"This study found that the size of the dog was one of the strongest predictors of a dog's behavior. More specifically: Undesirable behaviors become more common or pronounced as the size of the dog decreases. As height increases, so does the dog's trainability. Long-skulled dogs (think Dachshunds or Italian Greyhounds) have higher rates of stranger-directed fear, barking persistently, and stealing food behaviors as the height and weight decrease."
"There are clear biological reasons for some of these findings. Small dogs are usually more fearful and excitable because everyone else in their environment seems to be 30 feet tall. This can create a default setting of fearfulness. And if you're always in fight or flight mode, it can be difficult to learn to sit and stay like a good bo"
Data from 5,000 dogs across 48 breeds examined correlations between breed physical characteristics and trainability. Size emerged as a strong behavior predictor: smaller breeds show more undesirable behaviors, fearfulness, excitable energy, and house-soiling when left alone. Taller and heavier dogs show higher trainability and often live with more structured routines. Long-skulled, lighter breeds display greater stranger-directed fear, persistent barking, and food-stealing as size decreases. Owner behavior contributes: owners of small dogs often train less consistently, reinforcing problematic patterns and reducing learning of basic commands.
Read at Psychology Today
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