I think small dogs put on a good show that they are just as mean and fierce as big dogs. It is like they have to over compensate for their size so they bark louder and growl fiercer. While big dogs like to do what little dogs do and try to be lap dogs when they just do not fit. Dogs want to be your heroes so they will try to do anything to protect you even if it means going up against the big bad dobermans.

Yeah, that's how I felt, at the same time my heart felt tight because I thought he could get in serious trouble. Fortunately he ran away from it and the other two didn't bothered more, at the same time I wish he could have some sense, as he was just showing off, it wasn't even a territorial issue as they were passing by.

I had a tiny poodle a long time ago and he was the bravest dog I've ever had until I realized it was all a show. Before that I used to think that dogs couldn't really understand size and thats why they charge against bigger dogs even tough they don't have a chance. Not even close, that poodle clearly knew what he was doing, he would put on a good but made sure to only attack smaller dogs.

Yeah, that's the thing, it's pretty much like bluffing at poker. If your opponent gets scared you are all win, but if they call your bluff your dog might simply get overpowered by a bigger dog and be in big trouble like happened to mine.

Our female pekingese has that tendency of showing off to us. That small dog is somewhat ferocious for she would be the one to bark when there is a sign of an intruder - a knock on the gate or people passing by with loud voices. And when we reprimand Barbie for barking, she would bark more incessantly.

There was one instance when our 2 dogs were roaming there under my supervision. There was this little girl passing by that Barbie noticed. She ran to the fence which is just high enough for her eyes to see the street (and the little girl). She barked as if she would bite. I left and entered the house to get the camera. But when I came back, Barbie was not barking anymore.

The mettle a dog is made of is usually not a function of its size or any other physical parameter for that matter but it is a consequence of its temperament and personality. Dogs also have mood swings and adventurism just like us. There are big dogs which are aggressive and others are mellow. Small aggressive dogs while others are mellow. It is not a black and white situation though people tend to settle on stereotypes.

Our female pekingese has that tendency of showing off to us. That small dog is somewhat ferocious for she would be the one to bark when there is a sign of an intruder - a knock on the gate or people passing by with loud voices. And when we reprimand Barbie for barking, she would bark more incessantly.

There was one instance when our 2 dogs were roaming there under my supervision. There was this little girl passing by that Barbie noticed. She ran to the fence which is just high enough for her eyes to see the street (and the little girl). She barked as if she would bite. I left and entered the house to get the camera. But when I came back, Barbie was not barking anymore.

I think that happens for the same reason as it happens with people, out of insecurity. Dogs are trying to show they are the boss, but in fact if the moment of truth comes they see the hard reality of being overpowered.

Your dog's natural instinct kicked in and just wanted to protect his area. He forgot that those dobermans can swallow him whole, LOL. It is quite impressive though of Luca to do that.

My dog is a medium size dog, he always tried to be brave, but I can tell you, he is afraid of big noise and would run and hide behind me 🙂

I think that happens for the same reason as it happens with people, out of insecurity. Dogs are trying to show they are the boss, but in fact if the moment of truth comes they see the hard reality of being overpowered.

That's a good viewpoint on psychology. I guess you are right because Barbie is the only female among our 3 dogs and she is the youngest as well - by the way, Barbie is going to celebrate her 4th birthday tomorrow, Saturday, June 4. What's cute with our dogs is the male are giving way to Barbie that sometimes I feel Barbie has been bullying the bigger male dogs. Or does it have a connection with her being a female and the other 2 are male?

Well you have to prove your worth out there in the real world. You gotta let people (or dogs) know that you are here and ready to compete (play) in this game we call life. Of course I am being a little dramatic, or sarcastic, or both, but often times the smaller dogs do overcompensate, like [USER=5]@morgoodie[/USER] mentioned.