[iheartyorkies]

I don't know Kristy, I've wondered the same thing sometimes. I personally think that toy dogs maybe have a more delicate constitution. They can be finicky eaters and their bones are more delicate. Their coats require more attention. They don't shed so they need to be groomed and brushed. We live on a cul-de-sac and 1/2 of my neighbors have large dogs that live outside all the time. I think the dogs are kept up in the garage each night and sleep there. It makes sense to me as long as the dog is kept groomed (nails trimmed, anal glands, baths, brushing, etc.) and gets regular vet checks and shots. And as long as the dog isn't starving for attention and is played with each day, then I think a large dog is probably happy like that. Both of my in-door dogs love to go outside and would spend all day out there as long as I was with them. If I had a large dog I'd never feed it a poor quality food.
The thing I object to is a dog who is kept chained next to it's dog house on a 4 foot square patch of dirt 24/7 and never gets to run or play and has no companionship whatsoever. People who do this should have never gotten the dog in the first place. I pass by a Dalmation fairly often and it lives like that and it looks so sad! IMO, that's no way to treat a pet.