When deciding to add a dog to your family, size is often one of the first considerations. Should you go for a pint-sized companion like a Chihuahua or a larger-than-life buddy like a Golden Retriever? While size plays a role in factors like exercise needs and living space, it’s not the most important thing.
The truth is, what really determines how well a dog fits into your family isn’t their size—it’s how you train, bond, and meet their individual needs. Let’s explore what to consider when choosing between big and small dogs, and how you can set your new furry friend up for success.
Big dogs vs. small dogs: The basics
Both large and small breeds have their unique charms and challenges. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can typically expect:
Small dogs
- Pros: Easier to manage in small spaces, more portable, often have lower general care costs.
- Cons: Can be more prone to fear of strangers and other dogs if not socialized well. Often not trained and respected as they should be, because everything they do seems “cute” and “it’s easy to just pick them up” for example.
Big dogs
- Pros: Often easier to socialize as they don’t feel physically overwhelmed, great for active families, less likely to escape through small gaps in the yard (although more likely to jump/scale a fence). Giant dogs are often calmer and more gentle.
- Cons: Need more space, higher general care costs, and generally more early training is required to manage their energy, strength and size.
No matter their size, all dogs thrive on consistent, dog-centric training and positive reinforcement. At OneMind Dogs, we teach you to understand your dog’s perspective, making training easier and more enjoyable — whether you’re working with a tiny Terrier or a towering Great Dane.
Popular dog breeds for families: Small and large dogs
Whilst dog breed characteristics are a generalization, and each dog has it’s own personality, these breeds are commonly known as being suitable for family life:
5 Popular small dog breeds for families
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Friendly, affectionate, and great with children.
- Adaptable to various living situations, including apartments.
- Be aware of health issues, breeders are currently working to improve the breed’s genetic predisposition to several different health challenges.
- Poodle
- Playful and fun with an energetic temperament.
- Non-shedding coat
- Very smart and loves to learn
- Beagle
- Gentle, energetic, and great with kids.
- Loves outdoor activities and playing with the family.
- Require good fencing as they are known escape artists.
- Shih Tzu
- Loyal, sweet-natured, and often good with young children.
- Thrives on companionship and is easy to groom with regular care.
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Intelligent, playful, and eager to learn.
- An energetic companion for active families.
5 Popular large dog breeds for families
- Golden Retriever
- Friendly, patient, and highly trainable.
- Excellent with kids and other pets, making them the ultimate family dog.
- Labrador Retriever
- Affectionate, active, and good-natured.
- Great for families who enjoy outdoor adventures.
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Gentle giants with a calm and affectionate demeanor.
- Excellent with kids and protective of their families.
- Boxer
- Energetic, playful, and highly loyal.
- Great with children and loves being part of family activities.
- Newfoundland
- Sweet-natured, patient, and protective.
- Known as “nanny dogs” for their love and care toward children.
Training is the great equalizer
The way you train your dog has a far greater impact than their size. Small dogs can sometimes develop behaviors like barking, jumping, or nipping because their owners unintentionally let them “get away” with things larger dogs wouldn’t, simply because they are cute. Often, small dogs are also pushed past their comfort zone because people want to pick them up and cuddle or carry them.
All dog owners should be aware of their dog’s stress signals and ensure they prevent them from feeling overwhelmed, particularly during puppyhood. On the flip side, big dogs can quickly become unmanageable without proper training and handling due to their strength and energy levels.
Positive reinforcement based training is the key to teaching all dogs good manners and building trust. Reward-based training works for dogs of all shapes and sizes because it taps into their natural instincts.
Fun fact: Did you know that dogs are more likely to repeat behaviors that are rewarded within 1–2 seconds? Timing is everything!
Tips for training dogs of all sizes
Here are some tailored training tips for both big and small dogs:
For small dogs
- Focus on confidence-building exercises to help them feel secure.
- Take it slow, watch your dog’s response to different environments and adjust as needed.
- Don’t overlook basic manners just because they’re small—barking and jumping are easier to prevent than correct later.
- Use gentle handling and avoid lifting them unnecessarily.
For big dogs
- Teach leash manners early to prevent pulling—this is especially important as they grow stronger.
- Work on body awareness exercises to help them understand their size and avoid accidental bumps or knocks.
- Make sure they’re comfortable with handling, such as paw touches or brushing, as early as possible.
- Teach them not to approach strange dogs unless invited to, and only ever in a calm manner. Don’t allow them to overwhelm a smaller dog.
Consider your lifestyle – What size dog suits your situation?
When deciding between a big or small dog, think about how their needs align with your family’s lifestyle:
- Living space: Smaller dogs adapt well to apartments, while larger breeds often need more room to stretch out. That said, a calm Greyhound might thrive in a small space, while an energetic Jack Russell Terrier could feel cooped up.
- Exercise routine: Active families might enjoy hiking with a Border Collie, while a smaller, less active breed like a Pekingese might be better for a more relaxed household.
- Travel and portability: Smaller dogs are easier to travel with, but some larger breeds (like Golden Retrievers) have famously adaptable and friendly temperaments, making them great companions on adventures.
The OneMind Dogs difference
No matter your dog’s size, training with their perspective in mind makes all the difference. Dogs naturally respond to body language, which is why the OneMind Dogs method focuses on clear, consistent communication.
Our Foundation for Agility Program is a fantastic way to bond with your dog while teaching fun skills and using your dog’s body and mind at the same time. Even if you’re not interested in competing in agility, the program includes fun exercises that build trust, focus, and teamwork—all of which are essential for both big and small dogs.
A fun dog fact!
The tallest dog on record was Zeus, a Great Dane who measured 44 inches at the shoulder and stood over 7 feet tall on his hind legs. In contrast, the smallest dog was Milly, a Chihuahua who stood just under 4 inches tall. Despite their size difference, both dogs shared one thing: a loving bond with their owners
It’s all about the bond
At the end of the day, whether you choose a big or small dog, what truly matters is the effort you put into training and the relationship you build. Dogs of all sizes are capable of being loving, well-mannered companions when their needs are met.
By focusing on understanding your dog’s unique perspective, using positive reinforcement, and making training a fun, rewarding experience, you’ll create a partnership that lasts a lifetime.
Ready to take the first step in your training journey? Check out our online programs and discover how OneMind Dogs can help you and your dog thrive—no matter their size.
