Vet reveals two dog breeds that can be 'aggressive' and they're tiny
Vet reveals two dog breeds that can be 'aggressive' and they're tiny
Share:
Don't be fooled, these innocent-looking pooches can have a bit of a mean streak. A lot of small dogs have a bad reputation for being 'yappy'. Let's face it, we've all walked passed that one tiny Jack Russell that reckons it can take on the entire world: barking at creatures 50 times its size, and refusing to back down no matter what.
The Chihuahua, a Mexican breed of toy dog, is no exception. Famed for being the smallest dog breed in the world, this handbag dog catapulted to fame in the 90s thanks to a slew of celebrities using them as 'the latest' accessory. Standing at just five-eight inches tall, and weighing around 6lb, these tiny creatures aren't afraid to let you know who's boss (and it's not you).
Dachshunds (aka sausage dogs) are another breed that won't let their small stature get in the way of being heard. Originally bred to scent, chase, and flush out badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals, these long-bodied dogs can still exhibit some questionable behaviour.
While inherited genes can have an influence on a dog's hostility, environmental factors play a much bigger part. Dr Anna Foreman, in-house vet at Everypaw Pet Insurance, says the 'nurture of a dog – how it is raised by its owner, particularly in the first 16 weeks of life (the learning period)' tends to be the main reason our dogs are how they are.
In an exclusive interview with the Mirror, she explained: "Dogs who are not well socialised or trained, or have negative experiences within this period, are prone to anxiety/fear – particularly in unfamiliar circumstances or with new people/animals... Dogs who were puppies during the COVID-19 pandemic are a prime example of this. Without socialisation and with excessive contact with their owners during the first 16 weeks, many of these dogs now are fear anxious/aggressive and have separation anxiety.".
