A co-worker explained to me that small dogs will attack bigger dogs because they have no perception of size. That boggles my mind since dogs in most respects (admittedly no so much in sight) can sense that which our own human perceptions cannot.

My question:
Can someone prove or disprove this? Preferably by per-reviewed article. I have had NO luck finding info either way. It looks like some dogs just have a "napolean complex" which may or may not have anything to perception of size.


Thanks for any help!

I don't have any articles to refer to but I can tell you from my own experience that dogs do notice size. My dogs for instance will notice if a bone or treat that one of them has is larger than the others and they will both try to get it. Just like little kids notice if someone has bigger scoop of icecream.

[Yogi]

All you need to do is stop by anytime you are free and I will be more than happy to provide you with an example. I am a former breeder of Miniature Pinschers and as a member of the "terrier" family of dogs can attest after over 48 years, these dogs will protect and guard against anything no matter what the size. For that matter my 3 Papillons have no fear and will even go after my 44lbs German Pinscher with no regard to life and limb. This is more so seen in the terriers than other small breeds but this does not mean it is exclusive to the terriers. When it comes to possession and guarding what is theirs, just about any dog no matter the size will attack another that is deemed a threat to his/her territory or possessions.
I have 18 dogs and in fact it is one of my 13 Manx cats that is actually the meanest of all and at 11lbs will attack anything if he feels upset or bothered.
This includes human strangers...

[Piti Longstalking]

Originally Posted by Joelio

Can someone prove or disprove this? Preferably by per-reviewed article. I have had NO luck finding info either way. It looks like some dogs just have a "napolean complex" which may or may not have anything to perception of size.

You're not likely to find anything. 1) a "Napoleon complex" is anthropomorphic, and no scientist would try to prove this. 2) This is the nature v. nurture debate, and the answer is always both.