I was sitting in front of a coffee shop drinking an overpriced cappuccino with two friends. At the table next to us sat two women, one who had a Chihuahua with a red leather, rhinestone-studded collar. The dog hovered near her feet and paced back and forth to the extent that his leash would allow, acting in an excited and vigilant manner.
The pavement next to the coffee shop had the usual collection of pedestrians, but when a young man wandered by with a large, mature Labrador Retriever, the Chihuahua became frantic—barking and lunging toward the bigger dog. The Lab slowed a bit to look at the tiny, noisy dog and then resumed his leisurely strolling pace as though nothing particularly interesting had happened. One of my friends leaned over to me and said in a low voice, “Another example of a yappy, frenzied small dog and a calm and reserved bigger one. It seems like it’s always the case.”
Have you ever been at the dog park and noticed how that massive Great Dane was super gentle while the tiny Chihuahua was barking its head off at everyone? It’s a common observation that makes many wonder: are big dogs actually nicer than small dogs?
As a longtime dog owner who’s had both massive mutts and tiny terriers, I’ve noticed some patterns that science actually backs up. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of dog personalities and discover why size might matter more than we think when it comes to canine temperament.
The Truth About Dog Size and Personality
First off, let’s get this straight – every dog is an individual with their own unique personality. But research and experience do show some consistent patterns between size and behavior that are pretty darn interesting.
According to a study mentioned on DogsAndClogs, as a dog’s height and weight decrease, psychological problems tend to increase. This doesn’t mean all small dogs are neurotic, but they do have a higher tendency toward certain behavioral issues than their larger counterparts.
7 Reasons Why Big Dogs Often Seem Nicer
1. They’re Gentle Giants By Nature
Ever heard the term “gentle giants”? It exists for a reason! Many large dog breeds like Mastiffs, Newfoundlands, Saint Bernards, and Great Pyrenees were specifically bred for tasks requiring gentleness:
- Saint Bernards were bred to rescue avalanche victims
- Newfoundlands helped save drowning people
- Great Pyrenees protected vulnerable livestock
Their original breeding purpose might explain their tender temperaments. Meanwhile, many small dogs like Dachshunds and Terriers were originally bred to hunt and kill vermin – a job requiring aggression and tenacity.
2. They’re More Even-Tempered
In a survey of over 16,000 dog parents across different countries, many preferred large to giant breeds because of their mellow behavior.
Large dogs tend to be more patient and don’t feel the need to prove themselves When confronted with annoyances (like a yappy small dog), they’re more likely to remain calm and composed rather than react aggressively
As one dog trainer I know always says, “Big dogs know they’re big. They don’t need to convince anyone.”
3. They’re Usually Quieter
Because of their more relaxed nature, larger dogs typically bark less than their smaller counterparts. Small breeds tend to be more excitable and sometimes fearful, which leads to more reactive barking.
Think about it – have you ever been walking down the street when a tiny dog starts barking frantically from behind a fence? Meanwhile, the large dog next door just watches calmly as you pass by.
4. They’re Often “Homebodies”
Many large dog breeds, especially the giant ones like Mastiffs and Great Danes, tend to be less hyperactive than small dogs. While they need their exercise, they’re often content being “couch potatoes” and hanging out with their humans.
As one owner of both a Saint Bernard and a Jack Russell told me, “My Saint Bernard is happy with a 30-minute walk and then lounging all day. My Jack Russell needs three walks and still tears around the house like a maniac!”
5. They’re Fantastic With Kids
Giant dogs are often particularly gentle with children Breeds like Newfoundlands are so renowned for this that they’ve earned the nickname “nanny dogs”
Their patience and calm demeanor make them less likely to snap when a child pulls their ears or tail (though no dog should be subjected to such treatment). In contrast, some smaller dogs may be more defensive and react poorly to rough handling from children.
6. They’re More Obedient
A study of 1,276 dog parents found that smaller breeds tend to be less obedient than larger dogs. Because larger dogs are generally more even-tempered, they pay closer attention to their humans and learn commands more quickly.
As noted in the Blue Buffalo article, “many large breed dogs catch on to training better than smaller breeds” due to their good nature and eagerness to please.
7. They’re Often Smarter (Or At Least More Patient Learners)
A 2019 study mentioned by DogsAndClogs found that large dogs performed better on cognitive tests than smaller dogs. This may be linked to their larger brain size, but also to their superior self-control and patience.
The study found that big dogs have better short-term memory and executive function, making them more capable of problem-solving and following complex commands.
The Napoleon Complex: Why Small Dogs Can Seem Aggressive
Small dogs often get a bad rap for being yappy, aggressive, or high-strung. This phenomenon is sometimes called “Small Dog Syndrome” or the “Napoleon Complex” in dogs.
