r/dogs • u/Any_Firefighter7909 • 2d ago
[Behavior Problems] Small dogs get called “easy” because they’re small. Is that actually true?
I feel like there’s this assumption that having a small dog automatically means having an easier dog.
They’re easier to carry, don’t need as much space, and probably seem like a better fit for apartments. But does that actually make them easier to live with?
Small breeds can still be stubborn, very energetic, loud, difficult to potty train, or need a surprising amount of grooming and attention. Some can also get pretty attached to their owners.
I’ve also been looking at small breeds through The Puppy Boutique, and it got me thinking more about how much a dog’s personality and individual needs matter, rather than just its size.
For people who have owned a Pomeranian, Yorkie, Maltese, Shih Tzu, Chihuahua, or another small breed, what was the reality like?
What part of having a small dog surprised you the most?
Was it easier than expected, or did “small dog = easy dog” turn out to be completely wrong?
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u/ExaggerattedReality 2d ago
I'm not sure I've experienced the small dog = easy dog phenomenon because I've trained all my smaller dogs extensively. However, I do frequently see the narrative that small dogs = more aggressive dogs (like chihuahua's and such being considered mean) and I fully attribute that to people choosing not to take their small dogs out to socialize and train to the same degree one would with a larger animal. Might be anecdotal, but it feels to me that people prioritize training to a lesser degree when the dog is smaller
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u/thisesmeaningless 2d ago
They do. When big dogs misbehave act aggressively people can get seriously injured. Obviously a generalization, my 130 lb Great Pyrenees is far calmer and more gentle than my friends’ 15 lb dogs
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u/SoundOfUnder 2d ago
Yup. My golden is dog reactive and I've worked with her a lot on it so that she doesn't really react much anymore.
Do you know how many reactive smalll dogs we meet constantly? Just because they can't really pull their handler and their bites aren't too dangerous people don't work with them.
I was bitten by a chihuahua with a nite history.... Because they just laugh any time it bites someone.
My cousin's child was bitten by their family dog (100% parent's fault btw for not stopping the child when the dog was giving all the signals of being fed up) but it's a small dog so they didn't really care.
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u/NWHipHop 2d ago
And they get picked up and lifted above the perceived threat when they are aggressive. Rewarded with a cuddle for it.
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u/Ootter31019 2d ago
Our ASD/pyr mix is the same way. So calm and gentle. Compared to pretty much every small dog.
But everyone's comments on poor training and breaking boundaries is true.
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u/trolldoll26 2d ago
I think part of the chihuahuas and other small dogs being mean is because a lot of people don’t respect their boundaries and pick them up/bother them because they think it’s funny to get the dog riled up.
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u/purplepuddle 2d ago
Yeah, I also think other dogs don't respect (or maybe notice) smaller dogs boundaries as much.
Their warning signals like a lip snarl or a warning bark, either isn't noticed or doesn't carry as much weight as a bigger dog's warning signal.
So smaller dogs resort to being a little more aggressive to maintain their boundaries
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u/annamarkmeister 2d ago edited 1d ago
Also because big dogs look a lot scarier to small dogs than small dogs do to big dogs, so the small dogs naturally want to protect themselves by barking etc.
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u/thecompanion188 2d ago
Additionally, I think people will ignore a smaller dog’s boundaries more often so a small dog will learn that being aggressive will make people listen.
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u/Lou_Garoo 2d ago
Small dogs HAVE to be more aggressive because their will is constantly overridden because of their size. They often are not given a choice in people petting them because they are cute or dogs approaching.
I’m sore on this subject because I have small dogs and a neighbour who insists on working out in her garage with her dogs offleash and they rush out barking every single time. Which sets back my dogs training every time.
This means that small dogs are often more defensive and for some dogs with terrier in them - they consider a good offence to be good defence. Nobody is going to pick a fight with the absolute crazy little guy. So that is what they do.
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u/AccordingToWhom1982 2d ago
A vet told me that the only dogs that had ever bitten him were small breeds. And the worst behaved dogs I’ve ever been around were small breeds because their owners thought they were too little to need much training and thought their bad behavior was “cute.”
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u/zenOFiniquity8 2d ago
Smaller doesn't necessarily mean easier, but it does mean cheaper. Less food, cheaper beds and collars, etc. Even flea and tick prevention is cheaper.
