To strongly dislike small dogs

[Cappuccino5]

Full disclosure: golden retriever owner of 30+ years… never had and never will have another breed.

I just don’t understand the fascination with little dogs. So many are horrible, yappy little things that get away with murder because they’re small. Only breed that I’ve ever been bitten by is a dachshund (x 2!!) and it always seems to be terrier or schnauzer types that launch at DDog. Generally they seem to attract people who haven’t got a clue re: dog ownership or can’t be bothered having a ‘proper’ dog - they don’t train properly and seem to just leave the tiny dog sitting at home all day barking at windows.. lacking mental + physical stimulation.

Totally unreasonable.

I have a small dog. He's almost 13 now. He chases cats, squirrels, likes most dogs. Loves humans. Loves his walks and I take him to different places all the time to give him variety. Loves dog puzzles. Likes digging on the beach or in the garden. Loves his ball. Loves squeaking his toys. He went to puppy training when he was a pup. I taught him loads of commands myself. He's a very fast runner especially if his prey drive is activated. Loves following scents and marking his territory. Likes to look for hidden treats. Likes burying and unburying things.

Yes he is very cute to look at but not a lap dog at all. He is bossy, funny, opinionated, demanding, happy, joyful, friendly, adventurous. There is so much to him that I didn't realise when I got him. He's also brave and protective. When younger he seemed to be very clever (for a dog). Less so now that he is older and tired.

Which other things should he be doing to be a 'proper dog'

I actually find lots of big dogs quite boring. My little dog seems to have so much more personality but by all means please do provide the job description for a 'proper dog' so I can ensure he is doing anything he is missing.

He used to be full of energy and after an hour of mad running at the beach (including digging and ball throwing) he would still not want to come home. Now being an older chap he does get more tired so I have to take this into account.

Your post is just plain daft.

All dogs are ultimately down to their owners. I have a small border terrier. Good as gold. Never barks (or yaps) except when she’s dreaming. She’s impeccably trained, has excellent recall and is extremely well mannered. My neighbour on the other has has a Vizsla. It’s barks literally, continuously. I have to have my back door and windows closed so I don’t have to listen to it while I’m watching TV on an evening. Her owner says “it’s what dogs do”. So. Her big dog - total arsehole. My little dog, no bother whatsoever.
I don’t think you can generalise the way you have.

Small dogs are wonderful, especially mongrels. The best part is the very long life spans (I've never lost a dog before the age of 17).

The only problem is with people that get a small dog and then proceed to treat them as anything other than a dog. They find bad behaviour 'cute' and so encourage it unwittingly.

If anything small dogs require more training than larger dogs, especially during the first few months. They need extra socialisation, training to navigate a world that is huge to them, and to associate large hands coming near their small heads with positive things.

How can you say this about my lovely little girl 🥹

Its like car drivers hating on cyclists. One does a lot more damage than the other.

Well you sound delightful. What a stupid post.

He's beautiful ❤️

The most annoying dogs near me are larger with loud barks. For biting look at the bull dogs ( some gave killed).

Big and smaller breeds are 'proper dogs'. Read a book and you will see that.

Same here; springers are the perfect breed and just the right size. I'm currently on springer number four and DH has had them all his life.

The only dogs I'm really not keen on are chihuahuas and the feeling seems to be mutual; they're the only dogs I've had snarl at me.

I do have a strong preference for medium to large dogs, though I have a soft spot for Jack Russells because of their personalities.

I'm very wary of staffies and I don't like the inbred brachycephalic small dogs that are so popular these days.

Chihuahuas are clever, loyal, spunky, very trainable, and generally an all round delight if you treat them as a dog rather than a fashion accessory or a baby.

Don't blame the breed for (some) owners bad behaviour.

Utterly unreasonable.

There are definitely some poor owners out there who don't bother to train their dogs properly, but I don't think it's limited to small dogs.

The only dog I've ever been bitten by was a golden retriever, I was about 11 at the time and it jumped up and bit me on the bum as I was cycling past, but I don't hold it against the breed at all.

I had a jrt. He was a " proper " dog whatever the fuck that means. You sound really horrible tbh.

This thread’s such a joy. What gorgeous little faces.

Agreed.

Even Monty Don admitted that Nigel was the most stupid dog he'd ever known.

Absolutely adorable. Jrt? Best dogs ever 💕

Yes, JRTs. Gladys and her son Monty.

I used to agree with you then I became the slave of this little madam. Big dog energy and confidence in perfectly portable packaging and wouldn’t change her for the world.

@Namechangenicknackeronnie That is an amazing photo! ❤️

My ex mil had 3 bloody awful JR terriers. Basically untrained, shit in the house all the time. One was constantly yapping and licking you, skin, clothes, would glue to you and lick lick lick incessantly. Would not accept being moved away, the few times i stayed over when mil was away it was me she clung to, it was unbearable. All 3 thought they were big dogs and lunged barking at other dogs, cars etc. The times i got roped into helping walk them i was constantly holding them back and apologising, i was so embarrassed and ashamed, wanted to shout they aren't my dogs, as i was sure i was being judged as the "owner".

There is an older lady down the street who has a golden retriever that is anything but dull. It drags her everywhere, eats any other animals shit ( I once met her in the forest pulling a split poo bag from its mouth before it could swallow it) and jumps up. Hes on the local fb group at least once a fortnight for escaping. I mean its not good exciting, but not dull either.

I’m also a golden owner and feel the same! Even Ddog (the most angelic and social boy you could
imagine) gives small dogs a wide berth because they snap at him so often.

They are the absolute bestest and most cuddliest dogs ever 🥰

My friend has a golden retriever, she’s a lovely dog but I couldn’t own one, the amount of hair and mess would drive me mad.