You know who’s in charge at my house? Zed is… well, so he says. He’ll bark when you answer the phone or take a video call, he’ll pick a fight with any bigger dog (and let’s face it, they’re all bigger than him), and he prefers to be carried rather than walk there on his own four paws.
And if you dare tell him to stop barking? The nerve! And if you don’t have dinner ready on time (which is whenever he feels like eating), you’d better believe he’s going to stomp his feet.
Sure it’s easy to overlook – I mean, he’s pretty damn adorable. And that’s part of the problem, isn’t it? He’s got all the makings of small dog syndrome. And for a small syndrome, it’s a big problem.
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Is small dog syndrome a real thing?
Yes, small dog syndrome (SDS) is a real thing. I can testify to that – Zed exhibits many of the symptoms, which I go into below.
Small dog syndrome refers to a set of behavioral patterns commonly observed in smaller dog breeds. However, it’s important to understand that these behaviors are not innate or genetically predetermined. Rather, they are learned responses that develop when small dogs feel frightened, anxious, or insecure in their environment.
These behaviors are often labeled as a “syndrome,” but they’re actually a collection of defensive reactions that small dogs display when they feel threatened or uncomfortable. Understanding this distinction is crucial for proper training and behavior modification.
What breeds have small dog syndrome?
While any small breed can develop SDS, it’s particularly prevalent in breeds like Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Silky Terriers and Jack Russell Terriers. Zed is a Japanese Chin and he has it – so any small dog can exhibit these behaviors.
What is small dog syndrome?
Let’s get technical for a moment. Small dog syndrome, also known as Napoleon syndrome or Napoleon complex, describes a collection of behavioral issues that can manifest in some small dog breeds. While not all small dogs exhibit these behaviors, it’s a common phenomenon that pet parents should be aware of.
This behavioral pattern typically emerges when small dogs feel the need to assert themselves due to their diminutive size compared to larger dogs and humans. As a result, they may develop an overly assertive or aggressive personality to compensate for their small stature.
Though small dog syndrome isn’t a formal medical diagnosis that veterinarians can identify through testing, it’s a useful term to describe a set of interconnected behaviors frequently observed in smaller dog breeds. These behaviors often develop as a response to their environment and how they’re treated by their human family members.
Symptoms of small dog syndrome
Let’s see how many of these Zed checks off:
Aggressive behavior toward other dogs. When a dog exhibits Small Dog Syndrome, they may bark, lunge, or growl at passing dogs, regardless of their size. This behavior often stems from poor socialization and anxiety, particularly common in smaller breeds who haven’t had proper exposure to other dogs. (Check: Zed doesn’t care how big a dog is, he’s confident that he’s going to win this fight.)
Lack of basic training. Dogs with this condition often ignore basic commands and household rules. This might include resistance to housetraining or refusing to follow simple instructions like getting off furniture. (Another check: Zed doesn’t come when called and prefers to do his own thing.)
Excessive barking. Small dogs with this syndrome tend to bark excessively in all situations – whether they’re seeing other dogs, greeting their owners, or demanding attention and treats. (Yep – he’ll bark at absolutely nothing, I call it “barking at ghosts.”)
Fear-based aggression. Though it may appear as dominance, small dogs who constantly snarl at other dogs are usually acting out of fear. They may display aggressive behavior to keep other dogs away from their perceived resources, including toys, food, water, or their human companions. (Zed doesn’t guard resources, but he does react out of fear – even though he won’t admit that he’s scared.)
Attention-seeking behavior. These dogs frequently jump on people to get attention, displaying persistent and sometimes aggressive attempts to be noticed. (Oh, this is a big check. Zed needs to be the center of attention – attention must be paid!)
Food-related issues. Small dogs with this syndrome often show excessive food-begging behavior that’s particularly difficult to discourage. They may continue begging despite consistent correction from their owners.
Resource guarding. These dogs may become protective of their possessions, potentially lunging or biting when they perceive a threat to their toys or food. (This is one behavior that Zed doesn’t exhibit, thank goodness, as this is the toughest to break.)
Owner possessiveness. Small dogs may develop strong resource guarding behaviors toward their owners, including growling at approaching people or other pets, preventing others from receiving attention from their owner, and even snapping at nearby individuals. (It’s a half check mark here – he does get jealous at times when I pet other dogs, but he’ll just get talkative and won’t growl or snap.)
Why does my dog have small dog syndrome?
Small dog syndrome develops due to how humans interact with small dogs differently than larger breeds. The root cause lies in owners’ tendency to coddle and overprotect their tiny companions.
When small dogs display aggressive or unruly behavior, it’s often dismissed as “cute” or “harmless” due to their size. However, this same behavior would be immediately addressed in larger breeds like German Shepherds or Great Danes.
Many small dog owners inadvertently contribute to behavioral issues by limiting their dog’s exposure to normal canine experiences. Carrying them constantly, avoiding dog parks, or restricting social interactions can lead to poor socialization and anxiety.
The key issue is that small dogs aren’t given the opportunity to develop proper canine social skills and boundaries. When owners treat them more like babies or accessories than dogs, it prevents them from learning appropriate behavior.
To prevent small dog syndrome, you need to shift your perspective. Small breeds require the same training, socialization, and behavioral expectations as larger dogs. They should be treated as capable canines rather than delicate ornaments.
Popular culture often reinforces problematic small dog treatment. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with pet fashion or carrying your dog occasionally, treating small breeds purely as accessories rather than living beings with natural canine needs creates behavioral issues.
How do you treat small dog syndrome?
Small dogs are intelligent, capable pets that deserve the same training and respect as larger breeds. The key to preventing “small dog syndrome” is treating your petite pooch like any other dog, regardless of size.
Start with basic obedience training and consistently enforce good behavior. This includes teaching fundamental commands like sit, stay, and come, as well as proper leash manners and controlled greetings with other dogs and people.
When it comes to unwanted barking, particularly towards other dogs or stimuli, use positive reinforcement techniques. Carry high-value treats during walks and redirect your dog’s attention before they react. Reward calm, quiet behavior and immediately address any inappropriate responses.
Never excuse or ignore bad behavior simply because your dog is small. If your dog displays resource guarding or aggressive tendencies, address these issues immediately. This may mean restricting certain privileges until better behavior is established.
Professional training classes can be invaluable in developing a well-mannered companion. Remember to use positive reinforcement methods – physical punishment will only create fear and anxiety, leading to more behavioral problems.
The most important thing to remember: Your small dog is a dog first, not a toy or accessory. Give them the structure, training, and respect they need to become well-adjusted canine citizens, regardless of their size.