1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Dogs

Picking the Perfect Dog

by Krista Mifflin
for About.com

6 of 8

Size Does Matter

Yorkshire Terrier

Tiny Yorkshire Terriers can be easily injured by an enthusiastic toddler, or even by jumping off the furniture!

Photo courtesy of and © Susie K. Weber


From really big dogs to little dogs, and dogs of every size in between ... from two hundred pounds or more, or five pounds and small enough to fit in your pocket; there is a size that fits everybody's preference. Two important things to remember though: a small dog can be easily injured by a overexuberant hug, and can be easily stepped on; and the bigger the dog; the bigger the costs of dog ownership are going to be.

Really Big Dogs (120+ pounds)
Great Dane
Irish Wolfhound
Old English Mastiff

Big Dogs (70 - 120 pounds)
Rottweiler
Bernese Mountain Dog
Beauceron
German Shepherd

Medium-sized Dogs (50 - 80 pounds)
Border Collie
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Siberian Husky

Small Dogs (20 - 50 pounds)
Dachshund
Whippet

Toy Dogs (2 - 20 pounds)
Toy Fox Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier
Chihuahua

Explore Dogs

About.com Special Features

Home Allergy Center

Banish mess, reduce allergens, and maintain a clean, healthy home. More >

Home Improvements Made Easy

Inspirational ideas and expert tips to help you pull off your next DIY project. More >

  1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Dogs
  4. Purebreds and Mixed Breeds
  5. About Dogs - Choosing a Dog to Match Your Daily Lifestyle

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.