Top Reasons Why Small Dogs Rule And Big Dogs Drool!

We love the little pups and now we have a good reason to boast! Well, not that we didn’t already extol their virtues! Check out this list and, yes, you can nod as you read them!

• Better With Kids! Most small-dog owners agree that when you train 'em well, small dogs are great to have around small children. “Small dogs hardly scare a kiddo with their size or ferocious bark,” says Adam Wendt, vice president of marketing at Best Friends Total Pet Care.

• Great Lap Dogs! For those huggable types who get their thrills from physical affection, a small dog fits the bill nicely. According to Wendt, a small pooch makes the perfect lap dog “should you want a dog that wants to cuddle up next to you while you read or watch TV.”

• There’s More Room! It's finally possible to sleep with your furry friend when it doesn't take up half the bed, though Yu qualifies, “Small dogs take less space on the bed, but I still let my small dog take a third of the bed.”

• The Gear Is Cuter! Just because you have a small dog doesn't mean you have to give up on your big trail hiking dreams. Diaz-Roa recommends the Ruffit carrier for any small-dog outdoor excursions, saying, “I can take him mountain climbing, bicycling, to graduation — pretty much anywhere.”

• Travel Is Friendlier! If you've ever tried to transport a big dog anywhere farther than the grocery store, you have my sympathies. Small dogs are easy to stow on a plane, says Wendt. “Many small dogs can be taken with you while you fly without paying extra. Larger dogs are forced to go into the hold of a plane, while smaller dogs can fit comfortably under your seat.”

• They Live Longer! Here's the biggest small-dog benefit of all if you can't imagine a life without your furry little sidekick. Loehr says, “Small dogs have a longer lifespan than big dogs.” Small dogs may live for 12 to 14 years on average, compared to larger breeds at only eight to 10 years.

And, of course, there are more reason why having a smaller dog is preferable to a bigger one. If you would like to read more please go to She Knows. While some may look at our small beasties as merely “cute” or “charming” we know our dogs are an extention of the family. They are our furry children and, as they say, big things often come in tiny packages!