Why Small Dogs Often Show More Aggression Than Large Ones

Why Small Dogs Often Show More Aggression Than Large Ones 0

Large dogs usually appear calmer and more balanced. In contrast, "pocket" breeds often bark at any provocation. Despite the popularity of miniature dogs, many do not consider how much aggression may be hidden in these small creatures. How does size affect dog behavior? Today we will find out why small dogs often behave aggressively.

Have you noticed that the smaller the dog, the more aggressively and noisily it can behave? There are several reasons for this: it’s not just about the size of the pet, but also about the irresponsibility of their owners.

Why do small dogs show aggression while large ones show kindness? Even without scientific studies, it can be observed that miniature dogs are more likely to snarl, growl, and bark at people and other animals compared to larger breeds. What is the reason for such behavior? Perhaps small dogs feel more vulnerable?

Why Do Small Dogs Show Aggression?

To understand the nature of this aggression, Finnish researchers studied 9,000 pets in their country. At the beginning of the study, the scientists had a question: what exactly is meant by aggressive behavior? The authors identified manifestations such as growling, barking, snapping, and biting. It turned out that according to these criteria, the most aggressive are purebred "miniature" breeds, such as Chihuahuas. Miniature Poodles and Miniature Schnauzers ranked second and third in aggression, while Labradors came last.

Are the Sizes of "Pocket" Breeds the Cause of Aggression?

The scientists pondered the question: "Why are small dogs more aggressive than large ones?" As a result, they concluded that part of the aggressive behavior can be explained by these animals' fear of unfamiliar people or other dogs. Their small size makes them feel vulnerable. The study also showed that males exhibit aggression more often than females, and older dogs are more aggressive than younger ones.

The authors identified another reason for the aggressive behavior of small dogs: due to their small size, owners often perceive them as harmless, leading to a lack of attempts to correct aggression. This may also contribute to the development of aggressive behavior. The researchers suggest that proper upbringing and training can help reduce the level of aggression in pets by decreasing their fear of people and teaching them not to bark at loud noises.