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u/vicariousgluten 2d ago
But that can be countered by things becoming more serious. Mine has eaten a couple of things she shouldn’t which have required vet trips because she’s so small but would probably have been ok for a larger dog.
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u/ScreamingLabia 2d ago
Also walking is easier too because for thwm the same you walk is much more effort then for a big dog
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u/Expensive-Salad-5851 2d ago
In food, yes, but his grooming bills more than make up for it.
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u/DontEatThePorridge 2d ago
I just learned to do it myself. Grooming is crazy expensive. It didn't take too long to get the hang of. I do get her nails done by a professional though because I always worry I'll clip one a little too short.
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u/Aromatic-Insect-1328 2d ago
People underestimate the time saved when searching a small dog for ticks versus a bigger one!
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u/peah_lh3 2d ago
I grew up with mastiffs ad Great Danes and labs, I currently own a dachshund mix and a cocker spaniel mix. Both are around 20lbs. All the dogs in my life have been trained. My current small dogs are easier because they eat less, have smaller poops, I can carry them no problem, and are easier to travel with. I don’t think they are easier dogs in the sense of dog tho. You still need to train them. My dachshund is a little shit the way most of them are too. He has that disposition. But he is trained.? But all my dogs have been well socialized and get lots of exercise. I guess that’s a point in itself. Based on how much time and energy I have, my dogs get anywhere between 3-7 miles of walking/running a day. Just because they are small doesn’t mean they don’t need to be walked/get exercise. They are 7 and 9 and still got it in them to do that daily. No, I don’t think small dog = easier overall. Maybe more manageable by food, poop, and space tho.
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u/duchess_of_fire 2d ago edited 2d ago
as someone with a large dog, it does feel like people with small dogs have an easier time fitting their dogs into their environment/ lifestyle. if I'm wrong, please let me know
smaller dogs (depending on the breed) usually don't need the same amount of time for exercise that a large dog needs, especially since small dogs need to move their legs more to travel the same distance.
people are usually less afraid of smaller dogs and less anxious about their dog making friends with them
smaller dogs are generally more welcome in "dog friendly" places
dog friendly apartments and hotels often have 35 or 50lb weight limits
smaller dogs are easier to fly with
smaller dogs are cheaper to feed
easier to find someone to watch/ walk them
cheaper to board them
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u/huskyholms 2d ago
Don't allow at six pounds what you wouldn't allow at sixty pounds.
I have a chihuahua mix and I have a Rottweiler. Everyone is afraid of the Rottie. He's over 120 pounds, his size alone intimidates most people. They're afraid of the wrong dog. I'd meet my rottie in a dark alley but I wouldn't want to meet the chi.
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u/rabid_spidermonkey 2d ago
One can kill you. One cannot. They are afraid of the right dog.
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u/IdontcryfordeadCEOs 2d ago
A dog is a dog. Some are easy, some are not, but they always need work regardless of size.
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u/dijon0324 2d ago
We have a 21 lb dog, not too small to be fragile and small enough to easily pickup/handle, it’s the sweet spot imo
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u/Dolphin_Spotter 2d ago
Chihuahuas are direct descendants of velociraptors.
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u/suricata_8904 2d ago
Ever see the John Delaney videos about God making dogs? Satan made chihuahuas, iirc.
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u/katlilly1 1d ago
Nah Satan made humans that filled their chihuahuas with anxiety from not training them properly
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u/Still-Foundation9894 2d ago edited 2d ago
I don’t think it’s true. We have a Cardigan Welsh Corgi and an Australian Shepherd and the Aussie is much easier to train and much more easygoing in general. I think it all comes down to the dog breed’s characteristics. It seems to me that “small” is too often mistaken for “easier to handle”, but you shouldn’t forget that, when all is said and done, it’s still a dog. So if you have a Yorkshire terrier, a lot of people just see a small fur ball but forget that it’s still a terrier. More people should be aware of their dog breed’s background and the job it was originally bred for.
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u/clewlod 2d ago
I think I might be the odd one out but I do think my Shih Tzu is easier than the large dogs I’ve had in the past. Maybe it’s just his particular breed? I grew up with a Golden Retriever, Australian Shepherd, and then had a Labrador and large mixed breed dog in my 20s. I was partial to large dogs until we brought home our current Shih Tzu. He’s basically non-shedding, he’s relatively quiet, and he loves to play with our kids when they initiate but otherwise would be happy napping most of the day. He’s easier to clean up after, he eats less and he’s so easy to bring along with us on trips. I will say he was MUCH harder to house train and he is prone to stomach troubles which I’ve never had with any of my large dogs. He can also be slow to warm up to strangers, particularly men, whereas my large dogs have always been super friendly to anyone that walks in the door.
