Читать книгу Puppies - Amy Fernandez - Страница 32

Before choosing XS or XXL, make sure you are aware of the potential drawbacks. Living with a big dog can be complicated in unexpected ways. Not only do they need more room for exercise, but they also are not easily portable and thus require a serious commitment to training from a very young age.

Consider the following potential hurdles to owning a large breed:

• At maturity, some large dogs are notably bigger and stronger than many people are. Transporting a large dog to the veterinarian or to a groomer can be a challenge depending on the size of your car and your physical capabilities.

• Do you have room to store 50-pound sacks of dog food?

• Many canine care services really do “charge by the pound.”

• Grooming, boarding, and veterinary care can be considerably more expensive for large dogs.

Extra small puppies come with their own set of complications:

• They are more fragile, which can make them a poor choice for homes with active children or large dogs.

• Some veterinarians are not as familiar with a small puppy’s risks for drug sensitivities or reactions to routine anesthesia or vaccinations as they are with risks faced by medium and large breeds.

• They may not need a large fenced yard, but a securely fenced yard is crucial. Tiny puppies can effortlessly slip through gates and underneath fences.

• Little dogs require more supervision when they are outdoors. They are especially susceptible to predation by wildlife, and because of their low body weights, they have less tolerance for weather extremes. This can complicate the house-training process.

• Public dog runs or parks can put them at risk for attacks from larger, aggressive dogs.