Common Misconceptions and Myths About Small Dog Breeds – 10 Pictures

People are often misguided when it comes to small dog breeds. They are even reluctant of buying or adopting one, because of the prejudice about them. We all heard the same things over and over again. They are yappy. They are ankle biters. They are tempered and bad with children, and so on. Well, from all of us proud small dog owners, we say that those myths and stereotypes need to be busted once and for all.

''Sir Barks A Lot''

First common myth about small dog breeds is that they are all yappy. Yes, some of them are. For example, Chihuahuas and Maltese dogs have that high pitch bark, that can be very irritating from time to time. But let us not exaggerate and jump to conclusions. Not all small dog breeds are barkers. Italian Greyhounds and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are pretty quiet. We can also mention in this quiet group of dogs a Chinese Cresteds, Boston Terriers, Shiba Inus and Japanese Chins. Let us not forget, that the pet owners are sometimes to blame, when their dog is barking. Unintentionally, they encourage their barking behavior. Instead of yelling at your dog, teach him a quiet command, and you will be pleasantly surprised. 

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Ankle Bitters?

All dogs have a tendency to bite. It is a fact. Size doesn't matter in this case.  According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, more than 4.5 million people per year in the United States get bitten by dogs. Most of the victims are children. It is not the small dog's fault that he reaches right around your ankle.

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Do Not Make Good Watchdogs

I think we can all agree that having a yappy dog in this case can come in handy. When there is a burglar behind your door, your dog will be barking non-stop until he chase the criminal away, or at least inform you to call the police. Although they can be infuriatingly noisy, small dog breeds are extremely faithful pets, and combining those two characteristics, they make a pretty good watchdog. For example, Toy Poodles are rated as extremely good watchdogs.

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They Are Not Athletic

Don't minimize and undervalue the speed and agility of your pooch, because some small dog breeds are quite active and athletic. Don't be fooled by their size. Jack Russell Terriers and Miniature Bull Terriers for example, are quite hyperactive. This may surprise you, but Toy Poodles are super outdoorsy and active and they need plenty of space to run. Some of the small dog breeds are very good company for jogging and hiking as well.

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Lap Dogs? Really?

Not all of small breeds are interested in sitting in your lap. I could only wish that my Chihuahua wants to snuggle with me on the couch all day long. If I had a Jack Russell Terrier or a Pomeranian, it would be even worse. Of course, this doesn't mean that there aren't small dog breeds who just love sitting in their owner's lap. But that is because they show their affection like that.

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Girly Dogs?

Well, this is just absurd. It is not their fault that they fit perfectly into a woman's purse. Let us consider that not all small dog breeds are Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers or Shih Tzus. It is highly unlikely that the Jack Russell Terrier would ever go into your purse. 

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Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover

People still believe that small dogs are not ''manly'' enough. And by people, I mean men. Well, for those men I recommend to read this article on a daily basis. Like I said, these dogs are incredibly loyal, sporty and active and they can be extremely good watchdogs, so think twice before you judge their appearance.

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They Are Less Affectionate And Approachable Than Large Dog Breeds

This statement is false. How affectionate your dog will be does not depend on its size, but your behavior towards it. Owners are the ones who has the biggest impact on how their pets behave. If you nurture your dog, no matter what breed it is, it will mature into an amazing companion to you. As long as you give your pet a lot of love, time and patience, be assured that you can't go wrong. Pugs, Papillon, Bicshon Frise, Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, Cockapooes and more, are considered to be very family oriented and affectionate breeds.

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They Are Not Good With Children?

This is also a very common myth. Every dog, no matter what size it is, if raised with children and with appropriate training, can be kid-friendly. Of course, there are some natural characteristics that make other breeds more adaptable than others to families with children. Large dog breeds, even with their good intentions, sometimes are not good for kids, because of their size. They are adorable and playful, but it is not impossible that they can hurt a child while playing. This is the reason why sometimes, smaller dog breeds are suitable for family with kids. Boston Terriers, Coton de Tulears, Pugs and Toy Poodles are perfect breeds for your youngsters.

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Guests Are Not Welcomed

Well, this might be true. But with a lot of exceptions. Chihuahuas, Miniature Dobermans and Dachshunds will bark a lot if they see an unfamiliar face standing on their territory. But they will not necessarily attack. I have a Russian Chihuahua, and even though he is loud, he is totally harmless. But not all small breeds will welcome you this unpleasantly. Some of them are quite friendly with unfamiliar faces, and not so territorial. Maltese dogs, Pomeranians and Pugs are super friendly with strangers. In conclusion, having a dog of any size or any breed, is very challenging, but rewarding as well. You should give your dog a lot of attention, especially in its early age. It takes a lot of time, patience and energy to train it and socialize it, but once you do that, your dog will grow up into a great pet and family member.

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Image Sources:

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Author: Liza K.