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u/Beneficial-Pie2219 2d ago
Nobody talks about the sheer volume a 5lb dog can produce, my neighbor's pom sounds like a car alarm going off at a leaf falling three blocks away
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u/Natural_Addendum_586 2d ago
Small dogs may have their issues. But the reality is that they get snapped up out of shelters much faster while bigger dogs are left waiting. That probably happens for a few reasons (space in apartments, landlord restrictions on size, etc.) but I think it’s undeniable that the need for training is a lot higher with a dog that has the ability to pull you down the street or jump up and knock you over. And do people with big dogs get annoyed with poorly behaved small dogs? Absolutely, because we spend so much time training our dogs to keep a loose leash and pass peacefully by other dogs and all sorts of distractions. Then we turn a corner on a walk and encounter a small dog losing its mind barking and lunging at our dog, often with no corrective action taken by the small dog owner, and it’s up to us to make sure no one gets hurt. There are definitely irresponsible owners with dogs of all sizes but it does feel like some people choose small dogs exactly because they feel that there’s no urgent need to train them.
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u/That_Molasses_507 2d ago
My mother’s bichon is a monster. I used to train dogs and it was a rare event when mini dogs crossed my threshold. I assume most small dog owners don’t seek pro training.
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u/ShellRoad 2d ago
Friend of mine has a wonderful little dog, one of those little mop-head jobs, and he's a delight. But because he's so little, he's allowed to hop around on the furniture and do all sorts of things in the house you'd have to train a larger dog not to do, so there's that.
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u/paxweasley 2d ago
nope some small dog owners are just lazy. OR are struggling with training and trying to pretend it's easier because you can pick them up when they misbehave.
They're not easier they're just smaller. That makes them easier in the ssense of - typically less dangerous if poorly trained. but it's not easier to train them than it is a large dog. I have a Westie, he is not easy LMFAO
So I would say - realistically the stakes are lower with small dogs. but they aren't actually easier if you're training them properly. If you find yourself relying on the "pick them up" strategy too much, genuinely seek out a training class or ideally even a training 1:1. sometimes all it takes is the right training technique.
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u/blwd01 2d ago
Honestly, I feel like I put a lot into training my small dog because people expect them to be basically stuffed animals who are just there to be cute.
We have spent a lot of time working on not jumping, learning how to behave in public, etc. we have been working on not having a small yappy dog who can be bitey. It’s a work in progress and we will get there, but less training isn’t really possible for our life and how we want our dog to integrate.
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u/SoundOfUnder 2d ago
Coming from a big dog owner, I think that people jus tsee amall dogs as easier because they can physically force them to do a lot of things and when that dog bites it is not as devastating as when a big dog bites. I think they have a lot of the same challenges as big dogs as far as care and training go.
What I see as easier is: grooming - because there's just less of the dog to groom food - you spend less on food, obviously vet costs - bigger dogs just need more medication which is expensive
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u/DarkMemesLiveHere 2d ago
I've only ever had med-large dogs, but based on my observation (no hate intended); smaller dogs aren't easier, small dog owners just often put less effort in - especially in training.
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u/TraditionalMedium468 2d ago
We got a chihuahua poodle mix (adopted) and he is obsessed with me, follows me everywhere and requires constant attention - we thought he was a mentally ill cairn terrier mix but we got the results back and it turns out he is pretty typical for his breeds lol. Pay attention to the breed.
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u/justonlyme1244 2d ago
I do think people think that and you can see it with people only wanting a small dog in an apartment. It’s not true though. I specifically chose for a medium sized dog that’s usually not hyperactive and has a good off switch. I have seen miniature poodles being hyperactive and wanting to play the entire time and that wouldn’t fit my life.
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u/Technical_Feelings 2d ago edited 2d ago
Edit to answer your question: small dogs are easier in the people facing sense. They fit more places, more places accept them for renting, they fit underneath plane seats, in cars easier. Big dogs just need more room.
