larger accessories, crates, treats, grooming and kenneling, so the price will increase too. These big dogs are also more prone to have health problems. Among common problems are hip dysplasia and joint and arthritic disorders. If a large breed is not bred carefully, it can be a liability because they carry a great deal of weight.

Medium to large dogs have characteristics of their own, as well as some of the disadvantages and advantages of large dogs. Golden retrievers, German shepherds, standard poodles, and Labrador retrievers all share similar qualities. They are mostly active, they like running and jumping, swimming, and lots of other dog games. These are the perfect K-9s for someone who enjoys dog sports and a vigorous recreational life. While these K-9s vary in energy level and individual temperament, they make good hiking and sporting companions. When they are a little older, they tend to mellow out and become great house K-9s.

Small breeds are believed to be the greatest companions. They can fit into any van and boat, and they can even ride with their owners on most planes, if the crate is small enough to fit under the seat. That is why many frequent fliers prefer tiny dogs. Generally, small dogs are the most convenient of all K-9s—they can be put into a portable dog carrier. At the same time, their small size makes them more vulnerable to people and other animals. A simple step would have little to no effect on a Golden retriever, at all, while it could kill a small 4-pound Chihuahua.

Small dogs are usually believed to be great for apartment living and ideal companions for the elderly. This is usually true, but in reality, many of the smaller breeds are just large dogs in small bodies. Usually, terriers are small, but they’re intelligent and active, and they’re headstrong, and they have strong predatory drives. If you want an easy to raise dog and a lazy dog, this is not the right dog for you.

Many small breeds do well in apartments and with seniors. their exercise needs are minimal. A sedentary lifestyle is perfect for the small companion dogs. That’s the environment that they’ve been bred for centuries for. Since they are smaller, crates and food bowls will take up less space; and it’s easier to clean up after them. Also, it’s less expensive to maintain them—cheaper accessories, and less kenneling costs. However, small dogs do have some veterinary problems that the large dogs don’t—for example, anal sac. Treatment can also be a bigger risk, because they are more sensitive to anesthesia.

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