December 4, 2021 by Andy
Since you’re searching for the most aggressive small dog breeds, here’s a question we have for you. Are you in the market for a small dog but want to ensure your new dog has a low likelihood of aggression?
Some small dog breeds happen to be more aggressive than others. This is mainly due to their ancestral history of being hunters and guardians. However, not all dogs are aggressive, regardless of their breed.
Below you will find a list of the most aggressive small dog breeds. It is important to remember that a dog’s behavior and personality are influenced by nature and nurture.
Some dogs indeed have higher prey instincts, making them more aggressive. But, training your dog not to act on these instincts from an early age can help you manage these aggressive behaviors better.
1. Jack Russell
Jack Rusell Terriers are energetic dogs. Unfortunately, if their energy is not used productively, they can become restless, anxious, and aggressive.
Therefore, if these dogs are not given the proper amount of exercise or socialization, they may begin to display aggressive behaviors. Additionally, some Jack Russells become very protective of their owners.
This over-protectiveness can cause Jack Russells to become aggressive, especially around strangers. Early training and socialization can help prevent these aggressive behaviors in Jack Russells. When combined with plenty of exercises, your Jack Russell can be extremely friendly with people of all ages.
2. Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apsos were once bred to guard Tibetan monasteries. Lhasa Apsos are companion dogs these days, but these guarding instincts are still present. Many Lhasa Apsos will become aggressive with strangers because they guard their homes or family.
They are fearless with people and animals of all sizes. But, unfortunately, this guarding instinct is also combined with a stubbornness that makes Lhasa Apsos hard to train.
These dogs are fiercely independent, so they do not always listen to commands. This can lead to aggressive behaviors that are hard to stop. Therefore, you should be sure to train your Lhasa Apso at an early age. This prevents these aggressive behaviors from forming.
3. Pomeranian
Last on the list of the most aggressive dog breeds is the Pomeranian. Typically weighing around 4-7 lbs total, Pomeranians are known to become aggressive quickly. This aggression is easily tied to their small size as they try to navigate the world around them.
Pomeranians become fearful and anxious easily and have naturally suspicious personalities. These factors contribute significantly to Pomeranians’ natural tendency to resort to aggressive behaviors.
Training your Pomeranian from an early age can prevent your Pomeranian from becoming aggressive. This training should include socialization and exposure to the world, making them less scared in different situations.
4. Cocker Spaniel.
This breed has some of the saddest “puppy dog eyes” you will ever see. However, some Cocker Spaniels have a “genetic rage” syndrome that can cause them to lash out violently for no reason at all, only to be back to their placid, almost mopey selves a moment later.
5. Dachshund
Some studies have found that dachshunds are more prone to violence against both other dogs and people than even the most feared big dogs like pit bulls and Rottweilers. The name Dachshund means “badger dog” and reflects what it was bred for in Germany, namely digging into badger burrows and killing badgers. If you know what good fighters badgers are, you will understand why Dachshunds have such willful, aggressive natures and never back down from a fight.
6. Chihuahua
Though these dogs top out at 6 pounds, Chihuahuas have the attitude of a much bigger dog. Many owners think it is cute how closely their Chihuahuas bond with them and how protective they are of their masters. They allow their Chihuahuas to indulge in all kinds of incredibly aggressive behaviors like barking, snarling, lunging, etc. that would never be tolerated in a larger dog.
7. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu are another small dog breed that commonly displays aggressive behaviors. Shih-Tzus were bred to be companions to royalty. However, although they are cute and cuddly, Shih-Tzus have a mean streak, especially if they feel they are competing for the alpha spot.
If your Shih-Tzu believes they are in charge, they may growl or bite at people they believe threaten their position in the hierarchy. It is crucial to assert your dominance over your dog at a young age, so it does not feel the need to become aggressive about status.
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