Napoleon complex is a phrase used to describe people who have an inferiority complex.
The term originated in the 1940s and was named after Napoleon Bonaparte, who had a small stature but grand ambitions for power.
It turns out that dogs also suffer from this disorder because they want power like Napoleon, but due to their size!
Read on as we discuss short dog breeds and why many of them are just as happy, healthy, and energetic as their taller counterparts.
Napoleon complex in dogs.
Like humans, many short dog breeds suffer from an inferiority complex due to their smaller size.
This sometimes makes them more suspicious of strangers and can make it harder for them to fit in with other dogs.
But these little guys have lots to offer.
They’re just as intelligent, friendly, and trainable as their taller cousins.
Short dog breeds aren’t any less energetic than giant-sized dogs, and they are often more agile and can manoeuvre around the house and yard with greater ease.
Some short dog breeds can live 20+ years, so they are genuine companions for life!
Why are short dogs so popular these days.
While Napoleon complex shows that a person has an inferiority complex because of their diminutive stature, it’s important to remember that many short dog breeds aren’t just small.
Some of them are dainty, elegant creatures that make big statements despite their smaller size.
They are just as capable as their taller cousins and don’t have to prove themselves to get respect.
It’s often the other way around.
Many short dog breeds have become popular because they are more unique looking than your average medium-sized or giant breed dogs.
They are often rarer and can be incredibly gorgeous.
Combine the rarity with the cuteness factor, and it’s easy to see why these dogs are so popular!
What to do if you have a short dog.
It’s important to remember that your dog might not feel confident since he is smaller than other dogs.
He might need more praise and encouragement and could use some extra training.
Speaking directly to your dog in a calm, slow voice is an excellent way to show him that you are listening AND that he can trust you.
Many owners have found success using clicker training for this purpose!
Short dogs have been bred to be very alert, so it’s essential to keep them leashed when out walking.
They are best suited for a home where they can run around the yard to burn off energy and play with other dogs.
Some short dog breeds can get along well with cats, but it’s essential to introduce them early, so there are no later problems.
As far as grooming goes, short dogs generally don’t require as much maintenance.
Depending on the breed, you may need to brush their teeth daily or bathe them from time to time.
How to make your dog feel taller and more confident.
If you have a rescue dog or are thinking about adopting one, consider taking the following steps to help your pup feel taller and more confident.
Find ways for them to interact with other dogs.
This is the best way to get them out of their shells and show others that they are fun-loving and adorable!
Get your pup involved with a dog sport so they can use their energy and have fun.
A lot of pups love agility training!
And if you want to make your friend feel tall, consider adding a harness or vest that will help them walk “tall” on kids instead of hiding behind the humans in their family.
Because short dogs are genetically programmed to feel small and insecure, they might need a little more help in this department.
If you can’t change your dog’s genetics but want to do something to help him grow taller inside and out, consider adopting a rescue dog!
These pups have likely been rescued from living on the streets and are already well socialised and trained.
They are more likely to find homes as a result, but it’s important to remember that you have the opportunity to make their lives so much better by saving them!
Short dog breeds.
Anatolian Shepherd Dog or Karabash
This is very popular in Eastern Europe, where they are mainly used for herding and guarding.
Belgian Laekenois
The Belgian Laekenois is a very versatile dog with many talents, including being athletic and agile. But he’s also well-tempered and makes an excellent guard dog.
Havanese
The charming, small, white dogs are as intelligent as they are cute.
Groodle
The Groodle is a cross between the Golden Retriever and the Pug.
This hybrid dog gets a lot of love since it has one of the most adorable looks in the canine world! Jack Russell Terrier.
The fast-moving little dogs are known as very good at getting rid of rodents, hunting and tracking.
Papillon
The small and graceful dogs are very playful and like to act like clowns, but their looks belie a much more severe dog.
Pomeranian.
The small white dogs were bred for spying and being used as companions in royal households.
Pug.
The short-muzzled dog is known for having a funny face with big eyes and a strong jaw Boxer Schnauzer.
This is an energetic dog who loves to be involved in everything his family does.
Silky Terrier.
The Silky Terrier loves being out with his owner doing tricks and getting compliments on his beautiful coat.
Xoloitzcuintli (aka Xolo).
The Xolo was bred to be a companion dog and is very loyal but could be fierce when needed.
What is the average height of a dog breed.
What is the tallest dog breed on earth?
As a general rule, it’s rare to find a small dog that is taller than 15 inches in height.
The average size for a dog of any breed should be somewhere between 12 and 14 inches at the shoulder.
The tallest breeds of dogs are usually between 21 and 24 inches in height.
While it is pretty rare to find a small dog taller than 15 inches, the tallest dog breeds in the world tend to be slightly larger than that.
The following are 10 of the tallest dog breeds
1. Great Dane
The Great Dane is the tallest dog breed on earth, with 29 to 34 inches at the shoulder. They weigh between 120 and 175 pounds, making them one of the heaviest as well.
