06/09/2026
“Small Dog Syndrome”… is it really a thing?
Many of you know I have two small dogs- Amici, my Pomeranian, and Nora, my Chihuahua. I adore my little dogs and have always had a special appreciation for small dogs in general. I can be quite passionate when it comes to the label of “they think they’re so big.”
Your little dog does not believe they are a German Shepherd trapped in a tiny body. More often, they feel vulnerable because they are aware of their size. They are afraid, uncertain, and attempting to create space in the only way they know how. When leadership is absent, dogs naturally begin taking responsibility for themselves. This often presents as barking, reactivity, possessiveness, or other behaviors commonly dismissed as “little dog syndrome.”
Beyond that, dogs who lack proper structure, stimulation, boundaries, and purpose frequently become anxious, insecure, entitled, or generally dysregulated.
Small dogs deserve the same guidance, clarity, leadership, and fulfillment. When we stop excusing behaviors because they’re little and start meeting their needs, it’s remarkable to watch them transform. Some of the most stable, capable, and enjoyable dogs I’ve ever known have come in very small packages 😊