But why does this happen? Several factors come into play:
Genetics vs. Environment
Small dogs may feel more vulnerable due to their size, leading them to display defensive behaviors like barking and growling when they feel threatened.
But environment and training play huge roles too. As Blue Buffalo points out, “how we treat and train our furry friends prominently affects their personalities. Big or small, it all comes down to teaching your pooch that you’re in charge.”
The Human Factor
One of the biggest contributors to small dog behavior is actually… us humans! Consider:
- Different training standards: People often don’t train small dogs as rigorously because their bad behaviors seem less threatening
- Overprotection: We tend to coddle small dogs, reinforcing anxious behaviors
- Lack of socialization: Small dogs are often carried everywhere instead of walking and meeting other dogs
As Addiction Pet Foods notes, “small dogs are often treated like human babies,” leading to lack of proper socialization and training.
Pros and Cons of Big vs. Small Dogs
Let’s be fair and look at both sides of the coin:
Big Dog Advantages
- More laid-back temperament
- Better with children
- Easier to train
- Make good watchdogs
- Often more confident and less anxious
Big Dog Disadvantages
- Cost more to feed
- Need more space
- Can be harder to travel with
- Some health issues like hip dysplasia and bloat
- Shorter lifespans (typically 8-12 years)
Small Dog Advantages
- Longer lifespans (often 12-16 years)
- Less expensive to feed
- More apartment-friendly
- Easier to travel with
- Lower exercise requirements
Small Dog Disadvantages
- Can be more difficult to train
- Sometimes more aggressive or anxious
- May be injured more easily
- Often more vocal/barky
- May have trouble with children
Health Considerations by Size
Both small and large dogs have unique health concerns related to their size:
Small Dog Health Issues
- Collapsed trachea
- Dental problems
- Kneecap (patella) injuries
- Hypoglycemia
Large Dog Health Issues
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Arthritis
- Bloat
- Ligament tears
- Heart issues
Dietary Needs Differ Too
According to Addiction Pet Foods, small dogs have faster metabolisms and need more calories per pound than large dogs. Meanwhile, large breeds benefit from formulas with glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health.
No matter what size your dog is, they need proper nutrition tailored to their specific needs.
So Are Big Dogs Actually Nicer?
The evidence suggests that yes, on average, larger dogs do tend to be calmer, more even-tempered, and less reactive than smaller breeds. Their genetic makeup, breeding history, and the way humans interact with them all contribute to this tendency.
HOWEVER – and this is super important – every dog is an individual! I’ve met aggressive Great Danes and the sweetest, most gentle Chihuahuas in the world.
The key factors that determine a dog’s temperament are:
- Genetics and breeding
- Early socialization
- Training and boundaries
- The human-dog relationship
How to Raise a Nice Dog (Regardless of Size)
If you want a well-behaved dog, size matters less than these crucial factors:
1. Proper Socialization
Expose your puppy to different people, animals, and environments during their critical socialization period (4-14 weeks).
2. Consistent Training
Set clear boundaries and expectations. Don’t let small dogs get away with behaviors you wouldn’t accept from large dogs.
3. Exercise Appropriately
All dogs need physical and mental stimulation appropriate for their breed and energy level.
4. Treat Them Like Dogs, Not Babies
While it’s tempting to baby small dogs, they need to be treated as dogs with proper training and boundaries.
Final Thoughts
While big dogs may have a genetic predisposition toward being more mellow and patient, the way we raise and train our dogs has an enormous impact on their behavior.
The next time you meet a friendly Great Dane or a snippy Chihuahua, remember that size is just one factor in a complex mix of genetics, breeding, and human influence that shapes canine personality.
What do you think? Have you noticed differences between big and small dogs? Do your experiences match the research? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
And remember – whether you prefer a gentle giant or a pocket-sized companion, every dog deserves proper training, socialization, and love to help them become their best selves.
What Leads to This “Small Dog” Attitude?
The answer showed that the owner’s behavior played an important role in the behavior differences they found.
- Inconsistent training: The first important factor that researchers discovered dealt with the owner’s consistency when interacting with or training their dog. Inconsistent behaviors include not always giving commands in the same way, not maintaining fixed rules for the dog (for example, sometimes punishing a dog for a particular behavior and other times allowing that behavior), or not responding to a specific misbehavior in the same way each time. The data show that the more consistent the owners’ behaviors are, the better the dogs’ obedience behaviors are, regardless of their size. Unfortunately, owners of small dogs were found to be more inconsistent in their interactions with their dogs than owners of large dogs.
