In some cases, getting close may mean leaving some things out, cutting some things off, or focusing on one element. I am comfortable with that, although there are many people who are not. Often, when I look at or listen to critiques of photographs in competition, judges will mention cut off areas. The general rule: THEY DO NOT LIKE THEM. So if you are going to do photos for competitive purposes, my advice would be to leave all parts intact.
I think there is a lot of leeway in photography and that interpretation is something allowed the photographer.
When photographing strange dogs, I try to keep Danny in mind and I take my time in getting them relaxed enough to get closer.
The photos of Danny and Barney were taken in the late evening in our family room with each in their favorite spot, so they were very relaxed.
Getting close with or without a macro lens (I did not use one, I used a 24-70mm lens at the wider setting, and came in close proximity to the subject each time), does allow you to focus in on one or two elements, like this puppy tongue, which is so pink and cute.
As I said, I like close up, fill-the-frame photos and use them quite a bit. In photography, it's a matter of taste and style. Which do you prefer? Close shots or long shots with more background in them? For me a lot depends on what a client wants to express and the type of end product they want to hang on their wall. So the situation will dictate the type of lens and shot.