Big dog, little dog … Yes, size counts for dogs too.
Who me? Luna is a big gentle dog and Roxy a small bossy but adorable pooch.
Don’t be fooled by the size. Roxy on the right is the bossy one. Luna is a ‘caramel’ as the French say. A true softy. Though she is also kind of looney. Both have their quirks. When I told one of the owners I was getting used to those as I settled in on my first evening here of pet sitting, he replied: ‘They are certainly a quirky couple of girls.’
‘And me makes 3,’ I wrote back.
And let’s face it, we are all quirky critters, two and four-legged or more or less.
But it was Roxy’s adamant nature and Luna’s gentle compliance that gradually struck me. Especially after being somewhat intimidated by Luna’s size at first … and some odd unsettling Weimaraner behaviours. Actually, I’m dog sitting for a huge (and hugely impressive) Weimaraner, and a tiny tot terrier … with a hell of an attitude.
Which got me wondering, do dogs also suffer the Napoleon complex? The small dog syndrome. As in my experience, it’s usually the smaller dogs who are belligerent, bossy, stubborn, single-minded little tykes. (Yes, I am still talking about the dog … not projecting about friends.)
The Terror Terriers … Little Dog Dominance
And of course they do. I’ve known it for 20 plus years … Ever since meeting my godmother’s Tibetan Terrier (or Terror as I sometimes referred to her), Samba. Other than having a marvellous singing voice (particularly when accompanying Pavarotti), Samba was as stubborn as a mule.
Now I’m learning this yet again in my latest house sit. I don’t just rely on my memories of Samba to tell me that. Just Google up ‘the bossier dog breeds’. No mention of greyhounds and German Shepherds and all those other larger (and sometimes scary) bigger dogs. No, what you will get is a list that includes many pint size (bar their egos and willpower apparently) dogs.
- English Bulldogs
- Dachshunds
- Chihuahua
- Pugs
- Miniature Pinscher
- Scottish Terrier
- Lhasa Apso
We definitely need to add Westies to that list. At least some of them (yes, Griffin I’m talking about you). When I was home in Tasmania last, I got pulled back towards the house almost along the ground if Griffin felt our walk was interrupting his food time. Alfie was completely nonchalant on the other hand – as he was about his brother’s disgraceful behaviour.
Napoleon complex in small dogs
Napoleon complex is alive and well in dogs. Small dogs have the healthiest sense of self – and an uncanny level of stubbornness. (But then so too does my godmother. And she too is small.)
If you don’t want them to rule the roost, this needs reining in it seems – with the occasional reminder of who’s actually boss. In my godmother’s case, this came naturally. And you know what they say about owners resembling their pets. Finding yourself in a room with her and Samba, you were facing a formidable duo. But even Toots in her total besotted love of Samba, let her have the run of the house … Or rather the rule of her little post-Tibetan kingdom in Tasmania. An aura reinforced by the wailing (to opera) … I’m sure something in those aria’s took her back to Tibet. She’d throw her head back and croon … loudly. A true little Prima Donna. And there again, perhaps it was all just a ploy … to be the centre of attention, and have you at her beck and call.
Pet-Buddy, Not Head of the Pack
I am not an animal behavioral specialist, but a life observer – and dog (and cat) sitter extraordinaire. If I don’t say so myself. I don’t mind the bossiness. I actually rather love it. Small dogs are very often adorable bossy dogs with big attitude – and hearts. I do set boundaries. And from what I understand, that is healthy. I’m not seeking to be the leader of the pack – but to coexist with my beautiful animal buddies with some of my needs, not just theirs, met.
These days people are prepared to kowtow to their animal’s every demand. Even if it imposes ridiculously on their lives and needs. That is not my style. But I go by feeling – and my heart – not by guidelines and books and what someone else tells me to do. If you’re happy, your animals will be.
Now, I have to go. Roxy is demanding to be walked – or fed again … I dunno. She’s just giving me that (sweet but intense and somehow demanding) look. Oh wait, all she wanted was my knee … and me.