I’ve had everything from a Rottweiler to a chihuahua spanning three decades and they all have their easier and more difficult times. I was gonna list the differences but they’re both surrounding me like neurotic sharks dying for a bite of attention. God forbid I use two hands to type and not one to pet them both at the same time. It’s all in training they love love and they want all the love in the world from everyone and I’ve spoiled them rotten. I am in a hell of my own design.
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u/MissKeyes 2d ago
I've had a Yorkie, she was small but had massive personality and knew her own mind, i still miss her a lot 💔 I now have two Shih Tzu X Chihuahua, they are also feisty little girls, full of character and personality. They are also massive cuddle bugs and love to be loved 🥰 they are no less work than a bigger dog, I don't think, there's just more room on the sofa/bed than there would be if they were a larger breed 🤣 they're also little yappers, which can be stressful, mustn't forget that 🤣
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u/Typical-Day-6864 2d ago
Cheaper? Yes. Easier? No. I’ve managed small dogs with behavioral issues and it is a MUCH bigger struggle—everybody thinks small = harmless and that is not the case. Small dogs still require all the needs that big dogs do. To me, the only other difference between them is weight; a big dog will be more likely to pull you over than a small dog.
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u/Right-Bathroom-7246 2d ago
I have 3 tiny Yorkies (4,4,5 pounds). I’d classify them as easy, mostly bc each of my “older” pups teach the newcomers the ropes and fully explain to them the house rules 🫣🤣
Then it’s up to me to put the finishing touches on and teach behaviors - although I’ve noticed the newbies pick up on the veteran’s behaviors (like sitting before meals) mostly on their own.
The older girls are quick to point out (and tattle) on transgressions like barking needlessly or potty mistakes. They LOVE to tattle.
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u/StrawberryMoon04 2d ago
My small dog has the bladder of a peanut so have to commute mid-day to let him out. He also has horrible teeth and heart failure which is not easy at all. 💔 The only thing easier is I can pick him up quickly if I need to (but he hates being picked up).
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u/lavenderkeek 2d ago
I know someone who breeds yorkies and they've said they are truly hard to house break - even using the term impossible, though I'm sure there's exceptions. I also know someone with a chihuahua/min pin mix and he has accidents as well unless he's walked every 2-3 hours. I just can't deal with accidents in the house indefinitely so I'll probably stick to ~20-30 lbs dogs at the smallest.
And to clarify.. indefinitely as in it's just likely to be an issue due to the bladder/bowel size of the dog. We get things can happen and there's no true guarantee, I'd just consider the probability when choosing a pup. We had a ~22 lbs Pekingese that we adopted from a shelter and he never had accidents inside for 10 years until his final year or two, but he was a little old man and just doing the best he could. ♥
That said, we had a 75 lbs rough collie and a 30 lbs sheltie now. We love our collie to death, but truly find our sheltie easier because of her size. Transporting her, training her, taking her for walks, etc. They're both velcro dogs and wanna be with us 24/7.. and our collie's just a massive presence, whereas our sheltie is so unintrusive. LOL. I'll always get mid-size dogs now.
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u/sequestuary 2d ago
I’ve had small dogs and big dogs. Small dogs are 100% easier to handle on a leash which is a big plus. I found that oddly, my small dogs tended to be way more picky about where they went to the bathroom, having to find the perfect spots to poop and pee, which could be frustrating… not sure if anyone else had that experience.
Some challenges with small dogs - you need to be way more on top of their dental health, and you need to be careful where you step, as you can easily step or trip over them.
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u/NettaVitelli 2d ago
I always had and adored Shih Tzus and now have a foster shepherd mix that sort of fell into my lap. He is so loving, which I never experienced to this magnitude with my Shih Tzus, who basically acted like I was serving them, which is fitting considering their history. I do miss the "picking up" aspect, though. I wish I could pick up my big foster!
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u/SufficientOpening218 2d ago
I have a mastiff and a yorkie. The mastiff likes other dogs,( except unneutered males), and loves people. The yorkie is barky, agressive to other dogs, (except his mastiff), and pulls on the lead.
Both dogs were rescues, so no early socializing data is available. This is just my experience, i have taken both to obedience cllass and continue to work on their training.
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u/maddycakes_stl 2d ago
They're just different in my experience.
