It’s not uncommon to hear jokes about “small dog syndrome”, but is it actually a thing?

We have many gorgeous small-breed canine patients who are sociable, amenable, and friendly to all. However, we do also see a reasonable number of small dogs who try to rule the roost at home or in the veterinary clinic!

Here are a few reasons why some little dogs may end up being a little too big for their (tiny) boots:

Individual personalities
Just like people, dogs have their own individual personalities and quirks. However, certain breeds tend to demonstrate a tendency towards particular behavioural characteristics.

It’s no surprise that many small dogs tend to be disproportionately courageous, determined (even stubborn) and vocal, given the purposes they were originally bred for. For instance, Jack Russell terriers were bred to flush out foxes from hiding with determined barking, and then give chase – no wonder they’re generally not shy about verbal communication!

Poor socialisation
Poor socialisation stems from a lack of positive exposure to new people, animals and situations, particularly during key development periods. A dog who was poorly socialised as a pup is more likely to show anxious, overexcited or unfriendly tendencies when approached by unfamiliar people or pets. This may manifest as reactive behaviours such as excessive barking, growling, snapping or even lunging.

Unfortunately, small-breed puppies are not always given the same socialisation opportunities as larger breeds. This may be because:

• Some owners of small dogs do not commit to as much obedience training, as they see negative behaviours in a small-sized dog as less of a problem
• Some small dogs are kept as lap-dog companions and given less opportunity for normal play and socialisation

If your little dog is showing any problematic “small dog syndrome” tendencies, book a consultation with our knowledgeable vets. Once we diagnose the underlying motivation for their behaviour, we can offer positive solutions to help get the best out of your spirited little canine!