Study Finds That Small Dogs Are More Likely To Be More Aggressive Than Big Dogs

Main image via The Spruce Pets 

 

If you’re someone who loves dogs of any shape, size and breed, you’d definitely realise that sometimes… the smaller dogs tend to be more aggressive than the bigger one.

 

Now, a study has officially found that small dogs are more likely to be aggressive than their bigger counterparts.

 

via GIPHY

 

While they may be the cutest things, smaller dogs are often seen to be more confrontational when faced with other dogs in the park, especially bigger dogs.

 

Researchers from the University of Helsinki recently published their findings in the Scientific Reports journal in which they studied over 9,000 dogs of various breeds and analysed how often they would bark and growl, or other displays of snappy behaviour.

 

In the study, researchers found that miniature poodles and schnauzers topped the list of testy, smaller dogs while bigger dogs like Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers and Lapponian herders were found to be the least aggressive.

 

There was however one exception, the rough collie that’s said to be the most aggressive of the lot.

 

Image via The Spruce Pets

 

The research also noted that fearfulness is more often associated with smaller dogs than with bigger ones, making them “more vulnerable to behavioural problems in general.”

 

According to the study, as small dogs don’t often get the same level of training as bigger breeds, this could also lead to more aggressive tendencies.

 

Speaking to MailOnline, Professor Hannes Lohi – a co-author on the study, shared that “People who are considering getting a dog should familiarise themselves with the background and needs of the breed. As for breeders, they should also pay attention to the character of dam candidates, since both fearfulness and aggressive behaviour are inherited.”

 

via GIPHY

 

The study of course does not apply to all dogs and there are definitely those who are the exception to the rule.

 

Well, one things for sure, no matter what size or breed they are, we love all dogs!

 

Do you have a small dog? Do you think they’re more aggressive? Let us know!

 

 

Info via UNILAD