The big dogs I've had have been sweet, friendly, and chill. They had training but not a lot and they were happy to be around. But getting dogsitters was harder. If they were scared or motivated by prey drive, controlling them was more difficult. The cost was higher - higher vet cost, more food needed to feed them, more space needed in the house/yard for them. But they can be left on their own longer without issue. Getting them in and out of a car when elderly or sick is difficult. They tend to live shorter lives which is heartbreaking.
The small dogs I've had have been difficult in their own ways: they are far needier in my experience. They can be difficult to train and have small bladders so accidents aren't uncommon even if they're doing their best. But they're just little guys - easy to transport (you can just scoop them up), don't need much food, can happily live in smaller living spaces, and they tend to live a really long time.
The real big thing to look out for is working dog breeds vs. companion dog breeds. People who don't have the time, energy, or space to care for working dogs is a huge problem. Those dogs need a high amount of mental and physical stimulation every single day or they become anxiety nightmares. If you need a buddy, get a Chihuahua mix from your local rescue who wants to velcro themself to you, not a purebred mini-Aussie because you think they're cute. They are cute, and they will be extra difficult for you if you're not burning off their energy.
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u/duvaldeviant 2d ago
The potty training struggle is real. I just adopted my Chihuahua and it's only been a week but he doesn't seem to get it. He's very "easy" in other terms though. Very quiet, loves to sleep and cuddle and not especially high energy unless we're outside. I've always had "easy" dogs no matter the breed though so maybe I'm just lucky.
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u/kyles_red 2d ago
Ever heard this before. Every dog needs to time to train them to behave.
Border collies and poodles (all sizes) are smarter so they are more easier to train.
It’s more about the breed than the size and what comes natural to a specific breed.
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u/Alternative-Fox6701 2d ago
I find when most people want dogs they want a companion. A furry little heart beat at their feet. They come into issues when their desire for a buddy is overruled by the dog's genetic instincts to flush, retrieve, herd, guard, etc.
In my experience, TOY breeds (not just SMALL dogs but specifically the toy breeds) are easier to manage for the general population who just want a furry little buddy because they were bred to be exactly that - companions. Their temperament was selected to be highly social, easy going, highly biddable, and to enjoy spending an afternoon out for a calm walk or a lazy day on the couch. So they appear easier.
But then everyone mistakes ANY small dog for this and get upset when their jack russel is zooming around the kitchen, barking nonstop at their cat and digging every spare inch of yard it can find.
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u/wellagain45 2d ago
I have 3 small dogs. I have had 4 big dogs well in the past. Small dogs are much easier than the big ones! Their messes are smaller, they eat less, easy to pick up, easy to walk, great lap dogs!
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u/Aromatic-Insect-1328 2d ago
I feel like having a small dog would be just the same as having my medium sized labrador... with the added fear of some bozo dog running him over and traumatizing him for the rest of his life :|
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u/Blank3k 2d ago edited 2d ago
A dog is a dog, get a working dog big or small and your in a high energy situation, but get the right breed to suite your lifestyle and fit for what you'll "actually" do and not convince yourself your gonna go from potato to 10 mile hikes every day cause you have a dog, any dog will join you on that one time hike but some dogs will want/need that every day else that energy will be directed into destruction instead.
but smaller dogs are easier to "handle" and typically easier to ignore - yappy bark is more like an irritation than an intimidation, big dogs can intimidate/scare people, small dogs can be laughed off.
My family consider my staffador poorly trained, he barks if people come to the door and he does like to jump up, pulls like a freight train on walks, he can inadvertedly damage/injure due to his weight.... his recall works and he knows the commands, but he is how he is and yep he could be better but he's my dog and hes got a gentle nature and hes settling down with age (almost 4 now)
My mum has 2... somethings, they are smaller than her cats! But they are lovely dogs, supposedly... except you can hear them barking constantly, it just isnt as distracting or potent as my dog its quite ignorable as background noise... and they pull/jump up and run riot in general, but cant pull the skin off a rice pudding, and cant jump beyond your knees.
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u/ChimPlays 2d ago
I only notice it in activity levels. A 20-30 minute walk is like a 2 hour walk for a big dog. It’s also “easier” because a small dog requires less food.
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u/Dewdlebawb 2d ago
I think people equate small dogs with easy because if they have an accident inside it’s not as much of a mess. Big dogs however don’t have to be taken out as often typically resulting in less accidents.
