Which of the following is a true statement about a smaller dog's resting pulse rate?

A smaller dog's resting pulse rate being typically higher than that of a larger dog is grounded in the physiological characteristics of different breeds. Generally, smaller breeds tend to have a higher metabolic rate, which contributes to an elevated heart rate compared to larger breeds. For instance, while a large dog might have a resting pulse rate ranging from 60 to 100 beats per minute, smaller breeds can average between 100 and 140 beats per minute or even higher, depending on their specific size and breed characteristics.

Understanding this relationship between size and pulse rate is key to evaluating a dog's health. Larger dogs have slower heart rates due to their larger heart size and body mass, which allows them to pump blood more efficiently at rest. In contrast, smaller dogs accommodate their physical structure and energy needs with a quicker rate of heartbeat even when at rest. This physiological difference clarifies why the resting pulse rate of smaller dogs is usually greater than that of larger dogs.