- Lack of shared activities: The study also found that shared activities are important. These include both formal activities like obedience training or agility work and informal activities like playing fetch or jogging with the dog. The data show that the more engaged the owner and dog are in such activities, the more obedient the dog appears to be. Here again, small dogs lose out since their owners spend significantly less time in shared activities with their pets.
- Use of punishment: The way in which dog owners train or try to control their dogs’ behavior is another important factor. A number of studies have shown that the use of punishment has negative effects on the dog’s training success and on emotionally based responses, such as anxiety and aggression. Furthermore, the use of punishment in the form of leash jerks, hitting, scolding, grabbing the dog by the scruff of the neck, and so on resulted in more disobedience. Regardless of their size, this study found that dogs who were punished more frequently were more anxious and quarrelsome, but the effect was greater in smaller dogs.
Based on their research, these investigators derived certain recommendations for owners of smaller dogs, specifically, “We conclude that smaller-dog owners could significantly improve obedience in their dogs by being more consistent in interactions and engaging regularly in play and training activities with them. Behavioral problems could be reduced by avoiding habits of punishment that might reinforce fear or fear-related aggression.”
These recommendations might have been of value to the owner of the Chihuahua that day, since her response to her dog’s noisy lunging at the Labrador Retriever was to jerk at the leash and scold the dog with a loud “Stop that!” This is definitely not recommended owner behavior according to this research.
Does Size Really Matter?
My friend was expressing a commonly believed stereotype that suggests there are behavioral differences between larger and smaller dogs, with the small dogs being viewed as more excitable and anxious. Some research suggests there may be a bit of truth in the stereotype, with the most recent report coming from a research team headed by Christine Arhant from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna.
In this study, 1,276 surveys were gathered from dog owners. For the purposes of statistical analysis, the dogs were divided by size, arbitrarily classifying as big dogs those who were larger than 44 pounds and as small dogs those who were less than this weight. The data show three major behavioral differences between the small and large dogs whose owners were surveyed:
- Small dogs were less obedient (for example, they are not as reliable in responding to common commands like “Sit,” “Down,” and “Come”).
- Small dogs were more excitable and pugnacious (more likely to bark or growl at strangers, visitors, or other dogs).
- Small dogs were more anxious and fearful (easily spooked in strange situations, or when exposed to loud noises like thunder and fireworks, and nervous in the presence of strangers).
These results seem to confirm the stereotypes about small dogs, namely that they are less obedient, and more excitable, scrappy, and skittish. However, the Austrian team of researchers next asked the question “Are these differences due to genetic factors or the way that small dogs are treated in comparison with large dogs?”
Why a SMALL Dog is a Better Protection Dog Than a Big Dog
FAQ
Is a big dog better than a small dog?
Big dogs bark less, are child-friendly, and are easier to train than most small dogs. These dogs make excellent pets for families. Dogs make the perfect companions, but which are the most popular — small or big dogs? A 2018 RightPet studyshows large cuddle buddies are more popular. Here are a few quick facts about the study:
What makes big dogs and small dogs different?
In this blog, we’ll dive into what makes big dogs and small dogs so different. At first glance, the most obvious difference between big and small dogs is their size. However, size also dictates many other aspects of their behavior, health, and lifestyle needs. Let’s break down the key differences between our large and small four-legged friends. 1.
Are small dogs more obedient than big dogs?
The study says that smaller breeds are less obedient than bigger dogs. This is because larger dogs are often even-tempered and pay closer attention to their humans, while smaller dogs can be easily distracted and less focused on their owners. As a result, bigger dogs tend to learn faster than tinier ones. However, some large breeds can also be stubborn.
Why are big dogs trained more than small dogs?
Big dogs are trained more as they can inflict the most damage on someone. While big dogs are trained more as they can inflict the most damage on someone, the former are mostly gentler and calmer due to their genes. But, it may also be because small dogs are less threatening and treated as ‘babies.’ So their bad behaviors are ignored.
Do small dogs live longer than big dogs?
Small Dogs: Small dogs often live longer than their larger counterparts, sometimes into their late teens. With a longer lifespan, it’s important to focus on maintaining their health through every life stage, from puppy to senior, with appropriate food, exercise, and veterinary care.
Do big dogs learn faster than small dogs?
Bigger dogs learn faster than smaller ones because they tend to be even-tempered and pay closer attention to their humans. However, some large breeds can also be stubborn.
Why are big dogs nicer than little dogs?
What is the least friendly dog?
What is the friendliest big dog?
- Golden retrievers are beloved for a reason! …
- Labrador retrievers share many similarities with their golden retriever cousins. …
- Bernese mountain dogs offer a calmer alternative to high-energy retrievers. …
- Newfoundlands truly embody the “gentle giant” moniker.
What is the hardest dog to own?