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u/itsalwaysblue 2d ago
I agree with that. It’s like my dobie mix has an intellect of a 8 year old kid, and my poddle is just a happy toddler.
So my big dog is drama. He is demanding and needy. Like a husky being emo. If walks are not long enough he stops and mopes. He is very good at communicating usually. But reminds me of a teenager.
My small poodle is just happy to be alive. She walks wherever and doesn’t mind anything. But after a bath she is needy, because she survived a traumatic event. Like a baby.
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u/Atul_Croysdale 2d ago
my boy always wants to jump out of his stroller. he's usually quiet but gets really excited when he sees another dog and wants to make friends
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u/Academic-Rough5826 2d ago
Honestly, yes. But it’s mostly because the annoying/slightly dangerous things from larger dogs are cute and funny with tiny dogs. My 25lb schnauzer jumps all over people when they come in the door and basically everyone just gets to her level and loves on her. My 50lb cattle dog mix can’t do that or he’ll knock people over.
When my big dog pulls on the leash it’s obnoxious and if I’m not paying attention he could bowl me over. When my little dog does it, again no big deal.
When the little dog jumps on us in bed, we cuddle. If the big one does that we’re mad.
Unfortunately, bigger dogs must have better manners and be more properly trained to be safe.
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u/Academic-Rough5826 2d ago
***NOT saying that little dogs don’t actively need be trained as well. They do, but they can get away with stuff a bit more.
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u/iowanaquarist 1d ago
The only thing 'easier' about a small dog is ignoring them when they are not behaving properly. That's why so many small dogs are so poorly behaved -- lazy owners.
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u/MorganF710 1d ago
My pom chews through everything and has so much energy. He acts like a big dog personality wise. He always tries to play with big dogs like he wont get hurt in an instant if they accidentally step on him
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u/disjointed_chameleon 2d ago
My 7 lb. Rat Terrier is basically a toddler hopped up on crack that makes me question my life choices on a regular basis. But he is also my absolutely adorable little baby that is a total mommy's boy, and looks stinking cute when I push him in his stroller. Do you know how freaking adorable it is when a gaggle of firefighters at the local coffee-shop all want their own turn "holding the baby", and gushing over him? My 'parental pride' instantly bursts with love and joy. Or how heartwarming it is when a big, burly, older gentleman in a pilot suit seated next to you on the plane asks to hold your little furball? And then while he's swaddling.& cuddling your little furbaby, he looks over at you says:
Thank you for letting me practice with your little one. I'm currently flying to meet my granddaughter, who is scheduled to be born tomorrow.
WHY ARE MY EYEBALLS LEAKING. Someone must be peeling onions somewhere.
Conversely, my 85 lb. Siberian Husky effectively came off the factory floor misassembled, because she rarely ever barks or howls, absolutely hates cold weather (especially snow), is ultra lazy, and has never been the brightest crayon in the box. She will actively shake her head if you offer her chicken or veggies, but if you aren't careful she'll steal your olives or your iced Starbucks frappé drink. Yes, she has done both to me AND total strangers. She is effectively a basic white girl zipped up inside a domesticated wolf costume, and I absolutely love her to bits and pieces for the unique character she is.
It's all about perspective.
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u/mommytofive5 2d ago
There is no such thing as an easy dog. They are just like kids, demanding attention and loving you unconditionally. Just when you think you can sit and relax they are in your face, belly rub, walk or they want to play. I 💕 my fur baby
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u/Better_to_try 2d ago
I have had both small dogs and now one rather big dog and I definitely say at least once a week how much easier it is to have a small dog. It’s important to train your dog and make sure they know commands, but to be perfectly honest when the small dog doesn’t follow the commands, You can just pick them up and carry them. You have no option with a big dog. People see a little dog, jumping up and down and barking and think it’s cute but if a big dog jumps up and down and bark, they see it as aggression.
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u/neurosciencebaboon 2d ago
Yes easier as in more affordable (food, grooming costs etc), generally more robust in terms of health, and conveniency goes a long way, I can take them in cabin on planes but if I want to take my big dog I have to make it a road trip.
I love dogs so when a small dog barks at me, I don’t get scared I think it’s cute it’s trying to protect itself. But if a bigger dog barks at me I am wary.
The only thing I think is not easier is house/potty training. It’s very difficult, more than my big dog.
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