2. Irish Wolfhound.
The Irish wolfhound is an ancient breed of dog that who once bred to hunt wolves in Ireland. They are now primarily pets or used for guarding purposes.
3. Scottish Deerhound.
The Scottish deerhound resembles his wolfhound relative in that he was initially bred as a hunting dog.
4. American and English Mastiff.
These dogs are enormous, with a height of up to 31 inches at the shoulder and weighing over 100 pounds.
They’re often used as guard dogs or for pulling carts or ploughs.
5 . Tibetan Mastiff.
Also known as “Do-Khyi” in Tibet, it is one of the rarest dog breeds today due to the excessive poaching of wild animals for their fur by humans.
6. Rottweiler.
The Rottweiler may weigh around 125 pounds, but they can reach heights between 27 and 29 inches at the shoulders (and still counting).
7. Great Pyrenees.
This mighty mountain dog is also known as the “King of Dogs” and is a favourite among herders due to its strength.
Their average height ranges between 26 and 29 inches tall at the shoulders.
8. Leonberger.
The Leonberger are giant dogs with huge heads, but they’re rather graceful despite that.
They can reach heights up to 27 inches at the shoulder, making them one of the tallest dog breeds on earth today.
9. Irish Wolfhound (hounds)
The hound version of this breed has an average height of 30 to 34 inches at the shoulder, making it taller than every other dog breed listed here. Its weight may range between 120 and 175 pounds, but it’s not the heaviest.
10. Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff).
These dogs rival the English mastiff in size but are a bit leaner and don’t weigh as much.
Their height can be up to 27 inches at the shoulder and even taller in some cases.
What is the smallest dog of all?
The world’s smallest dog on record was a Yorkshire Terrier who was only 4.5 inches at the shoulder and weighed less than 1 pound.
Today’s world’s most miniature dogs are teacup dogs, which are normal-sized dogs that have been bred to be very tiny.
Toy breeds of dogs include Papillons and Chihuahuas, which are trendy pets.
What is the average weight of a dog?
The average size of a dog depends on the breed and its gender.
The average weight of a dog depends on the size, age and health condition of the pet.
Most dogs will weigh between 20 and 30 pounds when they’re full grown. A considerable dog will weigh approximately 150 to 200 pounds.
The pros and cons of having a short dog for an owner or as a family pet.
The pros
1. Very easy to care for.
All you need is a leash and collar to take your dog out. Potty trains them etc.
They even eat very little compared to a long dog.
2. Great for people with small apartments or houses
They need less room in general and can still enjoy a “walk in the park” with you.
3. Easy to bath and clean up poop.
No long fur to get messed up or allergies to worry about.
4. They don’t have the health risks that long dogs often come with, like hip and back problems etc.
5. Easier to transport in a vehicle, especially if you have more than one dog (can place them all in one spot).
6. You can buy little doggie beds for small dogs
It’s available in many fun designs for your home.
7. Smaller dogs are much less intimidating than big muscular ones
So they make better watchdogs at the same time as being more friendly and sweet towards humans (of course, this depends on their training early on)
The cons
1. What if it gets lost outside or stolen?
A small dog is easier to carry away in a bag or otherwise.
2. If your dog is a smaller breed, you’ll have to be careful about things like vet bills and grooming costs.
Grooming a giant dog may be more affordable in the long run.
3. Long dogs are far easier to train and housebreak than a smaller one.
You’ll be looking at a lot more work on your part if you get a small dog that is already grown up and well trained (if it was).
A puppy will, of course, take time to grow into its adult size, but once fully grown. There’s not much difference between a 4-month-old small dog instead of an 8-month old big one weighing around 10 lbs.
4. If your home is full of furniture etc.
It will most likely get destroyed by a giant dog jumping on it or knocking things over with their tail etc.
Even though the dog doesn’t mean anything by doing this, it’ll break things and frustrate you.
With a small dog, this is not something to worry about so much.
(although smaller dogs like pugs can be jumpers)
5. A shorter dog will have less fur, which means more grooming to make sure it doesn’t get cold or mess up your home.
You’ll also need to trim their nails regularly, bathe them often etc.
I think this is beneficial in the long run because you develop a closer bond with your pet by spending time doing this stuff together, but some people don’t like these kinds of “duties”.
If you are looking for a low maintenance breed, I would highly recommend choosing the opposite of what I just said here! 😉
Conclusion
My dog, a mix of pug and dachshund (puggle), is the perfect example.
She’s so tiny that she can’t jump on my bed or in our car without help from me first.
I’ve been told many times that her size makes her more endearing to guests when they come over for dinner because they’re always surprised by how little she is!
So if you have an owner like me, it might be worth considering getting one of these popular breeds with short legs.
But don’t forget about all the benefits that having a tall pup has, too – exercise needs are easier met than before.
There’ll never be any worries about your pet climbing up onto anything dangerous (or out windows!), and there’s a good chance they’ll be smaller than the other dogs at the park!
