Question

Read the argument excerpt.

Many dog owners find that they love the energy and presence of large-breed dogs. However, sometimes those owners live in small spaces such as apartments or row houses with little or no outside space. Have you ever seen a giant dog cooped up in a tiny apartment? Clearly, large dogs need ample space to run and exercise to maintain proper health. Owners should evaluate the space needs of a breed before choosing one. If owners in small living spaces insist on keeping large-breed dogs, the dogs’ health will suffer.

Which statement best explains how the author uses a logical fallacy to support the claim that owners should evaluate the space needs of a breed before choosing one?

The author establishes a false dilemma between people living in small houses and those living on large properties.
The author uses a straw man argument to claim that dog owners do not care about the exercise needs of their dogs.
The author creates a false dilemma between housing large dogs on spacious properties or hurting the health of the dog.
The author uses a straw man argument to assert that some dog owners do not understand how exercise impacts the health of their dog.

Answer 1

"The author creates a false dilemma between housing large dogs on spacious properties or hurting the health of the dog."

Explanation: the passage frames only two outcomes—either large dogs have ample on‑property space or their health will suffer—ignoring other possibilities (regular walks, dog parks, dog walkers, indoor exercise, breed variability). This is a false dilemma fallacy.