Survey says: Big dog breeds more popular than small pups

Dogs make the perfect companions, but which are the most popular  — small or big dogs? A 2018 RightPet study shows large cuddle buddies are more popular.

Here are a few quick facts on the study:

• Conducted online between 2010 and 2018
• Surveyed dog breed reviews from 12,167 pet owners
• Pet owners were from 106 countries
• 75% of the reviews were of purebred dogs
• 25% were of mixed breeds

And here’s what the study found:

• Both women and men are happier owning big dog breeds rather than small dogs
• Men and younger people prefer big dogs the most
• Older people (around age 70) are equally satisfied with any size dog
• People who own multiple dogs of different sizes prefer big dogs.

Now, on to what you want to know. Why are larger dogs the chosen ones? It could be because big dog breeds most often are the calmest dog breeds and make excellent therapy dogs. 

If you’re considering buying or adopting a dog in the future, here are some things to consider.

More emotionally stable

Yep, that’s right; big dog breeds are more emotionally stable. And often, dogs become your comforter when you need them. Not to mention, they make the best cuddle buddies and love to sleep in the bed with you.

Just make sure your sleeping conditions are up to par.

Child-friendly

Large dogs have huge hearts. They love to love.

Overall, larger dogs tolerate rough play and yelling better, too.

Large dogs make an excellent choice for families. A dog can be a kid’s best friend.

Big dog breeds are trainable

We all know training is critical. Everyone wants a well-behaved dog.

You can teach them to play with you, protect you, and straight-up love you and your family members with high-value treats like Wüfers dog cookie boxes.

Large dogs tend to bond with and get attached to their owners quickly and can easily be trained. Some breeds are easier to train than others, but all-in-all larger dogs are easier to train than smaller ones. Big dogs also make excellent guard dogs.

Less barky than small dogs

Little barky dogs are the absolute worst. No one wants to listen to yapping throughout dinner. Barking is one of the significant turn-offs, and luckily there’s no such thing as “big dog syndrome.”

Don’t get us wrong, little dogs, without a doubt, deserve love too. Brett Hodges, the owner/editor of RightPet, sums it up well: “People don’t prefer large dogs per se — they like them because, in general, they’re more even-tempered, trainable, and quiet than small dogs — making them ‘best in-home.'”

Popular large dog breeds

Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is intelligent, loyal, and eager to please. Although the dogs are big and have lots of energy, they are easy to train and are an ideal choice for first-time dog owners.

Labrador Retriever

Long one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, the Labrador Retriever is easy-going and makes a wonderful family pet. The dogs love to please their owners, and this makes them easy to train. Labradors love to eat, but they tend to gain weight, so be careful not to let your Lab get overweight.

German Shepherd

Known for their courage, speed, intelligence, and strength, German Shepherd dogs make ideal pets and working dogs. If you’re looking for love, the loyal German Shepherd is your best choice.

Alaskan Malamute 

Often confused with either the Alaskan and Siberian Husky, the Alaskan Malamute is a brilliant breed that can be a challenge to handle. They tend to be needy and sensitive and aren’t a good choice for first-time pet owners.

Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is known for being even-tempered and friendly. They rarely bark and aren’t known for being mean or aggressive. The Bernese Mountain Dog is especially good with children. Similarly, the Bernedoodle also is a popular choice.

Chow Chow

The Chow Chow looks like a mixture of a Chinese Shar-pei and a teddy bear. The dogs tend to be hardheaded, obstinate, and stubborn. They aren’t known for being playful or extroverted.

Great Dane

Тhе Great Dаnе is a relaxed and easy-going, but need plenty of exercise. They adore human companionship and are happiest spending time with their owners and families.

Irish Setter

The Irish Setter is cheerful, smart, and loyal. They need regular exercise to burn off excess energy and avoid destructive behavior.

Komondor

The Komondor is a large, muscular dog, easily recognized for its soft, dense coat, which falls in chord-like curls. 

Komondors bond with their humans, rarely wander and make excellent watchdogs.

Leonberger

The Leonberger is a St. Bernard and Newfoundland mix. These gigantic dogs are known for being playful and gentle. But be warned, they are big dogs and typically weigh 90 to 160 pounds. 

Saint Bernard

Saint Bernards are intelligent, gentle giants who keep their playful puppy personalities. The dogs were bred to be working dogs and can grow to be very large. Males can grow as big as 30 inches tall and 180 pounds, while females typically are smaller and weigh up to 140 pounds. 

Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan Mastiff is an enormous dog with a booming bark. The dogs need experienced owners who can control a dominant dog. Despite their size, the dogs are agile and athletic.

Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound is a sighthound that was originally bred to hunt by sight. The dogs can creep up swiftly and silently, before running down their prey.

Irish Wolfhound

The Irish Wolfhound is a giant dog that was originally bred to hunt by sight. Despite their size, these big dogs can run down their prey by creeping up swiftly and silently.

The Great Pyrenees

These big working dogs were originally bred to herd sheep. The Great Pyrenees is a nimble-footed breed that is territorial and protective. The dogs also are nocturnal and have a keen sense of hearing.

Belgian Malinois

Originally bred as herding dogs, the Belgian Malinois is intelligent and athletic. The dogs are often used for military and police units or search and rescue operations. These active dogs also can make excellent family pets. 

Anatolian Shepherd

Raided to be livestock guardians, Anatolian Shepherds make excellent guard dogs. Not only will the dogs protect their owners from harm, but they also are attuned to signs of illness. Male Anatolian Shepherds can weigh up to 140 pounds. 

Rottweiler

Rottweilers can weigh up to 130 pounds and are often used as guard dogs. They are strong and powerful but are also obedient and good-natured. 

Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky is a popular family dog. The breed is affectionate and friendly, which makes them easy to train even though they can be stubborn.

Can’t decide between a Siberian Husky and a German Shepherd, consider getting a Gerberian Shepsky, which combines the best of both breeds. 

The Alaskan Husky is a mixed breed made up of Siberian Huskies, Greyhounds, German Pointers, and Malamutes. The dogs are still used as working sled dogs. 

Choose the dog that’s right for you

Regardless, a furry friend is a furry friend.

But if you’re considering getting a big dog, consider some of these popular big dogs.

Show some extra love to your giant dog today. And if you’re in the market, do your research to determine which dog is best for you.

– Stephanie Annon

*DogsBestLife.com participates in the Chewy Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that lets our site earn fees by linking to Chewy.com. 

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