Counters for animals: 匹 vs 頭: roughly how big is "big" and how small is "small"?


I find the distinction between 匹 and 頭 is rather tricky, because it is based
on the size of the animal in question, and size is **very relative** and
varies **greatly** among animals, even within the same species. And
unfortunately there doesn't seem to be comprehensive list on which animal goes
with which counter.

So when you look at an animal, how do you determine which counter to use?

Is it based purely on size or on collocation (or conventional usage if you
will)? Roughly speaking, how big is "big" and how small is "small"? And if
it's usually based on collocation, how do you expand the rule of thumb to
unfamiliar animals, like say a capybara, a python or a binturong? Do all
breeds of dog go with 匹? What about huge ones like the St. Bernard? Does "two
piglets" use the same counter as "two grown pigs"? From what I've Googled,
kangaroos seem to go with 匹 even though lots of them are so big they can
easily knock a grown human out.




Roughly speaking, an animal bigger than a human being is "big". As for St.
Bernard and kangaroos, both 匹 and 頭 are fine. We usually use 頭 for lions, but
using 匹 for a baby lion is fine. In certain scientific contexts, 頭 is
preferred regardless of the size.




Roughly speaking, an animal bigger than a human being is "big". As for St.
Bernard and kangaroos, both 匹 and 頭 are fine. We usually use 頭 for lions, but
using 匹 for a baby lion is fine. In certain scientific contexts, 頭 is
preferred regardless of the size.

