small dog hate?

Question

Why do people inherently hate small dogs? I know that there are small-dog owners that don't think their dogs need to be properly trained just because of their size, but that isn't the dog's fault.

These same people that say "I hate small dogs!" are the same people that, when it comes to breeds like pitbulls say "There are no bad dogs, only bad owners". Isn't that hypocritical?

You never see people saying "I hate all big dogs". Are small-dog owners just more respectful of people's breed choices?

I can understand if the breeds may not be their preference, but I don't see how someone can say they are a dog lover and then say they hate certain dogs based solely on their size.

Answer 1

I don't "hate" small dogs. I actually like to have one around at a time with all my big beasts. But smaller dogs seem to need to me. I like more independence in my pets and people.

Answer 2

Good question!

I think small dogs are stereotyped (and sometimes rightfully so) as yippy, snappy, clingy, and fragile. This isn't their fault -- most small breeds still have the instinct to control and protect that their larger forbears did, so they pervade a "Napoleon Complex" (thus, the yipping and snapping) that people may find obnoxious. Because they were bred primarily for companionship, they are necessarily devoted to their people and necessarily lap-sized, which makes them often clingy and fragile.

We have a concept of dogs as utilitarian partners -- they protect, help provide food, etc. -- since a small dog can really do neither of these things, I guess some people don't consider them "real dogs".

Personally, I don't know that I'd ever own a Toy breed (although I have a fondness for Pomeranians, and have loved Papillons ever since I saw "Kirby", Ch. Loteki's Supernatural Being, at Westminster all those years ago) -- I need companion dogs that work. However, I certainly bear no ill will toward a breed simply for its size...well, except maybe Pekingese. They are lumps of hair that can hardly breathe and barely move. But I digress.

When I see a yippy, snappy small dog, I just wish it had an owner who would train it.

Answer 3

I don't dislike any particular dog, large or small. Personally, I am quite partial to dogs with a high drive for working, so I would be more interested in something like a terrier if I ever did go small. Tho the more lap type dog isn't really my thing, I certainly don't hold it against people who prefer that.

Honestly, I do think that many get this way because is really is common for people with smaller breeds not to take much time in training. I have to say that there is nothing small in my obedience classes, nor do I see many small dogs at the matches I've attended thus far. I would be breaking my back training a little dog with some of the things we need to do in training tho :)

Answer 4

I prefer big dogs of a certain type, but that doesn't translate into "I hate little dogs". There are some breeds of little dogs that I wouldn't care to own, just as there are some breeds of big dogs that don't particularly interest me. But comes nowhere close to hating any size or breed of dog. They are all great in their own ways.

What I don't like is those owners who think just because their dog is small, that it doesn't need the same training and socialization as a big dog. But as you note, that's not the dog's fault, anymore than if its a "pit bull" that's poorly trained and socialized. They rub my fur the wrong way, too.

Answer 5

I agree. I asked a question similar to this a while ago and got pretty good responses. Fair enough if you favor certain types of dogs like sledding or herding dogs but it's silly to dislike them based on size. Though somebody said that they would never keep a small dog because they have back problems and it would be hard for them to bend down to leash the dog which I completely understand.

I have a small dog myself, and our vet said "You know, she's the only small dog I've liked this much" which was a complete shock. She's a vet and she treats her patients differently?!

I really really have a problem with people saying small dogs are snappy or possessive. No dog is born to be snappy.
I have a Pomeranian, and she is certainly not like Sharon Osborne's' dog, Minnie. My 8lb dog almost explodes whilst greeting people but she still remains loyal without guarding. She is also very intelligent and inquisitive as most toy dogs are but nobody will take that into consideration because they're just seen as accessories and not proper canines.
Toys and most lap dogs have just as many doggie needs as a hound would, just in smaller portions.

On the show Dog Borstal the ex army guy calls the little dogs 'little rats' and says he only likes big dogs. I wonder what hes compensating for.

Answer 6

I have small dogs and big dogs. I don't really have anything against any dog breed, except for the ones who are not trained by their owners and are aggressive. Most of the dogs I have come across have been great.
I see just as many "bad" owners of big dogs as small dogs, however. Small dog owners can be accused of not training their dogs, but I have to say I have never encountered a stray small dog in all my years of dog ownership. I have caught countless large breed dogs in my yard over the years (when I had an intact sheltie girl), have pulled over and caught more at the side of the road, and in addition, few of them were wearing collars.
So small dogs bark alot and some are nippy. Many even pee in the house. Just as many big dogs are allowed to roam the neighborhood on their own, crusing for b****** in heat and getting hit by cars, or going to the pound because they have no collars. It's clearly a case of six of one, half dozen of another.

All dogs have the ability to be great.

Answer 7

I know. All the crazy small breed dogs are out there because their owners don't think they need to be trained. Also, people might be associating them with the likes of Paris Hilton and Britney Spears. Those two have earned much hate, and, if they have small dogs people assume that the small dogs are just as evil as their owners.

Answer 8

The same reason people hate groups of people or have any other prejudice-ignorance and being meanspirited. Most who say they hate small dogs probably just mean they have had a bad experience with one particular small dog. If they have more experience with other small dogs, they will realize how charming and fun they can be. Some will always have a preference for larger or smaller dogs, but that doesn't equal a hatred for the other.

Answer 9

I've been wanting to ask this question myself. I can't stand people who either hate small dogs or hate big dogs. As far as I'm concerned, it's the same as racism. I don't think you can be a true dog lover if you don't appreciate dogs of all different shapes and sizes.

The only reason people don't like small dogs is because many aren't as warm and accepting of new people as big dogs. What these people don't know is that the small dogs make better companions to their families than a person ever could.

Answer 10

It depends lots on the breed & the best way it's raised. Too many 'little canine' folks never obedience teach, coach ideas or manners (like NO approach no, and immoderate barking will not be tolerated), or adequately socialize. So, they've an unruly, barking, apprehensive, ankle-biting mess that they believe is 'so adorable - he thinks he's a giant dog!' when he acts like a lunatic round different persons & dogs. The excellent little dogs i have met are 2nd or 3rd dogs individuals bought after having owned significant puppies. They deal with them like a dog & don't allow them to get away with the whole thing.

Answer 11

I totally agree with your comment. Just because i personally favor large dogs doesn't mean that i HATE small ones. I honestly don't see how size can affect a person's opinion. Sometimes though smaller dogs have been known for behaving differently. I guess it depends on the actual dog and the persons preferences?